(Psy-Changeling Book 11)Tangle of Need -A Psy-Changeling Novel

TangleofNeedBerkleytitlesbyNaliniSingh
Psy-ChangelingSeries
SLAVETOSENSATION
VISIONSOFHEAT
CARESSEDBYICE
MINETOPOSSESS
HOSTAGETOPLEASURE
BRANDEDBYFIRE
BLAZEOFMEMORY
BONDSOFJUSTICE
PLAYOFPASSION
KISSOFSNOW
TANGLEOFNEED
GuildHunterSeries
ANGELS’BLOOD
ARCHANGEL’SKISS
ARCHANGEL’SCONSORT
ARCHANGEL’SBLADE
Anthologies
ANENCHANTEDSEASON(withMaggieShayne,ErinMcCarthy,andJeanJohnson)
THEMAGICALCHRISTMASCAT(withLoraLeigh,ErinMcCarthy,andLindaWinsteadJones)
MUSTLOVEHELLHOUNDS(withCharlaineHarris,IlonaAndrews,andMeljeanBrook)
BURNINGUP(withAngelaKnight,VirginiaKantra,andMeljeanBrook)
ANGELSOFDARKNESS(withIlonaAndrews,MeljeanBrook,andSharonShinn)ANGELS’FLIGHT
eSpecialsANGELS’PAWNTangleofNeed
NALINISINGH
BERKLEYSENSATION,NEWYORKTHEBERKLEYPUBLISHINGGROUP
PublishedbythePenguinGroup
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PenguinBooksLtd.,RegisteredOffices:80Strand,LondonWC2R0RL,England
ThisbookisanoriginalpublicationofTheBerkleyPublishingGroup.
Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseitheraretheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,businessestablishments,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental.Thepublisherdoesnothaveanycontroloveranddoesnotassumeanyresponsibilityforauthororthird-partywebsitesortheircontent.
Copyright?2012byNaliniSingh.
CoverdesignbyGeorgeLong.
CoverhandletteringbyRonZinn.
Allrightsreserved.
Nopartofthisbookmaybereproduced,scanned,ordistributedinanyprintedorelectronicformwithoutpermission.Pleasedonotparticipateinorencouragepiracyofcopyrightedmaterialsinviolationoftheauthor’srights.Purchaseonlyauthorizededitions.
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FIRSTEDITION:June2012
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData
Singh,Nalini,1977–
Tangleofneed/NaliniSingh.—1sted.
p.cm.
ISBN:978-1-101-56908-5
1.Shapeshifting—Fiction.I.Title.
PR9639.4.S566T362012
823’.92—dc23
2012005039
PRINTEDINTHEUNITEDSTATESOFAMERICA
10987654321
ALWAYSLEARNING
PEARSONCASTOFCHARACTERS
Inalphabeticalorderbyfirstname
Key:SD=SnowDancerWolvesDR=DarkRiverLeopards
AdenArrow,Telepath(Tp)
AdriaMorganSDSeniorSoldier
AlexeiSDLieutenant
AliceEldridgeHumanscientist,incomaafteracenturyincryonicsuspension
AmaraAleinePsymemberofDR,formerCouncilscientist,twinofAshaya,mentallyunstable
AnthonyKyriakusPsyCouncilor,fatherofFaith
AshayaAleinePsymemberofDR,formerCouncilscientist,matedtoDorian,twinofAmara
AvaSD,maternalfemale,motherofBen
BastienDR,brotherofMercy
BowenSecurityChief,HumanAlliance
BrennaKincaidSD,tech,matedtoJudd,sisterofAndrewandRiley
CooperSDLieutenant,matedtoGrace
Council(orPsyCouncil)TherulingCouncilofthePsyrace
DaltonSDLibrarian
DrewKincaid(fullname:Andrew)SDSoldier,matedtoIndigo,brotherofRileyandBrenna
EliasSDSeniorSoldier,matedtoYuki,fatherofSakura
Evangeline(Evie)RiviereSD,sisterofIndigo,daughterofTarahandAbel
FaithNightStarPsymemberofDR,giftofForesight(F),matedtoVaughn,daughterofAnthony
FelixSD,horticulturalexpert,submissive
GarrickFormeralphaofSnowDancer,killedwhenthePsypsychicallybrokeandprogrammedseveralofSnowDancer’sdominantstoattacktheirownpack
GhostPsyrebel
HawkeSDAlpha,matedtoSienna
HenryScottPsyCouncilor(presumeddead),leaderofPurePsy,husbandofShoshanna
IndigoRiviereSDLieutenant,matedtoDrew,sisterofEvangeline
Jem(realname:Garnet)SDLieutenant
JuddLaurenPsymemberofSD,Lieutenant,matedtoBrenna,uncleofSienna,Toby,andMarlee
KalebKrychekPsyCouncilor
KenjiSDLieutenant
KieranHumanmemberofSD,SeniorSoldier
KitDRNoviceSoldier
LaraSDHealer,matedtoWalkerLauren
LucasHunterDRAlpha,matedtoSascha,fatherofNaya
LucySD,nurse,assistanttoLara
MariaSDNoviceSoldier
MatthiasSDLieutenant
MaxShannonHuman,SecuritychiefforNikitaDuncan
MercySmithDRSentinel,matedtoRiley
MingLeBonPsyCouncilor
Nathan(Nate)RyderDRSeniorSentinel,matedtoTamsyn,fatherofRomanandJulian
NellSDMaternaldominant
NikitaDuncanPsyCouncilor,motherofSascha
PierceSDSeniorSoldier,basedinEurope
RiazDelgadoSDLieutenant
RileyKincaidSDLieutenant,matedtoMercy,brotherofDrewandBrenna
SamHumanmemberofSD,Soldier
SaschaDuncanPsymemberofDR,cardinalEmpath(E),matedtoLucas,motherofNaya,daughterofNikita
Shawnelle(Shawnie)SDjuvenile
ShoshannaScottPsyCouncilor,wifeofHenry
SiennaLaurenPsymemberofSD,matedtoHawke,sisterofToby,nieceofJuddandWalker
Tamsyn(Tammy)RyderDRHealer,matedtoNathan,motherofRomanandJulian
TatianaRika-SmythePsyCouncilor
TomásSDLieutenant
VasicArrow,Teleporter(Tk-V)
WalkerLaurenPsymemberofSD,matedtoLara,fatherofMarlee,uncleofSiennaandToby
WindHavenFalconsAlliedtoSnowDancerandDarkRiverTableofContents
Eclipse
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
Chapter37
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Chapter42
Chapter43
Chapter44
Chapter45
Chapter46
Chapter47
Chapter48
Chapter49
Chapter50
Chapter51
Chapter52
Chapter53
Chapter54
Chapter55
Chapter56
Chapter57
Chapter58
Chapter59
Chapter60
Chapter61
Chapter62
Chapter63
Chapter64
Chapter65
Chapter66
Chapter67
Chapter68
Chapter69
Chapter70
Chapter71
RetrievalEclipse
THEPSYNETISaplaceofincomparablepowerandstarkbeauty,themillionsofmindsinthepsychicnetworkstarburstsintheinkyblack.ForthemajorityofPsy,itistheirlifeline,asvitalasair.
TodisconnectfromtheNetistodie.
Butasautumnwhispersonthehorizonintheyear2081,itistheNetitselfthatisdying.Stagnantriversofrotsnakeeverdeeperintothecenter,anditisarotthattwistsandcorrodes,damagingsenseandreasontoleaveonlyunthinkingmenacebehind.
IfthePsydonotfindasolutiontothiscancerousgrowth,therotcouldsoonbegintoseepintothemindsofthoseuplinkedtotheNet.
Orperhaps…italreadyhas.Chapter1
RIAZCAUGHTAflashofmidnighthairandalong-leggedstrideandcalledout,“Indigo!”However,herealizedhismistaketheinstantheturnedthecorner.“Adria.”
Eyesofdeepestblue-violetmethis,thefrostinthemthreateningtogivehimhypothermia.“Indigo’sinheroffice.”Thewordswerehelpful,butthetonemightaswellhavebeenaserratedblade.
Thatdidit.“DidIkillyourdog?”
Frownlinesmarredhersmoothforehead.“Excuseme?”
God,thattone.“It’stheonlyreason,”hesaid,holdingontohistemperbyaverythinthread,“Icanthinkoftoexplainwhyyou’resodamnpissywithme.”AdriahadbeenpulledintodenterritoryduringthehostilitieswithCouncilorHenryScottandhisPurePsyarmyamonthagoandhadremainedbehindtotakeupapermanentpositionasaseniorsoldier.She’dfoughtwithfocuseddeterminationbyRiaz’sside,followedhisordersonthefieldwithouthesitation.
However,offthefield?
Ice.
Absolute.
Unrelenting.
Glacialenoughtobite.
Foldinghisarmswhenshedidn’treply,hesteppedintoherpersonalspace,caughtthesubtlescentofcrushedberriesandfrost.Astrangelydelicatescentforthishard-assofawoman,hethought,beforehiswolf’sangeroverrodeallelse.“Youhaven’tansweredmyquestion.”Itcameoutagrowl.
Eyessteely,shesteppedcloserwithaslowdeliberationthatwaspure,calculatedprovocation.Shewasatallwoman,buthewastaller.Thatdidn’tseemtostopherfromlookingdownhernoseathim.“Ididn’trealize,”shesaidinavoicesopoliteitdrewblood,“thatfawningoveryouwaspartofthejobrequirement.”
“NowIknowwhoIndigolearnedhermeanfacefrom.”Butwherehisfellowlieutenant’sheartbeatwarmandgenerousbeneaththattoughexterior,hewasn’tsureAdriahadanyemotionsthatregisteredabovezeroonthethermometer.
Adria’sresponsewasscalpelsharp.“Idon’tknowwhatsheeversawinyou,butIsupposeeverywomanhasmistakesinherpast.”Theslightestchangeinherexpression,thetiniestfracture,beforeitwassealedupagain,herfaceanimpenetrablemask.
Scowling,Riazwasabouttotellherexactlywhathethoughtofherandherjudgmentalgazewhenhiscellphonerang.Heansweredwithoutmovinganinchawayfromthewomanwhowassandpaperacrosshistemper,rubbinghimrawwithhermerepresence.“Yeah?”
“Myoffice,”Hawkesaid.“Needyoutoheadout,doapickup.”
“Bethereintwo.”Snappingthephoneshut,heclosedtheremainingdistancebetweenhimandAdria,forcinghertotipbackherhead.“Wewill,”hesaid,realizingthosestrikingblueeyeswithanedgeofpurplehadstreaksofgoldrunningthroughthem,beautifulandexotic,“continuethislater.”
ThatwaswhenAdria’scellphonerang.“Yes?”sheanswered,withoutbreakingeyecontactwiththebig,muscledwolfwhothoughthecouldintimidateher.
“Inmyoffice,”Hawkeordered.
“Onmyway.”Hangingup,sheraisedaneyebrowatRiazinaconsciouslyinsolentaction.“Myalphahasrequestedmypresence,sogetoutofmyfuckingway,”shesaidwithutmostsweetness.
Eyesofbeatengoldnarrowed.“Guesswe’llbewalkingtogether.”
NotgivinganinchuntilhesteppedbackandturnedtoheadtoHawke’soffice,shewalkedinsilencebesidehim,thoughherwolfbareditsteeth,hungrytodrawblood,tobiteandclawandmark.Damnhim.Damnhim.She’dbeendoingfine,copingafterherfinalseparationfromMartin.Thathadbeenabloodybattle,too.
“You’llcomecrawlingbacktome.MaybeI’llbewaiting.MaybeIwon’t.”
Adriastifledarawlaugh.Martindidn’tunderstandthatitwasover.Done.Ithadbeenoverthenightayearagowhenhe’dstormedoutoftheirhome,nottoreturnforfourmonths.Thetrulystunningthingwasthathe’dhadthegalltobeshockedwhenshe’dtoldhimtofindsomeplaceelsetosleepandslammedthedoorinhisface.
“Catgotyourtongue?”Anacerbiccommentmadeinadeepmalevoicethatruffledherfurthewrongway.
“Gobiteyourself,”shemuttered,innomoodtoplaygames.Herskinfelttoosensitive,asifshe’dlostaprotectivelayer,herbloodtoohot.
“Someoneshouldbiteyou,”Riazrespondedinanearsnarl.“Pullthatstickoutofyourassatthesametime.”
AdriagrowledjustastheyreachedtheopendoortoHawke’soffice.Thealphalookedupattheirentrance,openspeculationinblueeyessopale,theywerethoseofawolfgivenhumanform.However,whenhespoke,hiswordswerepragmatic.“Youtwofreetogoforadrive?”
Adrianodded,sawRiazdothesamebesideher.“Whatdoyouneeddone?”heasked,histonefarcalmerthantheonehe’dleveledather.
“Mackandoneofhistraineetechswentuptodoaroutineserviceofthehydrostation,”Hawketoldthem,shovingbackstrandsofhairthesilver-goldofhispeltinwolfform,“buttheirvehicle’snotstarting,andthey’vegotcomponentsthatneedtobebroughtbacktothedenforrepairs.”
“Noproblem,”Riazsaid.“I’lltakeoneoftheSUVs,pickthemup.”
EvenasAdriawasthinkingthetaskwasaone-personjob,Hawketurnedtoher.“You’renowoneofthemostseniorpeopleintheden.”Hisdominancewasstaggering,demandingherwolf’sabsoluteattention.“I’dlikeyoutogetreacquaintedwiththeregion,giventhatyouhaven’tspentanextendedperiodoftimeheresinceyouturnedeighteen.”
Shenodded.“I’llaskRileyandElitoworksometimeintomyshiftschedule.”Itwasanecessarydetourfromhernormalduties—fallingjustbelowthelieutenantsinthehierarchy,seniorsoldierswereoftencalledupontolead,andasaleadershehadtoknoweveryinchofthisland,notonlythesectionshe’dbeenassignedtoduringthebattle.“It’dbebetterifIdoitonfoot.”She’dsee,scent,somuchmore.
“Youcanexploreindetaillateron.Iwantyoutohaveagoodworkingknowledgeoftheareaassoonaspossible.”Hehandedherathinplasmap.“Thetripuptothehydrostationwilltakeyouthroughsomecriticalsections—andyouhavecertificationinautomechanics,correct?”
“Yes.”Ithadbeenaninterestshe’dturnedintothesecondaryqualificationallsoldierswererequiredtopossess.Later,ithadkepthersane,theabilitytofixbrokenthingsandmakethemwholeagain.“I’lltakealookatthevehicle.”
“Whataboutthereplanting?”Riazasked,hisvoiceclawingoverherskinlikenailsononeofthoseold-fashionedchalkboardsthepupslikedtodrawon.“Felix’steamhaveenoughsecurity?”
“They’refine.”Walkingtotheterritorialmaponthestonewallofhisoffice,HawketappedthelargecrosshatchedsectionwherethebattlewithPurePsyhadtakenplace.“Felix’svolunteersandconscripts”—asharpgrin—“areplantingtheareawithfast-growingnatives,butfornow,it’ssoopenit’seasytomonitor,especiallywiththecatssharingthewatch.”
Adriathoughtofwhatshe’dseenonthatbattlefieldfilledwiththescreamsofwoundedSnowDancers;thecoldredandhypnoticgoldofaflamesohypnoticanddeadly,andwonderedatthecostpaidbytheyoungPsywomanwhoheldallthatpower—andtheiralpha’sheart.“WhatarethechancesofanotherseriousPurePsyattack?”sheasked,intriguedontheinnermostlevelbyarelationshipthatappearedsoveryunbalancedontheoutside,andyetonethatherwolfsensedwasassolidasthestoneoftheden.
ItwasRiazwhoanswered.“AccordingtoJudd’ssources,closetonil.They’vegotworseproblems.”
“Civilwar,”Hawkesaid,shakinghishead.“Ifhe’sright,allhellisgoingtobreakloose—sowemakesurewe’repreparedtoweatheranystorms.”
“Theirritationhits?”Riazasked,andAdriaknewhewasreferringtothesporadicattemptstolayboobytrapsindenterritory.
“Yeah,”Hawkeagreedwithascowl.“ScenttrailspointtotheperpetratorsbeinganumberofthePurePsysurvivorswhojustcan’tletitgo.They’redisorganizedandtheirtrapsarelaughable.Still,Ihaveallthesentriestakingcarenottoaccidentallyfallintoahole.Aholeforcrissakes!”
Adria’swolfnoddedindisgustedagreement.ItreallywastimetoretreatwhenyouhadtoresorttodiggingholesandcoveringthemupwithleavesinthehopethatSnowDancer’speoplewouldn’tsniffthemoutamileaway.“They’llgettiredsoonerorlater,butitmightbeanideatomakefindingthesetrapsabitofajokecontestbetweenthesentries.”
Riazangledhisheadtowardherinaverywolfishway,evenasHawke’sfrustratedexpressionturnedtooneofinterest.
“FromwhatI’veseen,”shesaid,keepinghereyesresolutelyawayfromthemantoherright,“theamountoftimetheyhavetowasteneutralizingthetrapsisstartingtofrustratethesoldierswhopatroltheborders,andit’sthekindofthingthatcangrowintoanger.That’snotgoodforourpeople,especiallycomingoffthestressofthebattle.Butifyoumakeitsothesentrywiththemostsightingsgetsaprizeattheendofeachweek—”
“—itbecomesagame,”Riazcompletedwithathoughtfulnod.“That’sverygood.”
Handsbehindherback,Adriasqueezedthewristofonehandwiththeothertokeepfromsnappingbackthatshedidn’tneedhisendorsement.Theresponsewassofarfromherusualeven-temperednaturethatshebitdownontheinsideofherliptosnapherselfoutofit,hergazefocusedstraightahead.Exceptthestrangerwho’dtakenoverherbodycouldn’tsimplyshutup.“Thankyou.”Honeysweet.“I’msogladyouapprove.”
Agrowltangleduptheaircurrents.
“Wolvesdolikeagame,”Hawkesaid,hisfacesuspiciouslybland.“IthinkDrew’sthebestpersontoorganizeit—I’llgetthatinmotion.”Heglancedatthetimeprojectedonthewall.“Youtwobetterheadoutsoyoucangetbackbeforedinner.”
Walkingoutoftheofficewiththemanwhoseveryscent—dark,oftheforest,withanedgyundertoneofcitrusandabrushofwoodsmoke—madeherskinitch,shesaid,“Weshouldgetsomefood.”Thedrivewouldn’tbequick,plusMackandhistechhadn’tplannedtobeuptherethislongandwouldbehungry.
“Shouldbesomethinginhere,”Riazsaid,enteringtheseniorsoldiers’breakroom.
Theyworkedwithhonedefficiencytoslaptogethersomesandwiches,andwerereadytogotenminuteslater.ClenchingherabdominalmusclesasshegotintothevehiclewithRiaz,Adriatoldherselftoconcentrateontheroute,thegeography,anythingbutthepotentmasculinescentofthemaninthedriver’sseat…becausesheknewfullwellwhyheincitedsuchviolenceinher.
RIAZdrovethemoutofthegarageandintothemountains,veryawareofthearcticsilencefromthepassengerseat.ThemoretimehespentwithAdria,themoreherealizedhowunlikeIndigoshewas,inspiteofthesuperficialsimilarityoftheirlooks.Oneofthereasonshe’dalwaysenjoyedtheotherwoman’scompanywasherup-frontnature—Adria,bycomparison,wasaclosedbox,withDoNotEntersignspastedoneverysurface.
Heunderstoodthat.Hell,hehadhisown“nogo”zones,butwithAdria,itwasarmorofbrokenglassthatdrewblood.“Thistrack,”hesaid,doinghisjobbecause,personalityclashornot,heknewhisresponsibilities,“isthemostdirectroutetothehydrostation.”
“NotaccordingtothemapHawkegaveme.”Aquick,penetratingglance.“Sowhat’swrongwiththeotherroad?”
Reininginhiswolfwhenitbareditsteethatwhatitreadasachallenge,thoughtherationalpartofhimknewhewasjustrevvedupforafightafterherearlierprovocation,hesaid,“Sheerclifffacerightinthemiddle.”Asalieutenantwho’dhadherunderhiscommandonthefield,heappreciatedherintelligenceanddeterminationtolearn—regardlessofhowoftensheusedthatsharpmindtosliceintohimwithverbalclaws.
Makingtwotightturns,hecontinuedonwardthroughthemountainsthatseemedtotouchthesky.“Meanttodelayanyaggressorsiftheyevergetthatfar.”
Adriadidn’tsayanythingforseverallongminutes,studyingthemapandtheirpassageintothemountains.“I’llneedtorequestanotherseniorsoldiergowithmeonsomeofmyexploratorytrips”—hernaturallyhuskyvoicelowinthought—“soIdon’tmissthingslikethat.Ididn’thavereasontomemorizeorevenknowallthisasateenager,andI’msuresecuritydetailshavebeenchangedinthemeantimeanyway.”
“I’lltakeyou,”Riazsaid,becausedamnit,hewasalieutenant,evenwhenitcametoapricklypieceofcactuslikeAdria.“IndigomadesureIwasfamiliarwiththedetailsafterIcamebackfrommypostinginEurope.”He’dbeenawaylongenoughformanyofthesubtlesecurityprecautionstohavebeenaltered.“It’llbegoodformetoreviewtheknowledge.”
Adriablinked,fingertipstighteningonthesidesoftheplasmap.“Iappreciateit.”Itwastheonlythingshecouldsaywithoutgivingeverythingaway.
Riazsnorted,hishandsstrongandcompetentonthemanualsteeringwheelashenavigatedaparticularlysteepembankment,hisbronzedarmsdustedwithasprinklingoffineblackhair.“Aboutasmuchasyouappreciatearootcanal,”hesaid,thrustingthevehicleintohoverdrive,“butwhateveryourproblemwithme,wehavetoworktogether.”
Settingherjaw,shefocusedontheviewbeyondthewindow—ofthemostmagnificentsceneryonthisearth.Summerhadfaded,fallacrisppromiseintheair,butherethelandwasswathedindarkgreen,thepeaksinthedistancetouchedwithwhite.She’dgrownuponthisland,andevennow,aftershe’dbeenawayforsolong,itsangtoherwolf,asitdidtoeverySnowDancer.Denterritoryhadawayofbeinghometoallofthem,nomatterifthey’dgiventhenametoanotherplace.
Icanhealhere.
Itwasathoughtdeepinherheart,onethatalmostmanagedtounknotthetensionwi—“Who’sthat?”Shejerkedforwardasabigtan-coloredwolfracedacrossaverdantmeadowtotheirleft,chasingasleeksilverwolfsheimmediatelyrecognized.“He’sbeingroughwithEvie.”Furyboiledinherblood.“Stopthecar.”
Riaz’schuckleheldpuremaleamusement,fueltohertemper.“That’sTai,andEviewon’tappreciatetheinterruption,AuntAdria.”
Bitingbackherharshresponse,Adriaglancedatthetwowolvesagain,sawwhatshe’dmissedatfirstglance.Theywereplaying,allteethandclaws,butwithnorealaggressiontoit.JustasRiazturnedacorner,cuttingofftheview,thetwowolvesnuzzledoneanotherandAdriarealizedTaiandEvieweren’tplaying,theywerecourting.
“She’stooyoung.”WhileIndigowasveryclosetoAdriainage,TarahhadborneEvielaterinlife.ThelittlegirlhadtoddledaroundafterheroldersisterandAdriawhenthey’dbeenintheirteens,sweetnaturedandstubbornandbeloved.Adriacouldn’timaginehersubmissiveniecewasinanywayreadytohandleadominant—andhavingmetTai,sheknewhewasahellofalotstrongerandmoredangerousthanEvie.
“She’sstillawolf,”Riazsaid,hisdeepvoicearumblethatvibrateduncomfortablyagainstherachinglytightnipples,“anadultfemalewolf.Youmighthaveforgotten,Ms.Frost,buttouchisnecessaryformostofourkind.”
Herhandfisted,thatnervefartooclosetothesurface.
Ayear.
Ithadbeenayearsinceshe’dsharedintimateskinprivileges,arawlypainfulkindofisolationforapredatorychangelingintheprimeofherlife.Evenbeforethen,thingshadbeenfragmentingforalongtime,herwolfstarvedofaffection.Butshe’dbeenhandlingit,handlingthebrokenpiecesinsideofher,untilRiazandtheragingstormofasudden,visceralsexualattractionthatgrippedherinitsclawsandshook,untilshecouldbarelythink.
“Ifwe’rethrowingstones,”shesaid,protectingherselfbygoingontheoffensive,“I’mnottheonlyonewhoprefersacoldbed.”Riazwasahighlyeligiblemale—thefacthe’dtakennoloverswasapointofirritationwiththeSnowDancerwomenwhowantednothingbetterthantotusslewithhim.“Maybethat’swhyyou’resuchaprick.”
Riaz’ssnarlwaslow,rollingoverherskinwiththepowerofhisdominance.Wrenchingthewheel,hebroughttheSUVtoastoponthesideoftheroad.“I’vehadit.”Hepinnedherwithhisgaze.“Whatthehellisyourproblemwithme?”Chapter2
“DRIVE,”SHESAID,almostreadytocrawloutofherskinwiththeneedtoripoffhisT-shirtanduseherteethonallthathot,firmmuscle.“Mackiswaitingforus.”
“Hecanwaitafewmoreminutes.”Eyesthatwerenolongerinanywayhumanslammedintohers.“You’vehadahard-onformesinceyoutransferredtotheden.Iwanttoknowwhy.”
Guttwisting,shesnappedoffhersafetybeltandpushedopenherdoortostepoutintothecoldmountainair,summeradistantmemorythisfarup.Thechilldidnothingtocoolthefeverinherblood,theneedravagingherbody,aneedthatthreatenedtomakeheraslavewhenshe’dfinallyfoundfreedom.
Desperate,shefocusedonthemajestyofhersurroundingsinanefforttofightthetumultwithin,herwolfclawingattheinsideofherskininviolentrepudiationofherchoicetobackoff.Infrontofherlaytumbledglacialrocks,hugeandimposing,beyondthemtherich,deepgreenofthefirsthatdominatedthisarea.Aboveitallwasaskysoblueithurt.
Home.
Theslamofadoor,followedbythethudofbootsontheearthshatteredherfragileattemptatcontrol,andthenRiazwasstandinginfrontofher.Suddenlyherviewwashardmuscleandimplacablestrength,thewild,darkscentofhiminhereveryinhalation.
“Wearenotleaving,”hesaid,hisskincaressedbythesunlightthatgildedhishairagleamingblue-black,“untilweworkthisout.”
Feelingtrapped,suffocated,sheshovedathischestandslippedouttostandbesidethecarratherthanwithherbacktoit.“Don’tyouputalltheblameonme.”Fightingbackwasinstinct,herinternalcomposureshattered.“You’vebeenpickingatmesincethedayIwaspulledintotheden.”
Hegrowled,andtheroughsoundraspedoverherskin,wrappedaroundherthroat.“Self-fucking-defense.Youtookonelookatmeanddecidedyouhatedmyguts.Iwanttoknowwhy.”
Jesus,Adriathought,howhadshegottenherselfintothis?Shewasn’tthiswomanwhocouldn’tcontrolherwords,herthoughts.Shewascalm,stable,sensible,hadbeenthelevelheadedpivotforherfriendswhenthey’dallbeenhormone-fueledteenagers.Shewastheonewho’dtalkedthemdownfromtheadrenaline-inducedledgeshewasnowriding.
“Look,”shesaid,makingtheconsciousdecisiontowrenchherselfbackbeforeherfrustratedwolftookcontrolandshefoundherselffeastingonmalelipscurrentlythinwithanger,“it’snothingpersonal.I’mgenerallyabitch.”AccordingtoMartin,shewasonewithastoneheart.
Riazsnorted.“Nicetry,butI’veseenyouwithothersinthepack.”Hetookanothersteptowardher,invadingherspaceandhersenses,thescentoftheforestserratedwithasharperedgethatwaspurefuriouswolf.“I’veevenseenyousmile.Howaboutyoucrackopenoneforme?”Eyesofdarkgolddrilledintohers.
Hellifshewasgoingtoallowhimtowalkalloverher.“Getoutofmyface.”
“Yousureyouwantmeto?”heasked,adangerousangletohisjaw.“Maybethereasonyoureactlikeahissingcataroundmeisbecauseyouwantmeevencloser.”
Shesuckedinabreath.
Riaz’seyeswidened.
“Damn.”Itwasawonderingstatement.
Afractionofaninstantlater,strong,rough-skinnedhandscuppedherface,avoraciousmouthslammingdownonherown,thepotentscentofarousedmaleandtheexotic,luscioustasteofcitrusandbitterchocolatefloodinghersenses.
Adriafrozeforasecondbeforehertouch-starvedbodytookover,herwolfclawingtothesurface.Grabbingathisshoulders,shedevouredthatsensual,demandingmouth,tanglinghertonguewithhis,lickingandsucking.Whenhehitchedherupwithasinglepowerfulmove,shewrappedherlegsaroundhiswaistandlethimslamheragainstthedooroftheruggedall-terrainvehicle.Hetastedassexyanddangerousandinfuriatingashelooked,onebighandthrustingintoherhair,theothergrippingherhip.
Partsofherbodythathadbeenincoldstorageforalotlongerthanayearsparkedtowakefulness,hungryandwildandmorethanalittleferal.Riazgrowledwhenshedrewbloodwithherclawsonhisnape,onlytodeepenthekiss,shovingthehandonherhipunderhershirttocloseoverherbreastandsqueeze.
Theshockoftheproprietaryholdalmostsnappedheroutofthemadness,butthenhepushedupherbraandtheroughwarmthofhispalmonherbarefleshwasajolttothesystemthatsplinteredrationalthought.Unabletogetenoughofhismouth,shesuckedonhistongue,hislips,beforekissingherwaydownthestubbleofhisjawtogripatthetendonsofhisneckwithherteeth.
Growlingdeepinhischest,hepulledherheadbacktotakehermouthagain.Hewasn’ttheleastbitgentle,butshedidn’twantgentle,herclawsdiggingintohisshouldersasherbodymovedwithrawimpatienceagainsthim.Takinghishandoffherbreast,hetorethebuttonoffherjeans,tuggeddownthezipper.Itwasasshebrokethekisstogaspinabreaththatheshovedhishandintoherpantiesandthroughthedampcurlsbetweenherthighs—tospeartwoblunt-tippedfingersintoherinahardthrustthatmadeherscreamandbreakapartinapowerfulclenchingofmuscles.
Theorgasmwasanakedblade,onethatcutherinhalfwiththeprimalviciousnessofitandleftherbereftatthesametime.Openinghereyeswhenhewithdrewhisfingers,shesawaglitteringexpressionsheunderstoodalltoowell.Fury.Ather.Athimself.“Putmedown,”shesaid,shakentothecorebytheviolentdepthofherresponse.
Never,neverhadsheorgasmedthathard…andfeltsolost,ablockoficeinhergut.
Notsayingaword,hedidso,puttinghishandsonherwaisttohelpstabilizeherwhenherlegswobbled.“Getyourhandsoffme.”She’dbedamnedifhe’dtouchherwiththatlookinhiseyes,hisangerabrutalheatthatslappedherwitheverybreath.
LETTINGgoofthestiffwomaninhisarms,Riazturnedonhisheel.“Fuck.”Whatthehellhadjusthappened?Hedidn’tevenlikeAdria,andyethe’dbetrayedhismatewithher,would’vehadhiscockballs-deepinherbynowifshehadn’tstoppedthings.Thatcockpulsed,sorigiditwaspainful.No.
“Here.”
Heturnedintimetocatchabottleofwater.
“Washyourfingers,”shesaid,redstreakingthedefinedarchofhercheekbones.Heknewthecolorhadnothingtodowithembarrassment,evenbeforeshebitout,“Idon’tparticularlywanttoadvertisemylapseinjudgment,”throughgrittedteeth.
Asecondlater,shewasinsidethecar,asculptureinice,nohintremainingofthedemandingfemalewolfwho’dbeenwetandhotandtightaroundhisfingersnottwominutesago.Chapter3
COUNCILORKALEBKRYCHEKexaminedtheconsciousnessoftheindividualhe’dfirstbeenalertedtobytheNetMind,theneosentiencethatwasthelibrarianandguardianoftheNet.Theconsciousnessinfrontofhimwasmoderatelypowerful—thatofaGradient5.7telepathemployedbyamajorcorporation.Themale’sSilencewasflawed,minorfracturesvisibletothecarefuleye.Butthatwasanordinaryenoughsituation,andnotwhatinterestedKaleb.
Thismalehadthebadlucktobeuniquelysusceptibletotheunnamedandlargelyunnoticeddiseasethatwascarvingsilent,deadlyrunnelsthroughthePsyNet.Othershadbeeninfectedearlier,andwereallnowdeadorinsane.ThemassoutbreakatSunshineStationhadclaimedonehundredandforty-onevictims,elevenofwhomhadoriginallybeenputintoinvoluntarycomasinthebelieftheycouldbesaved.
Theycouldn’t.
Subject8-91,however,continuedtofunctioninspiteofhisadvancedinfection,leavingKalebtoconcludethatsomethinghadalteredinthesicknesswithintheNet,makingitabletosurvivelongerwithinitshost.Contractedviadirectcontactwithoneofthe“diseased”sectionsoftheNet—thoughKalebwasapparentlyimmunetotheeffect,likelyasaresultofhisconnectiontothetwistedtwinoftheNetMind—theinfectiondidn’tyetspreadfrompersontoperson,buttherewasahighchanceitwouldmutatefurther,becomingevenmorenoxious.
Subject8-91wasthefirsthosttheNetMindhadfoundofthenewvariant,andassuch,he’dbecomeKaleb’sbarometer,his“canaryinacoalmine.”Theoldsayingwasapropos.If8-91continuedtoreactashe’ddonetodate,hewouldshowthecatastrophiceffectsofthequietlyspreadingrotbeforeanyoneelseintheNet.
No,Kalebcorrectedhimself,8-91isalreadyshowingtheeffects.Themalehadhadaviolentoutburstinhissleeptwodaysago,soviolentthathe’dbrokenseveralbonesinhishandwhenhepuncheditintoawall.Whatmadetheviolenceinterestingwasthatithadnoconnectiontothemale’sSilence—thoughhedidn’tknowthat.Ithadbeeninitiatedbythechangestheinfectionhadcausedinhisbrain.
Subject8-91hadbeensmartenoughtocreateacoverstorybeforehewenttoseeoneoftheM-Psyabouthishand,buttheNetMindwatchedhimconstantly,knewhiseverymove.AndsincetheNetMindanditstwin,theDarkMind,bothspoketoKaleb,hewasneverunawareofthestatusofthesubject.
Continuetowatch,hetoldtheNetMind,hisordergivenlessinwordsthanviaanintuitivepsychicconnectionhecouldexplaintonoone,notevenanotherPsy.Protecthimfromexposure.Kalebneeded8-91toremainanactivepartoftheNet.Anyinterferencewouldshadowthepicture,dulltheclearviewoftheprogressofthemale’simpairmentandKaleb’sunderstandingofit.
AstreamofconsciousnessfromtheNetMind,aquestion.
No,Kalebsaidinresponse.Youcan’tsavehim.He’stoodamaged.Therothadinvaded8-91’sphysicalbrain,waseatingawayatpartsofhisfrontallobe—achangesosubtletheM-Psywouldlikelyhavemissedit,evenifhehadbeenaneuralspecialistasopposedtoorthopedic.AstheinfectedfromSunshineStationhadproved,therewasnocure,andthisnewvariantwasmorecomplexthantheonethathadresultedintheoutbreak.Eveniftherehadbeenacure,Kalebwould’vegiventhesameanswer—8-91’sdeathwasinevitable.
Someonehadtobethecanary.
Dismissingthemanfromhisthoughtsaftertakingnoteofthedevelopmentoftheinfection,hereturnedtohisphysicalbody,stoppingonlylongenoughtoasktheNetMindandDarkMindbothaquestion.Doyouknowthelocationofthisindividual?Hesentthroughanimage,alongwithapsychicprofilebuiltfromhismemoriesandthedatafileshe’dhackedovertheyears.
???
Thepuzzlementwasthesameresponsehe’dreceivedeachandeverytimehe’daskedafterhispersonalquarryeversincehe’dfirstmadecontactwiththetwinneosentience.ItwasasifhistargetnolongerexistedintheNet,butKalebknewdifferently.Andnothing,noteventheinexplicablefailureoftheNetMindandDarkMindtosensethetruth,wouldstophimfromhuntingdownthattarget.Chapter4
HAWKESNAGGEDSIENNA’Shandastheypassedinthecorridor,draggingherintoacornerhiddenfromtheeyesofcuriouspackmates.“Whereareyougoinginsucharush?”Hiswolfwasdelightedtoseeher,rollingaroundintheautumnandspiceofherscentlikeapup.Itmadehimrememberhowhe’dawakenedherthismorning,howhe’dlickedupthatdelectablescentinamuchmoreintimatefashion.
Sienna’svoicewaslowandcaressingwhenshereplied,thefingersofherfreehandspreadoverhisheart.“I’mmeetingsomeoftheleopardsforlunch.”
“Kit?”Aferalgrowl.
“Yes.”Herscowlmatchedthestraightlineofhermouth.“He’smyfriend.”
Theboyhadalsokissedher,daredtoputhishandsandhisscentonher.“No.”Itwasanorderfromthewolf,awolfusedtoobedience.
ButSiennaLaurenSnowhadneveronceboweddowntohim.Tuggingherhandfromhishold,sheroseontiptoetothrustbothintohishair.“Yes.”
Hisstarewasmetbyherown,hisdominancecounteredbythesteelywillofacardinalX.“Ithinkit’stimeIbityouagain,”hemuttered,rubbinghisfingeroverthecurvewhereherneckmethershoulder,hisfavoritespottomarkher.
ThethreatmadeSiennapullplayfullyathishair.“Youdidthatthismorning.It’smyturn.”Aquicknipofhislowerlip.“Doyouwanttojoinus?”
Hell,yes—becausewhilehemightnotbeabletointimidatehissmart,sexy,dangerousmate,hedamnwellcouldandwouldwarnoffthebabycatalphashecalledfriend.But—“Ihavetomeetwiththematernalfemales.”Wincingatthereminder,hebenthisheadsoshecouldpethimmoreeffectively.“They’reonthewarpathaboutsomeofthejuveniles.”
Laughing,Siennaranhernailsoverhisscalp,thecaressmakinghiswolfarchitsneckinwildpleasure.“Yousoundscared.”
“Anymannotscaredofabunchofmaternalsganginguponhimneedshisheadexamined.”Hacklesstillraisedbythethoughtofherlunchdate,hestraightenedtohisfullheight,hismate’shandsslidingtohisshoulders.“Ifthatcubputshishandsanywherenearyou,Idon’tcareifheisyourfriend,I’llriphisarmsoff.”Hewasn’tjoking—thissoonaftermating,thewolfwaspossessivebeyondbelief,thematingbondraw.
Sienna’ssmilefaded.“YouknowIwouldnever—”
“OfcourseIknowthat,”hesnapped,annoyedthatshe’devencontemplatehedidn’ttrusther.“That’snotthepoint.”
Araisedeyebrow,tinynailsdiggingintohisshoulders.“Whatisthepointthen,YourAlphaness?”
Hesnappedhisteethatherforthatsmart-assremark.“Thepointisyou’remine.Endofstory.Notouchingbyanyothermale.”Hepaused,considered.“Specialfamily-affectiondispensationforthoserelatedtoyou.”
Whenshedidn’trespond,heleanedincloseandwhispered,“Ididwarnyou,”hislipsbrushingherear.He’dtoldherexactlywhatitwouldmeantobehis,howhardhe’dbetohandle,howtotallyhe’dclaimher.Andstillshe’dcometohim,buthewonderedifshewasonlynowunderstandingthetruedepthofwhathe’ddemandfromher.Thethoughtthathemightbedistressinghismatebybeingwhohewasmadebothpartsofhimgomotionless,watchful.
Shiveringinresponsetohistouch,shepushedhimbackuntilshecouldmeethisgaze.Herglarewasdark…butthenshelaughed,thesoundofitwildlightningalonghisfur.“Iguess,”shesaid,thestarsvibrantinhereyes,“thatservesmerightformatingwithanalpha.”
Hiswolfrelaxed.Hismatehadnofearinherscent,inherteasingsmile,thebondbetweenthemvividwiththeredandamberfirethatwasherbrand.Runninghishandsdownthesleekcurveofherback,henuzzledather.“Imaygetalittlemore…flexibleafterwe’vebeenmatedforawhile.”
“Noyouwon’t.”Siennapressedahot,wetkisstohisjaw,herfingersstrokingtheheatofhisnape.“ButIloveyouexactlyasyouare—andIknowhowtostandmyground.Sodoyourworst,beautifulman.”
Hewasalternatelyproudofherstrengthandaggravatedbyherintransigence.Afamiliaroccurrencewhenitcametothiswoman.Siennamightbeyoungerandphysicallysmaller,butshe’dgotoe-to-toewithhimwithoutablink.Thethoughtmadehimgrin,everypartofhimawarethey’dlikelybebuttingheadsforthenextcentury.Hecouldn’twait.
“So,”shesaid,tracinghissmilewithafingertip,“whatarethematernalsmadabout?”
Hewasusedtotalkingtohislieutenantsandseniorpackmatesaboutpackbusiness,butitfeltutterlydifferenttalkingwithSiennaaboutthesamething.Becauseshewassomeoneofhisown,someonewholistenednotbecauseitwasSnowDancerbusiness,butsimplybecauseshelikedbeingwithhim,likedknowingthingsthatmatteredtohim.
“Theword‘hormones’wasused,”hetoldher,alreadyfeelingthedullpulseofathrobbingheadache.“Someoftheolderjuvenilesareapparentlygettingtoofrisky.I’llprobablyendupdraggingtheboysofftoremindthemtokeeptheirpawstothemselves.”Groaning,hebentsohisforeheadtouchedhers.“AndthenI’llhavetodothesamethingwiththegirls.”Normally,IndigoandRileywouldtakecareofthesituation,butsometimesonlyanalpha’svoicewouldgetthemessageacross.
“Butskinprivilegesareanacceptedpartofpacklife.”Sienna’sbreathkissedhislips.“Iknowmyfriendshadrelationshipswhentheywereyounger.”
“Therearestillboundaries,”Hawkesaid,restrainingtheurgetoundoherbraid,toknothishandsinthatprettyrubyredhair.“Sometimesthewolfhastoberemindedthatitneedstowaitforthehumanhalftocatchup.”
Sienna’sgazeturnedthoughtful.“Yes,Iunderstand.That’swhyyouletyourwolfbeinchargewhenyouwereyounger—yousaiditwasmoremature.”
Heplayedtheendofherbraidoverhisfingertips.“Controllingthewolfissomethingwelearnaschildrenandhavetomaintainaswegrowolder.Withoutthatcontrol,there’dbealotmorerogues.”Changelingwolveswhogaveintotheiranimalsturnedintoviciouskillers—andtheymostoftentargetedthosewhohadbeentheirown.
“Doyouthinkthejuvenilesarerespondingtothestressofbeingevacuatedoutoftheden?”
“Yes,butifit’sunsettledthemtothatdegree,we’llhavetoorganizesupervisionandretrainingforawholelotofyoungones.”
Siennastrokedhisnape.“Iknowit’saheadacheforyou,butwhatIfeelforyouonlygrowsdeepereverytimeIseehowyoucareforeachmemberofthepack,youngandold,strongandweak.”
He’dneverneededverbalpetting—butwhenSiennasaidthingslikethat,yeah,itmattered.Raisinghishead,hereleasedherbraidandranhisknucklesdownhercheek.“Go,haveyourlunch.”Itcosthimtosaythat,toknowthathewassendingheroutwithamanwhohadonceshownaninterestinher.“You’renotleavingdenterritory?”Itwastoodangeroustochanceyet.
TheCouncilnowknewshewasalive.MingLeBon,themanwhohadattemptedtoturnherintoaweaponwhenshe’dbeenbarelymorethanachild,knewshewasalive.AndSienna’sabilitieswereofunrivaledpotential—nooneunderstoodorcouldpredicthowherpowerwoulddevelopasshegrewolder…becausetherehadneverbeenanothercardinalX-Psywho’dsurvivedtoadulthood.
HisguttwistedatthethoughtofSiennabrokenanddeadatthehandsoftheenemy,andhehadtoclenchhisfiststokeepfromgrabbingherandstashingherintheirquarters,whereshe’dbesafe.Hefoughttheurgebecausetheonethinghewouldnever,everdotoSienna,wascageher.She’dalreadyspentfartoomuchofherlifebehindbars,thepsychicprisondesignedtocontainherpowerturningintoaplaceofmentaltorture.
“No,”sheassuredhim.“Iwouldn’triskthatwhenthingsaresounstable.KitandtheothersaregoingtomeetusintheWhiteZone,andwe’llgodowntothewaterfall.”
“Us?”
“Riordan,Evie,andLakearealsocoming.”
Hiswolfsettled.Theboyswouldmakesurenooneattemptedtopoachonhisterritory—andhe’djustkeepthatthoughttohimself,hedecidedwithasomewhatferalinternalgrin.“Youwanttohavedinnerwiththekids?”heasked,knowingtheyhadonlyacouplemoreminutes.
Thatsmileagain,theoneshehadn’tgivenhimbefore,whenthey’dbeencirclingeachother…andthatshegavehimeverydaynow.Itwasakicktohishearteverysingletime.“Yes,”shesaid.“Youdon’tmindhowmuchtimewe’respendingwiththem?”
“Ofcoursenot.”Tobywasherbrother,Marleehercousin.TheywerePack,pupstoloveandprotect.“SinceWalker’sstoppedgivingmethedeathstare,it’sactuallybecomecomfortable.”TheeldestLaurenwasveryprotectiveofthoseunderhiscare,consideredSiennahisdaughter.Hawkehadnodoubttheothermanwouldquietly,methodicallyguthimatthesmallestsignthathewascausingSiennadistress.Hiswolfapproved.
Laughterwrappinghiminsilkenropes,thecrimsonfireofhismate’stouchflickeringthroughhisblood.“Larawillprotectyou.”Stealinganotherlittlekiss,shesteppedaway,paused,hernextwordsvibrantwithemotion.“Iloveyou.”
Heknewwhatitmeanttoherthatshecouldsaythosewordsandknownoonewouldhurtherfordaringtofeel,fordaringtolovewithallthepowerofherstrong,loyalheart.Closingtheshortdistancebetweenthem,heansweredwithakissastenderasheknewhowtogive,hisfingersclosingpossessivelyaroundherthroat.
“Areyousureyouhavetogotothatmeeting?”shewhisperedwhenheliftedhishead,herlipswetandluscious,herbodyarchingtowardhisown.
Hiswolfwastempted.Sorely.“Nellandhercrewwillhuntusdownandinterrupt.”Maternalfemaleswerenottobemessedwith.“Thenthey’llmakeusfeellikeshamedfive-year-olds.”Hetookanotherkiss,rubbinghisthumbovertheflutterofherpulseandreiningintheurgetobite.Later,hepromisedhiswolf.“I’llseeyoutonight.”
Hewatchedafterheruntilshedisappearedaroundthecorner,thepossessivenessinsidehimaprimalcravingthatmadehimwanttohaulheroverhisshoulderanddraghertohisbed.Maybetiehertoitforgoodmeasure.
“Don’teventhinkaboutit,”RileysaidashewalkedovertojoinHawkefortheMeetingofDoom.
Hawkemethisseniorlieutenant’sbrowneyes,alwayssocalmandstable.“TheonlywayyoucouldknowwhatIwasthinkingwasifyou’dhadsimilarthoughtsyourself.”
“Mercyforgivesme…mostofthetime.”Aslowsmile.“Comeon,enoughprocrastinating.”
Astheywalked,Hawkesaid,“AdriaandRiaz.Problems?”
“Personalityclash,Ithink.Theyseemtoworkwellenoughtogetherdespiteit.”Thelieutenantglancedathim.“Why?Youwantmetosplittheirshifts?”
“No,bettertheyworkitout.”He’dpickedupsomethingmoreviolentandintensethanasimplepersonalityclash,buthiswolfknewwhentobediscreet,sohedidn’tmentionit.Instead,heturnedtheconversationtothejuveniles,andtheremainderoftheirwalkpassedinshoptalk.
Whilemeetingssuchasthisonepromisedtobeweren’teveronhisfavoritethings-to-dolist,itfeltgoodtobedoingsomethingasnormalasworryingaboutthejuveniles.NotdiscussingPsysurveillanceorplanningtodefendagainstanattack.Notstockpilingweapons,orcheckingmedicalsuppliesastheywaitedtoevacuatetheirvulnerable.NotevenmeetingwiththeDarkRiverleopardstoassessasuspectedthreat.
IthadbeenmonthssincehiswolveshadhadachancetojustbePack.
However,HawkeknewthefactSnowDanceranditsallieshadwonthebattledidn’tmeantheirenemieswouldn’tregroupandreturn.Buthewasawolf.Healsoknewhowtoliveinthemoment—atimeinwhichhewasmatedtoawomanwhochallenged,loved,andteasedhim;hispackwassafe;andthedenfilledwiththevibrantsoundsofchildren’svoicesoncemore.“How’stheplanninggoingforthematingceremony?”Siennawasindeliblyhis,buthispackneededtohaveachancetocelebratetheiralpha’smating,andthey’dgetthatchancefourdaysfromnow.
“Drewsuggesteddancinggirls.”
Hawkegrinned.“Howmany?”
Rileyshothimanunamusedlook.“Don’tencouragehimorIsweartoGodIwillhireatroopofstrippers,completewithspangledpasties,andwatchcheerfullywhileSiennabarbecuesyou.”
WonderingwhatelseDrewhadbeensuggesting,Hawkestifledhislaugh.“Seriously,how’sitgoing?”RileyandNellweresharingtheoverallorganizationalload,inchargeofensuringallthepiecescametogetherintoacohesivewhole.
“Good.Mybrother,whenheisn’te-mailingmebrochuresaboutBraziliansambadancersandVegasshowgirls,hasfoundajobforeverysinglepersonwhowantstobeinvolvedinthepreparation.”
Thatwaswhy,Hawkethought,Drewwassoperfectforthepositionheoccupied.Notquitepartofthehierarchy,hewasHawke’seyesandearsinthepack,accessibletoeventheweakestoftheirnumber,thosewhomightfeelintimidatedapproachingoneoftheotherdominants.NoonewasintimidatedbyDrew,andthatwasanincredibleachievement,giventhattheothermanwasSnowDancer’stracker,chargedwithfindingandexecutingroguesiftheneedarose.“It’llbeagoodnight.”
“Thebest,”Rileysaidquietly,thentookadeepbreath.“We’rehere.”
Hawkefoldedhisarmsandstaredatthedoorwithasourexpression.“Ihatethesemeetings.”
“WeshouldmakeDrewattendinstead.Teachhimalesson.”
Theybothstaredateachotherandgrinned.Yeah,hethought,pushingthroughthedoor,itwasnicetobedoingsomethingasordinaryasgrousingaboutameetingwiththematernals.
ALICE
FROM:Lara<lara@snowdancer.org>
TO:Ashaya<ashaya@darkriver.net>;
Sascha<sascha@darkriver.net>;
Tammy<tamsyn@darkriver.net>;
Amara<amara@sierratech.com>
DATE:Aug26,2081at11.00a.m.
SUBJECT:PatientA
Ithoughtyou’dallappreciateaquickupdateonPatientA.Sheremainsunresponsive,inacomalikestate.Isaycomalike,becausefrankly,sheconfusestheinstruments.However,Icansaywithcertaintythatsheisn’tbrain-dead,sothatremainsapositiveindicator.
I’dalmostthinkJhadimaginedhisconversationwithher,excepthe’snottheimaginingtype.
I’mmakingsureherlimbsareexercisedandthatshe’sgettingthenutrientssheneeds.Otherwise,I’mataloss.
Letmeknowifanyofyouhavehadabreakthrough.
FROM:Ashaya<ashaya@darkriver.net>
TO:Lara<lara@snowdancer.org>
CC:Sascha<sascha@darkriver.net>;
Tammy<tamsyn@darkriver.net>;
Amara<amara@sierratech.com>
DATE:Aug26,2081at1.00p.m.
SUBJECT:re:PatientA
AmaraandIarecontinuingtoworkonthechemicaltracesdiscoveredinherblood.Wehopetofindcluesastoanantidotethat’llworkbetterthanouremergencyformulation,butsomeofthechemicalsappeartobeunknown.
FROM:Amara<amara@sierratech.com>
TO:Ashaya<ashaya@darkriver.net>
DATE:Aug26,2081at1.02p.m.
SUBJECT:re:re:PatientA
Notunknown.Simplyuncategorized.YouandIbothnowknowaboutthem.
FROM:Sascha<sascha@darkriver.net>
TO:Lara<lara@snowdancer.org>
CC:Tammy<tamsyn@darkriver.net>;
Amara<amara@sierratech.com>;
Ashaya<ashaya@darkriver.net>
DATE:Aug26,2081at4.45p.m.
SUBJECT:re:re:PatientA
I’dliketoseeher.Myempathicsenseshavebeeninaheightenedstatesincethebirthandthere’sahigherchanceImaysensesomething,especiallysinceshedidwakeuponce.OnethingIknowforcertain:thereissomeonewithinherbody.Wejusthavetofindawaytosetherfree.Chapter5
ADRIADIDN’TKNOWhowshe’dsurvivedtherestofthetripuptothehydrostation;thesilenceintheSUVhadbeenexcruciating.Thejourneydown,themountainsbathedinthegentleafternoonsunlight,wasbetter—shechosetorideinMack’svehicle,havingbeenabletofixtheproblemthathadstalledit.Herexcuseaboutneedingtobewithhimincasethetruckbrokedownagainwasacceptedwithoutquestion.Mack’straineerodewithRiaz,andMack,withhissilver-threadedcurlsandskinofwarmbrownmarkedbyquietlaughlines,wasamancomfortablewithsilences.
Backintheden,shedidn’tstopuntilshewasinherquarterswiththedoorsafelyshut.Onlythendidshecollapseonthebed.“Christ,Adria.”Shakingfromtheimpactofadaythathadspiraledoutofcontrolfromtheinstantshe’drunintoRiaz,shejustsatthere,tryingtogetagriponheremotions.
Theknockonthedoorwasfamiliar,butsheignoredit.Hervisitorpersisted,havingobviouslyscentedherpresence,untilshemuttered,“It’sopen.”
Indigo,dressedinjeanspairedwithaplainwhiteteethatflatteredthecurvesofhertallbody,closedthedoorandleanedbackonit.“Hurtsmetosaythis,Ri,butyoulookworsethanyoudidafteryoucaughttheplaguewhenyouwereseventeen.”
The“plague”hadbeenanastycaseoffoodpoisoning.“Thanksforthepick-me-up.”Shescowledatthewomanwhohadbeenherfriendmostofherlife.“Nowgoaway.”
Rollinghereyes,Indigostrodeacrosstheroomtositbesideherinstead.“Martin’snotbeenhasslingyou,hashe?”
“No.Imadeitclearweweredone.”Hehadn’ttakenthenewswithanygrace,alltracesofthefunny,gentlemanshe’dfallenforcorrodedtonothingnessbyyearsofslowbitterness.ButMartinwasn’tthemaleonhermindrightthen.“YouhadathingwithRiaz,right?”
Indigoblinkedatthebluntquestion.“Yes,butyearsago,wellbeforeheleftforEurope.Wewerefriends.”
Itwasn’tsuchastrangethingtohearfromachangeling.Sharingintimateskinprivilegeswasanintegralpartoftheirnature,andtherewasnothingwrongwithbeingwithafriendwhocaredenoughaboutyoutoensureyourpleasure.Itdidn’tmatteriftheloversknewtheirfriendshipwouldneverleadtoarelationship—friendshipwasapreciousthingtoawolf,tobecherishedonitsownmerits.
Indigonudgedatherwhenshedidn’tcontinue,hernamesakeeyesperceptive.“Riaz?”
“Yeah.”Knowingnofurtherexplanationwasneeded,sheshovedherhandsthroughherhair,messingupherbraid.“It’sweird.You’remyniece.”
Indigomadeadistinctlyinelegantsound.“Please.Wegrewupassisters.”
“Evenworse.”
“Wouldyoucutthatout?”Asharpelbowtotheribs.“Everythingelseaside,wehappentobetwodominantwomeninonepackwithabarefewyearsbetweenus—theonlysurpriseisthatwedidn’tcrosspathswiththesamemanbeforenow.”
Inspiteofthefactshewastheonewho’dbroughtitup,Adria’swolfwassanguineaboutapastlonggone.Thehumanpartofher,too,knewthatIndigoandRiaz’soldrelationshiphadnobearingonthepresentsituation,notgiventhetimethathadpassedandtheircompletelackofinterestinoneanothernow.Itwould’vejustmadeiteasiertohidefromtheturbulenceofherownemotionsifithadbeenanissue.
“Idon’tknowwhatI’mdoing,Indigo.”Nomanhadeverincitedhertobehaveasshehadtoday.“Ialmostattackedhim.”She’dwantedtoriphisclothesoff,shovehimtotheground,tasteeveryinchofhisbronzedskinwithherlips.“Idrewblood.”Thetasteofiron,metallicanddistinctive,hadbeenhot,strong…exhilarating.
Indigo’slaughwasaffectionate.“That’sfairlynormalwhenafemalewolfisasonedgeasyou’vebeen.”Aplayfulwaggleofhereyebrows.“Longtime?”
“Ayear,”shesaidandknewexactlywhenIndigounderstoodtheramificationsofherstatement,becausesheseemedtostopbreathingforasecond.
“So,whenyouandMartincametothedinnertomeetDrew…”
“I’dendeditmonthsearlier.”TheflashofhurtinIndigo’seyeshadhernudgingtheotherwoman’sshoulderinasilentapology.“Iwasn’treadytotalktoanyone—neededtogetmyheadonstraight.”WhenIndigosqueezedherhand,shecontinued.“I’mnotproudtoadmitit,butIusedhimwhenI‘gavein’tohispersistenteffortstowinmebackandaskedhimtocomealongthatnight.”
Ithadn’ttakenMartinlongtorealizetheinvitationdidn’tequalonetoherbedortoherlife,andhe’dbeeninanuglytemperbythetimethey’darrived.Feelingguiltyforhavingconsciouslymisledthemanwhohadoncewalkedbyherside,she’dtriedtoreachout,pacifyhim.
Hisresponsehad,forasinglepainfulsecond,returnedhertotheruinsoftheirrelationship,beforeithardenedherresolve.“Ithoughtyouweremakingahorriblemistake.”TherealizationthatIndigowasseeingamanwhosedominancedidn’tmatchIndigo’sown,hadchilledherblood.
“Andyouwantedmeconfrontedwiththeresults.”
“I’msosorry.”Ithadtobesaid,becauseDrewwasnothing,nothinglikeMartin,hisadorationofhis“Indy’s”strengthopen.
“Iunderstand.”Indigo’sresponsewasfierce.“Youwon’thaveanyofthoseproblemswithRiaz.He’sstrongenoughnottobescaredofyourhunger,and”—asmilethatlituphereyes—“he’sgotenoughwildnessinhimtoleadyouastray.”
Mostlonewolvesdid.Asayoungwoman,Adriahadalwayssteeredclearofthem,awarethatwhilesuchamalemightmakelovetoherwithprimalintensity,hewasaslikelytodisappearintothemountainscomemorning.She’dalwaysknownsheneededsomeonemorestable,morerooted.Butthingshadchanged.Shehadchanged.“You’renotsayingsomething.”AdriaknewIndigotoowellnottohavecaughtthesubtlehesitation.
Theotherwomantookalongtimetoreply,herexpressiontroubled.“Hetoldmesomethinginconfidence,andIcan’tbreakthatpromise,”shesaidatlast.“ButAdria,youneedtoknow…anyrelationshipwithhim,evenmorethanwithanotherlonewolf,isunlikelytoeverturnpermanent.”
ThefactthatIndigohadn’tflatoutwarnedAdriaoff,toldheritwasn’tacaseofRiazalreadybeinginvolvedwithsomeoneelse.Whicheithermeantheplayedthefield—andnothingshe’dheardindicatedthat—orhewantedsomeonehecouldn’thave.ThoughIndigocouldn’tknowit,thatrealizationeasedthecoldknotinsideAdria,allowedhertobreathe,cometoadecision.
“Ineedtotalktohim.”Wolfandwomaninagreement,sherosetoherfeet.“Weleftthingsinabadplace.”Nomatterwhathappened,shedidn’twantthistoaffecttheirworkingrelationship,andbyextension,thepack.
Waitinguntilshe’dredoneherbraid,Indigowalkedoutwithher.“Areyouenjoyingbeingbackintheden?”sheasked,reachingbacktotightenherownponytail.
“Somuch.”AdrianarrowedhereyesatTaiwhentheyoungsoldierwithuptiltedgreeneyesandwideshoulderswalkeddownthecorridor.
“Godhatesme,”sheheardhimmutter.“Nowtherearetwoofthem.”
NeithershenorIndigosaidanythinguntilhewasoutofearshot.ThenIndigo’slipstwitched.“Poorbaby.”Affectionlacedthewords.
“He’ssolid?”
“LovesEvie.”Wolfishamusementdancedinhereyes.“Doesn’tmeanwedon’tgettomesswithhim.”
SinceEviewasgentleandinnowaydominantoraggressive,Adriaagreed.“Don’tgetmewrong,”shesaid,returningtotheirearliertopicofconversation,“Matthiasisagreatlieutenanttoworkunder.”Darklybeautifulandwiththoseeyesthathadtalkedmanyawomanintobed,Matthiashadbeenafriendaswellasherlieutenant.
He’dcalledtocheckuponheracoupleoftimessinceshe’drelocatedtotheden,anditwasameasureofhertrustin,andrespectforhimthatshehadn’tbristled.“Butthatregion’sgottoomanybadmemoriesforme,youknow?Den’safreshstart.”Oneshe’dallownothing,noteventhehotburnofashockingneed,tostealfromher.
“Here’smystop.”Indigohaltedinfrontofoneofthebreakrooms.“Havinganinformalchatwithsomeofmynovicesandnewersoldiers.”Sheraisedaneyebrowattheyoungwomanwhowasallbutcrawlingdownthehall.“Whathappenedtoyou?”
“RiaztheSadist’snewconfigurationofthetrainingrunisanexcuseforheinousandunparalleledtorture,”SiennamutteredbeforenoddinghelloatAdriaandlimpinginside—toachorusofsympatheticgroansfromotherswho’dobviouslybeensubjectedtothesametorture.
Indigohungback,hereyesreturningtoAdria.“RememberwhatIsaid.”Openconcernonherface…temperedbyaglintofwickedness.“Butdon’tbetoosensible.Clawsandteetharepartofthefun.”
Adria’sgrinfadedassoonasIndigowalkedintojoinhersoldiers.Martinhadbeenthebiggestchanceshe’devertakeninherlife,overridingtheconcernsofthosewhodidn’tthinkthedominantfemale/lessdominantmalepairinghadahopeofworking.Thespectacularfailureofthatriskhadsavagedherconfidence,untilsometimesshefeltasifthecoreofherwasapatchworkquilt,thestitchesbarelyholding.
Itwouldbeeasy,soeasy,tostay“safe,”toneveragainstickoutherneck,butAdriawasadominant,aSnowDancer.Shewasnotacoward,andwouldnevershameherwolfbyallowingherselftobecomeone.Evenifthatmeantshehadtogoclawtoclawagainstalonewolfwhowasnothingshe’deverwantedinaman—andwhocompelledherbeyondreason.Chapter6
JUDDLAURENWASstillalive.
Minglookeddownattheunexpectedreport.He’dorderedtheArrowstoeliminateJuddsoonafterthecontinuedexistenceoftherogueTk-Cellbecameknown.Ithadbeenmeanttobeafirst,debilitatingstrikebeforethemuchmoreimportanteliminationofSiennaLauren,theXafarbiggerthreat.ThoughtheArrowswerenolongerhis,hehadn’texpectedAdenorhismentohaveaproblemwithtakingcareoftherebelArrow.
SincetheTk-Cellhadabandonedthesquadwhenhedefected,itwascleartheArrowshaddisregardedMing’sordernotoutofanyloyaltytotheirformercomrade,buttomakeitcleartoMingthattheywouldnolongersupporthiminanyform.Acriticalloss,butnotcrippling.Lookinguptomeettheeyesofthemanwho’dbroughthimthereport,hesaid,“DowehaveanyonewiththetrainingtotakeonLauren?”
“No.OnlyanArrowcansuccessfullycontainanotherArrow.”
Minghadtoagree.TheArrowsweretoohighlytrainedtobeeasyprey.He’dbeenoneoftheirnumberinhisyouth,buthe’dbeenoutofactiveservicefortwodecades,nolongerhadthesamelevelofskillwhenitcametocovertassassinations.AddedtothefactthatJuddLaurencouldteleport,itmadenorationalsensetogoaftertherebelArrowhimself.
However,SiennaLaurenwasneitheranArrownoratelekinetic.He’dtrainedher,andsoheknewherexactskillset.ThereweremurmursintheNetthatshe’dfurtherhonedthoseskillsduringhertimewiththewolves,butthatdidn’talterhisconclusions.Ifitcamedowntoit,thebattlewouldbeapsychicone—andhe’dtrappedherwithhismindonce.Hewoulddoitagain.
“Keepmonitoringthesituation,”heordered.“Unobtrusivesurveillance.Nocontact.”Siennahadn’tappearedinpublicsincethelethalwaveofherX-firehadconsumedasignificantpercentageofHenry’sPurePsyarmy.Noonewasyetcertainthatshehadn’tperishedintheaftermath.Ifshehad,itwould’vebeenbecauseshe’dbeenphysicallyexecutedbyoneofherown—becauseunlesshispowerreleasetheoryhadborneout,thepsychicimplosionofacardinalXwould’vetakenouttheSierrasthemselves.“YourgoalistodiscoverifSiennaLaurensurvivedthebattle.”
Ifshewasalive,shecouldnotbeallowedtoexistofftheleashofMing’spsychiccontrol.Chapter7
TEMPERSTILLSIMMERING—andthatwasn’ttheonlything—Riazgotdressedinplainblackathleticpantsmadeofalightmaterialthatdidn’toverheat,hisupperbodybare,andwalkedouttothetrainingrunjustintimetoseeagroupofthemoreexperiencedsoldierscrossthefinishline.“Howdiditgo?”heaskedJudd,who’dbeenoverseeingthesession.
“Curseswerecastonyourname.”Judd’sexpressionremainedunchanged,hissenseofhumorasubtlething.“Thecourseisatoughone,butwolvesenjoychallenge.”
“SodoPsy.”HeknewthatasaTk,Juddwasbrutalcompetition.“Meandyou.”Thepainfulfuryofenergyinhisbodyneededsomewheretogo.
ButJuddshookhishead,darkhaircatchingthedeeporangeraysoftheslowlysettingsun.“IhavedinnerwithWalkerandthekids.Tomorrow?”
“Sure.”Riazoptedtoremainbehindaftertheotherlieutenantleftwiththerestofthegroup,decidingtorunthecourseonhisown.Thatwaswhenhecaughtanunexpectedscentonthebreeze.
Crushediceoverberries…lickedwithanunexpectedundertoneoflingeringwarmth.
HisjawtightenedwhenAdriaemergedfromthetrees,hiswolfreactingwithasnarlevenashiscockhardened.Theresponsewassohot,sofast,andsobeyondhisconsciouscontrolthatitinfuriatedhim.
Notsayingaword,Adriakickedoffherbootsandsocks.
“You’renotdressedright.”Itcameoutaneargrowl.
Afluidshrugthatrevealedthelithemuscleonthattallframe.“Jeansarewornin.”
Hiswolfheardtheunspokenchallenge,flasheditscanines.“Thenlet’sgo.”Withthat,heranupthesmoothwoodenlogthathadbeenthedownfallofmorethanoneSnowDancer,consciousofAdriamakingtheclimbwithanalmostfelinegrace.
Insteadofawallatthetopoftheslope,therewasnowaspeciallydesignedropeclimbingframethatrequiredrigidmusclecontroltonavigate.Itfavoredthoseoflighterweight,andAdriabeathimtothetop—andtotheringladderthattestedupper-bodystrength.Hewasmuchstrongerthanherbyanymeasure,andtheywereneckandneckagainbythetimetheyreachedthefinalsetofrings.
Droppingtothefirmground,hemadehiswaythroughthedarkandnarrowtunnelbuilttoprovidenopurchaseforclawsandnails,itswallsseepingaslickgelthatfrustratedforwardmovement.He’dcreatedtheobstacle,buthewasswearingbythetimehegottotheend—besideanAdriawhohadtendrilsofjetblackhairstucktohertemplesandcheeks,andthentheywerewipingoffthegelandscramblingacrossthejunglegym.
Focusingonlyonnavigatingthecomplexstructure,heshutoutthepresenceofthewomanhecouldstilltaste,stillfeelclenchingsotightandliquidonhisfingers.He’dalwaysknownhewouldonedaytakealover.Lisette—anear-blindingstabofpain—washappilymarried,wouldneverbelongtohim.Itwasatruthnothingcouldchange,andhe’dunderstoodhe’dhavetoacceptthatbeforeitdestroyedhim.
Buthewasn’treadyyet.
Evenifhehadbeen,he’dalwaysassumedthewomanwithwhomheendedhiscelibateexistencewouldbewarm,affectionate,someonewhounderstoodthewoundthatwashisheart.
Notanearstrangerwhomightaswellhavebeenarazorblade.
Hisarmsaching,hecamedownonhisfeetaftersuccessfullyreachingtheendofthejunglegymandlookedbacktoseeAdriahangingontoasectionthathadfallenin,courtesyoftherandomalgorithmthathadalmostdumpedhimonhisasshalfwaythrough.Therewasnowayshe’dcatchuptohimnow,butteethgritted,shepulledherselfbackandontothetopofthestructure.
Impresseddespitehimself,hedidn’tdohertheinsultofnotputtinghisallintotherestofthecourse,thegroundhardbeneathhisbarefeet.Hewascoolingdownwhenshecrossedthefinishlineandcollapsedtoherknees.“Siennawasright,”shegasped,herbraidfallingoveroneshouldertolieagainstherbreast.“Youareasadist.”
“Aneasycourseteachesthemnothing.”Leavinghertorecover,herantothedentograbtwobottlesofwaterfromacoolerkeptclosetothenearestexitandjoggedback.
Stretchcompleted,shetookthebottleheheldout.“Thankyou.”
Nosound,exceptthatofwaterbeingdrunk.
Twistingclosedthelidofherbottle,Adriapushedbackthesweat-dampstrandsofherhairandsaid,“Look,whathappened—”
“It’soverwith.”Thememoryofhisbetrayalbroughtbileintohisthroat—regardlessoftherawpulseofhisbody,hewasn’tyetwillingtoaccepttheinevitableandforgetthewomanmeanttobehis.“Doesn’tneedapostmortem.”
FlawlesscreamyskinwiththebaresttouchofsungoldpulledtautoverAdria’scheekbones.“Buryingyourheadinthesandwon’tmakeitgoaway.”Hertonemadeitclearshehadn’tmissedtherigidevidenceofhisarousal.
Forcinghimselfnottopulverizethebottleheheldinhand,hetookhistimereplying.“Whatexactlywouldyouliketodiscuss?”heaskedinatonethattoldhertobackoffifsheknewwhatwasgoodforher.
Adriadidn’ttakethehint.“We’resexuallyattractedtooneanother,”shesaid,feetslightlyspreadandhandsbyhersides.“Maybeyoudidn’trealizeitconsciouslyuntiltoday,butnowyoudo.”
“I’malsoalieutenant,”hesaid,furioushehadn’tunderstoodhisownantagonisticresponsetoAdriaintimetostrangleit,“andthatmeansIcancontrolmyurges.”Neitherpartofhimhadanyintentionofgivingintothisunwanteddesire,thewolf’srageasprimalastheman’s.
“SocanI.”Ahiddentoneinthathuskyvoicethatrubbedagainsthisskin,aneartactilecaress.“ButI’msayingwedon’tnecessarilyhaveto.”Sheheldthebrutaldominanceofhisgazeforalongmomentbeforeherwolfforcedhertolookaway,herhandsfistedsotight,bonespushedwhiteagainstskin.“Idon’twantapermanentrelationship,andIndigotoldmeyouwouldn’tbeinterestedinoneeither.”
“Didshe?”
Atthesilkenquestion,Adriaonceagainmethisgaze,thoughherchestroseandfellinjaggedbreaths,herwolfundoubtedlyfightingherbecauseitknewhewasthestronger,moredangerousoneintheclearing.“Shedidn’tbreachyourconfidence.”
Herespectedthatshe’dstoodupforIndigoatonce,butthatdidn’texcusewhatshe’ddaredtosuggest.Hisangerturnedquiet,deadly,cold.“Youjustwanttosleeptogether,isthatit?”
Slenderfingersflexing,clenchingagain.“I’mtalkingaboutsharingintimateskinprivileges”—redpaintedhercheekbones—“nothingforbiddenortabooamongpackmates.Idon’tseewhyyou’rereactinglikeI’msuggestingsomethingawful.”
“BecauseIdon’tlikeyou,”hesaid,sawherflinch.
Ruthlessthoughhecouldbe,hewasn’tusuallysuchabastard,butAdriahadtornopenthegreatestwoundonhisheart,thenrubbedsaltontheinjurywithhercasualapproachtosomethingthatsavagedhim.Hecouldbarelyseestraight,muchlessthink,butheknewonething.“You’renotawomanI’lleverwantinmybed.”
Adriacouldfeelherfaceburning,theheatblistering,butshedidn’trunoff,tailbetweenherlegs.“Can’tgetmuchclearerthanthat.”
Riazdidn’trespond,justwatchedherwiththoselethaleyesofbeatengold.
“Wehavetoworktogether,”shesaid,refusingtoallowhimtointimidateher,thoughhisdominanceshovedatherownuntilitwasanalmostphysicalforce.Ittookeverythingshehadtoholdherground.Intruth,herwolfshouldhavealreadybackeddowninfrontofabigger,deadlierpredator,butherlittle“secret”aboutherexactplaceinthehierarchygaveherjustenoughlatitudetowithstandtheunleashedpowerofhimforafewmoremoments.
“Idon’twantthe…issuesbetweenus”—ragingsexualarousalfusedwiththeredhazeoftheangerthatlickedtheair—“tobleedoverintoourworkingrelationship.Let’sagreetostayoutofeachother’swayasmuchaspossible,andbepolitewhenit’snot.”
“Fine.”Noblink.Nochangeinhisstance.
Sweatbrokeoutalongherspine,andittookteeth-grittingcontroltorespondwithonlyacurtnodbeforesheleft,herhandsqueezingthewaterbottlesohardshecrushedtheplasinajarringcrackle.Ithumiliatedherthatevennow,whenhe’dmadeitcuttinglyevidentwhathethoughtofher,thetugshefelttowardRiazwasadarktwistofneedinhergut.Butshehadn’tmadeseniorsoldierattwenty-fivebecauseshewasweak.
Clawsslicingoutofherhands,shefelthereyesturntheamberofherwolf.
RiazDelgadowouldn’tevergetanotherinvitationfromher.Chapter8
ADENWALKEDAWAYfromthebackstepsofthehouseofworshipwherehe’dmetJuddLaurenforthesecondtimesincethecity’sshowdownwithPurePsy,comingtoahaltbesidetheteleporterwho’dbroughthimtothelocation.
Vasic’seyesremainedtrainedontheformerArrowuntilJudddisappearedaroundthecornerandintothestreetsofSanFrancisco,ashadowamongshadows.“Hestillmoveslikeoneofus.”
“Inallthewaysthatmatter,hestillisoneofus.”
Vasicsaidnothingmore,butasecondlatertheywerenolongerinthetreesbehindthechurch,butonanisolatedmountainplateaudrapedinthesilkenveilofnight.Thenightskywascrystalclear,dottedwithstarssobright,theycutlikeglass.
ManytermedthePsyNet,thevastnetworkthatconnectedallPsytooneanother,astarscape,butAdenhadcometorealizethePsyNetwasmissingsomethingfundamental.Itsessence,itslifewasdevoidofthatwhichdrewevenanArrow’seyetothenightsky.“Iexpectedthedesert.”
“Bothlocationsallowustotalkwithoutbeingoverheard.”Vasic’seyes,acoolgraythatnevergaveawayanything,staredoutpasttheedgeoftheplateautothegnarledtreesthatsprawledoutintothesumptuousblackofamoonlessnight.
AdenknewwhatVasicsoughtinthedarkness,buttheywouldnottalkofitthisnight.Instead,hesaid,“DoyouthinkHenryScottisdead?”TheCouncilorhadbeenhitbythecoldfireofanX,butnoonehadseenhimburntoash—andhe’dbeensurroundedbyteleport-capableTks.
Vasic’shairliftedinthewind,thestrandshavinggrowninthepastmonths,untiltheywerenowpasttheunspokenregulationlengthforArrows.“Unconfirmed,buthehadhisbestmenaroundhim.Theprobabilityishightheypulledhimoutintime.”
Adenhadcometothesameconclusion.“Ifheisalive,he’slearnedsomenewtricks,orsomeoneishelpinghimconcealhispresenceintheNet.”ThechangesinHenryhadbecomeapparentpriortothebattle.Beforethesuddenemergenceofanunexpectedandimpossiblemilitaryexpertise,theCouncilorhadbeenthebetamemberoftheHenry-Shoshannapairing.
“Ming.”Vasiccontinuedtostareoutwardevenashespoke,andAdenwonderedhowmuchofhimremainedhere,onthiscold,windsweptplateau.
“Yes.”
“HemayhaveadvisedandusedHenrytohisownends,butMingwouldn’tprotecthimoncehewasweakenedandnolongerofanystrategicuse.”
Aden’sthoughtsmeshedsoperfectlywithVasic’s,hedidn’twastetimevoicinghisagreement.“ThesurvivingmembersofPurePsyremainfanaticallydevotedtohim.”Silencewasmeanttohaveeliminatedallemotionfromtheirrace,butcrackshadbeguntoappearinthechillfabricoftheconditioningeachandeveryoneofthemunderwentaschildren.PurePsymightdecrythosecracksandstyleitselfasaproponentof“Purity,”butthedepthoftheircommitmenttoHenrybroughttheirownconditioningintoquestion.“Theremightwellbeastrongtelepathamongstthem.”OneskilledenoughtoblockthevisiblepresenceofHenry’smindintheNet.
“Haveyoubegunatrace?”
“Yes.”ChosenforArrowtrainingonlybecausehisparentshadbothbeenArrows,Adenwasofficiallyafieldmedic,histelepathictouchsosubtle,he’dalwaysbeenclassifiedinthewrong—muchlower—Gradient.WalkerLaurenwasthefirstpersonwhohadunderstoodthedangerouspowerofAden’smind…andhehadkeptAden’ssecret,taughthimskillsAdenusedtothisday.“IfHenryisalive,I’llfindhim.”
Checkinganincomingmessageonthecomputronicgauntletonhisleftarm,agauntletthatAdenhadwatchedbecomealivingpartofhisbodyaftertheexperimentalfusiontookfinalholdthispastyear,Vasicsaid,“DidyouspeaktoAbbottagain?”
“Yes.Hestayswithus.”TheTkhadbeenonthevergeofdefectingfromthesquadtojoinPurePsy.
“Whatdidyousaytoconvincehim?”
“ThatPurePsywantstomaintainthecurrentpowerstructurewhenthatpowerstructurehasprovenirreparablydefective.”Arrowswerenotstupid,hadneversimplybeenbrawn—untilJax.Long-termuseofthedrugturnedthemintomindlessweapons,butunbeknownsttothosewhowouldleashthem,JaxwasnolongeradministeredtoasingleArrow.“WhatAbbottwants,”Adencontinued,“issomethingelsealtogether.”
“AnArrowcannotwantanythingifheistoremainanArrow.”
TherewasnothinginVasic’svoicetobetraythememory,butAdenknewhisfellowArrowhadlearnedthatlessonafterhavinghislegbrokenmultipletimesasasix-year-oldwho’dexpressedadesiretoreturnhome.“I’llmakesureheunderstandsnottoexposehimselftooutsiders.”Loyaltywithinthesquadwasunspokenandabsolute.
Steppinguptotheveryedgeoftheplateau,AdenfeltmorethansawVasiccometostandbesidehim.Themountainfellawaysteeplyinfrontofthem,anditwasastarkreminderoftheplungetheNetwasonthevergeoftaking.
Theonlyquestionwashowmanywoulddieinthefall.Chapter9
SIENNAADOREDBEINGmatedtoHawke.Livingwithhim,however,shethoughtasthehandsofherantiqueclockflickedovertosevena.m.,wastakingsomeadjustment.Itwasn’tthatshewasn’tusedtocohabitingwithothers—sinceherdefectionfromtheiceofthePsyNet,she’dlivedprimarilywithWalkerandthekids.ItwasthefactthatHawkewassodominant,hetendedtotakeoverallavailablespacesimplybybreathing.
“Thisismine,”shesaid,stakingaclaimonseventy-fivepercentofthecloset.Ithadbeenonlylastweekthatthey’dhadthechancetotransferthemajorityofherthingstoHawke’squarters,they’dbothbeensobusywithotherdutiesintheaftermathofthebattlewithPurePsy.“Youcanhavethissection.”
Heshruggedthosegloriousshouldersandputdownhismugontopofthesmallsetofshelvesthathadoncestoodbesidethedoortohersingle-occupancyroom,thescentofhiscoffeerichandevocative.“Okay.”
Fine,sheadmittedinagrumpyinternalmutter,thathadn’texactlybeenabigbattle.Hergorgeous,maddeningmatelivedinT-shirtsandjeans—thoughwhenhedidputonasuit…thewordwas“delectable.”“Also,”shesaid,refusingtobederailedfromherbadmood,“stopstealingmycoffee.”ItwasaspecialblendDrewalwaysbroughtbackforherfromaveryspecificshopinSanDiego.
Hawkegrinnedandtookanothersipbeforereturningthemug—giftedtohimbyMarlee,afterherniecehadpaintedasomewhatwolflikecreatureontheceramic—toitsrestingspot.“It’sgoodcoffee.”Strippingoffthesweatpantshe’dputonafterhisshower,hepulledonsomejeans,hislipscurvinginasmilethatmadeherbreathcatch.“YoulookgoodinmyT-shirt.”
Groaning,shesatdownonthebed,resistingthetemptationtowalkoverandrubhercheekagainstthesoftpeltofhairthatcoveredhischest,herneedforhimagut-deeppulse.“Isounddemented.”Shrewishandspoiled.“Ofcourseyoucanhavethecoffee.”She’dmadeenoughfortwo,wasutterlydelightedbythefactheenjoyedthewayshebrewedit.
Hewaitedforhertomakeiteverymorning,alwayskissedthecurveofherneckinthanks.Thesamewayshewaitedforhimtoslicethebreadhepickedupacoupleoftimesaweekfromabakeryjustoutsidedenterritory,whenshecouldaseasilydothetaskherself.Littlerituals.Littlepiecesoftheirlives.Theideathattheywerelayingthefoundationsoftheirsharedhistory…itmadehersohappyithurt.Whichwaswhyshewasbewilderedbyherfitoftemper.“Idon’tknowwhat’swrongwithme.”
“Hey.”Expressionsuddenlysolemn,hecamedownonhishaunchesinfrontofher,hisjeansonlypartlybuttonedandalldistracting.“Iknowwhat’shappening.”
Sheraisedhereyesfromhischest—andlower—tohisface.“Youdo?”
“Yeah,baby,Ido.”Asheepishlook.“I’mcrowdingyou,pushingyou,eveninourquarters,butIswearI’mnotdoingitonpurpose.”
Shehadzeroresistanceagainsthimwhenhegotlikethis,whenshecouldseebothmanandwolfwatchingherwithatendernessthatquitesimply,undidher.Closingherhandsoverthewarmsilkofhisshoulders,shestrokedandpetteduntilalazygrowlrumbledinhischest.“I’mglad,”shesaid.“I’dhateitifyouwereholdingbackwithme.”
“Impossible.”Heangledhisneckinasilentrequest,andshegentlymassagedaspotthatwould’vemadehimpurrhadhebeenacat.
Mine.
Thepossessivethoughtwasfamiliar—Hawkebroughtouthermostprimitiveinstincts.“Justsoyouknow,whenIgetreallymad,Imightsingeyoureyebrows,”shemurmured,becausesheknewifshegaveaninch,he’dtakenotamile,buttheentireroad.
“Fine.”Lasheslifting,hecurvedhishandaroundhernecktotugherdown.“Thenwecankissandmakeup.Twice.”
Shelaughedintotheslow,deepseductionofhiskiss,herbreaststighteningagainstthesoftcottonoftheT-shirtshe’dgrabbedwhenshewoke—thewholeideaofanightgownorpajamaswasridiculouswithanalphawolfinbedwithher.Nothingeverstayedon.Halfthetime,thenightclothesendedupshredded.SonowshejuststolehisT-shirtswhenshewoke.He,ofcourse,waspurechangeling,hadnoproblemwithnudity.
Notthatshemindedtheview.
Breakingthekisstotakeabreath,shebrushedbackthedampthicknessofhishair,herthighsspreadoneithersideofhisbody,hishandswarmandpossessivebelowthehemoftheT-shirt.“Whatdoyouhaveplannedtoday?”sheasked,herheartwrenchingattheperfectionofthismomentwhereshehadtherighttotouchhim,tocareforhim,tocallhimherown.
Henippedatherfingersbeforeanswering,thewolfplayingwithher.“IthinkI’llspendmostofthedaywithFelixandhisteam.”
Shecouldn’thelpherinstinctiveflinchatthememoryofexactlyhowtheareabeingreplantedhadbecomesobarren,everytinybladeofgrassturnedtoash.
Hawke’sresponsewastobitesharplyatherlowerlip.“Itoldyounottodothat.”
Scowling,sherubbedatthesting.“I’mallowedtothinkaboutwhatIdid.”
“Whatyoudidwassavethelivesofyourpackmates.”Tuggingherclose,hesuckledthespothe’dbitten,soothingthemomentaryhurt.“That’swhatcounts.”
“I’mnotsorryIdidwhatIdid.”Ithadbeenachoicemadeinbattle,againstanenemythatwouldn’tstop.Nomatterhowmanyyearsshelived,shewouldneverforgetthecrunching,uglysoundofahundredgunssmashingintotheskullsofdazedandwoundedSnowDancers.Heracthadbeentherightoneatthattime,inthatplace.“It’sjust…”She’dannihilatedthePurePsyarmy,killedsomanymenandwomenwho’dhadthemisfortunetopickthewrongside.
Herwolfheldhergaze.“Talktome.”
Soshedid.Andhelistened.Heunderstood.Untilshecouldbreatheagain,herchestexpandingwitheachinhale.Itwasn’tthefirsttimethey’dspokenofthatterribleday,neitherwoulditbethelast—butknowingthathe’dbethereanytimesheneededhim,itwaseverything.
“Anyotherplansfortheday?”sheaskedafterward,fixinghishairbecauseshelovedplayingwithit…andbecausetouchingHawkecalmedheronthedeepestlevel,untilsometimes,whenthememorieshittoohard,hesimplyshiftedandallowedhertopetthehugesilver-goldwolfthatwastheotherhalfofhisnature,aslongassheneeded.
“I’lltakeHarleydownwithme,”hesaid,archinghisneckwhensheranhernailsoverhisscalpthewayheliked.“It’llgivemeanopportunitytoseehowhe’sdeveloping.”Anotherpleasuredgrowl,hishandsflexingagainstherskin
Hermatemadehersodamngladshewasawoman.“Hashestabilized?”Theyoungmalewasshapinguptobeapowerfuldominant.
“He’sgettingthere.Boy’sgotastrongwill.”Hesqueezedherthighswiththosehandsshe’dfeltoneveryinchofherbody.“LikesomeoneelseIknow.”
“Rememberthat.”
“That’swhythewolfpushesyou,”hesaid,pressingakisstotheinsideofherkneethatmadehershiver.“Wolfandmanbothknowyou’llpushback.It’dbenofunifyouwereaweakling.”
Seduced,shewasbeingutterlyseducedbyawolfwhoknewherfartoowell.“Thethingwiththematernalfemales?”Theyhadn’thadachancetotalkmuchthepreviousnight,thedinnergoinglaterthanexpected.Giventhepeoplearoundthetable,itwasunsurprisingthetalkhadturnedtotheincreasinginstabilityofthePsyNet.
Juddhaddisappearedaroundten,headingforameetingwithhiscontacts,soitwaslikelyhe’dhavemoredatatosharewithHawketoday.Afterhedid,SiennaknewHawkewouldmakeitapointtotalktheinformationoverwithher—atruealphapairneededtoforgeatrustthatrandeeperthansensuality,thanthematingbond.IthadtoencompasstheveryheartofwhatittooktokeepSnowDancerstrong.“Yousurvivedthemeetingatleast.”
Hawke’sgroanwaseloquent.“Ihaveaheadachejustthinkingaboutit.AskmeagainaftersexandImighthavethewilltotalkaboutit.”
Shelaughed.“NicetoknowI’mnottheonlyonescaredbyNell.”
“Nothingscaresme,leastofallawomanwhoismaybeallofahundred-and-tenpoundsandhappenstobethreeyearsmyjunior.”
“Keeptellingyourselfthat.”
Narrowedwolfeyes.“Smart-assesgettheircomeuppance.”StrokinghishandsupundertheedgeoftheT-shirt,heranhisthumbsoverthesensitivecreaseofherthighs,smiledaverywolfishsmileatthetremorthatshookher.“Youwerequietwhenwewerediscussingthematingceremonylastnight.”
Playingwiththehairathisnape,shebittheinsideofherlip.“Iwishwe’ddoneitearlier.”They’ddecidedtowaituntilthingscalmedalittleandalltheevacuatedchildrenhadsettledbackintotheden,butthedelayhadcausedhernervestofray.“It’llbethefirstPackeventsince…”Sinceeveryonehaddiscoveredwhatshecoulddo,whatshewas.“MaybeweshoulddoittogetherwithWalkerandLara’sceremony,”shesaid,thoughsheknewitwastoolate,thecelebrationonlydaysaway.
“Eachceremonyisuniqueandsuitedtothecouple.”Hawkebracketedherfaceinhishands,andsheknewheunderstoodwhatshedidn’tsay.“Theywantaquieteraffair.”
Andhewasalpha,theceremonycelebratinghismatingoneofthebiggesteventstobeheldinthedeninrecentmemory.Everypackmate,youngandold,wantedtocontribute,tobepartofthefestivities,andSiennawasn’tgoingtocheatthemofthat—notevenifshewantedtohideinacornerandhopenoonewouldnoticeher.
Hawkepressedafingertoherlipsbeforeshecouldspeak.“Itoldyou,baby,we’rewolves.”Wildaffection,theendearmentoneheusedwithheralone.“Werespectstrength.”
“I’monlyasoldier.”Hierarchywasacriticalcomponentofthepack’sstability—andtheirrelationshipfelloutsideofit.Neverwouldshegiveitup,buttheimpactofitonthepackstillworriedherattimes.“Youngandinexperienced.”
“Itisn’talwaysaboutageorexperience,”Hawkesaid,eyesofhuskyblueholdinghercaptive.“Maybeyou’llhavetoearnyourstripeswhenitcomestoyourpersonaldominance,butyou’vealreadygottheirloyalty—becauseyougavethepackyourown,laidyourlifeonthelinetoprotect.That’swhatmatters.”
Curlingherarmsaroundhisshoulders,sheleanedintohisembrace.Hehuggedherclose,strokingabighanddownherback.Nooneinthepackhadsaidordoneanythingtomakeherfeelunwelcomeafterthebattle,itwastrue.Therehadbeenmorethanafewsmilesthrownherwayandtheteasingtheyreceivedasanewlymatedcouplewasmerciless,but—“Somepeoplearescaredofme,”shewhispered.
Hawkechuckled.“Baby,mostpeoplearescaredofme.”Henuzzledakissintoherneck.“Itgoeswiththeterritory.”
RIAZduckedhisheadintoHawke’sofficethemorningafterhisconfrontationwithAdria,butfoundthealphamissing.“Riley,”hecalledout,runningtocatchuptothelieutenant.“YouseenHawke?”
“He’sgonetojoinFelix’steam.”Rileyglancedatthesmalldatapadinhishand.“Nosettimeforreturningtotheden—tryhimonhissatphone.”
“No,IthinkI’llrundownandpitchin.”Hard,manuallaborwouldbegoodforhim.Hewasstrungtightfromtheprimalfurythathadragedthroughhisbodyinthemidnighthours.Anditwasn’tLisette’sfacethathadhauntedhim.Notlastnight.
“Felixsaysthegroundisperfectforplanting,asifithadbeenfertilized.”Riley’seyeswereintent.“He’sneverseenanythinglikeit.Iguessnoneofushave.”
No,nothinghadevercomeclosetothedeadlybeautyofSienna’scoldfire.“Iknowshe’syoung,”Riazsaid,rememberingnotjustthered-goldglowofthatvoraciousflamebutalsothescreamsthathadcomebefore,thesickeningcrunchesofboneasSnowDancerafterSnowDancerfell,bloodyandbroken.“Butanyonewhocancontrolthatmuchpowerhasmyrespect.”
Riley’sresponsewasunexpected.“Makesureyousharethatviewwithpackmateswhentheopportunityrises.”
“Trouble?”Hehadn’tsensedanything,buthewasn’tasconnectedtotheheartbeatofthedenasRiley.Basedherehisentirelife,theseniorlieutenantwasnotonlyananchorforhispackmates,Hawkeincluded,hewasalsoamantrustedbyeveryonefromhard-eyedsoldiersandbusymaternals,torebelliousjuveniles,andelders.
“No,”theothermalenowsaid.“ButthebattlewasthefirsttimemostofthepackbecameawareofwhatJuddandSiennacando.Rightnow,everyone’shighfromthesuccess,butoncetheadrenalinefadesandtheystarttothinkaboutit—”
“—peoplewillbegintorealizeexactlyhowdangerousthosetwoare.”Riaznodded,seeingwhereRileywasheaded.“Weneedtobolsterthatgoodfeelingnow,soevenwhenthehighwearsoff,everyonewillcontinuetoseethemasstrongpackmateswho’llusetheirstrengthtoprotecttheweak,notPsytheyneedtobewaryof.”Wolvesmightbepredators,butthemajorityweren’tdominants.SnowDancer’smostvulnerablememberswouldbeallbuthelplessagainstthekindofpowerwieldedbyJuddandSienna,and,thoughmostpeopledidn’trealizethestrengthofhistelepathy,Walker.
“Yes.”Rileykepthisvoicelowastheyspoke.“I’mprobablybeingovercautious,but”—aruefulsmile—“that’swhytheypaymethebigbucks.”
“No,you’reright.Bettertosubtlyreassureeveryonenow,whenthey’realreadypredisposedtolovetheLaurens,ratherthanlater,afterfear’screptintothefold.”Hemadeanotetohavesomequiet,casualconversationswithcertainpeople.“Youneedmeforanythingtoday?Ifnot,I’llheaddowntojointheplantingteamnow.”Heneededtodosomethingphysical—hisskinfeltstretchedtootight,toothinovertheragingneedofhisbody.
Ithadneverbeenthisbad.Asalonewolf,hewaspredisposedtoperiodsofsolitudethatwoulddrivehispackmatescrazy,andcouldlastevenlongerwithouttouch.Hehadn’tbeenwithanyoneforroughlyfourmonthswhenhe’dmetLisettesixmonthsagoandfeltthatstunning,indescribablekicktothegutthatwastheinstinctiveknowledgeofhismate.
Intellectually,he’dunderstoodthatwhileitwasn’tcommon,itcouldhappeninsuchaway—thatawolfcouldturnaroundandjustknowawomanwasmeanttobehisown,withouteverhavingspokentoher,butnothingcould’vepreparedhimfortheimpactofthatmoment.EverycellinhisbodyhadsungatthenearnessofLisette’spresence,hissensesutterlyattunedtoher,hisbodyvibratingwiththerealizationthatitwasherMorethanalover,morethanafriend,amatewasmeanttobeachangelingwolf’sotherhalfandhe’dfoundhis.
Thesoul-savagingfactthatshebelongedtoanother…itmight’vestoppedthematebondcomingintobeing,butitdidnothingtoquietthematingurgethathadgrippedhiminsharpteethandheldontight.Deeplyintertwinedwiththaturgewasapromisesoprimal,he’dneverbeforegivenitanythought…apromiseoffidelity:Awolfwhofoundhismateonlyeversharedintimateskinprivilegeswithher.
Thatpromisecamefromsodeepinhiswolf’sheartthatregardlessofthefactLisettewouldneverbehis,he’dbeenunabletobearthethoughtofanyotherwoman’stouch,hisgutroiling.Asaresult,ithadbeenclosetoayearsincehe’dsharedintimateskinprivileges—alongtimeforevenalonewolf,especiallyadominant,buthe’dhadagriponit.Thelackofcontacthadhurtattimes,butithadn’tbeenall-encompassing,threateningtoblindhim.
ThenhadcomeAdriaandtheconstantprickleacrosshisskin,theirritationhehadn’tunderstooduntilshe’dpushedhimtoignitionpoint.Hiscockhardenedatthememoryofhercomingsowildandhotaroundhisfingers,theiceandcrushedberriesofherscentintermingledwithadarkfemininemuskthathadactedlikeadrugonhissenses.She’dbeenrightintheclearing.Nowthathe’dcomeface-to-facewiththeviciouslustthathaddrivenhisresponsetoherfromthestart,hecouldn’tundoit,couldn’tgobacktoatimewhenhedidn’twanther,theechooftheirexplosiveencountertauntinghiminhisdreams.
“Goforit.”Riley’svoicebrokeintohisthoughts.“Felixneedsasmanywarmbodiesashecanget.”Hepulledupafileonhisdatapad.“Grabsomejuvenilesonyourwaydown.”Apause.“Themales.It’llkeepthematernalshappyandmaketheboystootiredtogetintotrouble.”
AsuddenmemorymadeRiazgrin.“RememberthattimeHawke,Coop,you,andIgotcaughtwiththosefilms?”Chapter10
“THOSEFILMSWEREworthscrubbingthetoiletsforamonth.”Riley’sexpressionwassolemn,indirectoppositiontotheamusementdancinginhiseyes.“Ilearnedawholelotofthings.Stilltryingtotrackdownacopyofthatthirdfilm.”
Wolfhuffinginlaughter,histensionmomentarilyeased,Riazwentofftograbthemisbehavingboys.Theygroanedatbeingconscripted,butdidn’tprotest.Instead,fallinginbesideRiazastheyrandownataneasypace,theypepperedhimwithquestionsabouttraining,thebattle,andhowbesttocourtgirlswithoutitcrossingoverintoforbiddenterritory.
ItwasthelastthingRiazwantedtothinkabout,muchlessdiscuss,buthedidn’tsnarlatthelankyyoungteens—fromthewayanumberofthemhadbeenmopingaroundyesterday,they’dobviouslyalreadygottenanearfulfromeitherthematernalsorHawke,morethanlikelyboth.
Pullingontheresourcesthatmadehimalieutenant,heansweredtheirquestionswithblunttruths—therewasnousecoddlingwolfmalesatthisage.Theirlaughterandfriendlyribbingofoneanother,especiallyattheoccasionalembarrassedblush,furthercalmedtheferalwolfinsidehim,untilhewasnearlysanebythetimehearrivedatwhathadbeenawastelanddirectlyafterthebattle,butwasnowahiveofactivity,hundredsofsaplingsalreadysetout,readytobesnuggedintotheearth.
“Shovels.”Hepassedthemoutfromthestockpileinonecorner,thenledhisgroupovertoFelix,whosetthemalltodigging,theactualplantingbeingdonebythosethehorticulturalspecialisthadtrainedinhowtohandletherootsofthesaplings.WhenJoshuashowedaninterestinthetask,FelixpairedthejuvenilewithLucy,sohecouldlearntodoitcorrectly.
Surroundedbythescentsandvoicesofhispack,Riaz’sshouldersrelaxedthatfinalinch.
Thetimepassedinaburnofmuscles,andthemoist,richsmelloftheearthandofbudding,growingthings,andhewasquietlycontentedbythetimedarknesswhisperedonthehorizon.Havingsenttheyoungerkidsbackmuchearlier,withmostoftheotherhelpersfollowinganhourago,heassistedFelixandthesmallgroupthatremainedtidyawaytheemptypots,forgottenshovels,anddiscardedgloves.
“It’samassiveproject,”hesaid,leaningthelastshovelinsidethetemporarystorageshedbeforesteppingbacksoFelixcouldsecurethedoor.
“It’llbedonefasterthanyouknowit.”Doorshut,Felixturnedtowaveoffthefinaltruckbutfortheoneheintendedtodriveup,hisfeaturesasrefinedasanaristocrat’s.Thatclassicallyhandsomeface,combinedwithhismuscledsix-feet-threeframe,hadmadehimasuccessfulmodelwhileincollege.Evennow,luxurygoodscompanieschasedhimtofrontcampaigns,butFelix’struelovewastheearthanditsflora,histhicklylashedbrowneyesbrightwithsatisfactionashelookedoutatwhatthey’dalreadyachieved.“Hawke’sgoingtoconscriptmehelpersonaconstantrotation.Sixweeksmaxandwe’llbedone.”
Theiralphawalkedoveratthatmoment,clappingFelixontheshoulder.“Sixweeks?Bloodyhell,Felix,you’readrillsergeantindisguise.”
Felixgrinned,glancinguptomeetHawke’seyesforafleetingsecondbeforehisgazeskatedaway,hissubmissivenatureuncomfortablewiththeeyecontact.However,hispositioninthehierarchymadenodifferenceonthisplayingfield—here,theyalltookordersfromhim,becausehere,Felixwastheonewhoknewwhathewasdoing.
Now,theothermanshovedhishandsintothefrontpocketsofhisjeans.“I’mpumpedtoseeitcomingtogetherafteralltheplanning.It’lltakeawhilefortheareatoregenerate,butafewyearsfromnow,noonewillbeabletotellthispatchfromanyotherintheterritory.”
Hawkelookedupattheskystreakedwiththefinalfadingembersofsunset,linesoftensionbracketinghismouth.“Ihatethatwe’vegotthismassivegapwherethesatellitescanspyonus.”
“It’sontheedgeoftheterritory,”Riazpointedout.“Unlessyouplantoputonaballetperformancewhilecoveredinnothingbutchickenfeathers,theyaren’tgoingtoseeanythinginteresting.”
“Damn,”Hawkesaidwithastraightface.“AndhereI’dalreadypluckedthechickens.”
Laughing,thethreeofthemheadedforthetruck.Thealphajumpedintotheflatbedattheback,alongsideRiaz.Astheywerethefinalthreetoleave,itwasapeacefulifyetbarrenviewthatdrewawayfromthemwhenFelixstartedtheengineandbeganthejourneyhome.
Backproppedagainstthecabofthetruck,Riazletthewindriflethroughhishair,gruntingwhentherideturnedbumpy.“Doesn’tthisthinghavehoverfacility?”
“I’danswerbutIthinkIjustlostatooth.”
ThehydraulicssoundedontheheelsofHawke’swords,creakingandgroaningbeforetheysuccessfullyliftedthetruckofftheground.
“It’swellpasttimewereplacedthis,”thealphasaid,pattingthesideofthetruck.“ButEliwastheonewhooriginallyboughtitforthepack,andhe’sattachedtotherustbucket.IthinkhecallsitSheila.”
“Sheila?”Riazgrinned.Thiswaswhyhe’dcomehome,heart-bruisedandlickinghiswounds,waryofthesolitudethathadalwaysbeensointegraltohisnature.Noonecouldfixthehurt,buthispack…theygavehimthegiftoflaughter,wrappedhiminwarmth,andkepthimbusy.Untilhecouldalmostforgetthejaggedholethatwashisheart,itsedgesbleedingandraw.
Awildtangleofakiss.Alithefemalebodytwistingagainsthisown,herlegslockingaroundhiswaist.Hisfingersslickwithherneed.Hiscockpulsingwiththeurgetothrustdeep.
Hissingoutasilentbreath,hestrangledtheroarofsensorymemory.He’ddamnwellforgottenhismatethen,hadn’the?Notonlyforgotten,butbetrayedinthebasestoffashions.TheworstofitwasthatthememoryofhishotlyeroticencounterwithAdriaarousedhimeverysingletime,hisgutclenchingnotinrepudiation,butinclaw-rakingdesire.
“Myfather,”Hawkesaidastheypassedundertheshadowofatoweringpine,itsthicktrunkscarredwiththemarksfromahundredclaws,“wasalonewolf.”
Foldinghisarmsonhisknees,Riazcontinuedtokeephiseyesontheforestpathretreatingbehindthem,thefailinglightturningthetreesintodistantsmudges.“Iknow.”AyearolderthanHawke,he’dbeenaganglyboyabouttoheadintohisteenswhenHawke’sfatherwaskilled,thepackdrenchedinblood.
Evensoyoung,Hawkehadalreadybegunshowinghisinclinationtobeatthecenterofpacklife,whileRiazhadpreferredtoprowlalonethroughthemountains.Yetinspiteoftheirdifferences,they’dgottenalong.SomepartofhimhadseenintheboyHawkehadbeen,themanhewouldonedaybecome.Andwhenthepackalmostbrokeunderahailofpainandviolence,he’dmadethedecisiontofollowthatboyratherthanstrikingoutonhisownassomanylonewolvesdid.
“That’swhy,”Hawkecontinued,“Iunderstandlonewolvesbetterthanmost.”
“Yourfatherwasmated.”Itwasthesinglethingthatchangedalonewolf’ssoul-deepneedforlongstretchesofsolitude—transformingitintoadevotionsointense,theybecamemorepossessiveandprotectivethananyoftheirbrethren.Somepeoplesaidalonewolfspenthislifesearchingforthatonepersonwhocouldbecomehislodestar.
“Hehadfriendswhoweren’t.”HawkeproppedhisarmslooselyoverhiskneesinamirrorofRiaz’sposition.“ThatmeansIknowlonewolveshavefriends.Whoareyoutalkingto,Riaz?”Itwasabluntquestion.“NotCoop,orhe’dbedownherekickingyourasssoIwouldn’thaveto.”
Riazgrippedthewristofonehandwiththeother,squeezed.Cooperandhehadgrownuptogether,gottenintotroubletogether,andmadelieutenanttogether.Theothermanknewhimbetterthanalmostanyoneelseonthisearth—whichwaswhyRiazcouldn’taffordtoshowhisfaceinCooper’ssector.TheonlyreasonCoophadn’tpickeduponthefactthatsomethingwaswrongwhenRiazfirstreturnedhome,wasthathe’dbeendistractedbyhispursuitofGrace,thewomanwhowasnowhismate.
Insteadofadmittingthefacthe’dbeenavoidingCoop,Riazsaid,“Sincewhenarewegirlswhohavetohaveheart-to-hearts?”
Hisflippantanswerdidn’tfazeHawke.“YouthinkI’llletyougetawaywithbullshit,youdon’tknowme.”Ahardstare.“Haveyouevenbeentovisityourfolks?”
HisparentswerecurrentlybasedinSanDiego.They’dwantedtobeclosertotheironlygrandchild,three-year-oldMarisol,thechildofhisyoungerbrother,Gage.“Areyouseriouslyaskingmethat?”Itwasasnarlofdisbelief.“OfcourseIwent.RightafterIcamebackintothecountry.”Ifhehadn’t,hismotherwould’vebeenknockingonhisdoor,andtherewould’vebeenhelltopay.NoonemessedwithAbigailDelgado
Hawke’sshoulderbrushedhisasFelixtiltedthevehicletogetaroundanovergrownelderberrybush.“Ithinkyouneedtogovisitthemagain.”
Riaz’swolfbristled.MaybeHawkewasalpha,butRiazwasalieutenant—thatmeanthehadthestrengthandthedominancetobloodytheothermaninafight.“Whatdelusionmakesyouthinkyouhavetherighttogivemeordersaboutmypersonallife?”
Hawke’sresponsewasaharshbarkoflaughter.“Fuck,youremindmeofwhatIwaslikeafewmonthsback.Don’tbeastupidasslikeIwas.”
Riazreleasedhiswrist.Bloodbegantoflowagaininahotrush,causingpainfulpinpricksofsensation.Hawke,hethought,wasperhapstheonepersoninthepackwhowouldn’tjustunderstandbutwouldknowwhatithaddonetohimtoloseLisettewithouteverhavinghadher.Still…“Ican’ttalkaboutityet,”hesaid,thewordsrocksscrapinghisthroat.
“Fine,”Hawkereplied,thewolfinhisvoice.“But,Riaz?You’rehomenow.Thepackisonlygoingtogiveyousomuchrope—andwecertainlywon’tletyouhangyourselfwithit.”
Heshouldleave,Riazthought,getthehellawayfromdenterritory,fromanalphawhosawtoomuch,andmostofall,fromawomanwhoincitedarawsexualhungerthatmadehimsoangryitwasawhite-hotflashthroughhisbloodstream.Butthepainfulfactwas,hewasn’treadytowalkaloneagain,ahardthingforalonewolftoaccept.
MaybeHawkewasright.Maybeheneededtogoseehisfamily.He’deathismother’sdivinecooking,teasehisprettylittlesister-in-law,playwithhisdimpledhellionofaniece,drinkabeerwithGageandhisfather,andgethisheadscrewedonstraight.TheonethinghedidnotneedtodowastogiveintothegnawingcompulsiontotrackthesubtlescentofwildberriescrushediniceuntilhehadAdria’snude,sweat-slickedbodypinnedundertheharddemandofhisown.
ADRIAcamearoundacedar,itsdistinctivered-orangebarkgrayinthedark,toseeSiennawavingather.“Areyoutakingovermyshift?”theyoungerwomanasked.
“Yes.”Again,AdriawasstruckbySienna’syouth,herinstinctsasprotectivetowardthenovicesoldierastheyweretowardEvie.Butshehadtoacceptthatthosecardinaleyes…theywereofsomeonefarolderandwiser.“AnythingIneedtoknow?”
“Seethattreeoverthere?”Siennapointedoutthehugeblackoak,itscanopyasprawlingshadow.“Pairofnestingeagles.Steerclear—they’rebeingveryterritorial.”Shetuggedonherbraid.“IalmostlostthiswhenIventuredtooclose.”
Havingfallenfoulofanestingeagleherselfonce,AdriaknewSiennahadhadaluckyescape.“BeforeIforget—Evieaskedmetoremindyouthatyoutwohaveadinnerdate.”Again,itwasasurprise,thathergentleniecewasbestfriendswiththistoughyoungwomanwho’dbeenforgedindeadlyfire.
“I’vebeenlookingforwardtoitallday.”Aguardedbutnotunfriendlysmile.“Eviesaidyou’reanexpertinmartialarts.”
“Aparticulardiscipline,”Adriacorrected.“It’soneofthemoreaggressiveforms.”She’dhadtoutilizeitinthebattleinabidtoprotectfallenSnowDancersfromtheenemy.Herownearshadbeenbleedingheavilyafterthesonicblast,herbalanceshot,butshe’dstillbeenabletofunctiononsomelevel,andsoshe’dfought.
RightbesideRiaz.
Hisarmallbutflayedtothebonebyalaserburn,hiseardrumsshattered,he’dnonethelessrefusedtogodown.Andwhenshe’dbeentooslowandtakenafracturingkicktotheshoulder,he’dactedasalivingshielduntilshecouldpunchinalocalizedpainkillerandrisetofightagain.Themanmightbeabastardpersonally,Adriathought,herjawtight,buthewasblood-loyalwithunflinchingcourageunderfire.“IwasthinkingoftalkingtoIndigoaboutofferingaclasstohernovices,”shesaid,stranglingherbody’sunwantedresponsetothoughtsofthedark-hairedlonewolf.“Areyouinterested?”
Animmediatenod.“ThereasonIwasaskingisbecauseEvietoldmeitcanbemodifiedtosuitaphysicallysmallerindividual.”
Smartgirl—awarenotonlyofherstrengthsbutalsoherweaknesses.Thenagain,noalphawolf,muchlessHawke,would’vebeenattractedtoanyonewhodidn’thaveabrain.“Yes,absolutely.Thismightbeoneofthetimeswesplitclassesaccordingtoheightandweight.”Sheglancedatherwatch.“You’dbetterheadbackorI’llhearallaboutitfromEvietomorrow.”
Siennalaughed,morecomfortablewithAdriathansheusuallywaswithpeopleshedidn’tknowwell.Anditwasn’tbecausetheseniorsoldiersharedastrongfamilyresemblancewiththeRivierewomen,allofwhomSiennatrusted.Thetruthwas,AdriaremindedSiennamostofRiley.
Theybothhadthesamequiet,unflashyconfidenceintertwinedwithanearthywarmth,thesamesenseofbeingarockinthestorm.Siennadidn’tknowthepackaswellasHawkedid,butshehadthegut-deepfeelingAdriawouldsoonbecomeoneoftheunspokenanchorsintheden,awomanpeoplewenttoforlevelheadedadvicegivenwithoutjudgmentorpity.
Asshesaid,“Haveanicenight,”andheadedoff,shesawAdria’ssmilefade,tobereplacedbyamuchmorestarkexpression,hereyesgoingtheamberofherwolf.Anditstruckherthatperhaps,theprotectivearmorofsomeonelikeAdriawasthehardestofalltopenetrate—becauseshegavetheappearanceofbeinganopenbook…untilnoonewasevenawareofthetangledemotionsthatmightliebeneath.Chapter11
VASQUEZ’SGREATESTSKILLwasingoingunnoticed.ItwaspartofwhyCouncilorHenryScotthadhandpickedhimtoleadthePurePsyarmybeforetheconfrontationwiththechangelings.ThefactVasquezhadsurvivedthatannihilationspokebothtohisintelligenceandhisabilitytocomeoutontopinanygivensituation.
AndthefacthecontinuedtosupportPurePsyevenascivilwarloomedinthePsyNetspoketohisbeliefthatSilencewastheirrace’sonlyhopeforsurvival.Hisdedicationtothecausehadnothingtodowithsomethingasuselessanddebilitatingasemotion,forhisconditioningwasflawless,andeverythingtodowithhistory:WhohadthePsybeenbeforeSilence?
Abrokenraceonthevergeofextinction,murderousandinsane.
Now,theyruledtheworld…orhaddoneuntilthechangelingsgainedaclawholdonpower.Eventhehumanswerestirring.AllasaresultofaweakCouncil,itsmembersineffectualinholdingbackthetideofthelesserraces.ThatCouncilwasnolongeranissue,andVasquezhadanewsetoforders.
Repeatingthembacktoensurehe’dunderstoodcorrectly,henoddedtothepersonwhohadgivenhimthoseorders.“Ibelievewehavethreeoperativescapableofundertakingthetask,butIwanttowatcheachcarefully,doanotherdeepbackgroundcheckbeforeIconsiderwhichonetoapproach.Wemustbecertainoftheoperative’scommitment.”
Good.Nomistakesthistime.
Respondingverballytothetelepathicstatement,hesaid,“No.Thistime,evenanXwillbepowerlesstostopus.”Chapter12
“NEXTTIMEYOUdecidetostayinthecitytoattendalectureseries,”SiennatoldEviewhenshearrivedatthedentofindtheyoungestRivierewomanwaitingforher,“takeyourcellphone.”
Eviewrinkledhernose.“Taialreadygrowledatmeforforgettingwhenhepickedmeupyesterday.”
“Idoubtit—Tailetsyougetawaywithmurder.”
“Hedid.”Eviefoldedherarms,butherlipsweretwitching.“ThankGod.Iwasbeginningtowonderifheplannedtotreatmelikeporcelainforever.”
Siennasnorted.“PoorTai’sgoingtogetarudeawakeningthefirsttimeherealizesyouhaveaspineofsteel.”Eviehadaninternalstrengththat’dtakeherthroughanystorm.
“Heknows,”Eviesaid,unhiddentendernessinherdeepgrayeyes.“He’salsoadominantmale,sohethinkshe’llalwaysbeabletogethisownwayifhepusheshardenough.”
“Iknowallaboutthat.”
Evie’slaughterwrappedaroundthembeforeherbestfriendlinkedherarmthroughSienna’s.“Howabout—”Shebitoffherwords.“Iwasgoingtosayhowaboutwegrabsomefoodfromthekitchenandgotoyourquarters,butyouhaveamatenow.”Alookofpuredelight.
“Hawke’snotintheden.”HewasinameetingwithLucas,Nikita,Anthony,andNikita’ssecuritychief,Max.Sheknewthatbecausehe’ddetouredonhiswayoutofdenterritorytokissher,theirbodiespressingchesttotoeinthataffectionatechangelingwayshe’donceenviedinothercouples.Itwasutterlyaswonderfulasshe’dthoughtitwouldbe.
“Meetingwasmeanttobetomorrow,”he’dtoldher,hisbreathahotcaressagainstherlips.“ButNikita”—agrowlingtone—“hastoheadurgentlyoutofthecitytosortoutabusinesssituation,soit’sbeenbroughtforward.Normally,Iwouldn’tcareifshelostsomeofherbillions,butitmightaffectaworkforceofathousand-plus.”
“Areyougettingtogethertodoasecurityreview?”EveryoneintheregionhadworkedtogethertorepelPurePsy,andthatcooperationcontinuedintheaftermath.
“Yes.Thepresentcalm’snoexcusetoletdownourguard.Especiallywithwhat’sapparentlyhappeninginthePsyNet.”
Puttingaside—fortonightatleast—thesolemnknowledgethatwhatwascomingwouldlikelybefarworsethanwhathadalreadygone,SiennaglancedatEvie.“Comeon,there’sfoodinthegalleyinourquarters.”
“Tellmeyouhavesnacks,”Eviesaidafterthey’dentered.“We’llbehealthyandhavevegetableslater.”
“I’mPsy.Idon’teatsnacks.”Itwassomethingshe’doncesaidtoEvie,bewilderedbytheotherwoman’soverturesoffriendship.Eviehadn’tbackedoff,herstubbornnesssweet,gentle—andrelentless.
Now,thetwoofthemlaughedasshegrabbedabagofpotatochipsforEvie,aswellasatoffeeappleforherself.HeradditionstothegalleyhadmadeHawkeshakehishead…thenbringherasugar-ladentreateveryFriday.Bitingintotheapplewithasmile,shedroppedintothesofabesideEvieandtoedoffherbootsandsocks,proppingherfeetonthecoffeetable.
“That’llrotyourteeth,”Eviesaid,crunchingonapotatochip,thelustrousebonyofherhaircurlingovertheshouldersofherwhitecashmerecardigan.
“Pot.Kettle.Black.”
“GodIlovesalt.”Anothercrunch.“SinceIhavenoshame,I’mgoingtoaskyouwhat’sitlikebeingmated.”
“Wonderful.”Breathtakingenoughthatitscaredherattimes.“It’stheotherthingsthatshakemeupnowandthen.”
“Suchas?”
Siennahadtofinagletoffeefromherteethbeforeshecouldspeak.“SuchasknowingI’vebecomepartofthecenterofthepackwhenmynaturalinclinationistobeontheperiphery.”ShewasanX,acardinal,hadbeentrainedtobeacovertoperative.“Ifeelsoexposedsometimes.”Asifeveryonewaswatchingher
Eviegotuptograbthembottlesoffruitjuice.“That’snormal,Sin.Anywomanwhomatesanalpha—forgetaboutmatingthealphaofthebiggestchangelingpackinthecountry—isgoingtostressalittleatthesuddenchangeinstatusandresponsibility.Ifyoudidn’t,you’dbearobot.”
Siennaknewthattone.“YouthinkIneedtocutmyselfsomeslack.”
“IknewconstantsexwithHawkehadn’trottedyourbrains.”
Siennaalmostchokedonthebiteofappleinhermouth.Gulpingthejuicetowashitdown,shepointedafingeratEvie.“Ishouldbeusedtothethingsthatcomeoutofyourmouthbynow.”
Eviesmiled,beatific.
Shakingherhead,Siennasaid,“Thanksfortheadvice.”Eviehadawayofcuttingrighttotheheartofamatter,anddoingsowithakindnessthatwasinnate
“You’rewelcome,Ms.TypeAPersonality.”Agentlenudgefollowedbyaglimpseofopenvulnerability.“Tobehonest,Iwasalittleworriedourrelationshipwouldchangewithyoubeingmated.It’snicetoknowyoustillwanttotalklikeweusedto.”
“I’llalwaysneedtotalktoyou,Evie.”FriendshipwasacherishedgifttoSienna,theoneshesharedwithEvieherfirstanddeepest.“Iwasscared,too,”sheconfessed,“thatmaybeyouwouldn’tfeelcomfortablewithmeanymore,wouldcensoryourself.”
Evierolledhereyes.“Idiot.”
AknotSiennahadn’tevenbeenawareofunraveledinherchest.“Talkingofmating—youandTai?”
“There’snobond,”Eviesaid,followingSiennatothegalleyasshehuntedouttheingredientsforasalad.“That’snotunusualatourage.Buthe’smine.”Shebegantowashthelettuce.“I’mgoingtomakehimgetan‘IbelongtoEvie’tattoo.”
Siennalaughed.“Possessivemuch?”
“Tai’soblivious”—asatisfiedsmile—“butsomeoftheolderwomenhavebeengivinghimtheeyesincehefilledout.”Evie’sowneyesshiftedfromgraytoavividyellow-gold.“JustbecauseI’msubmissivedoesn’tmeanIwon’tfindcreativeandnastywaystomakethemsorryiftheydarecomeontomyman.”
“I’llhelpyou.”
“Ofcourseyouwill.It’sinthebestfriendcode.”
Suchanordinarybyplay,butoneshecouldn’thaveimaginedhavingfiveyearsago.Herlifehadshiftedonitsaxismorethanonceduringthattime,butshe’dfoundherfootingbeforeandshe’ddoitagaininthis,mostexcitingnewchapterinherlife.
Apulsealongthematingbond,a“kiss”fromherwolf,areminderthatnomatterwherethejourneytookher,shewouldneveragainbealoneinthedark.
RIAZhadn’twarnedhismotherofhisintentiontovisit,sowhenhewalkedintothehousemidmorningthenextday,shenotonlydroppedtheplateofcookiesshewasholding…butburstintotears.
Riazwould’vebeenalarmedexceptthatshewascuppinghisfaceinhersofthandsandkissinghischeeks,speakingtwothousandmilesanhourinarapid-firemixofEnglishandSpanishassheberatedhimforstayingawaysolong.
Droppinghisovernightbagontheotherwisespotlesslycleanfloor,heenfoldedherdiminutiveforminhisarms,thesoftnesssheinsistedoncallingher“padding”andhisfathercalled“sexyashell,”familiarandcomforting.
Herarmswrappedaroundhiminreturn,strongassteel.Chinrestingonherhair,hebreathedinfragrantspringflowers,sugar,andwarmth.Itwasthescentofkissesonskinnedknees,hugsafterschool,proudtoucheswhenhemadesoldier,amillionfragmentsofmemory.
“You’restaying,”shesaid,drawingbackandliftingtheedgeofheraprontowipeawaytheremnantsofhertears.
Heknewanorderwhenheheardit.“Yes,ma’am.”
Thatgothimapatonthecheekanda“Sit,I’llbringyoucookies.”
Hepickedupthebroominsteadtosweepupthedetritusfromthebrokenplateanditscontents,gotalookofapproval.Riazhidagrin.Hewaswelltrained.“Where’sDad?”Hisfather,Jorge,hadretiredfromhisjobasateacherbutstillspentmostdayshandlingissuestodowiththepupsandjuvenilesintheSanDiegoarea—itkepthimcontent,andoutofhiswife’shair.
“We’rebringingagroupoftheyoungonestothematingceremony.Jorgeisorganizingthefinaldetailstoday.”
RiazknewHawkewouldbedelighted.“It’llbegoodtoseeyouthere.”
Takingoffherapronafterputtingoutafreshplateofcookiesforhim,hismothersaid,“Ihavetogotothegrocerystoreinabit—doyouwanttotrackdownyourbrother?I’msureyoucantalkGageintotakinganearlyday.”
Shakinghishead,Riazsaid,“I’lldriveyou.”
Hismotherlaughedanddraggedhimdownsoshecouldrufflehishair.“Mypreciousboy.You’regoingtomakesomewomanveryhappyoneday.”
Ittookefforttokeepthesmileonhisface,tonotlethismotherseewhatherwordsdidtohim.Wrappinganarmaroundher,hetuckedheragainsthissideandtemptedherintoacookie,determinedtoenjoyhistimeinSanDiego…buthecouldn’tescapethejaw-clenchingrealizationthatallthoughtsofLisettewerenowlinkedtoAdriaandthedesirethathadscorchedthemboth.
ADRIAranintoHawkeonherwaytoameetingthatafternoon.WhenhementionedthatRiazwasinSanDiego,shockturnedherbreathless.NotbecauseRiazhadleftthedenforwhatappearedtobeashortvisittohisfamily,butbecauseofherownresponsetotheknowledge.
Atremorofreliefrippledoverherskin,herspinenolongertightwithafineever-presenttension.Shewasn’tsonaiveastobelievetheattractionhadrunitscourse—nothingthatgut-wrenchinglydeepcouldbesoeasilyconquered.Evennow,embersofdarkestneedflickeredinherblood.No,theonlyreasonforherreliefwasbecausewithhimgone,therewasnolongeranychanceshe’dforgethervowtokeepherdistancefromamanwhohadmadeitcrystalclearhe’drathersleeponabedofnailsthanwithher.
“Howareyougoingwiththeterritorialexploration?”
Hawke’squestionsnappedherheadbackintothegame—sheknewheralphahadtobeevaluatingherperformanceasatransfer.“I’mdoinganewsectioneachday.IdiscussitwithEliorRileybeforeandaftertomakesureIdon’tmissanything.”
Thelightcaughtonthedistinctivesilver-goldofHawke’shairashecockedhisheadafractiontotheright—thewolf,listeningtoher.“Good,”hesaid,hiseasyexpressiondoingnothingtotonedownthesenseofnakedpowerthatclungtohimlikeasecondskin.“Anotherthing,Adria”—amomentofsearingeyecontact—“ifthereareanyissuesIneedtobeawareof,youletmeknow.”
“Ofcourse.”Leavingthealpha,hersensespricklingwiththeknowledgethatHawkesawfarmorethaneitherpartofherwantedhimtosee,shemadeherwaytotheweeklyseniorsoldiersmeeting.Elias,themaninchargeofthegroup,ribbedhergentlyforbeinglate,beforecallingthemeetingtoorderfromhisleaningstanceagainstascarredwoodendesksosturdyitwouldtakefourmentoshift.
Itwasaperfectfitforabreakroomthatwashappilyshabbywithitsworn-infurnitureandmassivenoticeboardhungwithpartyinvites,take-outmenus,printoutsoftheroster,andaneclecticcollectionofphotos.Wordwas,thematernalfemaleshadbeenpolitelybutimplacablyrebuffedwhenthey’dmadenoisesaboutrefurbishingittomatchthebrightnewcommunityareasintheden.
Adriawasglad—thisroomhaditsownidentity,itssteady,comfortablelookreflectingthepragmaticmenandwomenwhomostoftenusedit.Unlikethelieutenants,whohadtodealnotonlywithpoliticalissuesbutalsowithmattersthatcrossedsectors,seniorsoldiershadchargeoftheday-to-daysecurityandrunningoftheirparticularsectoroftheterritory.Rileytookcareofoverallassignments,makingcertainthedominantsinthedenfunctionedasasmoothunit,butEliaswastheonewhohandledissuesspecifictotheseniorsoldiers.AnditwashisadviceRileyaskedwhenthelieutenantwantedtoknowhowbesttoutilizethosemenandwomen.
“Right,”Eliasnowsaid,“firstthingwehavetodoishashoutassignmentsduringthematingceremony.”
Adriakneweveryonewouldwantachancetoattendthecelebration,butthepack’sterritorycouldn’tbeleftundefended.“One-hourrotatingshifts?”shesuggestedfromherseatonasofabesidedark-eyedSimran.“Wehaveenoughpeopleevenwithoutthelieutenants.”Indigo,Riaz,Judd,andRileywouldneedtoremainatthePackCircle.
Kieranlinkedhishandsbehindhisheadandleanedback,balancinghischairprecariouslyontwolegs.“Worksforme.”Thesmoothbrownofhisskingleamedwithhealth.“Butanyoneontheinnerperimeterwillhavetodoatwo-hourblock—havetoallowtraveltime.Outerperimeter’sgoingtobeaproblem.It’stoofar.”
“Catshaveagreedtocoverit.”Eliasshookhishead.“Don’tknowwhenwestoppedtryingtoskinthemfortheirpeltsandstartedtotrustthem.”
“Shame,Icould’veusedanewrug,”somewitcommentedfromtheback.
Adriagrinned.Liketheothers,herownwolfwasstillgettingusedtoanalliancethathadgonebeyondbloodandtotheheart.ForapacklikeSnowDancertotrustitsborderstoanyone,muchlessaleopardpackstrongenoughtobeathreat,spokeoftiessodeep,nothingwouldfracturethem.
Thechangehadn’thappenedovernight.Ithadtakenyears…yearswhileshe’dbeentrappedinamber,drivenbyapainfulhopethathaddiedaslow,crueldeath.But,shethought,neverwouldshehavetolookbackandwonderifshe’dgivenuptoosoon.No,she’dtried.Untilherheartbroke.
“Backtotheshifts,”Elisaid,deepbrownhairtheshadeofburnttoffeeslidingacrosshisforehead.“Anyonewhotakestheinnerperimeteronlyhastodoasingleshiftforthenight,soifyouwantoneofthose,letmeknow.”
Therewereafewraisedhands,mostlyfromthosewhowantedtohavetheearlypartoftheeveningoffsotheycouldattendtheceremonywiththeirchildren.“And,”oneofthempointedout,“it’snotliketheparty’sgoingtostop.”
Aroundoflaughterfollowed,deepeningwhenDrewquippedsomethinginhisusualslyway.Adriahadbeensurprisedtoseehimatthefirstmeetingshe’dattended,hisplaceinthehierarchywassomutable,butshesupposedhewastechnicallyclosesttotheseniorsoldiers.Ofcourse,Riley’sbrotherandIndigo’smatehadawayofbeingwelcomeanywherehewent—she’dspottedhimwiththemechanicstheotherday.
“Okay,nowthatthat’ssorted,”Eliassaid,glancingonceagainattheboardonwhichhe’dscribbledhisnotes.“Weneedtotalkabout—”
“Hey,Eli,”Kieraninterrupted,gray-greeneyeswickedwithmischief.“Isthatoneofthosescratch-and-writeboardstheyuseatelementaryschool?”
“What?”Unfazed,Eliascontinuedtowriteonthepinkslate.“Youjustnoticed?”
Adrialaughed,wonderingifSakurahadgiventheboardtoherfather.Frombesideher,Simransaid,“Ithinkit’sgreat.”
“You’reagirl,”Kieranpointedout.“It’spink.Manlymenspitonpink.”
Roundlybooedbythefemalesintheroom,Kieranthrewouthisarms.“Hey,hey,Ilikegirls.”Purecharm.“Alot.”
“Quiet,”Eliassaidinhisno-nonsenseway,“orwe’llbehereallday.Nextthingweneedtosortoutaresomenewtrainingmodules.WenowhaveaclimberwithLevel4certificationinthegroup,soshe’llbedoingalessontomorrowforthoseofyouwhoclimblikebearsafterhibernation.”
IttookAdriaasecond—andElias’samusedlook—torealizeshe’dbeenvolunteered.Chapter13
“WORKSFORME.”Climbinghadalwaysbeenahugejoyforher—tothepointthatMartinhadoncejokedshemust’vebeenacatinaformerlife.Itwasinfacttheonethingthey’denjoyeddoingtogetheralmosttotheend.Asifinfacingthechallengeofamountainorasheercliffface,they’dbecomepartnersoncemoreratherthanadversaries.“Icanhandlethelessononmyown,”shesaid,gentlyclosingthelidonmemoriesthathadnoplaceinhernewlife,“butIhearDrew’sagoodclimber,too.”
“Yes,heis.Whichiswhyhe’llberunningthingswithyou.”
Drewsalutedherfromacrosstheroom.Shecouldn’thelpbutsmile—howcouldshedoanythingbutlovethemanwhoadoredthewomanwhowas,ineverywaythatmattered,hersister.“Level?”sheaskedElias.
“Beginnertointermediate.Wecan’tkeeplettingthecatsshowusupwhenitcomestoclimbing.”
Several“Hellyeahs”soundedfromaroundtheroom.
Adriashookherhead.“Don’tgetanyideasaboutscramblingaroundinthetreesliketheydo”—theirbodieswerejustbuiltdifferently—“butIcangetyoutoacompetentlevelifwedothelessonsonceaweekfor,say,twomonths.”
“Done.”Eliasglancedaround.“Youknowifyouneedthecourse—stickyournamedownsoIcanmakesureyou’renotonshiftatthetime.”
Alazyvoice—Brody—drawledaquestionfromtheback.“I’dliketogetinsomeadvancedsnipertrainingwhilethingsarequiet.CanyouropeinJuddorDorian?”
Nodding,Eliasmadeanothernote,thenthegrouptookcareofacoupleofothermattersbeforebreakingup.Drewwalkedovertodiscusstheirjointtaskastheothersambledout.“Yougottimenowtoscoutalocationandtalkabouthowwewanttorunthefirstsession?”
“Yes.”Walkingoutbesidehim,shegrabbedanapplefromthebowlbythedoor.
Drew’dalreadytakenabiteofhisbythetimeshepolisheditonhershirtandbitin.Thecrunchwassatisfying,thesweetnessrefreshing,theairoutsidethedenacoolcaress.Asapartner,Drewwasflexibleandintelligent,andtheyhadnoproblemsmappingoutastrategyforthelesson.
Thatlesson,whenitrolledaroundthenextafternoon,wentdownlikeahouseonfire.Surroundedbyherpeers,dirtyanddustyandsweaty,shefeltasenseofabsoluterightness.Thiswashome.
Nothingandnoonewasgoingtopushherout.
SIENNAwenttoavoidRiordan’skick,butknewshe’dmovedafractionofaninstanttoolate.Shewincedatthewhackshewasundoubtedlyabouttogettotheribsexcept…nothinghappened.Blinking,sherealizedhe’dpulledthekick.Nothingwrongwiththat—shediditherselfallthetimeintraining,becausetheaimwasn’ttobeatyourfellowcombatantsbloody,buttoteachandtestoneanother.Theonlyproblemwas,Riordanshould’vestilltappedherhardenoughthatshe’drememberhererror.
Somethinghotanddarkandinfuriatedboiledinherblood.“Whatwasthat?”shedemanded,haltingthesession.
“What?”Heshovedahandthroughhischocolate-darkcurls.
“Thatexcuseforakick.”
“Youstoppedustocritiqueme?”Hescowled.“Youcandothatafter—let’sgetbacktoitbeforeIgogray.”
Alreadystressedoverthematingceremonythefollowingday,Siennawasnotinthemoodformalewolfbullshit.“HowaboutIincinerateyourhairsoyoudon’thavetoworryaboutthat?”Itjustslippedout.
Shewaitedforfeartofilleyesthathadalwayslookedatherwithfriendlyaffection,stomachcurdlingathererror—she’dplayfullythreatenedHawkewithsingedeyebrows,buthadbeensocarefulnottoremindtherestofthepackofwhatshewas.Butinsteadoffear,allshegotwasan“awshucks”grinandashrug.“Ifiguredyouwouldn’twanttobebruisedforyourbigdaytomorrow.”Charmingeyes,bigandbrownandguileless.
Italmostmadesense.Exceptnowthatshethoughtaboutit,sherealizedhe’ddonethesamethingduringtheirlasttrainingsession—onlyhe’dbeenabitmorecunningaboutit,grazinghersosheknewshe’dbeen“hit.”However,inspiteofhisboyishcharm,Riordanwasadominant.Themoreshepushedhimtoadmitwhathe’dbeenupto,themoreintractablehe’dget.“Okay,”shesaidwithasmileshehopeddidn’tbetrayherbloodthirstymood.“Thanks.Ready?”
Hedroppedbackintothecorrectstance.
Notgivinganywarning,shewentathimfulltilt—herfootconnectedhardwithhisribs,herelbowwithhisjaw,herfistwithhisstomach.Shedidkeepherblowsawayfromhisprettyface,sincehehadadatefortheceremony.However,whenheblockedhermovesbutmadenoaggressiveonesofhisown,shenarrowedhereyesandwenttokickhimupsidethehead,which,ifitconnected,wouldsurelycreateanicebigblack-and-bluebruisedownonesideofhisface.
“Fuck!”Slammingupahand,hegrippedherankletheinstantbeforeshewould’vemadecontactwithhisskullandflungherawayandtotheground,comingdownontopofheraninstantlater,hismuchheavierbodypinninghersfacedownonthemat.“Youtryingtokillme?”Itwasagrowl.
Insteadofreplyingandthoughhe’dknockedalltheairoutofher,shewenttoslamherheadbackintohisface.Hejerkedoutofthewaywithanotherbrutalword,settingherfree.Pressinguptotakeaseatedpositiononthemat,sheraisedaneyebrowatRiordanwhenhegaveheradistinctlywarylookfromwherehesatontheotherside.“Oh,sorry,”shesaidwithsweetnessthatwould’vedoneacandybarproud,“wereweonlypretendingtotrain?”
Anothergrowl,thisoneharshandfromthechest.“You’remyalpha’smate,”hesnappedoutwitharawangershe’dneverbeforewitnessedinhim.“Mywolfcan’thurtyou.”
Itknockedtheairoutofheralloveragain.She’dbeensofocusedonhowpackmateswouldfeelabouthernowthattheyknewofthecoldfire,shehadn’treallyconsideredthemoredirecteffectofherrelationshipwithHawke—especiallysinceherclosestfriend,Evie,hadbeensoeasyaboutit.Butthefactwas,shewasn’tjustSiennaLauren,novicesoldierandRiordan’sfriendanymore.ShewasSiennaLaurenSnow,matetotheSnowDanceralpha.
Stunnedbythefar-reachingimplicationsofRiordan’sstatement,ittookherseverallongsecondstoformulateherreply.“Analphacanbechallenged,”shesaidslowly,“solower-rankedsoldierscangetaggressivetowardhim,andbyextension,hismate.”
Sighing,Riordanfellbackward,untilhelayflatonhisback.“DoyouknowwhatHawkewoulddotomeifIhurtyou?”
“Notiftheinjuryhappenedinthiscontext.”Nomatterhisprotectiveness,Hawkewouldnevergetinthewayofherdevelopmentandgrowthasasoldier.He’dtakenhertothematmorethanoncewhenhethoughtshewasgettinglazywithherphysicaltraining—nottomention,hewastheonewho’dthrownherintothatphysicaltraininginthefirstplace.
“Ifyoucan’toraren’tabletograspthat,”shesaid,“I’llaskIndigotomakesurewe’renotpartneredupagain.”Itwasn’tathreat,buttheofferofafriendwhounderstoodhiswolf’snature.“Noharm,nofoul.”
Riordansnappedupintoasittingposition.“You’reflickingmeoffbecauseIdon’twanttohityouhardenoughtobruise?”Simmeringfury.
“I’msayingIcan’tgetbetterifmypartnertreatsmelikefinechina.”Herenemiescertainlywouldn’tworryabouthurtingherwhentheycameafterher,andnotallofthemwouldusesolelypsychicmethods.“IneedtobelethalineverywayifI’mgoingtosurviveMingandtherestoftheCouncil.”
Riordanblewoutaharshbreath.“Itmakesmesoangrythatyouhavetothinkaboutshitlikethat.”
Shewastheonewhoshruggedthistime.“It’spartoflife.”Thegoodthingsmorethanmadeupforthebad.
Gettingtohisfeet,Riordanheldouthishand,tuggingherupwhensheacceptedtheoffer.“Okay,”hesaidquietly.“I’llstopholdingback.ButSin…I’mawolf.Itmightgetsketchyattimes.”Amockpunchtoherjaw.“Justthumpmearoundtheheadtosetmestraight.”
Hersmilewasinherheart.“Deal.”
Laterthatnight,whenHawkegotintobedafteralongcommmeeting,shesnuggledintothewildheatofhimandtoldhimofherconfrontationwithRiordan.“Hewasmuchbetterafter,evenpulledmeuponacoupleofmistakes.”
Hawkefoldedonearmunderhishead,theotheraroundher,hisfingerstracingcurvingpatternsonherlowerback.“Iwasexpectingsomeofthat—you’retheonlyonewhocandealwithit.”
Becausetheinstanthesteppedin,henegatedherpower.“Thankyou,”shesaid,runningherfootoverhisshin,“forlovingmeenoughtoletmefightmyownbattles.”
Hefistedhishandinherhair.“No—someI’mclaimingasmyright.”
“Okay.Aslongasyoudon’tgetgreedyandtrytohandlethemall.”Sensinghissurprise,shebracedherselfononeelbowandlookeddownintotheincrediblebeautyofhisnight-gloweyes,thetranslucentbluelitwithwhitefire.“Gorgeouswolf.”
“Ilikethewayyoupetme.”
“Before,”shesaid,strokingherfingersdownhischestinacaressthatpleasuredthemboth,“Iusedtofightyouallthetimebecauseitfeltasifyoudidn’ttrustmetodoanything,asifIhadtoforceyoutoseeme.”Shepressedherfingerstohislipswhenhescowled,wenttospeak.“Doesn’tmatterifitwastrueornot—that’showIfelt.
“NowIknowdifferent…soIcangiveinsometimes.”Suchconscioussurrenderwouldn’tchangehiswolf’srespectforher,wouldn’tmakehimthinkheranyless.Itwouldsimplyletthatwolfknowshetrustedhimwithhervulnerability—andthatwasasimportantasherownpride.
Hawkemovedwithquicksilvergracetopresshertoherback,hismuscledthighpushingbetweenherown,hishandstillclenchedinherhair.Hiskiss,whenitcame,wasahotlytenderthing.“Sostrong,mySienna,sobeautiful.”Hismouth,wetandpossessivedownthelineofherthroat,makingherbodyarchtowardhim.“Thankyou,”hesaidinarumblingechoofherownwords,“forlovingmeenoughtounderstandmyneedtotakecareofyou.”
“Hawke.”
“Shh…LiebackandthinkofEngland.”
Laughterreawakenedinsideofher,bubblingitswaypasttherawburnofemotion.“I’dratherthinkofyou.”
Shefelthissmileagainstthecurveofherabdomen,hisjawroughwithstubblethatmadehershiverashekissedhiswayoh-so-slowlydownherbody.Chapter14
THEDAYOFHawkeandSienna’smatingceremonydawnedbrightandclear.ThoughAdriahaddoneaneveningshift,shewasupandawakebyten,readytopitchinwiththefinalpreparations.Nell,thematernalfemaleincharge,assignedhertogruntworkinthekitchens.Adriawasperfectlyhappywiththat—shelikedworkingwithherhands,evenifitwasonlytopeeltwothousandpotatoes.
“Hey.”Abroad-shoulderedmanwithdarkhairandtannedskinpulledupastoolacrossfromher,hissmilewide,thedimpleinhisleftcheekgivinghimaroguishair.“I’vebeensenttojointhefootsoldiers.”Heheldupapeeler.“Name’sSam.You’reAdria,right?”
Itwasimpossiblenottosmileback.“Yes.”
“Ididn’tknowIndigohadanothersister.”
Themistakewasaneasyonetomakeifyoudidn’tknowthefamilywell.“Tarah’smysister,”shesaid.“SoI’mtechnicallyIndigo’saunt.”
“Bullshit.”Linesbetweenhiseyebrows.
Herwolfwasatonceamusedanddelighted.“Scout’shonor.”Herparentshadbeen—accordingtohermother—“deliriouslyecstatic”attheirsurprisepregnancysoonafterthey’dcelebratedthematingoftheireldestchild.
Indigohadbeenbornamerefouryearslater.
“Huh.”Alongpauseastheypeeled.“So,youhaveadateforthematingceremony?”
Itfeltgoodtobeflirtedwith,toexerciseherownrustyflirtationskills.“Areyoutellingmeyou’renottaken?”
Ashrug.“Ididn’twanttomakeanyonejealous,soIwasgoingtogostag,butnow…”Alooksocharmingitcould’vecomefromafeline.Impressive,giventhatSamwashuman.
Shealmostsaidyes—hewasadorableandsexyandfrankabouthisattractiontoher.But…hewassoinnocent.Inhislatetwentiesandclearlybothtoughandcourageousfromwhatshe’dseenofhisactionsonthebattlefield,butnotevenalittlehard.Thoughtheactualagegapbetweenthemwaslikelytobefiveorsixyears,shefeltancientincomparison.“I’mnotgoodforyou,Sam.”
Hissmilefadedatherquietwords,hisbrowneyesvelvetsoftandintent.“MaybeI’mgoodforyou,hmm?”Hepeeledanotherpotato,asifwaitingforhertosaysomethingelse.Whenshedidn’t,heissuedadramaticsigh.“Fine,I’llacceptdefeat—ononecondition.”
God,butshelikedhim.“Doesn’tsoundmuchlikeacceptingdefeat.”
“I’maSnowDancer.”Asinfulgrin.“Promiseyou’lldanceasmanydanceswithmeasIwant.”
“Justdancing,”shesaid,pinninghimwithagrimstare.Itwouldn’tbefairtoSamtopermithimtothinkitmightprogressanyfurther—notwhenherwolfremainedfixatedonanotherman.Thepainful,unwanteddesirewassomethingshe’dconquer,butshewouldnothurtanyoneelsealongtheway.
“Okay.”Sam’ssuspiciouslymeekagreementwasfollowedbyasmugsmile.
Adorable,shethoughtagain,knowinghe’ddefinitelytrytosneakakissifnothingelse.“Sam.”Laughtercancelledoutherattempttobestern.Allatonce,shefeltlightandyoungandcarefree,somethingshe’dneveragainexpectedtofeel.
Dimpleappearingtodangerouseffect,hetouchedherbootwithhis,playfulasapup.“We’llhavefun.”
“Yes,”shesaid,herwolfpaddinghappilyinsideherskin,“Ithinkwewill.”
RESTEDandcalmedbythetimehe’dspentinSanDiegobeforereturningtothedenonanearlymorningflight,withhisparentsandtheirchargestofollowthatafternoon,Riazhelpedsetupthesoundsystemfortheceremony—well,mostlyheheftedthingswhilethetechstoldhimwhattodo.“Ithinkthey’reenjoyingthisalittletoomuch,”hesaidtoEliaswhenheandtheseniorsoldierpausedforawaterbreak.
“Howoftendotheygettogiveorderstoalieutenant?”Eliasgrinned…andalmosttumbledforwardwhenasmallwhirlwindattackedhimfrombehind,wrappingherarmsaroundhislegs.
“Daddy!”
ThrowinghisbottleofwatertowardRiaz,EliasreachedbacktograbSakura,haulingherupintohisarms.“Youalmostmademedoaface-plant,babygirl.”
Sakuragiggled,herfinefeaturespaintedwiththewell-knownmarkingsofafictionalwarriorprincess.“Nealwaschasingme.”Shepeeredoverhisshoulder.“Therehecomes!”Wrigglingoutofherfather’shold,shetookoffaroundthecorner,armsandlegspumpingwithastrengththatbeliedherthinframe.
Aboyheragestreakedbyamomentlater,afluorescentgreenwaterbombheldinhand.
Wolfstretchinginamusement,RiazreturnedElias’swaterbottle.“Lookslikethekidshavestartedthepartyearly.”
Insteadofreplyinginkind,theseniorsoldierstaredafterwherethechildrenhaddisappeared,hisexpressionpensive.
“Don’tworry,”Riazsaid,thinkingEliwasworriedtheboywouldhurtSakura.“Drewcheckedthewaterbombs.Theydon’thitwithanykindofimpact—it’sjustaboutgettingtheotherpersonwet.”
“What?Oh.”Eliasshookhishead,shovingahandthroughhissweat-damphair.“No,it’snotthat.”Apauseashedrank.“Thingis…Ihaven’tseenthatsmileonherfacesincebeforetheburns.”
HitbylaserfireinanunprovokedPurePsyattack,Eliashadsufferedinjuriessosevere,he’dbeeninshockbythetimetheygothimtotheinfirmary.LittleSakurahadbeendisconsolate—shewastheappleofherdaddy’seye,hersadnessallthemorepoignantforbeingsosilent.She’dbeenthisbig-eyed,shockedwaifithadbrokenthepack’shearttosee.
RiazknewbothEliandhismate,Yuki,continuedtoworryaboutthelong-termimpactofthetraumaontheirchild.“It’lltaketime,”hesaid,hismindonanotherchild,anotherfather,“butshe’llgetoverit.Kidsaretougherthanadultsthink.”
Eliasmethisgaze.“Yousoundcertain.”
“MydadwasbadlyhurtinthefightingwhenGarrickdied.”Histeacherfatherhadknownhehadnochanceagainstthedominantswhohadturned,buthe’dstoodfirmindefenseoftheinnocent.“Itreallyshookme.”Hedidn’tlikethinkingaboutit,evennow.“Becausedadsaren’tsupposedtogethurt,youknow?Bestthingmyparentsdidwastonotbabyorcoddlemeormybrotherafterward—thenormalcyhelpedussettledown.”Andevenasaboy,he’dknownthathewaslucky,solucky.
Rileyhadlosthisparents.
Hawkehadlosthisfather…andnotlongafterward,hismother.
Somanyotherfriendshadbeenmadeorphansorbeenleftwithonlyoneparent.
“Justloveher,”hesaid.“That’sallsheneeds.”
“I’llneverforgetwhatthedenwaslikebackthen,aftereverythingwasover.”ChillshadowswhisperedintothewarmthofEli’seyes.“Howeerie,howquiet.Somanyofthestrongweredead.Iwasanoviceatthetime,andterrifiedthepackwasgoingtoshatteraroundus.”
ButSnowDancerhadn’tbroken.Ithadgrownstronger.Untiltonighttheycelebratedthematingoftheboywhohadgivenuphischildhoodtoleadthepackoutofthedarkness.Nothingandnoone,Riazthought,hisownwolffierceinitsloyalty,wouldeverswaythepack’sdevotiontoHawke.“Comeon,”hesaidtoEli,“themegalomaniacscalledthetechsaregesturingforustohurryup.”
Itwastwohourslaterthattheothermansaid,“Done!Don’tknowaboutyou,butIcoulddowithabeer.”
PickinguptheT-shirthe’dstrippedoffearlier,Riazusedittowipehisfaceashenodded.HedrapedtheT-shirtaroundhisneckastheyleftthePackCircle,andwasn’treallypayingattentionwhenagroupoffemalepackmateswalkedpast,carryingsmallboxesloadedupwithdecorations.
Untilawolfwhistlepiercedthequiet.
Glancingback,hefoundhimselfbeingobservedbyasexydark-eyedbeautywithcurlyblondehairtothemiddleofherback.Shecockedtheboxonherhip,herfullbreastspushingagainstthecottonofhernavybluetee,hersmileaninvitation.Mosthot-bloodedmaleswould’veclosedthedistancebetweenthemtoacceptit,butRiazshookhisheadwithagentlesmiletosoftentherejection,andcontinuedonhisway.
Eliasdidn’tsayanythinguntilthey’dpassedoutoftheheavilyforestedareaimmediatelyaroundthePackCircle,andtoanotherwiseemptysectionoftrack.“Youalreadyhaveadate?”
“Notinterested.”Hiswolfpeeledbackitslipsinasnarlthatexposedrazor-sharpcanines—becausethewordswerealie.Therewasonewomanwhointerestedhimawholedamnlot.
Ashortpause.“Doyou…er…swingtheotherway?”
Riazhalted,stared.“Whatthehell,Eli?”
Eliasshrugged,unabashed.“Wordis,thewomenarestartingtowonderwhyyoukeepturningthemdownwhenit’sobviousyouneedtoshareskinprivileges.Anddon’tshootme,butLara’sapparentlybeenaskedafewpointedquestions,too.”
“Great.”RiazgrippedtheendsofhisT-shirt,twisted.“Mycockisfixatedonawomanwhomakesmybloodboil”—afixationthatkeptshovingLisetteintothebackground—“andthepackthinksI’meithergayorincapable.”Hedidn’tknowwhethertoroarhisaggravationorbreaksomething.
“Theoneyouwant”—unhiddencuriosity—“sheintheden?”
“Doesn’tmatter.”Hewouldn’tallowitto,regardlessofthefactthathe’dwokenupwithahard-onasrigidasstonethismorning,hismindfilledwiththehuskyvoiceanderotictasteofthewomanhe’dalmostfuckedagainstthecoldmetalofacardoor.
“Fairenough.”Elias’sgenialwordsbrokeintotheteeth-clenchedintensityofhisthoughts.“Thoughyoushouldknow—Ihaveafeelinganumberofthesinglewomenareplanningtoambushyoutonightandgetanansweronceandforall.”
“Ishould’veseenthatcoming.”Hewasastrong,eligiblemalewithoutapartner.Itwould’vebeenmoresurprisingifhehadn’tbeenplayfullystalked.Hewasalsodominantenoughtoscarethemallaway,butjustbecausehewasinashitofamooddidn’tmeanhewantedtoruinthenightforwomenwhowereonlybehavingastheirnaturesdictated.“WhythehelldidIcomebacktotheden?”Itwasasnarl.
Eliasslappedhimontheback.“Youknowyouloveus.”
Yeah,hedid.Sohe’dswallowhisirritationandfrustration,anddanceeverydanceifitcamedowntoit—eachwithadifferentpartner,sonoonewouldgetideasaboutstakingaclaim.
TheonewomanhewouldnotbedancingwithwasAdria.
Itshamedhimtothecore,destroyingeverythinghethoughtheknewabouthimself,buthewasn’tsurehecouldtouchherwithoutshovinghertotheearthandrippingoffherpantiestothrusthimselfintothescaldingtightnessofherbodyChapter15
HAWKECAUGHTANunexpectedscentonthebreezewhenhesteppedoutsidewithJudd,wantingtogetsomefreshairafterthecomm-conferencethey’djusthadwithLucas,Sascha,Nikita,Max,andAnthony.Itwasthesecondtimeinaweekthey’dallconnected,unusualfortheirstrangealliance,butnecessarygiventhegrowingvolatilityofthePsyNet.
IthadbecomedangerousenoughthatbothNikitaandAnthonyhadmadecontingencyplansincaseoftheirownassassinations.Forthefirsttime,he’dfoundhimselffeelingareluctantrespectfortheformerCouncilors—thetwohadconsideredtheimpactoftheirdeathsnotonlyontheirbusinessempiresbutalsoonthepeoplewhocountedonthemforstability.Hewasn’tevergoingtotrustorlikeeither,notwhenheknewhowmuchbloodtheyhadontheirhands,buthe’dacceptedtheneedtoworkwiththisparticularenemytoprotectSnowDancerandtheregion.
Notascenariohe’dhaveanticipatedevenayearago,buthewasn’tgoingtothinkfurtheronittoday.Thisnight,itwasabouthismateandhispack.Aboutwolvesandplay.Laughterandaffection.
Thatscentagain.
“IsAlexeihere?”Hisyoungestlieutenanthadwantedtoattendtheceremony,butHawkehadnixedtherequest.Whilenoneofthesectorsoutsidedenterritoryhadasyetbeentargeted,SnowDancercouldn’triskreducingsecurityinthoseregions—anditwasn’tonlythePsytheyhadtoworryabout.Alexei’ssectorwasontheveryedge,neartheborderwithOregon,closetothelandsofamuchsmallerbutaggressivewolfpack.
Juddgavehimaninscrutablelook.“He’snotscheduledtoarriveforatleastanothermonth.Wediscusseditatthelastlieutenantmeeting.”
“Iknow,butIcouldswear…”Shakinghishead,heshovedahandthroughhishair.“Where’dRileysayhe’dmeetus?”
Juddnoddedatthewaterglintingthroughthetrees,thesunfracturingitinbrightsplashesofsilverandcobalt.“Intheclearingontheothersideofthelake.Saidhewantedsometimeoutfromtheinsanityinside.”
Wolfnothappywithitsmistakeaboutthescent,butwillingtoletitgo,hecontinuedtowalkbesidehislieutenant—amanwho,asaresultofhisincrediblefeatsduringthebattleinSanFrancisco,nowhadafanclub.Completewith“IJudd”and“JuddIsMyBoyfriend”memorabilia.
Inthenormalcourseofevents,civilianswouldn’thavegottenanywhereneartheformerArrow,butithadbeenimpossibletoevacuatetheentirecitypriortothePurePsyattack.Hisname,atleast,shouldhaveremainedunderwraps,butanumberofintrepidjournalistshadriskedlifeandlimbtocoverthebattle—andoneofthemhadoverheardtheotherfighterscallingouttoJudd,revealeditintheensuingarticle.“DidBrennashowyouthewebsite?”
“Yes.”Adarkmutter.
Hawke’swolfhuffedinlaughter,thinkingofthesecretstashof“IJudd”T-shirtsandbuttonsDrewhadpurchasedforeveryonetowearatthenextlieutenantmeeting.“I’mthinkingofmakingyoumynewPRperson.”
“I’dhatetoturnmynieceintoawidowsosoon,”wasthecoolanswer.
“Ihearwomenarepostingtheirphonenumbersonthesiteforyou.”Accompaniedbysexyvideosandphotos.
Judd’seyesgleamed.“NotafterBrennahackedthesiteandplasteredamessageontheirhomepagepointingoutthatI’mveryhappilymatedtoawolfwithsharpteeth,razoredclaws,andawildcaseofinsanejealousy.”Asmallsmilethatwasnonetheless,quietlysatisfied.“Shealsouploadedseveralgruesomephotosofferalwolfkills.”
Hawkegrinnedinpride—he’dexpectednothingless.“That’smygirl.”Catchinganotherscent,hehalted.“Damnit,thatwasMatthias.”
Juddwatchedhimwithoutblinking,theperfectexpressionlessArrow.“Didyougetenoughsleep?”
“Funny.”Growlinglowinhisthroat,hepickeduphisspeed.“Jem.Kenji.Cooper—”Andsuddenly,hewasinaclearingfilledwithhislieutenants,maleandfemale,fromtheyoungesttothemostexperienced,fromeverysectoracrossSnowDancer’smassiveterritory.
A“whoop”wentupathisentrance,andthenhewasbeinghugged,andslappedontheback,andevenkissed.“I’dhavehitthatbeautifulmouth,”agrinningJemsaid,touchingthecheektowhichshe’dpressedherlips,“butIhearyourmateisapossessivewoman.”
Hewasnotinthemoodtolaugh.“Whatthehellareyoualldoinghere?”Neverhadhismenandwomensoblatantlydisobeyedhisorders.
“Relax,boss,”Tomássaidwithhisusualirreverence.“Wecamedownusingourbestsneakingskillstoduckundertheradar—noone’sgoingtomissusforonenight.Everyoneofushaspeoplewetrustholdingthefortand”—heheldupasatphone—“we’reinconstantcontactwithoursectors.”
“With,”Riazadded,holdinguphisownsatphone,“Judd,Riley,Indigo,andmeactingasdoublebackupsincaseofanemergency.”
HawkeglancedatRiley.“IassumeWindHavenisflyingpatrolsovertheterritory?”Hislieutenantsweretoosmartnottouseeveryresourceavailabletothem.
“Itoldyouhe’dfigureitout.”Alexeismiledthat“supermodel”smileofhis—asoncedescribedbyTomás…rightbeforeAlexeigavehimablackeye.“Wehadtobehere.Youcanyellatusandkickusout,butwe’lljustshrugandturnrightbackaround.”
Kenji,hishairdyedadeeppurpleandsprayedwithtinygoldstars,nodded.“We’reliketermites—youcan’tgetridofus.”
Hewasalpha,hiswordlaw.Healsoknewwhenhewasbeaten.
WrappinganarmaroundJem’spetiteform,hesqueezedhertohisside,hiswolfnuzzlingatherowninwelcome.Tohavetheloyaltyofmenandwomenofsuchstrengthandheartwasagift—evenifitmeanthehadtofacetheoccasionalchallengetohisauthority.Andthisparticularchallenge…itshowedadepthofloveanyalphawouldbehard-pressedtorepudiate.“Iguesswe’dbetterfindsomewhereforyoulottosleep.”
Coopersnorted,thesmoothmahoganyofhisskinbisectedbyajaggedscarontheleft-handsideofhisface.“Whoplanstosleep?”
“Notme.”Tomás’sgrinwasinfectious.“Iintendtodancetilldawn,hopefullywiththesexylittlewolfIspiedearlier,thensneakhomebeforeanyoneknowsIwasevengone.”
“Ithinkthesinglewomenarewisetoyou,miamigo,”Matthiasdrawledwithagrin,onearmaroundIndigowheresheleanedagainsthismuscularbulk.“Butdon’tworry.I’msurethegrandmotherswillappreciatethecompany.”
Turningtowardthebiglieutenant,Tomásshookhishead,hisexpressionmocksolicitous.“I’dbecarefulifIwereyou—Drewmightdeckyouagainifhehearsyou’vebeentouchinghisIndyhere.Didn’thewhipyoursorryassthelasttime?”
IndigopattedMatthias’sarm.“They’vemadeup.”
“Wastherekissing?”Tomásasked,clappinghishandstohischest.“Ican’tbelieveyoudidn’tinvite—”
Havingstrolledover,Jemgrabbedhisfacebetweenherhandsandlaidoneonhim.“Thereyougo,Tommy.”
ItwasthefirsttimeHawkehadseenTomásspeechless.Everyoneelsecrackedup.
Hawke’swolfbareditsteethinahappygrin—ithadbeenyearssincealphaandlieutenantshadallbeeninoneplaceatonetime,anddamnbutitfeltgood.Heknewitwouldbegoodforthepackaswell,aquietdeclarationthatSnowDancerwasn’tscaredorcowedbyitsenemiesintorunningandhiding.
Theywerewolf.Andtheywerestrong.Chapter16
COUNCILORKALEBKRYCHEKdroppedoutofthePsyNetandbackintohisphysicalbodywherehestoodontheedgeofthebalconyofhishomeontheoutskirtsofMoscow.Thatbalconyhadnorailing,andthegorgebelow,swathedinthedarkveilofnightonthissideoftheworld,wassheer,signalingdeathforanythingthatcouldn’tfly…orteleport.
Hislashescamedown,sweptbackup.
Hisabilitytoteleporttoindividualsmeantnothing,notinthisparticularsituation.Forsomereason,hecouldnotteleporttotheonepersonhe’dspentyearslearningtoknow,tounderstand.Openinghispsychiceyeagain,heconsideredthepathwayshe’dalreadytraversed.Hewasgettingcloser,thatmuchwasinarguable.Theonlyquestionwaswhetherhe’dbefastenoughto—
Councilor.
Shiftinghisfocusatthetelepathichail,heslippedbackintohismindandoutagainontothePsyNet,thistimedevoidoftheshieldsthatmadehiminvisible.“Silver.”
Hisaide’smindwascrystalclear,withnoneofthehairlinecracksthatsignaledbrokenorcompromisedconditioning.“Sir,”shesaid.“MyfamilydidnotloseitscontactinsidePurePsyinthefightagainstthechangelings,andhismostrecentcommuniquémakesitclearthegroupisstirringagain.”
“Iassumedasmuch.”PurePsyhadbeenheavilydamagedbutnotdestroyedbythecoldviolenceofSiennaLauren’sX-firecombinedwithafiercefightingforceofchangelings,humans,andPsy.
Anunusualmix.
Kalebhadwatchedfromadistance,weighingupwhatthegroupeffortmeantforthefuturenotsimplyofhisownracebutoftheworld.
“Theirnewgoal?”heasked.
“Unidentified.Informationisbeingcommunicatedtoaselectnumberofindividualsonaneed-to-knowbasis.Theonlyfactourcontactwasabletoconfirmisthatthey’veshiftedtheirattentionfromthechangelingstotheNet.”
Kalebconsideredtheradicalchange.AfterthedecisivedefeatPurePsyhadsuffered,itmadesenseforthegrouptorethinkitsobjectives,butithadtobemorethanthat.Fanaticsdidnotthinkinalogicalfashion,andPurePsywasaconstructionofabsolutefanaticism,nomatterwhatitsadherentstoldthemselvesaboutthe“Purity”oftheirSilence.
Morethanlikely,thePurePsymembershiphaddecidedthatanyonewhohadnotsupportedthegroup’sattackonthechangelingswastobetreatedastheenemy,includingthoseoftheirownrace.“Thankyou,Silver.”
“Sir.”Herroamingpresencestreakedaway,ashootingstar.
Kalebstaredoutatthegorgeonthephysicalplane,butonthepsychic,hewasreachingfortheDarkMind.Whatdoyouhear?Whatdoyousee?
Thebroken,twistedneosentience,createdofalltheemotionsthePsyrefusedtoacknowledge,muchlessfeel,twinedaroundhim,apetseekingaffection.Exceptitwasnopetbutanightmare,andKalebdidn’tunderstandtheconceptofaffection.Still,hecouldmimicitenoughtocalmtheDarkMind.
Theneosentienceshowedhimmindsdisrupted,areasoftheNetdisturbed,butKalebhadseenthatforhimself,monitoredSubject8-91onacontinuousbasis.PurePsy,hesaid,narrowingthesearchparameters.
TheDarkMindhadnothingnewtoshowhimonthetopic.
So,Silverwasrighterthansheknew—PurePsywaskeepingallinformationaboutitsnewplansunderamentalandpsychiclockdown.Thatmeantitsmembershadtobelimitingtheircommunicationstotelepathyorin-personmeetings.Slow…butanexcellentsafeguardtoensurenoonewoulduncovertheirobjectiveuntilitwastoolate.Chapter17
SIENNALOOKEDINthemirror,startledbythewomanwholookedbackather.
Everythingelsenewshe’dpurchasedoverthepastcoupleofyears,she’dacquiredonshoppingexpeditionswithfriends.Butnotthedresssheworetoday.Hauntinglyawarethatthisnightwhenshemadeapublicclaimonherwolf,wasclaimedinturn,wouldresonateinhersoulfortherestofherlife,she’dneededittobeaprivatething.
She’dpickedthedesignonherown,sourcedtheemeraldgreenfabric,cutoutthepatternusingthetemplate,thenaskedTarahtosewitforher.Theresultwasbreathtaking.Madeofasilkymaterialthatcaressedratherthanclung,ithadstrapsthatcrossedherupperchestbeforecurvingaroundherneckinahalter,andagraceful,flowingskirtthatkissedherankles.Supremelyelegant—butforthehiddenslitononesidethathitmid-thigh,andappearedonlyifshemovedacertainway.
Itmadeherfeelyoungandsexy,beautifulandgraceful,atthesametime.
Forherfeet,she’dchosennotrespectableheels,buttheveryunrespectablethigh-highbootsshe’dwornthenightHawkehadcarriedheroutofWild.Thatwasthenightthey’ddancedtheirfirstdance,adanceshewouldneverforget.
Herhairshe’dleftdown,becauseherwolfpreferreditthatway.
Thatwolfnowgrowled.“ComeheresoIcantakeabite.”
Herthighsclenched.“Behave.”Helookedgorgeousinaformalblackshirtandpants,hishairandeyesthrownintostartlingrelief,butshehadanotheroutfitinmind.“Iboughtyouapresent.”
Aslowwolfishsmile.“Ihaveoneforyou,too.”Closingthesmalldistancebetweenthem,hemadeherholdoutherhand,palmopen.
“Oh,”shesaidindelight,“whichonedidyouget?”Theintricatetoyshe’dgivenherduringtheircourtshipweresomeofhermostcherishedkeepsakes.
Whenheputtheold-fashionedmechanicaltoyonherpalm,shestoppedbreathing.Itwasatinyrepresentationofanatom,completewithcoloredballbearingsstandinginforneutrons,protons,andontheoutside,arrangedonarcsoffinewire,electrons.Turningthekeyonthesidemadetheelectronsmove,whatshe’dthoughtwereballbearingsactuallyfinelycraftedspheresofglassthatsparkedwithcolor.
Abrilliant,thoughtful,wonderfulgiftforaphysicsmajor.
Eyesburning,sheswallowed.“It’sperfect.”Itstillshookherattimes,howherememberedthingsthatmatteredtoher—evenwhenshedidn’tthinkhewaspayingattention.Theotherday,abookhadappearedonherreaderthatshe’donlymentionedwantinginpassing.
Herubbedhisknucklesoverhercheek,asifheunderstoodexactlywhathiscaremeanttoher…thensherealizedhedid.Thematingbondconnectedthemonalevelthatwasasprimalastheheartofthewolf.
“Whymagnesium?”sheasked,identifyingtheatomicnumberofthelightmetal.
Hishandonherjaw,hismouthonherown.“Becauseit’sbeautifullyexplosive,justlikemyX.”
Herheartskippedabeat.“Ilikethewayyoupetme,too.”Thewayhemadeherfeelasifhercoldfirewasagift,notacurse.
Placinghisgiftonthevanitywhentheclockworkmechanismwounddown,shereachedfortheboxshe’dlaidontheseatinfrontofit.“Thisisforyou.”Nervesknottedherstomach.“Ifyoudon’tlikeit,it’sokay,”shesaidashepulledofftheribbonwithmaleimpatienceandopenedthelidtorevealthecontents.
Silence.
“Icansenditback,reorderanother—”Hiskissstoleherbreath,stoleherwords,would’vestolenherheartifithadn’talreadybelongedtohim.
Touchingherfingerstoherpassion-swollenlips,herbreastsstrainingagainstthebodiceofherdress,shewatchedhimputtheboxbackontheseatandstripoffhisshirt,exposingthebeautifulchestshe’dlickedandsuckedintheshowernotlongago—hermatecouldbepatientnowthat“theedgewasoff,”thoughpatiencewasarelativething.
She’dendeduppinnedtothewettile,herlegswrappedaroundleanhips.Pettingherwithlazypossessiveness,he’dstrokedintoherslowanddeepuntilshecameinarainofpleasure.Yetherbodypulsedforhimalloveragain,thesensorymemoryofrubbingagainsthischestsensitizinghernipplestoachingpoints
Hawke’snostrilsflared,buthedidn’tstopwhathewasdoing.
Droppinghisshirtontothebed,heliftedoutandshruggedintotheoneshe’dspenthoursuponhourssearchingforonline.Whenheraisedhishandstothebuttons,shesteppedintohisspace.“I’lldothat.”Shecouldn’tresistkissingeachhard,muscledinchbeforeshecovereditup.
“Sienna.”
Ashiverrippledoverherskinatthesoundofthatdeepgrowlyvoice.“Wecan’tbelatetoourownceremony.”
Tuggingbackherhead,henippedatherlowerlip,hiseyeswolfblue.“I’llputitonyourtab.”
“OrmaybeI’llputitonyours,”shesaid,givinghimalittlebitewithher“claws.”
“Ipromisetopayup.”Hisfreehand,proprietaryandwarm,onthecurveofherhip.“Withinterest.”
Slottinginthefinalbutton,sheresistedtheurgetoundoherworkandsteppedbacktowatchhimtucktheshirtintohispantsanddouphisbelt.Therewassomethingintenselyeroticaboutseeinghermangettingdressed,andSiennahadthefeelingthatwouldneverchange.NotwithHawke.
“So?”hesaidafterward.
Shestraightenedthecollar.“Takeitoff,you’retoohandsome.”
“No,it’salreadymyfavoriteshirt.”HawkerememberedseeingLucasinaT-shirtthatexactlymatchedhiseyesnotlongago,andfeelingthehardstabofenvyatknowingtheleopardalpha’smatehadpurchaseditforhim.He’dthoughtthewildbeautyofsuchabondforeveroutofhisreach.
Now,hewasbeingpettedbyawomanwhohadsomehowmanagedtofindashirtthatmatchedtheunusualshadeofhisowneyes,theicebluethreadssofine,itfeltlikewearingakissagainsthisskin.Sienna’skiss.“Whatareyoubuyingmeformybirthday?”Bothpartsofhimadmiredhisreflection,hishairalmostglitteringagainstthefoiloftheblue.
“Itwouldn’tbeasurpriseifItoldyou,”wasthearchresponse.
Delightedwithher,hestoleanotherkissbeforetanglinghisfingerswithherown.“Ready?”
“Yes.”Theslightesthitchtoherbreath.“Iknowtheseeventsfollowtheirownrhythm,butdoyouhaveanyideaofwhatweshouldexpect?”
“Goodchancethelieutenantsaregoingtokickitoffwithaspeech.”Hawkeglanceddown,glimpsedtheblackleather-synthofherbootthroughtheslit,andrememberedthathushednightwhenhe’dfirstallowedhimselftoholdher,thoughithadbeentorturetodoonlythatandnothingmore.“Thenwe’lldanceandcelebrate.”Normally,Hawkewouldbetheonewhospokefirstatanymatingorbondingceremony,lettingthenewcoupleknowtheirpairingwasacceptedandwelcome.Theimpactofthatmomentwasluminous,aninexplicablebutpowerfulsomethingpassingbetweenanalphaandhispeople.
“Danceallnightwithme?”SiennaaskedastheyleftthedenforthewalktothePackCircle.
Heenjoyedthefeelofthewindflickingherdressagainsthislegs,thesupplewarmthofherafamiliarcaressunderthehandhe’dplacedonherlowerback.“IknowTomásisplanningtostealadance,andDrew’sclaimedonealready.”
“You’rerescindingtheno-touchingrulefortonight?”Itwasalaughingtease
“Sincetherearenobabycatsaround,yes.”HiswolfsnarledatthereminderofherfriendshipwithKit.“But,onthatnote—”Notgivingheranywarning,hebitheronthebaredskinofherrightshoulder.
“Hawke!”Shethrustahandintohishair,foundthatinsteadofpushinghimaway,shewasholdinghimtoherwhilehelickedoverthemarkwithamoltensensualitythatmadehertoescurl.
“There,”hemurmured,slitsoficebluevisiblebetweenloweredlids.“Noweveryoneknowsyou’remine.”Anotherproprietarylick.
Pulsethuddingagainstherskin,shelaughed.“Asifpeoplewereinanydoubt.”
Satisfied—andveryalpha—smileonhisface,heplacedhishandonherlowerbackagainandtheycontinueddownthepath.“I’llallowthepacktomonopolizeyouuntilmidnight”—alowmurmurthatwasaroughstrokeoverherskin—“thenI’lldancewithyouuntilthestarsfadeandthesunrises.”
Heartshatteringatthebeautyofhermate’spromise,sheenteredthePackCirclewithhim.
Thecheerthatsplittheairwasdeafening.Grinning,Hawkeledhertowherehislieutenantswaitedinfrontofacrowdthatincludedeverymemberoftheden’spopulation,exceptforthefewonsecurityrotation.
Matthiasraisedhisarmstogetthepacktoquietdown,butgaveupthefloortoRileyoncehehadthecrowd’sattention.Hawke’smostseniorlieutenantsteppedforwardand,cuppingSienna’sfaceinhishands,saidasinglesimpleword,“Welcome.”
Thehowlthatwentupintheclearingwasmultiharmonicandpiercinglyjoyful,asongthatwasagift.LinkedashewastoSienna,Hawkefeltherstunnedwonderandknewshedidn’trealizethesignificanceoftheact.
“They’rewelcomingyou,”hewhispered,hischestvibratingwiththeneedtoaddhisvoicetothesong,“notasmymate,butastheiralpha’smate.”Thedistinctionwasimportant,andwhenuntrammeledsunshinelitupherface,heknewsheunderstood.
Arustleofgigglingandwhisperingsoundedonthelastechooftheharmony,andsuddenly,theywerefacedwiththepups.Tarahstoodunobtrusivelytotheside,wheretheyoungestonescouldseeher.Agracefulwaveofherhandandthechildrenbegantosing,theirvoiceshighandsweetandfullofinnocencefragileasglass.
HesawfromthesurpriseonRiley’sfacethatthekidshadmanagedtokeepthisasecret.Hiswolf’sheartburstinpride.TuckingSienna’shandtohisside,heglanceddowntoseeaniridescentshimmeroverthenight-skyofhergaze.Hercousin,Marlee,wasamongthesingers,aswasherbrother,Toby—stillyoungenoughtonotmindjoiningthechildren,butoldandlankyenoughthathe’dhadtofindaspacerightattheback.Heheldachubbytwo-year-oldinhisarms,hersingingenthusiasticifnotaltogethercoherent.
Itwasonthefinalchorusthathismatesurprisedhim,addinghervoicewithaplayfulgracethatdelightedthechildren.Afterward,handslinked,thepupstookmultiplegigglingbowswhilethunderousapplausefilledtheclearing.WhenalittlegirlescapedonsturdylegstomakeabeelineforHawke,hescoopedherupandreceivedabright-eyedandsomewhatsloppykissforhistrouble.
Grinning,hepassedhertoherlaughingfather,herbabypinkdressfrothingovertheman’ssun-brownedarm.“Thisone’sgoingtogiveyoutrouble.”
“She’sthenurseryflirt,”theothermansaid,tappingatthepup’snoseinlovingreproof.
Itwasafarmoreelegantfemalewhocameforwardnext,herpetitebodysheathedinanankle-lengthcheongsamofdeepyellowsilk,herglossyblackhairinaneattwist.Nellrepresentednotsimplythematernals,buteveryoneinSnowDancerwhodidn’tidentifyasadominant.Inherarmssheheldabeautifulhandmadequilt,thecraftsmanshipexquisite.“Eachfamilyinthedencontributedapiecetothis,thuseachblockisunique.”ShehandedthepreciousgifttoSienna.
Reachingbehindhertoanotheroneofthematernalfemales,Nellacceptedwhatappearedtobeanold-fashionedtapestry.“Wecreatedthisfromthreadssentinbyfamiliesacrosstheterritory.”This,sheputintoHawke’sarms,pressingherlipstohischeekbeforeturningtodothesametoSienna,theevocativebrownofheruptiltedeyesshimmeringwithaffection.“Youareloved,andyouareours.”
Handlingthegiftswiththecaretheydeserved,HawkeandSiennagavethemintothegentlekeepingoftwooftheelderswhostoodwiththem.Amomentlater,quiet,oftenreservedAlexeisteppedforwardandleanedintokissSienna’scheek,onestronghandcuppingherleftshoulder.“Welcome.”Theyounglieutenant’shairglintedgoldinthecoloredlightsstrungacrossthePackCircleasheturnedtoHawkeandbeganswearinghisfealty.
Itwasanunexpecteddevelopment,butHawkerespondedautomatically,slicinghispalmwiththeknifeTomásthrewhim,sothatasingledropofhisbloodsplashedontoAlexei’sopenhand.
Siennawatched,calmasamountainlake,buthecouldfeelhertensionalongthematingbond.He’dforgottentoexplaintoher—becauseithadslippedhisownmind—thatwhenanalphamated,orbondedtoapermanentpartner,hislieutenantshadtoreaffirmtheirallegiance.Itwasadirectivemeanttoprotectthepackifanalphachoseawomanthepackcouldn’ttrustorrespect—becauseeventhemostpowerfulwolfcouldn’trulewithouttheloyaltyofhisstrongestpackmates.Insuchasituation,thepackinevitablysplit,theoldalphaleavingwithhissupporters.
ItwasameasureofHawke’sbondwithhismenandwomenthathehadn’teventhoughtofthepossibilityofthatoutcome.
Alexeifistedhishandoverthedropofbloodandsteppedback,themomentsolemn…untilhewinkedatSienna.Hawkefelthertensioneaseatonce,rightbeforeshewaspickedupoffherfeetandkissedonthemouthbyMatthias,herstartledhandsflyinguptolandonthearmsofthelieutenantwhowasbuiltlikeatank.
Hawkegrowled.“Careful.”
Anunrepentantgrincreasingthesmoothdarkofafacethathadbeguiledmanyawoman,MatthiasputSiennaonherfeet.“Heeverchaseyoudownacorridoragain,sweetheart,youknowwhotocall.”
Siennaheldherown.“IthinkIratherenjoybeingcaught.”
ThenMatthiaswasinfrontofhim,swearinghisallegiance.Andsoitcontinueduntilalltenofhislieutenantshadcompletedthetask.Eachoathwasdifferent,becausetherewerenosetwordsforthis.Itwasonlythemeaningthatmattered.Theloyalty.AsighofhappinessrippledaroundthePackCircleasRileyclosedhishandoverthedropofHawke’sblood.
Itwasdone.
Hispackhadacceptedbothhismateandhismating.Notsimplyaccepted,hethoughtwhenanothermultiharmonichowlwentup,butcelebrated.Thistime,hedidn’tresist,anddrawingSienna’sbackagainsthischest,threwbackhisownheadtosing,hiscuthandfistedtighttostillthebloodflow.Againsthim,hecouldfeelhismate’sbodyvibratingwiththebeautyofthemusic,thewildfireofherblindingalongtheirbond.
WhenTomásgrabbedherforadance,Hawkedidn’tprotest.Possessivethoughitwas,hiswolfunderstoodthatSiennabelongedtothepack,too,andthatthey’dlaydowntheirlivesforher.Itdidn’tmeanshe’dhaveaneasyroadwhenitcametomakingherplaceinSnowDancer,buttonight,hiswolvestoldhertheyknewshewastherightmatefortheiralpha,regardlessofherageandinexperience.Theywouldstandbyherasshegrewintoherstrength.
ItwasagifttoHawke’sheart.Chapter18
RILEY’SSHOULDERNUDGEDHawke’s,asinfrontofthem,othercouplesjoinedinthedancingandSiennawaspassedfromTomástoKenji.“Youdorealizeyou’llhavetofighttogetnearhertonight?”
HawkeglancedathisseniorlieutenanttoseeRiley’seyeslingeringonhisownmate.Dressedinagracefulazuredressthathitafewinchesabovethekneeandflaredoutwhenshespun,shinyblackanklebootsonherfeet,herredhairpulledoffherfacebytwosmallcombs,Mercywascurrentlydancing—andlaughing—withDrew.Shewastheonlyleopardinattendance,becausethiswasaprivatemomentforthepack—andasfarasSnowDancerwasconcerned,Mercywastheirs.NomatterhowmuchLucasmightdisagree.
Lipscurvingatthethought,hesaid,“IpromisedmymateI’ddancewithherfrommidnighttodawn,andIdon’tbreakmypromises.”He’dbepatientuntilthen,hiswolfcontentwithkeepinganeyeonherwhileshewasclaimedbySnowDanceronthedeepestlevel.
“I’mscared.WhatIdid…I’mafraidnoonewilllookatmethesameagain.”
Wordsshe’dspokenaftertheviolenceofherabilityhaddevouredthepack’senemies,andinoneway,shewasright.NoonewouldeveragainlookatSiennathesame—becausenow,eachandeverySnowDancerunderstoodthelethalpowerthatraninherveins.Yettherewasnofearintheairtonight,onlythecold-eyedapprobationofthepredatorthatlivedwithintheirhearts.
Wellawarehowmuchthemanathissidehaddonetoensurethat,tomakecertainrespectdidn’tturntofear,hecaughtRiley’sgaze.“Thankyou.”
“Noneedbetweenus.Neverhasbeen.”Apause,quiethumorinhisnextwords.“IseemtorecallyouallowingmetobeatuponyouonceuponatimewhenIwascourtingMercy.”
“Idon’trememberyouwinning.”
“Youhaveselectivememory.”
Wolfandmanbothlaughed,happytobehereinthismomentwithhisfriend,hispack,andmostofall,withthewomanwhosenthimasecretsmilefromthefarsideoftheclearing.
ADRIAsmiledasshefeltmusculararmssliparoundherwaistfrombehind.“Iwaswonderingwhereyouwere,”shesaid,herthroatrawwithemotionfromthehauntingsimplicityandbeautyofthematingceremony.
Nuzzlingather,Samkissedherjaw.“Come,dancewithme.”
Sheslidintotheplayofbodies,hishandclaspedaroundherown,anddanceduntilherpulsewasadrum,herbloodrunninghotthroughherveins.Samdidtrytostealakiss,andbubblingwiththewildjoyofthenight,shelethim,butpressedherfingersoverhislipswhenhetriedagain.“No.”
Undaunted,hespokeagainstherfingertips,dimpledentinghischeek.“We’dhavefun.Ihavenohang-upsaboutyourdominanceifyou’reworriedaboutthat.I’llevenletyoubite.”Arub,nosetonose.“Infact,I’dlikeitifyoudid.”
Playfulandgorgeousandintelligent,hewasaloverwho’dmakeherfeelgood,bothphysicallyandinthesoul.Therewasonlyoneproblem—herbodyhummedwithanear-painfulawarenessofanotherman,amanwhoarousedfarmoreviolent,darkemotions.Andwhowascurrentlytwirlingatiny,curvywomanwhoseeyeswereagoldenechoofhis,shoutingtheirrelationship,hischeekscreasedinatruesmile.
Itinfuriatedherthatshecouldn’tstranglethatunwantedawareness,butshewouldn’tusebeautiful,sexySaminanefforttodoso.“I’mnotready.”Oneday,shethought,spinesteelywithdetermination,shewouldbereadytogatheruphercourageandtakeanotherchance,havingconqueredthisunhealthycompulsiontowardthewrongman.Sam,innocentandneverbroken,wasn’ttherightone,herhearttooscarredforhim,butthatdidn’tmeanshedidn’tcherishhim.“IwishIwas,becauseyou’reratherwonderful.”
Strokinghishandsdownherback,hetooktherebuffwithgoodgrace.“Inthatcase,bemyfriend.Ilikeyou.”
Thedirectoppositeoftheknife-edgedwordsRiazhadflungather,hisstatementmadehermissastepbeforeshecuddledalittlecloserintohim.“Ilikeyou,too.”SheturnedherfacedeliberatelyawayfromthepartoftheCirclewhereRiazstoodwithhisarmaroundhisrecentdancepartnerandanoldermanAdriacouldn’tseewell.Deepinsideher,herwolfsnarled,butthatwolf,too,rememberedhowbrutallyithadbeenrejected.
Itdidn’tfightAdria’sdecision.
RIAZ’SeyeshadlockedonAdriatheinstanthe’dspottedher,thestrange,uniquecomplexityofherscentinhiseverybreath,thoughitshould’vebeenimpossibletopickitup,giventhenumberofpeopleintheCircle.EspeciallywhenshewaspastedupagainstSam,theyoungermale’slipsbyherearashesaidsomethingthatmadeherlaugh,thesoundsoftandintimate.
Hisclawsprickedathispalms.
Excusinghimselffromhisparentsafterhandinghismombacktohisdad,hehauledJemintoadance.
“Thanksforasking,”shesaidinanacerbictone,butslidherarmsaroundhisneck.“Stopscowling.YourmotherisgoingtothinkI’mtorturingyou.”
“Sorry.”ForcinghimselftokeephisattentionawayfromAdriaandSam,helookeddownattheblondelieutenant…andhadthesuddenrealizationthatshedidn’tfitrightinhisarms.Shewastoosmall,herheadreachingmidwayuphischest.
Jawclenchingatathoughtthathaditsoriginsinhisprimalattractiontowardalong-leggedfemalewhosevoicewasroughsilkacrosshisskin,hesaid,“DidyoudancewithKenjiyet?”Thetwohadsomethinggoing—noonewasquitesurewhat.
“Biteme.”
“Temper,temper.”Hetuckedhercloserwhenshenarrowedhereyes.“I’llbehave,promise.”
“DoIlooklikeIhave‘sucker’writtenalloverme?”Shewentrigidaminutelater.
RiazunderstoodwhyassoonashesawKenjiappearoutofthedancers.
“CanIstealheraway?”Thechallengeintheotherman’stonewasn’tdirectedatRiaz.
Allbutabletotouchtheelectricityintheair,Riazsteppedback,sawKenji’sarmslidearoundJem’swaist,andthought,Yeah,theyfit.
“Youlookbeautiful,Garnet,”Kenjisaidinalowtone,usingJem’srealname,thepurpleandgoldofhishairslidingforwardtoshadowhisexpressionashepulledherstiffbodyclose.
“Kenji—”
“Justadance.”
ItwasallRiazheardbeforehefoundhimselfmakinghiswaytowhereAdrialeanedagainstatreeontheothersideoftheclearing.Theshadowsoftheforestconcealedherfromthecrowd,untilitwasalmostaprivatealcove…butforthevividtugofherscent.
Crushedberriesinicetangledwithahotter,deepermusk.
Hedidn’tknowwhyhehaltedonlyafootfromher,whateverhe’dwantedtosaywipedfromhismindbythejoltthatrockedhimatthesinglecoolglanceshedeignedtothrowhisway.Conscioushiseyeshadfixatedonthepulseinherneck,sodelicateandbitablebeneathcreamyskinkissedwithsunshine,heforcedhisattentionbacktothedancers.
Hawke’shairchangedcolorsashedancedwithBrennaunderthemultihuedbulbsthejuvenileshadstrungthroughthetrees,untiltheentireareawasawonderland.Severalofthosejuvenilessatinpairsorinsmallgroupsinthethickbranches,watchingthefestivitiesandflirting.Akisswassneakedhereandthere,butnobodymadeanymovetoleave.Perhapsbecausetheywereundernoticefromthematernals,butmorelikelybecauserightnow,itwasaboutbeingwithPack.
HishandsnappedouttogripAdria’sarmalmostbeforehewasconsciousofhergettingreadytomove.“Dancewithme.”Itcameoutharsh,crushedrocksinhisthroat.
Adriawrenchedawayherarm,shudderingatthecontact.“Idon’tthinkthat’dbeagoodidea.”Riazwasadrugherbodycraved—andlikealladdictivesubstances,hewasnotgoodforher.
“Scared?”Eyesgonenight-glow.
“No,”shesaid,herownwolfrisingtothefore.“Ijusthappentohavesomeself-respect.”
Steppingoutoftheshadows,shesawMatthiaswalkingtowardher.Hermoodshiftedimmediately.“It’ssogoodtoseeyou.”
Thebiglieutenantliftedherupandkissedheronthelipsashe’ddoneSienna.“Comedancewithme,prettygirl.”
Herwolfcouldfeelthedarkburnofanothermale’seyesbetweenhershoulderblades,butshedidn’thesitatetoacceptMatthias’soffer.“Howiseveryonebackinyoursector?”sheaskedoncethey’dbeguntoswaytothemusic.
Mathias’schestrumbledashespoke,hishandmovinggentlyonherback.“Tickingalong.Wemissyou—doyouplantovisit?”
“Ican’t.”Notyet.“Maybeinafewmoremonths…”
Matthias’sjawbrushedherhair.“Nopressure,darling.”TheydancedinwarmsilenceuntilAdriacaughtascentthatmadeherspinelock—rightbeforeMatthiassaid,“Ithinksomeone’sabouttostealyouaway.”
Notwantingtomakeasceneandmarthecelebration,shedidn’tprotestwhenMatthiassteppedback.“Takecareofmygirl,”hewarned.
RiazmutteredsomethingpithyinSpanishthatmadeMatthiaslaugh,butallAdriacouldhearashetookherintohisarmswasthefranticbeatofherpulse,thuddingintimetohisown.Toofast,bothofthem,theirskintoohot.“Whyareyoudoingthis?”shewhispered,hervoicestrippedbare.
Riaz’sanswersoundedtornoutofhim.“Ican’tstopmyself.”Heshiftedhercloser,themovesounexpected,shedidn’tresist—andfoundherselfplasteredtothehardstrengthofhim.Hisarousalpushedintoherabdomen,thehotmalescentofhimseepingintoherveinsuntilshecouldtastethedarkforestsandbitingcitrusofhimagainsthertongue.
Breathcominginsmallpants,sheshookherhead,butthewordsshewantedtosaywouldn’tcome,herbrainhazedbyneed,suchviciousneed.WhenRiazbackedoff,onlytotakeherhandandtugherdeepintothethickblackofthetrees,sheknewsheshouldn’tgo,butherfeetkeptmovingforward,followinghimintotheconcealingshadows.Themusiccontinuedtoplaybehindthem,buthere,itwashushedandquiet.
Private.
Shovingheragainstatree,hekickedherlegsapartandsuddenlyhismouthwasonherown,ravagingandtakinganddemanding.Thecivilized,rationalpartofherbrainjuststoppedworking.Shegrippedathisshoulders,hernailsdiggingintoheavymuscleashistonguelickedathermouth,tangledwithherown,thekissanopen,wet,voraciousfuryofcontact.
Theirgaspedbreathswereloudinthesilence,theirheartbeatsthunder,andhishandwhenitclosedoverherbreast,ashockingbrand.Hercryswallowedbytheroughdemandofhismouth,shefoundherselfrubbingupagainsthim,tryingtoriseontiptoetocreatetheperfectfit.Herfrustrationwhenshecouldn’twasshatteredwhenhisfingerssqueezedhernipplethroughthesilkymaterialofhertop,rollingandtugging.Hishanddroppedalltoosoon…toslideunderhertopandspreadonherabdomen,hisfingersbrushingthewaistbandofhersleeklytailoredblackpants.
Hishandhadtouchedherthereoncebefore.
Athreadofreasonbrokethroughtheblindinghazeofpassion,buthismouthwasonherownagainbeforeitcouldpenetrate,hisfreehandaroundherthroat,andshewasdrowning.Hewassobigandstrong,andhewantedhersodesperately.Itstrokedthewolf’sbatteredego,madeherclawsprickoutanddigintohisfleshthroughthefineblackcottonofhisshirt.
Hehissedoutabreath,butitwasn’tasoundthattoldhertostop.Instead,hekissedherharder,hisfingerstuggingopenherflytocupherpossessivelyoverthelaceofherpanties.Jerking,shefeltherselfgrowevenwetter,andfromthegrowlthatpouredintohermouth,vibratingagainsthernipples,hefeltit,too.
Thenhisfingerspushedasidethegussetofherpantiesandthethreadofreasonbecameascream.
“Idon’tlikeyou.”
Shovinghimbackwitheveryounceofherstrength,shewrenchedherselfawayfromthetree.“OhGod,God.”Hershakengazelandedonhispassion-feveredface,hischeekbonesslicingagainsttheduskybrownofhisskin,hiseyesadangerous,brilliantgold.
Herwolflungedtowardhim.
Butshewashuman,too.Reininginthewolfwithanirongrip,shesomehowmanagedtodoupherpantsandtugdownherpretty,silkyblacktophand-paintedwithasinglestunningbutterflyontheback.Thematerialwasthankfullyimmunetowrinkles,andherhair,itwasstillinplace—Riazhadbeensofocusedonhermouth…andlower.
Herlipsfeltswollen,buttheapparentresultofafewstolenkisseswouldcatchnoone’sattention.Asforthefactthatshewascoveredinhisscent—she’djustbeendancingwithhim.Allthatwentthroughhermindinasinglesplitsecondashersenseofreason,ofself,reawakenedwithaviolenthowl,herentirebodyquiveringfromtheshockofhaltinganeroticdancethatwould’vehadherpinnedagainstthetreeinanothercoupleofminutes,herbarelegswrappedaroundhiswaistashefuckedher.
Andthat,shethoughtwithgrimhonesty,wasallitwould’vebeen.Becausewhateverthecauseoftherageshesensedinhiskiss,Riaz,tallandstrongandblood-loyaltoSnowDancer,wasn’tcapableofanythingelse.Notwithher.“I’mworthmore,”shetoldhim,wipingthebackofherhandacrosshermouth.“Affection,respect,tenderness,I’mworthallofthat,sodon’tyoudarecomenearmeagainuntilyou’rereadytoofferit.”Chapter19
RIAZSHOVEDSHAKINGhandsthroughhishairasAdriaturnedandwalkedaway,herhipsswayinginunintendedprovocationbeneaththeexquisitefitofherpants,theinsubstantialsilkofhertopalternatelyfloatingandcaressingherbody.Hishandflexed,thesensoryechoofhersowarmandresponsiveamockingtaunt.
Grittinghisteethagainsttheurgetodragherback,hepunchedhisfistintothetreewherehe’dalmosthadher.Heknewhecouldfindanotherlovertonight.Itwasn’tsimplythatpeoplewereinacelebratorymood.AsElihadpointedoutearlier,he’dbeenofferedanumberofinvitationssincehisreturnfromEurope,andnotallofthosewomenwantedanythingfromhimotherthanagood,hottussleinbed.
Therewasjustoneproblem—hedidn’twantanyotherwoman.Hewantedtheviolet-eyedsoldierwhohad,completelyjustifiably,toldhimtofuckoff.
HIDDENinthemidnightshadowsontheperipheryofthelargeclearing,theGhostwatchedtheSnowDancersdanceandlaughandplay.Nottenfeetfromhim,agigglingwomanpressedherlovertoatreeandsuckledakisstothebaseofhisneckbeforedartingoutofreachandbackintothecrowd.Groaning,theobviouslydisappointedmaleadjustedhisjeansandfollowed.
TheGhostdidn’tknowwhyhewatched.He’dkeptaneyeonthisregionsincebeforethebattlewithPurePsyforreasonsofhisown,haddroppedbytonightaspartofaroutinesweep,andcaughtthefaintsoundofmusictwiningthroughthetrees.Ithadtakenhimasignificantinvestmentoftimetofindthisexactlocation—he’dneverbeforeventuredthisdeepintotheheartofSnowDancerterritory,consciousthewolveswouldgoonredalertatthefirstsignofanintruder.
Now,takingextremecarenottotouchanysurfacethat’dholdascent,hecamecloseenoughtosee,butnotbeseen.SiennaLauren’shair,hethought,glimpsingherinthearmsofatallman—nottheSnowDanceralpha—haddarkenedconsiderably.Herheight,however,remainedmuchasithadbeenatfifteen.
AsinglescanandhefoundJudd.Garbedinblack,hisfellowrebelwasstandingontheedgeofthedancecircle,buthewasn’talone.Asmallblondewoman,asliceofcakeontheplatesheheldinhand,leanedherbackagainsthischest.OneofJudd’sarmswaswrappedwithfamiliareasearoundherwaistashespoketoamantheGhostrecognizedasaSnowDancerlieutenant.
KenjiTanaka.
Forkingupabiteofcake,theblondewomantwistedandofferedittoJudd.Heleaneddowntoaccept,thecurveofhislipssetinanunmistakablesmile.TheGhosthadonlyeverseenJuddinanothercontext,andthoughintellectuallyhe’dunderstoodtheformerArrowhadalifebeyondtherebellion,seeingitinrealitymadehimtakearisk,remainlonger.Forthis,too,hecouldoffernorationalreason.Thiswasnotalifehewouldeverhave.Itmayaswellhavebeenanalienwilderness.
Yet…hecontinuedtowatch.
NOTfarinfrontofSienna,MercyhauledRileyintoawildkiss.Theseniorlieutenant’ssurpriselastedabareinstantbeforehesnappedhishandsaroundtheleopardsentinel’swaistanddraggedherclose.
TurningtoHawke,Siennasaid,“Thisisjustso…”Nowordsseemedenough.
“Ithinksomeone’sabouttostealyoufrommeagain.”
Openinghermouthtoprotestthatshe’dhardlyspentanytimewithhimallnight,shesensedthepsychicenergyofthepersonbehindher.Herheartburstwithlove.“Sorry,”shemurmured,touchingherfingertipstoHawke’sjaw.“I’mgoingtoditchyou.”
“Remember”—herubbedhisthumboverherlowerlipbeforeputtingherhandintohernewpartner’s—“themidnightdanceismine.”
Always.Itwasawhisperalongthematingbond.Outloud,shesaid,“Wherehaveyoubeen?”andfixedherbrother’shair.
Hescowled.Tohershock,sherealizedhe’dgainedseveralinchesofheightwhenshehadn’tbeenlooking.Nowonderhelookedlikeabeanpole,ifthiswashowfasthewasgrowing.
“Jeez,Sienna.Don’tdothathere.”
“Oops.Sorry.”Sometimes,sheforgothewasheadingtowardthirteen,andthentheincipientteenagerinhimwouldmakeanappearance.“Youlookveryhandsome.”
Hissmilewasshyandsweet,andshehadthethoughtthatherempathicbabybrotherwasgoingtogrowupintoanincredibleman.“Thanks.IwentonlineshoppingwithLara.”Spinningheraroundinaslickcircle,hegrinnedatherstartlement.“Drewtaughtmethat.”
“WhyamInotsurprised?”
Toby’ssmileshimmeredintoadeeper,morepoignantexpression.“Ithurtsmyheartinthebestwaythatyou’resohappy.”
“Oh,Toby.”Always,shehadlovedthebrothershehadn’tbeenpermittedtoknowasachild,butneverhadshebeenabletoprotecthimfromthepsychicpricedemandedbyhergift.“You’rethebestkidbrotheragirlcouldhave.”
Iloveyou,Sienna.Hespunheroutagain,sendingherskirtsflying.
Whenhefinallyrelinquishedher,itwastoanothermemberofherfamily.Walker’sholdwasascalmasToby’shadbeenexuberant,hispalegreeneyesintent.“He’syourmate,”Walkersaid,thewarningclearforallthatitwasmadeinatemperedvoice,“butifheeverdoesanythingtohurtyou,youcometome.”
“Areallmensobloodthirsty?”
“Lara’sfathershowedmehistools—thenwehadanilluminatingconversationabouthoweasyitwouldbetocutapersoninhalfusingoneofthelasers.Itwasverycivilized.”
SiennastifledalaughattheideaofgentleMackthreateningWalker,andtippingbackherhead,lookedintoafaceshe’dneverseenviolenteitherinangerorinlove.Thatmeantnothing.SheknewWalkerwoulddieforherwithoutblinking,thathelovedhersofiercely,somepartofherhadsensediteveninthedarkestpartofherSilence.
“Thankyou,”shewhispered.“Forbeingmyfather.”Ineverywaythatmattered.
Walker’sexpressionalteredonlytheminutestfraction,butshesawthestormofnakedemotioncrashacrossthegreenbeforehestrokedhishandoverherhairandkissedhergentlyontheforehead.“Youmakemeproudeachandeveryday.”
Tearsstung.Swallowing,shehidherfaceagainstthewidechestofthemanwhohadalwaysfoundawaytotellherthatshemattered,thatshewasn’tjustanXbutfamily.
COOPERwaiteduntilthedancinghadgentled,andheandRiazweresittinghavingacoupleofquietbeers,beforesaying,“She’sgone.”
“What?”
“You’relookingforthetallseniorsoldierwiththoseamazingeyes.Adria,Ithink.”Coopershiftedtheupturnedwoodencratehewasusingasaseat,settlingitmoresecurely.“SheslippedawaywithSamafewminutesago.”
Riaz’shandclenchedonthebottle.HewantedtodenyhisrawcompulsiontowardAdria,butCoopknewhimtoowell,wouldcallhimonit.“Enjoyingthenight?”
“Notevenaquestion.”Darkeyeswatchedhimwithrelentlesspatience.“Yougoingtotalkaboutit,ordoIhavetoremindyouI’mbiggerandstronger?”
“Inyourdreams.”
Cooptippedbackthebottleheheld,histhroatmusclesmoving.Whenheloweredit,heshookhishead.“Something’swrongwithyou,man.Ishould’vepickeditupearlier,butGracescrambledmybrains.”
RiazlookedoutatwherealushlycurvedwomanwithebonycurlsandskinlikecreamwasdancingwithAlexei,hersmileshy.Big,badCooper’smatewasasweetsubmissive,butshewasmanagingtohandlethemalelieutenants—allofwhomconsideredittheirrighttodancewithher.“Icanseehow,”Riazsaid,havingclaimedadanceearlier.“She’ssomethingelse,Coop.”
“Iknow.”Theotherman’sexpressionshiftedfrombrutallytendertohard-asstheinstanthereturnedhisattentiontoRiaz.“Adria,shemessingwithyourhead?”
“Fuck,man,”Riazsaid,finishingoffhisbeeranddanglingthebottlebetweenhisfingers,“letitgo.It’sanighttoenjoyyourself.”
Cooperraisedaneyebrow.“WhoscrewedmyheadonstraightwhenIwascourtingGrace?Iwokeyouupattwothirtyinthefrickingmorningtwiceandyoudidn’ttellmetoshutthehellup.Sotalk—orwe’llbehereallnight.”
Riazknewhecouldstonewalltheotherlieutenant.HealsoknewCoopwouldn’tstopbatteringatthatwalluntilitgave.Butherefusedtotaintthehappinessoftheotherman’smatingwiththebittertasteofhispain.“It’samess,andit’samessImightnoteverbereadytotalkabout.”Heheldthenearblackoftheotherman’seyes,lethimseehisresolve.“SoI’maskingyoutodropit.”
AlongsilencebeforeCoopgotupandgrabbedthemtwomorebeers,movingwithapredatorygracethatwasunusualgivenhissize—andthatmadehimahunternooneeverheardcoming.“You’reastubbornasshole.”
“Yousurprised?”
Snorting,Cooperleanedforwardwithhisforearmsbracedonhisthighs.“Fine.Iwon’tpush—fornow.”Openwarning.“Iseeyougoingdownhill,Iwillcomedownonyoulikeatonofbricks.Iwillnotletyougoitalone,lone-wolfstyle.”
“Icamehome,”Riazgrowled.“Notexactlylone-wolfingit.”
“Icallbullshit.”Cooperheldhisgaze,hiswolfapparentintheringofyellowthatnowencircledhisirises.“Youfuckingpickupthephonewhenthingsgettoodark,orIsweartoGod,Iwilltieyouupandshipyoutomyterritory.”
Riaz’sclawsslidout.“I’mnotajuvenile,sobackoff.”
“No,you’remyhardheadedidiotofafriend.”Heglancedup.“Graceiscomingover,soletmejustsaythis—thepackneedsyouwholeandstable.Keepthatinmindbeforeyouletwhateveritisthat’smessingwithyourheadswallowyouup.”
SLIDINGherfingersaroundthecupofcoffeeInéshandedher,Adriatookaseataroundthelaz-fireoneoftheotherseniorsoldiershadsetupfarenoughawayfromthemainpartythatnoonewouldstumbleuponthembyaccident.Itwasafewminutesaftermidnight,andnotasingleSnowDancerwasevenclosetoreadyforthecelebrationtoend.Eventhepupsweretryingvaliantlytokeeptheireyesopen—noonehadthehearttosendthemofftobed,sothey’dbeensnuggledintosleepingbagsaroundthePackCircle,watchedoverbyelderswhopreferredtoresttheirbones.
“Ididn’trealizeyouweredoingthis,”shesaidtoInés,notwantingtosteponanytoessinceshehadn’tofficiallybeeninvited.Samwastheonewho’dbroughtheralong.
Inésshookherhead.“Itwasn’tplanned.Eliashassomegoodnewstogive,decidedtonightwastherightnightforit.HementionedittoSimran,whomentionedittome,ImentionedittoSam,toldhimtograbyou—”
“—andpresto.”Adriagrinned.ThiskindofthinghadhappenedinMatthias’ssector,too,differentpartsofthepackbreakingofftohavetheirowninformalgatheringsduringthecourseofalargerevent.“GoodideatoaskeveryonetobringalongsomefoodfromtheCircle.”
Severalpurloinedplatesofcookies,cakes,andsandwiches,alongwithabowlofcornchipswithasideofguacamole,werebeingpassedaround,aswasthethermosofcoffee.Someonehadalsobroughtinbeersandchampagneforthosewhohadalreadyfinishedtheirassignedshiftsonwatch.Adriahadonecomingup,soshe’dsticktocoffee.
“ThatwasEli,”Inéssaid,stretchingoutherlegsastheysatsidebysideonafallenlog.“Hethinksofeverything.”
“Andthegoodnews?”Adriaasked.
InéshadjustopenedhermouthtoreplywhenSam,who’dgonetograbasandwich,reappearedatAdria’ssidewithoutfood,aconcernedlookonhisface.“Inés,amIcrashingapartyfortheseniorsoldiers?”
“Woulditworryyouifyouwere?”Adryresponse.
“Ithoughtyoumighthaveasecretritualyouwereabouttodoorsomething.”
“Likedancenakedaroundthefire?”Inésraisedaneyebrow.“Ibet.”
Dimpleflashing,Samleanedhisbackagainstthelog,onearmhookedcompanionablyoverAdria’sknee.“Fine,I’mstayinguntilsomeonekicksmeout.”
Nowthathe’dpointeditout,AdriarealizedSamwastheonlysoldieroflowerrankhere.AndsinceInéshadspecificallyinvitedhim…Hmm.Sheglancedattheotherwomaninsilentquestion.Inéswinked.Adriabitbackasmile,thecontentmentinsidehernothingshe’dexpectedtofeelafterthatbrutalencounterwithRiaz.
Herhandtightenedonthecoffeecup,herskintinglingfromtheheat.No,shesaidsilentlywhenhermindtriedtoclawherbacktoacarnalmadnessthathadcomeperilouslyclosetostrippingherofherself-respect.Takingadeepbreath,shenarrowedherattentiontothegentlewarmthinsideofher,andtothepeopleresponsibleforheremotionalequilibrium.
Thesewereherpeers,thepackmatesshe’dbeworkingmostcloselywithoverthecomingmonthsandyears,andthoughtheywererelativestrangersyet,shelikedtheirenergyasagroup.Temperateandstableforthemostpart,seniorsoldiersweretheworkhorsesofthepack,peopleyoucouldcountontogetataskdone.
Inés,shethought,hadthepotentialtobecomeaclosefriend—thefleet-of-footwomanhadasnarkysenseofhumorthatmadeAdria’sownwolfchuckle.
Rightontheheelsofthatthought,Inéssaid,“MeandSimran”—shenoddedatwherethemorereticentsoldiersattalkingtoBrodyaboutsomething—“haveabadmovienightonceamonth.Youshouldcome.”
Herwolfstretchedout,backbowed.“Thanks.”
“AmIinvitedtothismovienight,”Saminterruptedtosay,“orwereyouplanningtoignoremesittingrighthere?”
“Theignoreone,”Inésanswered,quickasashot.
“Myheartisbroken.”
“Ibleedforyou.”
“Cruel.”
“Itwasn’tmybesteffort.”
Eliasstoodandclappedhishands,cuttingoffthepithydialogue.Oncehehadeveryone’sattention,hesaid,“It’stimeforthesecretceremony,”withastraightface.Chapter20
SAMSNICKERED…ANDsoberedwhenherealizedeveryonewasstaringathim,notagiggletobeheard.“Um,sorry.”
Adriawastryingsohardnottoburstoutlaughing,shehadtofakeacoughingfit.Severalpeopleseemedtohavebeenstruckwiththesameaffliction—thoughInésmanagedtokeepittogether,slappingAdriahelpfullyontheback.“Mustbethepollenintheair,”shemurmuredinfauxconcern.
Adriawould’vekickedtheotherwomanifSamhadn’tbeensittinginfrontofher.
“AsIwassaying,”Eliascontinued,ararestrandofsilverglintingintherichbrownofhishair,“it’stimefortheceremony.Butsinceweappeartohaveanintruder,we’llhavetodealwithhimfirst.”
Samrosetohisfeet,dustingoffhisjeans.“Look,hey,Icanbookifyouguys—”
Eliasraisedahandforsilence,movingtostandinfrontofSam.
“SamBaker,”hesaid,hisfacesolemn,“accordingtothosewitnesseswhoweren’tunconsciousatthetime,youranontothefieldofbattletimeandtimeagaintorescueinjuredpackmates,thoughyou’dbeenhitwithabulletyourself.”
“Itwaswhatanyoneofuswould’vedone.”Sam’swordswerequiet,theplayfulsoldierreplacedbythecourageousmanwho’dfoughtwithallhisheart,evenwhensurroundedbybloodandagonyandanenemydevoidofmercy.
“Yes,”Eliassaid,reachingouttopinsomethingonSam’sstonegrayshirt,“andwe’reproudtocallyouoneofourown.”
AdriasawtheinstantithitSam.Hisfingerstrembledashetouchedtheregalformofthesmallsilverwolfonhisshirtcollar.Noneoftheseniorsoldiersworethepinsindailylife,buteachonedidsotonight—hertoptoolighttoholdit,Adriahadattachedherstoathinsilverbraceletonherleftwrist.Thattinybadgewasasourceofenormouspride,notbeingsimplyanindicationofpromotionfromsoldiertosenior,butofacceptancewithintherank.
Slappingastill-stunnedSamontheback,Eliasraisedhisglass,“ToSam!”
“ToSam!”Adriacriedwiththerestofthegroup,andrightthen,sheknewshe’dmakeit.MaybeherunhealthyanduntenableattractiontoRiazshowednosignsofabating,theclawingneedtearingathergut,butshewasmorethantheprimalurgesofherbody.Shewaspartofthisstrong,loyalgroup,awomanwhohadbuiltanewlife,newfriendshipsfromthecoldashesoftheold.
Nomanwaseveragaingoingtodrivehertoquestionherownworth.
Herwolf’sbodythrummedwithdefiant,determinedpride.Andwhenthenewestseniorsoldierinthedenthrewbackhisheadandcelebratedwithwildabandon,shelenthervoicetohissongalongsidethoseofherpackmates.
THEbristlesonHawke’sjawcaughtonSienna’shair.She’dwatchedhimshavebeforetheceremony,butitwasnowontheedgeofdawnandtheywerefinallyinbed,hisarmholdinghertohischest.Enjoyingtheintimacyoftalkingwithhimasmuchasshe’denjoyeddancinginhisarmsuntiltheskyshimmeredwiththefirstpearlykissofmorning,sheglancedupwhenheshiftedtofoldoneofhisarmsbehindhishead.
Eyesofwolfbluemetherown.“Yourfriendssnuckofftodosomemischief.”Analpha’samusement.“Iexpectedyoutojointhemsinceyou’retheheadtroublemaker.”
“Iwarnedthemthey’dbeontheirowntonight…lastnightnow.”Thefriendsshe’dmadewerefriendssheintendedtokeepforlife—butthenighthadbeenhersandHawke’s.“Iwaitedsolongforthismoment,”shewhispered,touchingherfingerstohisjaw,thestubbleroughagainstherfingertips.“Sometimes,IthinkI’mdreamingandI’msoscaredI’llwakeup.”
Hawkedidn’ttrytotalkawayherfears—heunderstoodthelifeshe’dlived,thiswolfwhohadneverknownthePsyNet,andyetwhoknewher.Heunderstoodthatsomenightmarescouldn’tbeovercomebylogicorreason.Onlytimehadthatpower.Herfearoflosinghim,asshe’dlostherkind,giftedmother,asshe’dlostherbrotherandtherestofherfamilyforsolong,wasadarklingthoughtthathadmadehergaspawakemorethanonce,herheartpoundingasifshe’dbeenracingdesperatelytowardhim.
Thenshe’dfeelherwolfstrongandwarmbesideher,oropenherpsychiceyetothewildsilver-blueandflame-huedpassionoftheirbond,andtheterrorwouldabate.Oneday,shethought,itwouldnolongerreturn,butuntilthen,herwolfwouldwalkbesideherintothedarklands.“Iwantedmymotheratourceremony,”sheconfessed,eyesburning.
IndigoandTarahhaddonetheirbest,beenthereforhereverystepoftheway,butitwasn’tthesame.“Idon’tevenhaveanythingofherstoholdonto.”Ithadallbeendestroyedafterhermother’ssuicide,whileSiennahadbeentrappedinapsychicprisonwithamonsternamedMingLeBon.
“Thisbeautifulhair,”Hawkesaid,hischestrumblingunderherpalm.“Juddoncetoldmeitremindedhimofhissister.”Heplayedhisfingersalongthestrands.“Youareapieceofher,youandToby.”
“That’snice,”shesaid,hidingthewonderfulthoughtawayinthesecretplaceinsidehermindwhereshe’dkepteverythingthatmatteredtoherforsolong.
Judd,havinglearnedtheskillfromWalker,hadshownherhowtobuildtheimpregnabletelepathicvaultwhenhe’dgrownoldandexperiencedenoughtoteleporttoherwithoutalertingMing.Thoughshenolongerneededthevault,shelikedhavinghermostpreciousmemoriesinoneplace.
“Tobyhasherhair,too,”shesaid.“Hedoesn’totherwiselooklikeher”—ashegrew,herbrother’sfeatureshadbeguntoleanmoretowardtheharderanglesofWalker’sface—“butsometimesIseeherinhissmile.”
“That’sagift.”
“Yes.”Strokinghischest,shesaid,“Youmissedyourparents,too,didn’tyou?”
“Myfatherwould’vebeensoproudtoseehowthepackreactedtous,”hesaidinanswer,apoignantsmileonhislips,“andmymother,she’dhavebeensittinginacorner,sketchingasfastasherhandcouldmove.”
ImagesformedinSienna’smind,createdfromthephotosHawkehadsharedwithher.Ofatallmanwithgoldenhair,eyesofblueashadedarkerthanhisson’s,andawhite-blondewoman,herbonesfine,herskinporcelain.Thesnapshotsofhismother,Aren,werelitwithlaughter,whilehermate,Tristan,hadbeenmoreguarded,hisgazepiercing…exceptinthefewpreciousphotosHawkehadofthetwoofthemtogether.There,itwasclearwhoheldTristan’sheart,nothingguardedorremoteabouttheintensityofhislove.
“Psydon’tgivecredencetotheideaofanafterlife,”shesaid,trailingherfingersoverthehardridgesofhisabdomen,“butI’dliketobelievethatlastnight,allthepeoplewemissweretheredancingalongsideus.”
Hawke’shandstrokedunderherhairtosettleonhernape.“Yes.”
Theywerequietforalongtime,happytosimplybetogether.Breathinginthehot,wildscentthatwasHawke,shefeltasenseofwonderbloomdeepwithin.
“What’sgotyousmiling?”hermateaskedinaslumberousvoice,thoughshelaywithhercheekonhischest,herfacehiddenfromview.
“Noonewhosawusinteractingbeforewemated,”shesaid,pushingupsoshecouldlookdownintocuriouswolfeyes,herhairpoolingonhischest,“wouldeverbelievewecouldbesopeacefultogether.”She’dbeenhalfafraidtheywouldclashtheentiretime,becausethatwasallthey’ddoneforyears.Whatshehadn’tunderstooduntilafterwardwasthatthepassionateneedsheandHawkehadfoughtforsolongwouldbecomeamoltenriver.Connectingthem.Makingthemwhole.
Eveninthispeace,theembersglowed.Alwayswould.
Hawkechuckled.“Iwould’verecommendedagoodshrinkifsomeonehadsuggestedittomesixmonthsago.”
Laughing,shebracedherselfononearmandbegantoplaywithhishair,pettinghimuntilhiseyesclosed.Hewasstillawake,hisfingersbrushinglightlyagainstherback,buthewasalazywolfnow,contentedandsleepy.Yawning,shesnuggleddownagainsthisbodyandlettherhythmofhisheartbeatlullherintoasleepdevoidoffear…andfilledwithdreamsofanalphawolfwhoranbesideherassheexploredthemysteriesofanight-darkforest.
RIAZwatchedthecolddawnfromhispositionseatedagainstalargeponderosapineontheedgeofamountainlakeripplingwithgossamerwhispersofwind.Thematingcelebrationhadfinallywounddownaboutforty-fiveminutesago,everyoneofthelieutenantsremainingtilltheveryend.
Theout-of-townershadslippedawayasstealthilyasthey’darrived,whilethosewhocalleddenterritoryhomehadbrokenofftoheadtobed,ortootherwiserelaxafterthenight’sfestivities.ThemostinterestingdeparturehadbeenJemandKenji’s—they’dlefttogether,andKenjihadabruiseonhischeekherefusedtoexplain.
IthadbeeninstinctforRiaztocomeupintothemountains.Manandwolf,theywerebothusedtoaloneness,oftenneededsolitude,especiallyafterasocialevent,butoverthepastminutes,he’drealizedthisalonenesswasofadifferentkind.
Ithurt.
Adull,throbbingache,thepainwascenteredintheplacewherethematingbondshould’vebeen,asifhehadanopenwounddeepinsidehim.Thejoyandwarmthofhispackmateshadmutedtheacheoverthenight,butsurroundedbynothingbutthechillairoftheSierras,theskyacrimson-orangecauldron,hecouldnolongeravoidthetruth.He’dcomehometoheal…butthewound,itbleddarkestred.
Theechoofamalevoice.
Catchingtheunexpectedsoundonthewind,helookedacrossthelaketoglimpseasmall,sleekwolfpaddingbesideatallmaledressedinblack.Thewolf’sbodybrushedtheman’sastheywalkedalongthemistyearth,theman’sfingerstrailingthroughtheanimal’sfurwhenhebentasiftospeaktoher.
Riaz’shandfisted,acorrosivebitternessfloodinghissenses.
Theuglinessofitwasacoldslap.
Breathless,chestpoundinginshock,helookedupintimetoseeBrennaandJudddisappearintothemist.However,hismindwasnolongerontheothercouple,butonthestaggeringinsightintowhohewasbecoming,whohewasallowinghimselftobecome:abitter,angrymanfilledwiththeacidofenvy.
Thatwasn’twhohewantedtobe,wasn’twhohe’deverbeen.Justlikehehadn’teverbeenamanwholikedtohurtwomenonanylevel.
AnimageofAdria’sstunningeyes,theicywhipofheranger,theswayofherhipsasshewalkedawayfromhim.
God,he’dbeenashittoher.Shamewasleadeninhisgut.Nothingexcusedthewayhe’dtreatedher,thewayhe’dtriedtouseher.Adriawasright.Shedeservedmorethanamanwhohadpermittedhisangeratfatetoeatawayathimuntilhealmostdidn’trecognizewhohewasanymore.Hiswolf,alwayssoproud,lowereditshead,itstaillimp,butbothpartsofhimknewthissilentpenancewasn’tenough.Themanhewantedtobe,themanhe’dbeenbeforeLisette,blamednooneelseforhisownfaults,andfaceduptohismistakes.
Thesuntouchedhimwithgoldenfingersbutdidnothingtoeasetheiceinhissoul.Chapter21
MINGEXAMINEDTHEsatelliteimagescapturedwhenSiennaLaurenhadallowedhercoldfiretofeed.Thoughtakeninthenight-darknessofthebattle,therewasnoabsenceoflight,theredandyellowofthedeadlyfireaninferno.
Settingthoseimagesaside,helookedattheonestakendirectlyafterthebattle.Thecarnagewasabsolute,theforestawasteland.NosignremainedofthePurePsyarmy.
Anincredibleweapon.
OneMinghadbeencertainhewanteddestroyedifshehadsurvived,becauseshecouldnotbecontrolled.Except…Hiseyewenttothesmallsteelboxonhisdesk.Itheldwithinitasinglechip,thelastremainingprototypefromAshayaAleine’sabortedprojecttoinstigateSilenceonabiologicallevel.
Thatchipcouldalsobeutilizedasaleash.
Theproblemwithusingitinsuchafashionhadalwaysbeentwofold.One,thechipwasunstable.Two,MingwouldneedtohaveacontrollerchipimplantedtointerfacewithSienna’s,andevenhadheconsideredtheriskacceptable,thiswasthesinglesurvivingchipofwhichhehadper-sonalknowledge.He’dhaditexcisedfromoneofthevictimstheScottshadimplanted,afterthemale’ssuicide.NeitherHenrynorShoshannahadeverrealizedheknewoftheirunauthorizedexperimentation.Ming’sscientistshadn’tbeenabletoreverseengineerthechip,however,onehadjustinformedhimthattherewasaveryslightchanceitcouldbealteredtoallowcontrolviaaremotedevice.
“Doit,”hesaidintotheintercom.
Ifthedeviceworked,hewouldownanX.Ifitfailed,SiennaLaurenwoulddieinanimplosionofbraincells.
Aperfectsolution.Chapter22
HAVINGHADAmessagethattheseniorlieutenantwantedtoseeher,AdriaknockedonthedoortoRiley’sofficethreedaysafterthematingceremony,foundherselfbeingwavedinthoughheheldaphonetohisear.“Grabaseat,”hesaid.“This’llonlytakeasec.”
Asshewaited,shetookinhisoffice.Itwas—andwasn’t—whatshewould’veexpected.Orderedandclean,itwasfreeofclutter.Thatfitthelieutenant’srock-solid,calmnature.Whatdidn’tfitwastheframedposterbehindhisdesk—ofthekaleidoscopeofcolor,flesh,feathers,sequins,andmorethatwasRiodeJaneiro’sCarnaval.
Orperhapsitdidfit,shethoughtwithaninwardsmile.Afterall,pragmatic,sensibleRileyhadcrosseddangerouspacklinestoclaimaleopardsentinelashismate.Noone,sheremindedherself,wasone-dimensional…noteventheangrymanwho’dhadhishandssohotandroughonherskin.“Haveyoubeen?”sheaskedRileywhenhehungupthephone,shovingtherawmemoriesawaybeforetheycouldderailheralloveragain.
Followinghergazetotheposter,henodded.“Survivedit,too.”Asmilethathadastorybehindit.“Howwastheouter-perimetershift?Yougotbackthismorning?”
“Yes,itwasgood.Peaceful.”She’dlefttheafternoonafterthematingceremony,takingoverfromoneoftheleopards.“I’mhappytodoextrashiftsupthere.”
Insteadofacceptingtheoffer,Rileyleanedbackinhischair,darkeyesintent.“You’reahighlyexperiencedseniorsoldier,Adria—runningpatrolwillfrustrateyouifyoudon’thaveotheroutletsforyourskill.Matthiastellsmeyouwereinchargeoftrainingthenovicesinhisregion.”
Ithadbeenincrediblyhardtowalkawayfrom“her”kids,butshe’dbeenworriedheremotionaltroubleswouldspilloverintoherteaching.Soshe’dtrainedupareplacementandmadesurehernoviceswerecomfortablewiththeothersoldierbeforesheleft.Thingshadchangedintheinterim,andshemissedworkingwiththeiryoung,butwouldnotdosoattheexpenseofanotherpackmate,especiallyonesheloved.
“Indigo’sbrilliantatwhatshedoes.”Thoughshetriedtokeephertoneeven,herwolfbristled.
“Noargument,”Rileysaidatonce.“Ihavesomethingelseinmindforyou.”Hewaited,asifgivinghertheopportunitytointerrupt.Whenshedidn’t,hecontinued.“AccordingtoMatthias,you’reverygoodwiththesubmissives.Whichdoesn’tsurpriseme,giventhetruestatusofyourrank.”
OfcourseRileywouldknow.“Atrainerworkingwithsubmissives,”shesaidwithasmile,“hastorealizethatwhilethey’renevergoingtobesoldiers,theyhaveuniquestrengthsoftheirown.”Themostvulnerableinthehierarchydidn’trespondwelltothenecessarilyruthlessteachingstyleutilizedtotrainthedominants.
Rileygaveasmallnod.“I’dlikeyoutotakeovertheself-defensetrainingoftwenty-fivesubmissivekids,agesfourteentoeighteen.They’vehadthenormalcourse,butHawkewantsthemtogetasmuchadvancedtrainingasthey’reabletohandle.”
“Thecontinuinghostilities,”Adriasaid,knowingthealphahadtobethinkingaboutasituationwherethedominantswerekilledinlargenumbers.Ahardthingtocontemplate,butithadtobedone.
“YoushouldtalktoWalker.”Rileypassedacrossadatapadloadedwithalistofnamesandphotos.“Yourgroup’sskewedtowardtheyoungeragegroup.Hegavemostofthosekidstheirbasictraining.Theolderones,Elihandled.”
“I’lltouchbasewiththemboth.”Adriaknewhowimportantitwasthatthethreeofthemworkasaunit.“Who’strainingthematernalkids?”Asecondlater,sheclickedherfingers,herwolfnudgingather.“Ibetyouit’sDrew.”
Rileylaughed.“Mybrotherknowshowtowalkthatfinelinebetweenmakingsuretheyneverforgethe’smoredominant,andnotpissingthemoff.He’sgotfortyinhisgroup,beenworkingwiththemformonths.”
Adriawhistled.“Thosearebignumbers.”
“Turnsoutwehadmorethantheusualnumberofbirthsfourteentoeighteenyearsago.Astatisticallysignificantpercentageofthosepupsareturningouttobedominants—soldierandmaternal,butit’saffectedeverylevelofthehierarchy.”
Adria’swolflifteditsmuzzleinasilent,mournfulhowlasunderstandingwhisperedthroughherveins.Changelingsweretheleastfertileofthethreeraces,butithadbeenobservedoverandoverthatwhenapacklostabrutalnumberofitsownwithinashorttimeframe,birthratesspikedintheyearsfollowing.AndSnowDancerhadsufferedheartbreakinglossestwodecadesago.
Rileyhadthesamesolemnknowledgeinhiseyeswhenhesaid,“Questions?”
“AnythingIneedtoknowaboutthekidsthatmightnotbeimmediatelyapparent?”
“Walker’sprobablythebestpersontoanswerthat,”Rileysaid,pickinguphisphone.“I’llseeifhe’savailable.”
Walkerwasn’tintheden,buttheywereabletocatchhimonhiscell.“Callmeatanystage,”hesaidafterthey’dfinishedgoingthroughthelist,hisinsightintothepupsshe’dbetakingondisplayingasensitivitytotheneedsoftheyoungthatresonateddeeplywithher.“Theyknowtheycancometomenomatterwhat,andmightdosountiltheybegintotrustyou—I’llletyouknowifanyissuescropup.”
“Thanks.”
Endingthecallsoonafterward,Rileysaid,“Halfyourgroup’sonafieldtrip,butthey’llbebackbyseven.Unlessyouhaveanothercommitment,we’llmeetateight.”
“Eightworks.Seeyouthen.”Sheheadedoutoftheoffice,decidingtouseherfreetimetofurtherexploretheterritoryasHawkehadrequested.
She’donlybeenwalkingforaminutewhenshesawthemostamazingsight.
Twosmallleopardcubsscrabbledaroundthecorner,obviouslyracingeachother…tocometoadeadstop,clawsscrapingonstone,whentheysawher.Twoheadslifted.Twopairsofbeautifulgreen-goldeyesheldherown.
Glancingaround,Adriasawthecorridorwasotherwisedeserted.“Idon’tthink,”shewhispered,crouchingdowntorunherhandoverthefuroftheoneclosesttoher,“you’resupposedtobehere.”DarkRiverandSnowDancerwereblood-allies,butleavingachildtoroamthedenalonewasahugestepbeyondthat.Soeitherthesetwoadorabletroublemakers—bothofwhomwerenowdemandingtobepetted—hadescapedtheirfranticmother,orthey’dsomehowsnuckin.Adriawould’vesaidtheyweretoosmalltonavigatethedistancefromDarkRiverland,butshe’dknowntoomanychildren.
Thesoundofmoreclawsagainststone,rightbeforeatinywolfpupattackedthecubsfrombehind.Stunned,shewasabouttopullthemapartwhensherealizedthegrowlingandsnarlingandclawingwasallforshow.Sherosetoherfeet,herwolftooamusedtothinkaboutspoilingtheirfun.
“That’sasight.”
Thehairsonhernaperoseatthelow,deeptimbreofthatmalevoice,butshedidn’tstartle,havingscentedtheexoticdarkpineandbitingedgeofcitrusthatwasRiaz’sscent.“Yes,”shesaid,proudofherselfforkeepinghercool.
Anotherscent.Unfamiliar.Feminine.
Thecubsandpupjumpedapartasifthey’dbeendousedwithcoldwater,andsuddenly,theyweresittingquietandlovable,threeofthemostwell-behavedlittleonesAdriahadeverseen.“Littlefakers,”shesaid,attemptingtohideherlaugh.
Besideher,Riazcoughedjustasatallbrunetteturnedthecorner.
“What,”thewomansaidtothecubs,“didwediscussbeforewelefthome?”Foldingherarms,shetappedanimpatienttattooonthefloorwithherbootedfoot
Thewolfpupbarked.
“Hush,Ben.ThesetwoweresupposedtowaitformetofinishtalkingwithLara.”
Droppingtheirheads,thecubsmadepiteousmewlingsounds.Adriacaughttheamusementintheeyesofthewomanwhohadtobetheirmother,buthervoicewhenitcame,wasstern.“Youhaveachoiceofpunishments:eithernoplaytimewithBenandtheotherpups,ornochocolatecakefordesserttonight.”
Allthreechildrenlookedatthewomaninunmitigatedshock.
Whodidn’tbudge.
Theleopardcubsnoddedattheirfriend—whowasapparentlymoreattractivethanchocolatecake.Bendingdown,thebrunettegrabbedandkissedeachsweetfaceinturn,includingBen’s.“Nowgowaitformeoverthere”—shewavedtoaspotacoupleofmetersdownthecorridor,wherethey’dremaininherlineofsight—“unlessyouwantplaytimepermanentlycancelled.”
Onlywhentheboyshadpaddedawaytotakemeekseatedpositions,didthewomanriseandmeetAdria’sandRiaz’sgazes.“Theygivemethreenewgrayhairshourly.”Exasperatedaffection.
“Tamsyn,”Riazsaid,theheatofhisbodytooclose,tooaggressive,“thisisAdria.”
Adriaforcedherselftothinkpasthergut-clawingawarenessofthemalenexttoher.“TheDarkRiverhealer.”AllseniorpersonnelhadbeenbriefedaboutDarkRiverlongago.
“Ifyousayyou’renotrelatedtoIndigo,”Tamsynsaidinresponse,“I’lleatmyboot…ifthetwinshaven’talready.”
Laughingatthedrycodicil,Adriaadmittedtothefamilialrelationship.“Socialvisit?”
“Ashaya’shere,too,”Tamsynsaid,referringtotheM-PsymatedtoaDarkRiversentinel.“WewanttodiscussAlice,gooversomenewscans.”
“Alice”wasAliceEldridge,ahumanscientistwhohadbeenputintocryonicsuspensionoverahundredyearsagoandnowsleptinacomanoonecouldbreak.Adriacouldn’timaginewhatAlice’slifewouldbelikeifshedidwake—theworldhadshifteddramaticallysincethebeginningofherforcedsleep.Herfriends,herfamily,eachandeveryonewasdust.AndyetAliceendured.
“Ibettergetbackandorganizeanescortforthehooligans,”Tammysaid,lookingoverhershoulderatthechildrenwithanaffectionatesmile.“Itwasnicetomeetyou,Adria.”
ThesilencethatfellafterTamsynandtheboysleftwasawkward.However,whenAdriawouldhavecontinuedonherway,Riazshiftedtoblockher.Linesofstrainmarkedhisface,aheavyshadowoverthebeatengoldofhiseyes,buthiswordswereunexpectedlygenerous.“Ihavesometimefree—whydon’tIshowyousomeofthemorehiddenpartsofdenterritory?”
Unsettled,Adriaglancedup,foundherselfunabletoreadhisexpression.She’dspentfartoomuchtimewithanothermanwhosefaceshecouldn’tread,soshewasbluntinherdisbelief.“Whatpossiblereasoncouldyouhaveforinvitingmetospendtimewithyouwhenwebothknowhowyoufeelaboutme?”
Riazhadexpectedtheclaws,hiswolftakingthehitwithoutflinching.“Because,”hesaid,carryingthroughthedecisionhe’dmadethatcold,lonelydawnafterHawkeandSienna’smatingceremony,“it’snotyourfaultyou’renotmymate.”Itfeltasifhe’dstrippedoffhisskinwiththeadmission,butheowedAdriathetruth.“AndI’msorryIpunishedyouforthat.”
Adriahadfrozenafterhisfirstsentence,horrordawningblackandviolentoverherclean,beautifulfeatures.“Youfoundyourmate?Howcouldyoukissme?”
Hedidn’twanttotalkaboutit,wantedtopretendhe’dneversetsightonLisette,butthetimeforhidingbehindangerandanobstinaterefusaltoadmitthetruthwasover.“She’smarried.”Inlovewithanotherman.Coopwasright—hecouldallowthattodestroyhim,orhecouldrebuildanewlifefromthebrokenshardsoftheold.
Hewasawolf,adominant,aprotector.Togiveupandleavehispackwithouthisstrengthwassimplynotinhisnature.Sohe’dfindawaytosurvive,andtoonceagainbecomeamanhecouldfaceinthemirrorwithpride.
Infrontofhim,Adria’seyesturnedthepale,hauntingamberofherwolfinpainfulsympathy.Hisjawset.Hedidn’twantpity,hadtoldheronlybecauseshe’dbornethebruntofhisragewhenshe’dneverbeenatfault.Buttherewasnohintofpityinherresponse,simplyawarmgenerosityofspiritthatrockedhim.“Ifyourwolfisn’ttroubledbymypresence,”shesaid,“thenI’dappreciateyourhelp.”
Troubled?
Riazswallowedaharshlaugh.“We’lldriveoutofthesectionyoualreadyknowwell,”hesaid,determinedtotreatherwiththecourtesyheshould’veshownherfromthestart,regardlessofthetouch-hungerthatcontinuedtoclawathim,“andexplorealessaccessiblepartoftheremainingareaonfoot.”
Adriastayedsilentuntilthey’ddrivenforatleasttenminutes,butitwasasilenceheavywiththingsunsaid.Whenshedidspeak,heflinched.
“Didyou…haveachance?”
Hishandsflexedonthewheel.“Shelovesherhusband.Ijustfoundhertoolate.”Heregrettedsayingasmuchashehadassoonashe’dspoken,hiswolfuncomfortablewiththesudden,starkvulnerability.“Indigoknowsthebarefacts”—andhewishedshedidn’t—“butnooneelsedoes,soifyoucould—”
“Iwon’tsayaword,”shepromisedinthatslightlyhuskyvoicethatwasanunintendedprovocation.“Youcantalktomeaboutit,youknow.”Ahesitation.“Itcan’tbegoodforyoutoholdeverythinginside.”
Shiftingthevehicleintohovermode,hetookthemoverarockypatch.“There’snotmuchtotalkabout.”Hewasn’tbeingobdurate—whatelsewastheretosay?Lisettebelongedtoanotherman,andRiazhadtofigureoutawaytolivewiththat.
“No,Isupposethereisn’t.”Notspeakingagaintilltheysteppedoutofthevehicleinarelativelyisolatedsectionofdenterritory,shesaid,“Let’sstayinhumanform.It’llbeeasiertotalk.”
Henodded—afewsectionswouldbetrickytonavigateontwofeet,buttheycouldalwaysreconsidershiftingatthatstage.
Astheywalked,hesawAdriatakeineverythingwiththosestunningeyesofblue-violet.Itwasthefirsttimehe’dreallylookedather,notblindedbythecausticmixofangeranddesirethathadcoloredtheirearlierinteractions.Therewasasteelystrengthtohergaze—asifshe’dbeentemperedinpainandcomeoutofitharder,lessbreakable.
Hisfascinationwithhershiftedafraction,becamemoresubtle,morecomplex…moredisturbing,asherealizedhewantedtoknowofthecruciblethathadhonedher.“There’ssomethingyoushouldseehere,”hesaid,caughtbetweenthecompetingneedsofafidelitythatwoulddestroyhim,andasilkenbetrayalthatmighttearhimapart.Chapter23
“DOYOUSEEyourparentsoften?”heaskedalmosttwohourslater,unabletoresisttheurgetosolvethemysteryofher.
Apregnantpausefilledonlywiththesoundofthewindrustlingthroughthetrees.“NotasmuchasIshould.”
Readingthetensioninthelineofherspine,heknewshewantedhimtodropit,butregardlessofallelse,he’dneverbeenamanwhotookorderswhenhedidn’twanttotakethem.“Oddforawolf.”
Noresponseastheywalkedthroughthespringgreenmeadow.Justwhenhewasbeginningtobelieveshe’dsimplyignorethequestion,shesaid,“Iwasinarelationship.Itmademyparentsunhappy.”Plainwordsthattoldhimnothing.
“Didtheymakeyouchoose?”
“No,butweendeduparguingaboutiteverytimeIwenttoseeMomandDad.”Sheblewoutabreath.“Tarah,Indigo,neitherofthemapproved,buttheyletmebeforthemostpart.”
RiazwonderedwhatthehellhadbeenwrongwiththemaleAdriahadchosenthatherentirefamilyhadn’tlikedtheguy.However,theshutteredexpressiononherfacetoldhimthediscussionwasover;hecouldpush,butthistime,hedecidedforpatience.Dominantfemalewolvesdidn’treactwelltopressurebeyondacertainpoint.
Asshewalkedaheadafewsteps,hiseyeslingeredonthesoftskinexposedathernape,beneaththesilkenropeofherbraid.Thegoldenwarmthofitglowedintheharshmountainsunlight,andhewantedonlytopushthatbraidasideandrunhisfingersoverthespot.
Adriajerkedoutandtotheside,herhairbrushingthebackofhishand.
Andherealizedhisfingershaddoneexactlyashe’dimagined.“Shit,I’msorry.”
Brilliantblue-violeteyesstreakedwithpreciousgoldwatchedhimwithtoomuchknowledge.“Youneedtodosomethingaboutyourhunger,Riaz.”
TheideaofbeingwithanywomanbutLisettemadehisentirebodyrevolt,buteventhen,thescentofAdria,therememberedfeelofher,itwasadrug,anaddictionthatgrippedhiminpowerfulteethandshook.“Canyougetbackonyourown?”Thewordswereharsh,hiswolftooclosetothesurface.
Adriagaveasimple,“Yes,”beforeturningandwalkingawayfromhimasecondtime,atall,strongwomanwithhairasdarkasonyxandapridethatheknewwouldneveragainallowhertoinvitehimintoherbed.
ADRIAbentoverwithashudder,handsonherknees,afterRiazdisappearedintheoppositedirection.Herbodyfeltasifitwantedtoburstoutofherskin,tornbyachaosofcompetingneedsanddesires.WhenRiazhadtouchedher,she’dalmostmeltedintotheroughheatofhisfingersinspiteofhereveryvowtothecontrary,herbodyalreadyconditionedtoexpectprimalpleasure.
Inhalinganothershakybreath,shetookadetouronherwaydowntotheden,followinganovergrownpaththat,ifmemoryservedherright,ledtoasmallhiddenwaterfall.She’dfounditasayounggirl,andithadbecomehersecretplace,whereshecametothinkoverimportantdecisions,ortoindulgeinfrustrationandtemper.
Asmiletuggedherlips.God,she’dbeensuchaserious,temperamentalchild.Asshe’dgrown,thatwildnessofemotionhadmaturedintoaquietintensityofpassion,restrainedandtempered.
“You’remagnificentandIcan’twaittolearnallofyou.”WordsMartinhadspokentoherduringtheirfirstyearasacouple.
Hersmilefaded,intoasadnesssodeep,itlodgedinherchest,aheavylump.Eventhesightof“her”waterfall,smallandsecretiveandeffervescent,didn’tliftherspirits.Hermindwaswiththewomanshe’dbeen,soveryreadytostartwhatshe’dthoughtwouldbethenextphaseofherlife,withamanshe’dbelievedwouldwalkbesideherastheybothchangedandgrew.Andforthefirsttimesinceshe’dmadethedecisiontoendtheirbrokenrelationship,herangerwaswashedawaybygrief.
TheMartinshe’dknownhadn’tbeenthestandoffishmanhesooftenwaswithstrangers,amansecretlyuncomfortableinsocialsituations.He’dbeensosweetinprivate,withawickedsenseofhumorandawayoflookingatherasifshewerethemostalluringwomanintheworld.Notonlythat,buthe’dcelebratedherachievementsasshe’dcelebratedhis.
She’dtakenhimtodinnerinaposhrestaurantwhenhewasawardedhisdoctorate,andstrangertothekitchenthoughhehadbeen,he’donceputonanapronandbakedheracakewhenshe’dcompletedaparticularlygruelingtrainingcourse.Ithadcollapsedinthemiddleandbeenuncookedaroundthesidesandithadbeenwonderful.They’dgiggledandgottendrunkoncheappinkchampagne,eatingsomuchcakethatthey’dsolemnlysworn,“Never,everagain.”
Thatwaswhatshe’dtriedtosaveforsolong,unableandunwillingtobelievethatsomethingsoinnocentandbrightcouldsourintosuchhostility.She’dthoughtifshetriedhardenough,she’dbeabletofixit.Itwashowherbrainworked—evenasachildwhohadfoundmartialartsdidn’tsuitherbluntstyleofmovement,butwhoknewtheskillwouldcomeinusefulasasoldier,she’djustgrittedherteethandpracticedoverandoveruntilherbodymovedwithflawlessgrace.
Onlyaftershe’dbeenbrokenontheruinsoftheirrelationshiphadsheunderstoodthatnomatterhowhardshetried,itwouldn’thavemattered.Becausesomewherealongtheway,apoisonhadinfiltratedtheirrelationship.Quietandstealthy,ithadeatenintothefabricofemotionthatboundthemuntilthatfabricwasthreadbare…andherwolfhadwithdrawntotallyfromtherelationship.
Martinhadknown.Ithadonlydeepenedhisresentment.
Moistureonhercheek,atrailleadingdowntohermouth.Salt.Itwasthetasteofthefirsttearshe’dshedsinceshuttingthedoorinMartin’sfaceoverayearago,knowingshe’dneveragainopenit.Sofragile,thesingleiridescentdropletnonethelessshatteredherdefenses.Droppingtoherknees,sheallowedthesorrowtopouroutofher,hershouldersshakingwiththeforceofhersobs.
RIAZcaughtAdria’sscentasheran,andsnarled,frustratedthatherphantompresencecontinuedtohaunthim.Whenitgrewstrongerinsteadoffading,herealizedshehadn’treturnedtothevehiclebuthadinsteadcontinuedonfoot.Hewould’vecarriedon,exceptthathecaughtthebarestwhisperofasoundthatmadehiswolfsnaptoattention.Frowning,hemovedcloseenoughtoensurethatshewasn’tintrouble…andheardtheraw,painfulsoundofawomanwhoseheartwasbreaking.
Hischestknotted,protectiveinstinctsroaringtothesurface,buthedidn’tapproach.Adriawasaproud,strongwoman,wouldn’tappreciateanyonefindingheratsuchavulnerablemoment,herdefensesshattered.Butevenashetoldhimselftoleave,theraggedsoundofhertearsrippedhimapart.
Shejerkedupherheadtheinstanthecameintoview,herfaceravagedbytears.“Go!”
Wantingtohuntdownwhateverhadsodevastatedher,butawareitwasn’taphysicalfoehecoulddefeat,hewentdownonhishaunchesandtookherintohisarms.Shebegantostruggle,allsharpelbowsandtightlyfistedhands.“Letmehelp,damnyou.”Itwasn’tthesmoothestormostcharmingofthingstosay,butitcamefromthegutandtheheart,hisvoiceroughwiththewolf’sfrustrationatbeingunabletodoanything.
Anotherheartrendingsob,andthenshewasmeltedwaxinhisarms,asifshecouldn’tdealwiththeagonizingdepthofherpainandholdhimoffatthesametime.Cuddlingherascloseashecould,hiskneesspreadtotuckherinbetween,hecuppedthebackofherheadwithonehand,wrappedanarmaroundherwaist…andsimplyheldherasshecried.
He’dseenstrongwomencrybefore,butneverlikethis.Untilitfeltasifshewerebeingtornapartfromtheinsideout.Handclenchedinherhair,tanglinginherbraid,hepressedhischeektotheinkyblackandletherfingernailsdigintohisbackasshewrappedherarmsaroundhiminafierceembrace.
Aminute,alifetime,later,thosehandsturnedintofistsagainandshepunchedathim.Theblowshadnoimpactbecauseofherposition,buttheagonyinthemwasexcruciating.Hiswolfragedatitshelplessness,buteventhen,itpressedagainstRiaz’sskin,wantingtosoothe,toreassure.Butalltheycoulddowasholdher,thescentofcrushedberriesinicedrowninginsalt.
Thewindwasquiet,thesunlowerintheskywhenshewentsilent,lyingagainsthiminawaythatsaidallthefighthadbeentakenoutofher.He’dknownherafragmentoftime,buthehatedseeinghersodefeated.Adriawasprideandspiritandstrength.Notawomanwhogaveup.“Didyoulosesomeone?”Deathwastheonlythinghecouldthinkoftoexplainthedepthofherdespair.
“It’sbeenlongdead.”Raspedoutwords.“Ijustwasn’treadytomournuntilnow.”
Herubbedhischeekagainstherhair,onewolfattemptingtocomfortanother.“Doyoufeelbetter?”
“IfeellikeIgotrunover.”Andthatquickly,shewasAdriaagain.
Shovingawayandtoherfeet,shewalkedtothepoolatthebottomofatinywaterfallhecouldjustmakeout,cuppingherhandsinthecoldwaterandusingittosplashherface.Atanyothertime,withanyotherwoman,hewould’vewaited,buthecouldtellfromthestiffcurveofherspinethatshehatedthefacthe’dseenherlikethis,soheturnedandwalkedaway.
Hiswolfsnarledbutdidn’tresist.Becauseit,too,understoodthatAdriawasnohelplessmaidenindistress.Riazhadseenherfightbesidehimwithunwaveringcourage,witnessedhersteely-eyeddeterminationasshecrawledintothelineoffiretodraganinjuredpackmateoutofthedangerzone,trustedhertowatchhisbackwhentheenemythreatenedtosurroundthem.
Awomanlikethatwouldnotwantanyman—muchlessonewithwhomshehadonlythemostfragileofcease-fires—toseeherdefenselessandfracturedbygrief.Hewonderedifthiswouldcreateanotherbarrierbetweenthem,asshesoughttodistanceherselffromthememory.Theideaprickedathisinsides,asharp,unexpecteddiscomfort.
ALICE
FROM:Sascha<sascha@darkriver.net>
TO:Lara<lara@snowdancer.org>
CC:Tammy<tamsyn@darkriver.net>;
Ashaya<ashaya@darkriver.net>;
Amara<amara@sierratech.com>
DATE:Sep3,2081at11.14a.m.
SUBJECT:PatientA
Lara—IspoketoTammyandAshaya,gotthelatestupdateonourpatient.Thoughmylastattemptdidn’twork,I’vebeengoingthroughmybook(yes,again),andreadingbetweenthelines,itseemsIhaveadistinctempathicskillthatmayhelpourpatient.
Ican’tproveit,asthere’snowaytotestthetheoryexceptonsomeoneinhercondition,butifyoudon’tthinkit’llinterferewithanythingelsewe’reattempting,I’dliketotryit.
FROM:Ashaya<ashaya@darkriver.net>
TO:Sascha<sascha@darkriver.net>
CC:Tammy<tamsyn@darkriver.net>;
Lara<lara@snowdancer.org>;
Amara<amara@sierratech.com>
DATE:Sep3,2081at11.17a.m.
SUBJECT:re:PatientA
Asyouallknow,earliertoday,LarainjectedPatientAwithachemicalagentAmaraandIsuggested.Itmayleadtoariseinthepatient’slevelofconsciousness.Ithinkit’sreasonabletoassumethatwillonlymakehermorereceptivetoSascha’sempathy.Ican’tseeanyharminit,inanycase.Amaraagrees.
FROM:Lara<lara@snowdancer.org>
TO:Sascha<sascha@darkriver.net>
CC:Tammy<tamsyn@darkriver.net>;
Ashaya<ashaya@darkriver.net>;
Amara<amara@sierratech.com>
DATE:Sep3,2081at11.58a.m.
SUBJECT:re:re:PatientA
I’mopentoanythingthatmighthelpher.Sascha—I’llgiveyouacallandwe’llarrangeatimeforyoutodriveup.ItmightbebettertowaittillwecanseeifAshayaandAmara’sformulaishavinganyeffect.
Oneoftheseniortechshasbeeninthisweekandrecalibratedtheequipmentwe’reusingtomonitorthepatient,sowe’llseeeventheslightestblipofconsciousness.
FROM:Tammy<tamsyn@darkriver.net>
TO:Lara<lara@snowdancer.org>
DATE:Sep3,2081at2.02p.m.
SUBJECT:Life
Ididn’tgetachancetotalktoyouaboutthiswhileIwasattheden,butIhopeyou’renotlettingthissituationwithPatientAconsumeyou,Lara.Iknowhowharditisnottogetemotionallyinvested—mostofthetimepackhealershavenochoice—butwebothknowthat’snothealthy,especiallywiththispatient,givenherprognosis.
I’mworriedaboutyou.Callme.
FROM:Lara<lara@snowdancer.org>
TO:Tammy<tamsyn@darkriver.net>
DATE:Sep3,2081at3.15p.m.
SUBJECT:re:Life
Ijusttriedtocall,butyourphonewenttovoicemail.Ithinkyoumustbeattheboys’hockeypractice.(Lord,howadorabledotheylookinthoseminiatureuniforms?!Idon’tknowhowyoubearit.)
I’mokay,really.Walkerandthekidskeepmegrounded,andWalker’ssoprotective,heliterallycarriesmeoutoftheinfirmaryifI’mbeingstubbornaboutresting.I’mnotjoking—hethrewmeoverhisshouldertheothernight!SaidI’dalreadygottenmywarning.
IhavetoadmitImighthavesnarled(okay,yes,Idid),butIfigurethat’shealthywhenmyrationalPsymatesuddenlyturnsintoacaveman.AndhereIthoughtI’dhaveiteasierthanallofyoumatedtodominantchangelings.ShowswhatIknow.
Lara
p.s.Thesnarlingdidn’tlastlong.Ihavenowillpowerwhenhegoesallstrong,silent,andpossessive.JustcallmeWomanofGoo.
FROM:Tammy<tamsyn@darkriver.net>
TO:Lara<lara@snowdancer.org>
DATE:Sep3,2081at3.27p.m.
SUBJECT:re:re:Life
YouaresocrazyforyourPsy,Icanseethesillysmileonyourfacerightnow.??
NatementionedtometheotherdayhowheandWalkeragreecompletelywhenitcomesto“takingcareof”theirhealers,evenifwe’re“totallyunreasonable”aboutit,and—whenIgotovertheurgetosmackhim—Idecidedtokisshiminstead.Weluckedout,babe.
Apparentlythey’rebonding.Natedroppedbythepracticetoseetheboys,andI’vebeeninformedwe’reallhavingdinnertomorrownight.I’mnotsureifweshouldbescaredaboutthisdevelopment,butIcan’twaittoseeyousowecantalkproperly.
Here’shopingPatientArespondstoSascha’sattempt.
Tammy
p.s.Attachingphotosofmygorgeouslittletroublemakersfromtheirgamethisweekend.Julesonlygotsenttothepenaltyboxonce,andRomeactuallystayedinthegameratherthancomingoffinsolidarity.I’mhappytosaythattightlyknitastheyare,they’realsoturningintofiercelittleindependentmen.
<sentviamobiledatacomm>Chapter24
HAWKELOOKEDATthedocumentBlackSeahadsentthroughafewminutesagoandtappedRiazforaconsult,sincethelieutenanthadhadmultipleface-to-facecontactswithmembersoftheunusual“pack”whilehe’dbeeninEurope.HecaughtRiazonhiswaydownfromthehigherelevations,hadtowaitforty-fiveminutesforhimtoarrive
“Hadlunch?”heaskedwhentheothermanwalkedintohisoffice.Itwashalfpastthree,buthehadn’thadachancetoeat.
RiazsprawledintothechairinfrontofHawke’sdesk.“No,butIwon’tfadeaway.”
“Imight.”Puttingthroughacalltothemainkitchen,heaskedoneofthekidsonafter-schoolkitchendutytobringovertwoplates.“Pastaokaywithyou?”
AtRiaz’snod,headdedinarequestfordessertandgrinnedatthepertresponseoftheheadcook,Aisha,whenthejuvenileonthephoneconveyedtherequest.Hangingup,hehandedRiazacopyoftheBlackSeadocs.“Whatdoyouthinkaboutthis?”
Unlikemostchangelinggroups,BlackSeawasn’tcomposedofoneparticularspeciesofchangeling,butwasaconglomerateofallwater-basedchangelings.SeveralworkedonAlaris,thedeep-seastationlocatedinthePacificOcean,notfarfromtheMarianaTrench,thoughthestationpersonnelwerebynomeanssolelychangeling.
AlargenumberofBlackSea’speoplehadnormaloccupations—incitieslocatedbytheseaornearlargebodiesoffreshwater,dependingontheirindividualspecies.Thereweren’t,however,anywater-basedchangelingsinthegreaterBayArea,oralongtheCaliforniacoastline.GivenSnowDancerandDarkRiver’sheavydominanceintheregion,BlackSea’speoplehadgivenitawideberth,notwantingtoinadvertentlycauseaterritorialskirmish
Nowtheywantednotonlypermissiontomovefreelyinthewatersinandaroundtheterritory,aswellasleavetoworkintheregion,butalsoanalliancewithSnowDancer.However,theirvisionoftheallianceprocesswasverydifferentfromHawke’s.Hencetheconsult.“Wait,”hesaidwhenRiazbegantospeak.“LetmecommKenjiinsincehe’sthepointpersonwithBlackSea.”
Tobyknockedontheopendoorrightthen,usinghisfoot,hishandsoccupiedbyaloadedtray.Atugofprideinhisgutatthesightoftheboywhowasnowfamily,Hawkewavedhimin.“Ihearyouvolunteeredtodoextrashiftsinthekitchen.”AccordingtoSienna,herbabybrotherwasturningintoanexcellentcook.
Tobynodded,darkredhairslidingoverhisforeheadasheplacedheapingplatesofchickenandmushroomfettuccineonHawke’sdesk,followedbyalargebowlofsalad,bighunksofwarmgarlicbread,twobottlesofwater,andtwoenormousslicesofbakedcheesecake.Lastwasthecutlery.
Beamingathavingcompletedtheentireoperationwithoutspillinganything,Tobyleanedthetraycarefullyagainstthewall.“Aishasaidtocallifyouneedmore.”
“Thanks,Toby.GiveAishaakissfromus.”Hawkewinked.
Tobylefttheofficewithagrin,closingthedoorbehindhimselfatHawke’snod.
“Ithinkshe’stryingtofattenusup.”Riazgroanedashedugintothefettuccine.
“Sorry,toobusydyingofgastronomicblisstotalk.”
Therewasn’tevenacrumbleftwhentheyfinished.Deeplysatisfied,HawkebroughtKenjiintotheirdiscussionviathebigcommscreenonthewalltotherightofhisdesk.
“TowhatdoIowethishonor?”Kenjiasked,puttingdownahalf-eatenburger,themysteriousbruiseonhischeekfromthenightofthematingceremonynolongerinevidence,thoughhishairremainedasleekpurplesansthegoldstars.
Riazheldupthedocumentinsilentexplanation.
Kenjigrimaced.“Yeah,what’sthatabout?Ididn’tsayanythingtotheirnegotiator,butit’snotexactlyhowwedothings.”
Face-to-face,changeling-to-changeling,thatwashowSnowDancerbeganarelationshipthathadthepotentialtoturnintoanalliance.
“BlackSeaisn’tusualinanyway,shape,orform,”Riazsaid,stretchingouthislegsinfrontofhimafterchangingpositionsohecouldlookdirectlyatthescreen.“Becausethey’rescatteredworldwide,they’vehadtodevelopotherwaystoconnect.Itdoesn’thelpthatthemajorityoftheirmembershipissecretiveandreticenttotheextreme.”
Hawkerubbedhisjaw.“Yeah,noone’severconfirmedifsomeofthechangelingspeciesthatareofficiallypartofBlackSeaevenexist.”Water-basedchangelingsdidn’tadvertisetheirspecies,andmanychosetoliveonthesmallfloatingcitiesininternationalwatersthathadbeenpermittedthemundertheaccordsignedaftertheTerritorialWars.
Thecitieswereopentoanyone—ifyoucouldfindtransporttothelocation:BlackSeahaduniformlychosendangerousstretchesofwatertoanchoritscities,watersafishalonewouldbeabletonavigate.Andsincetheymadesuretherewerenoappropriatesurfacesonwhichtolandflyingcraft,theonlyvisitorstotheircitieswereinvitedones.
EventhePsyleftBlackSeaalone,mostprobablybecausethewaterchangelingsdideverythingtheycouldtostayoutofthespotlight.Whichbroughtupanotherquestion,butHawkeshelveditfornow,becauseKenjiwasspeaking.
“So,what,”hesaid,gulpingdownhissoda,“theyfunctionlikethePsy?”
“Inasense,”Riazsaid,furrowsbetweenhiseyebrows.“Don’tmakethemistakeofthinkingthey’renotferociouslyloyaltooneanotherjustlikeinanychangelingpack,buteverything’srecordedandverifiedsoitcanbesharedwithmembersacrosstheworld.”
Kenjitappedalaserpenagainsthischeek.“Honestly,IlovetheideaofbeingalliedwithBlackSea.Theirinformationnetworkaloneisinvaluable.Thequestionis,canSnowDanceradaptenoughtoworkwithagroupthatfunctionssodifferently?”
Itwasanastutequestion.
Shovingthepenbehindhisear,Kenjicontinued.“Wecan’ttreatthemaswedoourPsybusinesscontacts,becauseasRiazsays,theyarechangelingsanditwouldpissthemoff.But,itdoesn’tlooklikewecanhavethekindofrelationshipwithBlackSeathatwedowithDarkRiverandarebuildingwithWindHaven.”
Hawkenodded.Hetrustedthealphasoftheleopardandfalconpacksonagutlevel.NeitherLucasnorAdamwouldeverknifehimintheback,ofthatbothpartsofhimweredeadcertain.“Accordingtotheofficialline,”hesaid,“theydon’thaveanalpha,buta‘Conclave’thatrepresentsallthemajorandminorspeciesgroupsinBlackSea.”
Riazshookhishead.“That’saloadofPRbull.HernameisMianeLevèqueandsheknowseverythingthathappensinBlackSea.”
“That’swhatIthought.”MianewassomeoneHawkehadkeptaquieteyeon,ashedidthealphasofmostmajorpacks.“Whateverelsehappens,aface-to-facemeetingisnonnegotiable.”Hiswolfwouldacceptnothingless.
Riaztappedtherolled-uppapersagainsthisknee.“Myadvice:wetreatthisrequestseriously,gooverthecontract,andaskforchangesasneeded.Ithinkthey’refeelingusout,seeingifweareable—oratleastwillingtotry—toadapttotheiruniquewayofdoingthings.”
“Couldbeapowerplay,”Kenjipointedout.“Theminnowtryingtogetthewhaletodoasitwishes.”
Hawkegrinned.“Excellentmarineanalogy,rockstar.”
Kenjiplayedsomeexcellentairguitar.“I’vebeensavingitup.”
“It’sdefinitelyalittleofthat,too,”Riazsaid,clearlyinnodoubtaboutBlackSea’spredatoryinstincts.“Sowemakesuretheyrealizethatwhilewe’llworkwiththem,wewon’tbudgeonthecriticalmeetbetweenMianeandHawke.”
“And,”Hawkeadded,“guaranteedtransportinandoutoftheircities.”Movementhadtogobothwaysforanalliancetowork.“Iftheyplantostonewallusthere,thedealisoffthetable.Andwarnthemifithappensafterweagreetoanalliance,we’llconsideritafatalviolationandadeclarationofaggression.”SnowDancerhadplentyofteeth,andhedidn’twantBlackSeainanydoubtthattheywouldusethoseteeththeinstanttheothergrouptriedtomanipulatethesituation.
Riaz’seyesglintedinagreement,hiswolfprowlingclosetothesurface.“Wealsoneedtostipulateapermanentcommlink.Nododgingourcallsandblamingitonnauticalinterference—beforeorafter.MakesuretheyknowSnowDancerdoesn’tgivesecondchances.”
“That’saverygoodpoint,”Kenjisaid,swallowingabiteofwhatlookedlikecherrypie.“IhearBlackSea’sgreatatdelayingthingsuntilit’stoolate.”
“I’llfollowyourlead—betweenyou,youhavemoreexperiencewithBlackSeathananyoneelseinthepack.”Hawkewasveryawarethatheeitherrespectedthestrengthandskillsofhismenandwomen,orhelostthemtoboredomandfrustration.“Thetwoofyouhavefullauthoritytonegotiate.Justkeepmeintheloop.”
“There’soneotherthing.”Riaz’sexpressionwasthoughtful.“Aren’tyouguyswonderingwhythey’restickingtheirnecksoutnow?”
ItwasthequestionHawkehadearliershelved.“Yeah,whenthey’veseentheconsequencesofallyingwithusinstarkdetail.”Asanally,BlackSeawouldbeexpectedtoprovidesupportinanyfutureconflicts.
“LastfewtimesImetachangelingfromBlackSea,”Riazsaid,“Ihadthefeelingsomethingwasup.Likethissubtletensionunderthesurface.”
“I’mgettingthesamefeeling.”Kenjitookanotherbiteofpie,chasingitdownwithmoresoda.“They’reinsomekindoftrouble,andwhateveritis,it’smakinguslookattractive.”
BothhislieutenantsglancedatHawke,anunaskedquestionintheireyes.
“Wecontinuetheprocess.”TheadvantagesofhavingBlackSeaasanallywerevast.“Nopointbringingitupnow.”Theaquaticchangelingsdidn’ttrustSnowDancerenoughtotellthemthetruth.“Oncetheotherpiecesareinplace,that’swhenwepinthemdown—iftheyrefusetocooperate,itendsthere.”Hewouldn’tallyhispeoplewithagroupthatmightleadthemintounknownharm.
“Youknow,everythingelseaside,they’rebloodyfascinating.”Riaz’stoneheldintenseinterest.“Achangelinggroupevenotherchangelingsdon’tget.”
“Creepyashellattimes,too,”Kenjimuttered.“Thoseblackeyessomeofthemhave—it’slikelookingintothefaceofamakoshark.”
“Youmightbe,”Riazrepliedwithagrin.“Anddamn,Kenji,doyouliveonadietofjunkfood?”
“Mysushi’sinmyotherbentobox.”Unrepentant,hebitintoapieceofcake.
HawkelistenedtothetwomendiscussacoupleofpreliminarymattersbeforeKenjisignedoffandRiazstood.Heremainedconcernedaboutthelieutenant,butashe’dtoldRiaz,heknewlonewolves.He’dgivetheothermanalittlemoretime.TheonepositiveinthesituationwasthatRiazhadcomehome,andhe’dstayed.
“I’llhavealookatthecontracttonight,”theothermalenowsaid,glancingathiswatch.“I’mduetocallPierceinafewminutes—hesaidhe’dbeuplate.”
PiercewasthelonewolfwhohadtakenoverRiaz’sdutiesinEurope.“TellhimtokeephisnosecleanorI’mputtinghimonrotationtoSiberia.”UnlikeRiaz,Piercewasaflirt—hisfacehadbeenintroducedtomorethanonejealousmalefist.
“Thenwe’dhaveWhiteSteppetodealwith,”Riazsaidwithagrin,namingthesolewolfpackinSiberia.“They’dprobablydeclarewaronusafterheseducedawaysomelieutenant’sgirlfriend.”
Laughingastheothermanleft,Hawkenoddedattheteenagerwho’djustcometothedoorway.“Heretograbthedishes,Silvia?”
Ashysmile.“Yes.”Shequicklygatheredthemup,nosignremainingoftheinjuriesshe’dsufferedinaseverefall.
“HowareyoursessionswithAvagoing?”heasked,knowingthematernalfemalehadtakenSilviaunderherwing.
“Everythingsheteachesme,”theteenagersaid,“itfits.LikeIalreadykindofknewit.IwantedtoaskifIcouldmaybehavemoretimewithher?”
Shynessornot,therewasstrengththere,Hawkethought,warmandstrong.“MentionittoNell,”hesaid.“She’llworksomethingout.”
AsSilvialeftwithanothersmallsmile,HawkerecalledthenoteNellhadsenthimthismorning.Pickingitupfromhisdesk,heconsideredhowtodealwiththatparticularsituation.HeshouldmakeRileyhandleit—itwashisdamnfaultforputtingideasinthejuveniles’hormone-drenchedheads.Thethoughtcheeredhimupforasecond,butheknewthiswasataskforanalpha,sohesuckeditupandmadethecall.“Youatthecabin?”
“Yes,”Lucasanswered.“BringsomeofAisha’schocolatepieforSaschaifyou’reheadingthisway.Asfarasmychocoholicisconcerned,it’sambrosia.”
“AnythingforSaschadarling.”
“Thatdoesn’tworknowthatyou’remated.”
“Damn.”Hawkehungup,thencalledAishatoarrangethepie—thecookadoredhowSaschacravedherbaking,soitwasamutualloveaffair.PokinghisheadintoRiley’sofficeafterpickingitup,hetoldthelieutenantwherehe’dbeifneeded.“DoyouknowwhereSiennais?”Hecouldsenseherthroughthematingbond,trackherifneedbe,buthe’dmadeapromisetohimselfthathewouldonlyeverdothatinanemergency.Neverdidhewanthismatetoresentthebondbetweenthem,toseeitasaleashoracage.
Rileybroughtuptheroster.“She’sgotstudytime,soI’mguessingthelibrary.”
“Thanks.”Evenwithacoupleofinterruptionsbypackmateswantingtotalk,itdidn’ttakelongforHawketowalkovertothedenlibrary,wherehefoundhismatewithherheaddownbentoverapieceofpaperonwhichshewaswritingformulasthatmadehisbrainache.Physicsandmathtextslayopenonseverallargedatapadsaroundher,andthesmallcomputershe’dsignedoutwasrunningwhatappearedtobeacomplexequation.
Puttinghishandsoneithersideofherdeskfrombehindher,henuzzledakisstothesensitivespotbelowherear,theautumnandspiceofhercalmingandinvigoratinghiswolfatthesametime.“Ms.SiennaLaurenSnow,”heteased,“what’reyoudoingworkingonsomethingasarchaicaspaper?”Chapter25
AHINTOFcoloronhercheekbones.“Ithelpsmethink.”
Chuckling,hemadeamentalnotetobuyherareamhe’dseenatthelittlestationerystorenexttotheshopthatmadethemechanicaltoyshecollected—ifherecalledright,thepaperwasspeciallyformattedforthetypeofcalculationsshewasdoing.“Howmuchdoyouhavelefttodotoday?”Heknewshewasworkingonanextra-creditprojecttogainearlyentryintoanadvancedcourseonthermodynamics—thebehaviorofenergy.
Siennawasn’tcertaintheinformationwouldhelpherunderstandthecoldfirethatlivedwithinher,butitcouldn’tdoanyharm.Knowledge,hethought,gaveheracontrolthathadsooftenbeenstolenfromherlife.
“Acoupleofhours,”shenowsaid,tippingupherhead,herhaircatchingonhisshirt,“butIcandothattonight.Icoulddowithabreak.”
Hetappedhernosewithhisfinger.“Comeonthen.I’mgoingtoseeLucas—youcanvisitwithSascha.”
“Oh,great!Ihaven’tcuddledNayasinceseveraldaysbeforethematingceremony.”Shequicklystackedthedatapadsneatlyinhercubicle,thengatheredupandputhercomputerandnotesawayintheattachedlocker.“I’mready.”
TheywerehalfwaytothegaragewhenTobyranuptothem,asmallbackpackslungoveronelankyshoulder.“Areyougoingout?CanIcome?”heasked,pushingbackhairthatwasn’tanywhereclosetothecardinalnight-skyofhiseyes.Habit,Hawkethought,wolfgrinningatthememoryofthehaircuthe’dgiventheboy
Siennareachedouttostraightenhiscollar.“Youcompleteyourkitchenchores?”
“Hedid,”HawkeansweredtoToby’sgrin.“Broughtmesomefoodnotlongago.”
“Ievenfinishedmyhomework,”theboyadded,andgotthepermissionhe’drequestedtojointhem.Smiling,hefellinbesidethem.“Wegotoutofschoolearlytoday,andwedon’thavetostarttillaftertentomorrowbecausewehaveanightclass.”Tobyallbutvibratedwithexcitement.“EliasandSamaregoingtoteachushowtotrackinthedark.It’sgoingtobereallate,wheneverything’squiet.”
Hawkerememberedthoseclassesfromhisownyouth,thememoriespoignant…becausehislieutenantfatherhadbeenoneoftheteachers.LookingatToby’seagerface,itseemedimpossiblethathe’deverbeenthatyoung,buthiswolfvividlyrecalledstalkingthroughthenocturnalwhisperingoftheforest,tryingtobequiet,soquiet.Itmadehimproudthatinspiteofeverythingthathadhappened,SnowDancer’syoungcontinuedtohavethechancetobechildren,tolearnandplayandgrow.
“Wherearewegoing?”Tobyaskedoncehe’dfinishedregalingthemaboutEliandSam’splans.
“ToseeSascha.”
“Great!”TobyscrambledexcitedlyintothebackseatoftheSUVwhentheyreachedthegarage.Thoughhewasagreatkid,Hawke’swolfworriedabouthisgoodbehavior.Theboyhadneveroncebeenintrouble—andthatwascompletelyunheardofforapuphisage.HawkewasconcernedTobywasafraidofactingout,forfearthepeoplehelovedwouldleavehim—ashismotherhadwhenshesuicided.
He’dspokenaboutittoJuddandWalker,aswellasSienna,andtheywereallkeepingaquieteyeontheboy.However,Sascha—whospentregulartimewithToby,teachinghimhowtohandlehisempathicabilities—hadtoldHawkenottoworry.“He’sverycenteredandhappy.IfI’manormalcaseasfarasempathsareconcerned,you’llhavemoretroublewithhimaroundfourteentosixteen.
“Ididn’tconsciouslyunderstanditthenofcourse,butmyabilitieswenthypersensitiveaboutthattime.Iusedtoswingfromangertojoytofrustrationwithinthespaceofafewminutes.”Thecardinalhadgivenhimawrysmile.“IfIhadn’tbeensoafraidofbeingrehabilitated,I’dhavebeenhelltohandle.”
Toby,Hawkethought,didn’thavetofearthathe’dbepunishedforhavingemotionsbybeingsentencedtothepsychicbrainwipe,didn’thavetoworrythathispersonalitywouldbeerasedinanactofbrutality.Andwhenadolescentangsthit,whetherornotitwasexacerbatedbyhisempathicabilities,he’dhavethenecessarysupport,love,anddisciplinetocomeoutofitstrongerontheotherside.
Now,listeningtotheboychattertoSienna,Hawke’swolfstretchedincontentment.Hehadafamilyofhisownagain,hethought,therealizationstillsonewthatitwasakicktotheguteachtime.Asalpha,everyoneinSnowDancerwaspartofhisfamily,butitwasn’tthesameashavingpeoplewhowerehis
“Toby,”hesaidduringalullintheconversation,“areyoudatingyet?”
Toby’sfacewentbrightredintherearviewmirror.“Um,er,no.”
Hawkehadguessedasmuchfromwhathe’dseenatthematingceremony,butthekidwasheadingtowardthirteen.He’dobviouslynoticedtheoppositesex,evenifhewasn’treadytotakethenextstep.“Butyouknowsomeoftheolderkidswhoare,right?”
“Uh-huh.”Tobyleanedforward,stretchinghissafetybelt.“Inmysoccerteammostly.”
“Anyofthemtalkabouttheleopardgirls?”
Siennalaughed.“Ohno.”
“Ohyes.”HeglancedatTobyintherearviewmirroragain.“Toby?”
“Um,yeah.”Aquiethesitation.“Idon’twanttogetanyoneintrouble.”
“Don’tworry,youwon’t.”He’dhadachatwiththeover-eighteensaboutinter-packflirting,sotheyknewwhatwasexpectedofthemasfarasacceptablebehavior.However,iftheyoungeragegroupswerestartingtosocialize,bothpacksneededamoreconcretepolicy.“Ithinkdefiniteruleswouldhelpeveryone.”
Toby’snodwashardenoughthatHawkecaughtitinhisperipheralvision.“Noone’sdatingoranything,”theboysaid,“butIthinksomeofthemwantto—exceptthey’rekindofscared.”
“Goon,”Hawkesaid.
“Theythinkthatmaybethey’lldosomethingwrongandtheleopardswillgetmadandit’llhurtthealliance.It’snotjusttheboys.”
Nomoredodgingthebullet,Hawkerealized,theyhadtoformulateinter-packguidelinesandquickly—becausewhileDarkRiverandSnowDancerwerebothpredatorypacks,thereweresubtledifferencesbetweenthemthatadultsappreciated,butthatcouldlandtheyoungfrombothsidesinhotwaterunlesstheyknewtofollowafewbasicrules.“Thanks,Toby.”He’dsuggestaworkinggroupmadeupofmaternalfemalesfrombothSnowDancerandDarkRiverwhenhebroughtupthesubjectwithLucas.
Atugalongthematingbond.
Wolfprickingitsears,heglancedatSienna.“Youcalled?”
“There’satleastoneseriouslydevelopingrelationshipintheover-eighteens.”
“Names?”
“Iwouldn’tbeabletoshowmyfacetomyfriendsifItoldyou.”
“Sienna.”
Anothermessagealongthematingbond,thisonewithanuanceddepthofemotion.Hiswolf,unusedtodefiance,blinked,shookhishead.Andherealizedhismatewasremindinghimthathewasn’theralpha,neverwouldbe.Grittinghisteeth,hesnarled.“Ihatethatrule.”Notthetruth,butattimeslikethis,itsureasheckirritatedhim.
“That’swhyweneedit.”Siennaleanedacrosstonipaffectionatelyathisjaw.
Frombehindthem,Tobysaid,“Ilikebeingaroundyouguys.You’rehappydeepinsideevenwhenyoufight.”
WolfandmaninsatisfiedagreementwithToby,HawketangledhishandwithSienna’s,liftingittohislipsandsnappinghisteeth.HerstartledyelpmadeTobylaugh.
Myfamily
SEVERALhoursafterherbreakdownbythewaterfall,withtheskyturningapost-sunsetsmokygray,Adriafinallywalkedintotheden.Herthroatwassorawhervoicesoundedakintoacroakwhensheenteredtheinfirmary.“Ineedtolookandsoundhumanforameetingateight.”
Lara’sperceptivegazesawtoomuch,butthehealerdidn’taskpryingquestions.“Open.”AcoolsprayhitthebackofAdria’sthroat.“That’lltakecareofthevoice.”
Adriastrokedherfingersoverherneck.“Alreadyfeelsbetter.”
“Asforyoureyes—”Larapointedtoapatientroom.“LiedownandI’llputagelpackonyourface.Youhavetwohoursbeforethemeeting.I’llwakeyouwhenit’stime.”
“I’dliketoshowerfirst.”Herbones,herskin,everythinghurt.
Larafoundherachangeofclothingfromthesupplieskeptintheinfirmary.“Throughthere.”
Strippingoffinsidethesmallshower,sheallowedthehotspraytopummelherbodyuntilLaraknockedonthedoor.“Ihavethegelpack.”
Adriagotoutoftheshower,driedoff,anddressedbeforeshelaydownononeofthebeds,needingthearmorofclothingafterthenakednesscausedbyheremotionalbreakdown.Lara’swildcorkscrewcurlsandfoxbrowneyeswerethelastthingsshesawbeforethecoolnessofthegelpackcoveredherpuffyeyelidsandcheeks.
Thedreamstookherundersoonafterward.
Strongarms,aheavymalebody,eyesofabrownsopaletheyshimmeredgold,thenightfilledwiththesoundsofharshbreathsandhandsslidingoversweat-slickedskin.Whenheflippedherontoherfront,shewaitedinquiveringanticipation.
Hotbreathagainsthercheek,abighandslidingunderherbodytocloseoveroneofherbreastswithblatantpossessiveness,thehardridgeofhiserectioninsistentagainstherlowerback.Sheattemptedtoarchupward,demandmore,butwaspinneddownbyhisbody.
Ashift,hisfingersbrushingherunboundhairoffherneck.
Hisweightlifting.
Sherosetowardhiminsilentinvitation.
Hiscockandhisteethsankintoheratthesameinstant.
Jerkingawake,shepulledoffthegelpacktoseethatLarahadclosedthedoortoherroom,leavingherinblessedprivacy.Itwassevenfifteenaccordingtoherwatch,soshehadalittlemoretime.
Allowingherselfashudderofbone-deeppleasure,shestretched,herarmsaboveherhead,herfeetpointed.Buthermindreplayednottheeroticdream,butherconversationwithRiazafterthey’dspokentoTamsyn—and,thoughitmadeherwolfstiffen,thewayhe’dheldherbesidethewaterfall.Themanshe’dglimpsedthatmorning,andtheonewho’dcaredenoughtoputhisarmsaroundapackmatewhowashurting,hewasdangerous,someonewhospoketohersoulbeyondtheprimitivetugofsex.
Thewayhe’drubbedhischeekagainstherhair,attemptingtogivecomfortthoughshe’dtakennone…she’dneverhaveexpectedsuchroughtendernessfromtheabrasive,angrymanshe’dfirstencountered.Andhewasloyal,somuchsothathewasdestroyinghimselfinhisfightnottobetrayamatewhowasforeverlosttohim.
Nowoman,Adriathoughtwithapricklingsenseofunease,wouldbeimmunetosuchaman.Chapter26
KALEBTOOKTHEprinteddocumentsSilverheldout,relatingtoabusinessarrangementbetweenhimandtheBlackEdgewolves.“Anyissues?”
“No.They’veagreedtothechangesyourequested.”Sheglancedatherdatapad,lookedup.Hesitated.
Suchhesitationwasunusualfortheice-blondewhohadbeenhisaidesincebeforehebecameaCouncilor,butKalebhadanexcellentideaofthereasonbehindit.“You’rewonderingwhyIwouldsubcontractanytypeofsecuritytothewolves.”
“Yes.YouhavetheArrows,andyourownmen.Youdon’tneedBlackEdge.”
“Theyhavecertainuniqueskills,”hesaid,scanningthefirstpageofthecontractashedidso,hismindtakinginthedataataspeedthat,whenSilverfirststartedworkingforhim,hadcausedhertobelievehewasn’tactuallyreading.Hewas.Hismindprocessedeachwordasheswepthiseyeoverit,embeddeditinhismemory.
Flippingthepage,hecontinued.“EvenPsycanbetrackedbyscent.”
“True,”Silversaid,“butchangelingscan’tevadeatelepathicsweep.”
Kalebglancedup.“AweaknessonlyifthePsyinquestionisawareheorsheisbeingstalked.Manyofourraceignoreanyskillorabilitybeyondtheirown.”
Alongerpause,andhecouldalmosthearhermindworkingmethodicallythroughhiswords.Itwaswhatmadehersuchagoodaide.Hedidn’ttrusther—hedidn’ttrustanyone,andSilver’sfirstloyaltywastothepowerfulMercantfamily,butheknewshewouldn’tbetrayhimsolongashehadherrespect.
Forthemajorityofthetimesincehe’dbecomeawareofthem,he’dbelievedtheMercantswereswayedsolelybypowerandwealth—ofwhichKalebhadamassedagreatdeal.However,aftermonitoringthemforyears,he’dseenmultipleMercantfamilymembersremainwithfailingcompaniesuntiltherewasnochanceofsalvage.He’dalsoseenthembetraywealthieremployersifthepricewasright.Ithadledhimtorevisehisearlierconclusions.
PowerandmoneymightpurchaseaMercant’sskills,butearntheircold-eyedrespectandtheywouldnotonlybecomemutewhenitcametoyoursecrets,theywouldalsostandfastinthefaceoftrouble.Inthepastyear,Kalebknewhe’dmovedontotheveryexclusivelistofpeopletheMercantswouldnotsellout.
Theirconnectionsandabilities,addedtothatoftheArrows,broughthimanotherstepclosertotakingtotalcontroloftheNet.Ofcourse,therehadalwaysbeenasecondoptionwhenitcametotheNet,onehehadn’tyetdiscarded.Italldependedontheoutcomeofhissearch.
“Youarecorrect,Councilor,”Silversaidatlast,hervoicecool,clear,flawless.“Doyouneedmetocollatedataontheindividualyou’retracking?”
“No.”Hehadlongagodiscoveredandmemorizedeveryshredofavailabledataontheonepersonhesearchedforwithremorselesspersistence.
Scanningthepenultimatepageofthecontract,heindicatedforSilvertowait.Thirtysecondslater,hewasdone.Pickingupapen,hesignedthedocumentintriplicateandpasseditacrossthedesk.“TellBlackEdgeIhavenoneedoftheirservicesatpresent.”Thewolveswouldservetheirpurposeafterhe’dlocatedhistarget—becausethattargetwashighlylikelytorefusehishospitality.Andinthiscase,apsychicleashwasnotaviableoption.
Ofcourse,SelenkaDurev,theBlackEdgealpha,wouldn’tagreetohuntjustanyone,butafteryearsofmeticulousresearch,Kalebunderstoodthefinestdetailsofhowthepackfunctioned.Ifandwhenthetimecame,he’dgetwhathewanted.Noonewouldbepermittedtostandinhisway.
“Sir,”Silversaidafterdouble-checkinghe’dsignedandinitialedalltherequiredplacesinthecontract,“aboutHenryScott.”
He’daskedhertokeepherearsopenforanyinformationontheCouncilorwhohadn’tbeenseensinceSiennaLauren’sX-firedecimatedthePurePsyarmy.“Ishealive?”
“Onlyaccordingtounsubstantiatedrumors—thosecouldbeastrategicattemptbyPurePsytobolstertheirmembership.WithoutHenry’sbacking,thegrouphasnegligiblepower.”
Hmm…“There’samannamedAndreaVasquez.Thirtyyearsofage.”ItwastheDarkMindthathadbroughthimthenameofHenry’sgeneral.“Whatdoyouhaveonhim?”heasked,thoughhe’dalreadydonehisownresearch.However,theMercantshadawayofknowingthingsnooneelsedid.
“Ifyou’llexcusemeamoment.”
Hegaveacurtnod.Havingfinishedfinalizingamemointheinterim,heputitasideforSilvertodealwith,andturnedinhischair.Thecrystalclearfloor-to-ceilingwalllookedoutoverthebusysquarebelow,black-garbedcommutersscurryingtowork,theirheadsdownbent,breathsfrostingthemorningair.
Hismindcataloguedthevisualintake,butitwasanautomaticact,hisconcentrationonthepsychicsearchhe’dbeenrunningcontinuouslyinthebackofhismindforyears.Exceptnow,heutilizedeveryspareminutetorunitintheforeground—becausehewasclose.Very,veryclose.Enoughthathemightmakeamistakeifhedidn’tmovewithutmoststealth.
Alertedbythepsychicreminder,hepaused,reworkedhissearchalgorithmtohaltatthefirstsignofatripwireorsensor.BythetimeSilverwalkedbackintohisoffice,hewasfacinghisdeskoncemore,evenashismindhummedwithataskthatwould’vetakenthefullattentionofmostnormalcardinals.
Kalebhadneverbeennormal.Notinanyway.
“Vasquez,”Silverbegan,aftertakingaseatoppositehisdesk,“isaGradient8.3telepathwhowasplacedintoArrowtrainingasachild.However,hewasdeemedunfitforthesquadatagefourteenandreassignedtoaregularblackopsunitwhereheservedwithdistinctionuntilhisapparentdeath.”
AllofwhichcorrelatedwithKaleb’sownfindings.“Wetwork?”
“Notonfile,butgiventhenatureofhispsychologicalevaluation,it’sareasonableassumptionthathewasusedforclose-contactassassinations.”
KalebhadnodoubtsaboutVasquez’sstatusasatrainedkiller—Henryhadneverlikedgettinghishandsdirty.“Whendidhefalloffthegrid?”
“Eightyearsago.Deathverified.”
“Ofcourse.”ItwastheonlywaytovanishoutrightfromtheNet.“Letmeguess—anaccidentthatleftnoremainsbutforafragmentlargeenoughtoprovideDNA.”
“Thecrushedandpartiallyburnedremnantsofthesmallestfingerfromhislefthand.Easyenoughtoreplacewithaprosthetic.”
Andspeakingofamandedicatedenoughtomutilatehimself.
“Hehasn’tbeenseen,orDNAtyped,sincethen.”Hisaidetappedthescreenofherorganizertobringupseveralimagessheturnedtowardhim.“However,sinceyoubroughtuphisnameinrelationtoHenryScott,ItookthelibertyofgoingthroughthesurveillanceimagesofHenrytakenduringthesixmonthsbeforehisdisappearance.Vasquezisn’tpresentinanyofthem.”
That,Kalebknew,meantnothing.Themanwasatrainedghost.“It’sunlikelyhelooksanythinglikehedideightyearsago.”
“Iagree,but,”Silvercontinued,earningherpaycheckwiththenextwordsshespoke,“itappearsthat,priortohisdisappearance,Henrywasmakingregularsix-figure-sumdepositsintoanaccountintheCaymans.Whiletheaccountitselfisuntraceable,Henrytaggedthepaymentswiththeinitials‘A.V.’athisend.”
Kalebwasalmostexpectingit,thatitwouldbesuchasimplethingthatwoulddestroythewallofsecrecyVasquezhadbuiltaroundhimself.Henryhadneverbeengoodwithdetails.“Youhavesomethingfurther,”hesaid,watchingherbringupanotherfile.
Aslightnod,notasinglestrandoutofplaceintheneattwistthatwasherhair.“ThepaymentsstoppedafterHenry’sencounterwithSiennaLauren.However,itnowlooksasifsomeoneisreorganizinghisfinancialassets.”Hereyes,anunusualcolorbetweenblueandgray,methis.“Ourbankingcontactswereabletoconfirmitisn’tShoshanna.”
ShoshannawasHenry’swife,therelationshipafictiontoplacatethehumanandchangelingpopulation.“That’sexcellentwork,Silver.”Hedidn’taskhertoforwardhimthefiles—Silverwashisaidebecauseshedidthingslikethatwithoutbeingasked.
Rising,sheheldtheorganizertoherside.“Atpresent,this‘A.V.’isaphantomthesameasVasquez,butI’vealertedmyfamilythathehasbecomeanindividualinwhomyouhaveaninterest.”Sheleftwithoutfurtherwords,theclickofherheelsmuffledbythecarpet.
Kalebconsideredthepossibilities.ThefirstwasthatVasquezhadtakenoverafterHenry’sdeathandwassettinghimselfupasthenewleaderofPurePsy.However,fromeverythingKalebhaddiscoveredaboutVasquez,themalewasnotaleader.WhiletrainingtobeanArrow,he’dfollowedorderswithdoggedfidelity.Thesolereasonhe’dbeenexcisedfromthesquadwasbecauseofapsychologicalimbalancethatmadehimariskinthefield,giventhesensitivenatureofmanyArrowoperations.
Itmust’vebeenadifficultdecisionforthoseinchargeofthesquad,asaccordingtotheclassifiedtrainingfileSilverhadjustsentKaleb,quiteasidefromhislethalcombatabilities,Vasquezpossessedacriticalskill:beingabletoorganizeattheminutelevel.IfhenowhadcontroloverHenry’sfinances,thatmeanthe’dforeseentheneedforit,hadensuredhe’dhavethenecessaryaccess.
Silver,hesaidafteraquicktelepathicknock,thereorganizationofHenry’sfinances.Whereisthemoneygoing?
Unknown.Evenourbestpeoplehaven’tbeenabletotrackthefunds.Wecan,however,confirmthatthemoneyisn’tgoingtotheCaymans.
No,Kalebthought,Vasquezwasnorogue.
Hewassimplyfollowingorderstohidetheexistenceofhismaster.Chapter27
RIAZHADN’TSEENAdriasincethewaterfall,sowhenheranintoherontheoutskirtsofthePackCircleaweeklater,theybothfroze.Herwarinesswaswritlargeacrossthecleanlinesofherfacebeforesheblinkedandwipeditaway.
Edgyabouthisinabilitytocontrolhistouch-hungerwhenitcametoher,he’ddonehisbesttostaythehellaway.Butnowshestoodinfrontofhim,andthoughherpresencewasnothingsimple,nothingeasy,hefoundhecouldn’tsimplyletherpass.“Areyouhelpingwiththepreparations?”LaraandWalker’smatingceremonywasn’tforanotherweek,buteveryonewasalreadygearingupforit.
“Yes—mytraineesvolunteeredtodothesetup.”Shetwistedwhatlookedlikeapieceoftwinearoundherindexfinger,offeredhimaguardedsmile.“WalkerandLara’sceremonycomingsosoonafterHawkeandSienna’sisgoingtobegreatforthepack.”
Shewas,herealized,tryingtomakeconversation—distantconversation.Andheknewthisproud,strongwomanwantedtoerasethefragiletiecreatedbetweenthembythoseheartrendingmomentsbythewaterfall.Reiningbackthedominancewithinhim,apartofhisnaturethatfoughttocrashagainsthercoolfacadeuntilitcracked,heglancedaround.“Lookslikeyouneedahandwiththetables.”
Anintentlook,thescentofheralingeringcaress.“Areyouvolunteering?”
“I’myourstocommand.”Eventhoughitwould’vebeenfarmoresensibletowalkaway.
Ahintoftruewarmthintheluminousblue-violet.“Comeonthen.”Pickingupahand-drawnplan,shesaid,“Larawantsthepicnictablessetupontheedgesofthedancearea,exceptforthissectionwheretheband’splanningtosetup.”
“Gotit.”Abouttoconscriptthreeofthebiggerboysfromhercrew,hewrenchedhimselfbackjustbeforehewould’vespoken.ThesekidswereAdria’s.Asalieutenant,hehadtosupport,notundermine,herauthority.“WhocanIhave?”
Aninscrutablelookbeforesheputtwofingerstohermouthandwhistled.“Israel,Charlie,Vincent.You’rewithRiaz.”
Afterhe’dgiventheboysaquicktutorial,Riaz’steambegantosnapandscrewtogetherthetablesandbenches.Sinceexceptfortheoccasionalevent,mostwolvespreferredtositorsprawlontheground,thepackputupandbrokedowntheiroutdoorfurnitureasneeded.Itensuredtheforestremainedasunclutteredandasuntouchedaspossible,andwiththeseparatecomponentstakingupverylittleroomwhenstacked,storagespacewasn’tanissue.
Fromwhathe’dglimpsedoftheplan,WalkerandLara—orifRiazhadtoguess,Lara—haddecidedonanightpicnic,followedbyajazzdance.Softglowinglightsinalltheshadesoftherainbowwouldringthearea,thefestivitieskickingoffsoonaftersunset.Theearlystartmadesense,sinceWalkerhadayoungdaughterandwasbasicallyToby’sdadaswell.
“It’llbebeautiful,”Adriasaidtohimashewipedhisforearmacrosshisperspiration-dampforeheadacoupleofhourslater.“SuitwhoWalkerandLaraareasacouple.”
Riazhadsenttheboysoffafewminutesearlier,whenAdriadismissedtherestofhercrew,andwasnowcompletingthefinaltablewithherholdingtheboardsinplace.“Thecheckmarksontheplan,”hesaid,twistingarivetintoplace.“Icouldn’tfigureoutwhattheywere.”
Adria’ssuddenlaughwashuskyanduninhibited.“Giantbutterflies—Marlee’scontributiontothedecorations.SiennaandBrennahavebeenconscriptedintothetaskforce.”
Manandwolfbothchuckled.“WalkerLaurenisnotexactlythebutterflytype.”ThelonewolfinRiazhadrecognizedtheothermanasdangerousfromthefirst.
“He’sagooddad.”Adriaconsultedtheplan,madehimmovethetableafewfeettotheleft.“That’sit.Thanks.”
Glancingupattheorangeglowoftheearlyeveningsky,hesaid,“Imightjogdowntothestream,takeadip.”Heneededtochilltheembersinhisgut,adark,hotflame.
Adriafrowned.“Ididn’tknowtherewasonenearby.”
“It’saboutaten-minutejog.”Hedescribedthesector,butthelinesbetweenhereyebrowsdidn’tdisappear.“Comewithme,”hesaid,clenchinghisabdomenagainstthecontinuingimpactofherpresence.“Itwon’ttakelong.”
Herreawakenedwarinessbetrayeditselfinthefinestflickeroftensionacrossherlashes,butAdriawasaSnowDancersoldier.Shegaveasmallnod.“Let’spackupeverythingherefirst.”
Thatdone,Riazledherintothetreesandtowardthesecludedareawherethehiddenstreamwidenedintoacold,clearpoolhalfhiddenbythegnarledrootsoftwoancienttreesbeforesnakingawayandundergroundagain.ThoughhiswolfknewAdriawasn’thismateandthecravingconfusedit,itclawedathim,wantingtolickupthetasteofher.Asaresult,hisjawwasapainfullinebythetimetheyreachedtheirdestination.
“NowonderImissedit,”Adriasaid,steppinginfrontofhimandtothewater’sedge.“It’sliterallytuckedbetween…”
Hedidn’theartherestofwhatshesaid,hiseyeslockedonthebareskinofhernape,herbraidhavingslidoverhershoulder.Hishandcurvedaroundthatnapebeforehewasawareofmoving.Shewrenchedaway,hereyesslammingintohim,brightcobalttouchedwithpurple.Foraninstant,hefroze,butthenhiswolfroaredtothesurfaceandheknewhe’dbeenfoolinghimselfabouthisabilitytoresisther.
THEelectricchargeinthoseeyesgoneavividwolfgoldraisedeveryhaironAdria’sbody.“No.”Noteveniftheroughheatofcontacthadrockedalightningboltthroughher.“ItoldmyselfI’dneveragaininviteyouintomybedandImeantit.”
Riazflinched.“I’mdoingtheinviting.”
Bruisedpridemadeherwanttorepudiatehimashe’drepudiatedher,butifbeingwithMartinhadtaughtheronething,itwasthatherpridecouldbeaterribleweakness.“You’lljusthatemeforit.”Andshe’dhadenoughofaman’shatred.
Shuddering,Riazstalkedforwardtocuphercheeksinhishands.Startledatthetenderhold,shedidn’tjerkawaywhenhebenttopresshisforeheadtoherown.“No.”Ahotbreathonherlips,hishandswarmandcallusedonherface.“It’sonme.”Raw,hissoulstrippedbare.“Ican’tcarryonasIhavebeendoing.”
“SoI’mthebitterpill?”Evenasshesaidthat,partofherresonatedwiththetumultofneedandpaintearinghimapart.
“Adria—”
“No.”Afingerpressedtothefirmcurvesofhislips.“You’reright.Youneedtomakeacleanbreak…andsodoI.”Shegavehimthatpieceofherselfsothiswoundedwolfwouldknowhewasn’ttheonlyonegoingintothiswiththemostpainfulofmotivations.Itwasn’tsimplyaboutthesexanylonger,wasn’tsimplyaboutassuagingtheskinhungerthathauntedthemboth.Itwasaboutsayinggood-byetoadreamthathadneverhadachance.“But,”shewhispered,forcingherselftoholdthepotentdominanceofagazethatwaspurewolf,“youhavetobesure.”
“Iam.”Nohesitation,evenifthewordswerejaggedasbrokenstone.“There’snothingformeinthepast.”
Yes,shethought,thepastwasforevergone,forbothofthem.“Allright.”
Hiseyesglowedwildandbeautifulinhervisionashedippedhishead,stoleherbreath.Sheletherlidsfluttershut,knowingthatregardlessofwhathappenedafterthis,whethertheyremainedloversorwalkedaway,onethingshewouldnever,everbeabletochange—thatshewasthefirstwomantoleadhimintobetrayal.
Adullache,anacceptedpain.
Thenherwolfcametolifeinsideherbody,andthethoughtfracturedunderachaosofsensation.Wrappingherarmsaroundhisneck,shemetthefeverofhiskiss,herbonesmoltenwithpassion.Yet…therewasahesitancytothemthathadn’tbeenpresentbefore,andAdriawonderediftheirtimehadpassed.Atwistinginherchest.Ahurtthatwasdeeper.Moredangerous.Butwhenshemadeasiftopullback,thegrowlthatrumbledoutofRiaz’sthroatwasaprimalthing.
Hishandclosedoverherbreast,hismouthsuckingonthepulseinherneckalmostbeforesheprocessedthefacthe’dtakenhertothegrass,theearthstillholdingthesun’swarmth.Anythoughtofretreatingfragmented,thehungerinsideherawildcraving.ClawingathisT-shirt,sheheardsomethingtear.Hesnarledagainsther,thrustingonehandunderherownteetopushupherbraandspreadhisfingersoverthebarefleshofherbreast,cuppingandshaping.
“OhGod!”Archingintothefirm,confidenttouch,shetoreathisT-shirtuntilitwasinpiecesaroundthem,hisbig,muscledbodyrisingoverherown,hismouthbusyonherlips,herjaw,herneck.
Hisskinwasashadeofburnishedbrown,warmandbeautiful,herpleasureattouchinghim—atlast—almostpainful.WhenheshovedupherT-shirtandloweredhisheadtoherbreast,herwombclenchedinanticipation.Hisbreathonherskin…thehotsuctionofhismouth.Twistingwildly,shefistedherhandinhishair,attemptingtopullhimoff.Thepleasure,ohGod,theviciouspleasurewastoomuch,herbodytoosensitive.
Heusedhisteeth.
Cryingout,shewasbewilderedatthesuddencoldonherdampflesh.“What—”Aninstantlater,hewasunzippingherjeans,pullingthemoff,alongwithherboots.Shefeltsomethingrip,knewherpantiesweregone.Whenheunzippedandmovedbetweenherthighs,shespreadthemagainsttheheavyintrusion,readyuntilherskinached.
Asinglehardthrustandhewasseateddeepinsideher,thethicknessofhimapulsingbrand.
Shefrozeforaminute,herbodystunnedatthealmostviolentpossession.Longunusedmusclesached,butbelowallthatwasneed.Suchnaked,rawneed.Risingtowardhim,shemeteyesglowingagainstthedusk.Shewasn’ttheleastsurprisedbythewarninggrowl,orbythehandhefistedinherhairtoarchherneck.Thebitealongthesensitiveslopewhereherneckflowedintohershoulderwashardenoughtosting,hardenoughtopushherover
Evenasshecamewithascream,hepoundedintoherwithsuchwildfury,thefeelofhimreverberatedthroughherverybones.Abrutalwordinamasculinevoicesoharsh,itwasalmostunrecognizable.Herinternalmusclesspasmingineroticresponse.Hishandclenchingonherbreast.Theprimalheatofhimspillingintoher.
RIAZlayonthegrass,soangrywithhimselfthathecouldn’tlookatAdria.ButhecouldsenseherpushingherbraandT-shirtbackdownintoplace.Shedidn’trisetofindherjeans,andhewonderediftheywereeveninonepiece.“I’msorry.”Hisvoicewascoatedwithgravel.
Apause.“Why?”
“I’veneverhurtawomanlikethat.”Heknewdamnwellshehadbruises,andthatbiteonthesmoothcurveofhershoulderwasn’tgoingtodisappearanytimesoon.
Adriasighed,stretchingoutunderthetwilightcolorsofthesky.“Iwasn’tcomplaining,Riaz,andI’mstrongenoughtohaveguttedyouifyou’dbeendoinganythingIdidn’twantyoutodo.”
“Damnit,Adria.”Heliftedhimselfupononeelbowtoglareather,hisbodystillpumpedwithadrenaline.“Youdeservemorethanafuckinthegrass.”
Hereyeswidened.
Hewenttosaysomethingelse,lostthethoughtwhenhiseyesfellonhalf-partedlips.Kiss-bruisedandlush,hermouthwasthemosterotictemptation,theneedinsidehimnowherenearsatedbytheirfranticcoupling.Breathcominginharshgasps,hemanagedtogetoutasingleword,theonlyquestionthatmattered,“Adria?”
“Yes.”Permission.
Promisinghimselfhewouldgivehertendernessthistime,evenifitkilledhim,hesuckedonherlowerlip,playedhistongueacrossthepart,butdidn’tpushforentry.Instead,helickedandtastedandteasedasheshouldhavedoneearlier…untilherhandslandedonhisshoulders,herclawsreleasingjustenoughtoprickhisskininsilentfemaledemand.
Smiling,hethrustonejean-cladthighbetweenherownandpushedup.Shehissed.Breakingthekissatonce,hereacheddowntostrokeonehandoverhercalf,herlegraisedandbentattheknee.“Sore?”Hardlysurprisingsincehe’dshovedintoherwithallthefinesseoftheaverageeighteen-year-old.
Shenodded,liftingherfingerstohismouth.Heheldpositionandletherexplore.Whenshetuggedhimbackdown,heclaimedakissthatwasalltongue,deepandwetandanunashamedtasteofthethingshewantedtodotoher,beforeremovinghisthighandshiftingsothathewasonthebottom.“Ithink,”hesaid,holdinghersteadywithhishandsonherwaistasshepushedherselfuptostraddlehim,“it’smyturntotakethepounding.”
ADRIAwascaughtbytheplayfulsmiletuggingatRiaz’slips,theharshanglesofhisfacerelaxedtorevealanintoxicatinglyattractivemale—onewhowasplayingwithherjustalittle…butcomingfromalonewolf…
“No?”Riazsaidwhenshedidn’tmove,hisheadangledinawaythattoldherhiswolfremainedverymuchnearthesurface.
Leaningforward,shebrushedhishairoffhisforehead.Sheknewitwasatendermove,onethatwentbeyondsex,butsheneededtodoit.Thetruthwas,nomatterwhatshe’dsaidtohimthatdayatthetrainingrun,nomatterwhatshe’dtriedtoconvinceherselfbecauseithurttoomuchtodootherwise,shewasn’tawomanwhocouldeverhavesexforsex’ssake.Itwasn’tinher.
Homeandhearthandfamily,that’swhatyou’rebuiltfor.
WordsspokenbyTarahlongago,solongagothathersisterhadprobablyforgotten.Adriahadn’t.Thatwomancontinuedtoexistinsideofher,andinspiteofthecracksinherheart,shestillwantedafamilyofherown;ahomefilledwithlove;amanwhoadoredherandwhoshecouldadoreinreturn.Thislieutenantwhoheldherwithwarm,stronghands,hisheartalreadygiventoanother,wasn’ttheonewithwhomshewouldeverfulfillthatdream,butthatdidn’tmeantheirjoininghadtobeacold,hardthing.
Riazdidn’tpullawayfromthegentletouch,andoneofthecracksdeepwithinherhealedatinyfraction.“Let’sbefriends,”shewhisperedtothegolden-eyedmanwhowatchedherwithsuchpredatoryfocus,thewolfinhiseyes.
Hishandsflexedonherhips.“Ican’tbeplatonicfriendswithyou,Adria.”Notarejection,justablunttruthfrommaletofemale,wolftowolf.
“Iknow.”Nowthatthey’dtouched,theneedinherhadonlygrownstronger.
Thumbsstrokinggentlyoverthecurveofherhip.“Friendswhoshareintimateskinprivilegesthen?”Aquietclarification.“Doyouthinkwecanbe?”
“Yes.”ButsheunderstoodwhyRiazhesitated,thoughitwascleartoherheneededafriendaswellasalover.“I’lltakeyouasyouare,”shepromised,wantinghimtounderstandthatshewouldn’tdemandwhathedidn’thavetogive,wouldn’thurthimbyremindinghimofwhathe’dlost.“Noexpectations.Noties.Nopromises.”Justafriendshipthatmighthelpthembothheal.
Riazcaressedhishandsdowntoherbarethighs,backuptoslideunderherT-shirt,thecallusesonhispalmsscrapingoverherskinwitharoughseductionthatmadehershiver.“Youalmostsoundasifyoupreferthat.”
“Ido.”Nolies,shethought,nothere,inthisbeautifulmomentwiththeworldsohushedandprivatearoundthem.“I’vebeen…lostforalongtime.I’mwolfenoughtowantthecontactwithamanI’mnotonlyphysicallyattractedto,butwhoI’mbeginningtolike,”shesaidwithdeephonesty,thinkingofthetendernessofhiskiss,ofthewayhe’dhandledhertraineeswithbothaffectionanddisciplinethisafternoon,“butIneedmyfreedom.”
Despitethedreamsoffamilyshenurturedinasecretpartofhersoul,sheknewshewasdamaged.Untilshefixedherself,ifthatwasevenpossible,shecouldn’t,wouldn’t,stealacommitmentfromanyone,leastofallamanwhobelongedtoanotherinawaythatcouldneverbeerased.
Hereacheduptotugthetieloosefromherbraid,unravelherhair.“Friends.”Itwasapromise,thewolfgoldofhiseyesglowing.“Tellmeabouthim.”
AndbecausesheunderstoodhowharditwasforadominantmalelikeRiaztobevulnerable,tohaveherkeephissecrets,shedid.“Tounderstandhowithappened,youhavetoknowthebeginning.”ShesharedhowsheandMartinhadbeenapartforlongperiodsforthefirstfiveyearsaftertheymet,whileMartindidapostgraddegreeinEngland,andshefocusedonintensivesoldiertraining.
“Myfamilytendstolumpallthoseyearstogether,buttheyonlysawmesporadically,”shetoldhim,thinkingbacktothatdemanding,excitingtime.“Myparentswerepostedtotheotherendoftheterritory,TarahwasbusywithEvie,”—itmadeherheartclenchpainfullytightevennowtorememberhowweakEviehadbeenasachild—“andIndigowasstillinschoolindenterritory,whileIwasintheCascades.”
Riaznodded.“Theywould’vehadnoideaofyourday-to-daylife.”
“Orhowinsaneitwas.Aswellasthesoldiertraining,Hawkehadmetakingcertaincollegecoursesonline.”Thingsthathadgivenheragroundinginbasicbusinessprinciples,soshecouldactasasoundingboardforalieutenantshoulditeverbecomenecessary.“Ibarelyhadtimetobreathe,muchlessstartacommittedrelationship.”
“ItwaslikethatformewhenIfirstbecamealieutenant,”Riazsaid,hisfingersmovingonherskin,theslightroughnessofhisfingertipsanexquisitecaress.“Steeplearningcurve.”
“IguessthatwaspartofwhyIwasdrawntoMartinwhenhecamehomeforvisits,whyIsaidyeswhenheaskedmeoutondates.Hewaswarm,intelligent,funny—hemademerelax.”Taintedbythedarknessthathadcomelater,everyoneelseseemedtorememberonlythebadtimes,butitwasn’ttheangrymanhe’dbecomethatshe’dfallenfor.
“He’dtalkmeintowatchingsillymovies;telljokesinthisdeadpanvoicethatwouldhavemeinstitches.”Buthe’donlysharedthatpartofhimselfwiththoseheknewwell.“Onethingmostpeopledon’trealizeisthatMartinisshy,alwayshasbeen.Itsometimescomesacrossasarroganceorconceitandmeanshedoesn’tmakethebestfirstimpression—hedidn’tonmyparents.”
However,she’dseenandlikedthemanbehindthemask,sincerelybelievedherfamilywouldtoo,oncetheygottoknowhim.“Wedidn’thaveexplosivechemistry,”sheadmitted,“butIneverexpectedthatkindofpassion.”Hadthoughtherwolftoosensibleforthewildfireshe’dseenburnsomanyothersinthepack.“Ididn’tgoaroundaccostingbroodinglonewolvesthen.”
Riaz’seyeswarmedwithquietamusement,buthedidn’tinterrupt.
“Wewerecompatibleinsomanyotherways,fromouroutlookonlife,toourbeliefthatloyaltywasthecoreofarelationship,tothethingsthatmadeuslaughthatwhenhesuggestedwetakeourrelationshiptothenextlevel,Isaidyes.”HerwolfhadlikedMartinwellenoughnottointerferewiththehuman’sdecision,butithadneverdemandedmore,neverhungeredtotanglewithMartin’sownwolf…neverchosenhim.
“Youdidn’tworryaboutthedominanceissue?”
“Initially,yes.”Ithadbeentooimportantaquestiontoblowoff.“Butyouhavetorealize—bythetimewemovedintogether,we’dknownandcasuallydatedeachotherforyears.”Regardlessoftheimpressionothers,includingTarahandIndigo,might’veformedasaresultofhisremotenessaroundstrangers,notoncehadMartindoneorsaidanythingtomakeherbelievehecouldn’thandlethefactofherdominance.
“WhenImadeseniorsoldierwhileweweredating,hegavemeabeautifulceremonialknife,”shesaid,wantingRiaztounderstandhowshecould’vemadesuchaterriblemistakeandhowitmightnothavebeenamistakeatall—notthen.“He’dboughtitmonthsago,becausehewassocertainI’dgetthepromotion.Hewasproudofme.”
Strokinghandsonherthighs,thecalmwatchfulnessofthepredatorthatprowledbehindthecaptivatingshadeofhiseyes.“Whendiditstarttogowrong?”
“Icanneverquitepinpointit.”Theonlythingsheknewwasthatthechangehadbewilderedher.“Maybeitwastherealityoflivingdaytodaywithawomanwhosewolfwasdominanttohisown,therealizationthatifitcamedowntoit,Ididn’tneedhimtoprotectme.”Allshehadwereguesses,becausethedeathoftheirrelationshiphadbeenaslow,insidiousthing,hardtoseeuntilitwastoolate.
“Fromwhatyou’vesaid,itsoundslikehewastheonewhopursuedyou—couldbehefeltmoreforyouthanyoudidforhim,”Riazsaidquietly.“Webothknowyoudidn’tlovehim,notasastrongfemalewolfshouldloveherman.”
Stricken,Adriasaid,“WhileIwasinthatrelationship,IgavehimeverythingIhadtogive.”Hadn’trealizedshehadthecapacityforwildpassion,thatthedarkintensityshe’dwitnessedinpackmateswasapartofhernature,too.“Ifhewasunhappy,whydidn’thesayanything?”
“Becausehewasaweakprick,”wasthecoldsummation.“Icanseewhyhemight’vereactedbadly,butthatdoesn’tmeanIhaveanysympathyforhim.”
Yes…Martinhadmadehisownchoices,heldtheresponsibilityforthem.“Ishould’vewalkedawaywhenIfirstbegantorealizehe’dstartedtoresentmeformystrength,butIcouldn’tbeartogiveupandprovetothosewho’dwarnedmeoffalessdominantmanthatthey’dbeenright.”God,she’dbeensostubborn,soproud.
“You’readominantfemale—beingbloody-mindedispartofthepackage.”
Shelaughed,leaneddowntoplayherfingersthroughhishaironcemore.“Yes,I’veforgivenmyselfforthat.”Becauseunderneaththepridehadbeenthehonestdesiretosalvagearelationshipthathadstartedoutwithsuchpromise.“AndIthinkIwould’veaccepteddefeatsoonerandwalkedaway,butthen…Martinsavedmylife.”
She’dbeenoutinabadstorm,searchingforapupeveryonethoughtwaslostwhenatreehadfallenonher.Ithadbrokenherleganddislocatedhershoulderasitknockedherintoastreamthathadbeenbloatedtodangerouslevels,whereshe’dhitherheadonanexposedrock.Dizziedanddisoriented,she’dbeguntogaspinwaterinsteadofair.
HavingdescribedtheaccidenttoRiaz,shesaid,“Martinhasabone-shakingfearofthewaterafteralmostdrowningasachild,buthecameoutintothestormbecausehewasworriedaboutme,andthenhedoveintoaragingtorrenttosavemylife.”However,thatwasn’tthemostimportantpartofthejaggedjigsawthathadbeentheirrelationship.“Hegotmeout,butashewaspullinghimselfout,ahugerocksmashedintohim,crushingmostofhisribsanddoingseriousdamagetohisorgans.HewasintheinfirmarylongerthanIwas.”
Riazsatup,strokinghishandsalongherspine.“Heusedit,didn’the,toholdyou?”
ThetopofthetattooonRiaz’sleftshoulderjustvisibletoherinthisposition,shetracedthecurvedlinesofit.“Idon’tknowifitwasconscious,butyes.”Thepressurehadbeensosubtle,shehadn’trealizedwhatwashappeningforalongtime.“IalwayshadthissickeningbubbleofguiltinsidemewheneverIthoughtofendingitwithamanwho’driskedeverythingtosaveme.”
Aftertherelationshipdidend,she’dfoundherselfunabletounderstandwhyMartinhadfoughttoholdherevenwhenithadbecomeagonizinglyclearthey’dbehappierapart.ButifRiazwasright,ifMartinhadlovedherinawayshehadn’tbeenabletoreciprocate…itexplainedsomuch,evenasitdidn’texcusethehurthe’dcausedher.
“Loyalty’snothingtobeashamedof.”Riaz’sbreathwarmagainstherskin.
“No…buttakentoofar,itcanbecomeaflaw.”Slidingherhandsoverhisshoulderswhenhisgazedarkenedinknowledge,shegavearuefulsmile.“Hindsightisalwaystwenty-twenty,isn’tit?”
Herubbedhischeekagainsthers.“That’swhyit’sabitch.”
Again,shelaughed,startledattheveinofhumorwithinthesolemnwolfwiththegoldeneyes.“Well,I’mdonewithlookingback,”shesaid,tastingthesaltandcitrusbiteofhisskin,thehintofbitterchocolateinhiskissexoticandintriguing.“I’mreadytoliveintoday.”
Thistime,theirlovingwasanintimatedance.
Long,druggingkisses,lingeringstrokesofherhandsoverafirmchestlightlycoveredbyasprinklingofhairthatwasaneroticcaressagainstherbreasts,andarideasdeep,asslow.Hisbodyarchedunderherown,histendonsstrainingwhiteundertheduskyhueofhisskinashishandsclenchedonherhips.
She’dneverfeltasbeautiful,aspowerfullyfemale.Chapter28
KALEBLOOKEDDOWNatthebodylaidoutonthecoldmetalslab,litbythefrigidwhiteofthemorguelights.Thecorpsehadbeendiscoveredfourhoursago,beenprioritizedatthehighestlevelofimportance.“Yourconclusions?”hesaidtoAden.TheArrowmedic—trainedtoperformautopsiesonfallenArrows—haddonethetaskhimself.
“Causeofdeathwasabrokenneck,”Adenresponded.“Fromtheon-sceneexamination,itappearshetrippedandfelldownthestairs.”
Notanunbelievableoccurrence,andnothingthatwould’vedrawnArrowattention,exceptforthefactthevictimwasananchor.AllanchordeathswereinvestigatedbyArrows,evenwhenoldagewasanevidentfactor—bornwiththeabilitytomergetotallyintotheNet,thoseofDesignationAweretoointegraltoitspsychicfabrictoriskanymistakes
Anchorshadmanyfunctions,buttheirmostimportantonewastostabilizeand“hold”thePsyNetinplace.TheywerethereasonPsycouldcrosstheworldonthepsychicplanewithoutmentalstress.Thedeathoftheonewholayontheslabhadcausedsomeminorripples,butthetemporaryfail-safeshadcomeintoplaytheinstanthedisappearedfromtheNet,ensuringnomajordamage.Thoseintheaffectedzonewould’veexperiencedafaintheadacheatmostbeforethenetworkofanchorsintheregionrealignedtheirspheresofinfluencetocoverthegap.
Asingledeathwouldinnowaystretchthenetworkthin,butthelossofanyanchorwasacauseforconcern.However,onlyatelekineticatthescenecould’vepreventedanaccidentthatappearedtohavebeencausedbyasplit-secondphysicalerror.
“Doyoubelievetheon-scenereport?”heaskedAden.
“VasicandIbothdidasweepofthepremises,foundnothingoutoforder.Thefootagefromhisprivatesecuritysystemalsoprovedtobeclean.Theoretically,ateleport-capableTkcould’ve’portedinand‘assisted’inthefall,butwhykillananchor?”Itwasthemostcrucialquestion.“Theyhavenopoliticalpower,andtheirdeathsdonothingexceptweakentheNet.”
Andregardlessofpoliticalaffiliation,everysinglePsyintheNetneededthebiofeedbackprovidedbythevastmentalnetwork.SevertheirNetlinkandthoseofhisracediedanexcruciatingdeathinminutes.
“Non-Psy?”Kalebproposed.
“Iftherewasanintruder,itwould’vehadtobeaTk.Nootherdesignationcould’veevadedthesecuritysystem.”
HemetAden’sgaze.“JuddLaurenisaTkoutsidetheNet.”Itwasastatementhemadeformanyreasons.
“Juddalsohasanemotionalattachmenttothemembersofhisfamily,”Adenpointedout.“It’sreasonabletoextrapolatethathewouldn’twanttocauseharmtotheyoungintheNet,andthereisnowaytocontrolthewidespreadeffectofananchor’sdeath.”
Weighingallthefactors,Kalebgaveasmallnod.“Eventhemostimportantaren’timmunetoaccidents,”hesaid,takinginthebruisesonthebodyofthemiddle-agedman.“However,Iwantnounansweredquestions.Doasecondaryscanofthepremises,ensureyourfirstimpressionwascorrect.”
Adensaidnothing,butKalebknewitwouldbedone.HeandtheArrowshadcometoanunderstanding—buthedidn’tmakethemistakeofthinkinghehadtheirtotalsupport.ThemostlethalfightingforceintheNetwasstillmakingupitsmindabouthim.WhattheArrowsdidn’trealizewasthatKalebwasevaluatingthem,too,thepurposeofthatevaluationnothingAdenandhismenwouldeverguess.Chapter29
RIAZPRESSEDHISforeheadtothewalloftheshowerandletthewaterpoundoverhim,washingawaythesweatandgrassstains,butdoingnothingtoerasethememoriesofthepassionthathadsweptoverhimnotlongago…andofthewild,sensualwomanwhoselushmouthwasquicklybecomingaprivateaddiction.
Shame,anger,desire,theyallviedforprimepositionwithintherigidtensionthatwashisbody.Theideaofbeingwithanyoneelseoncehe’dfoundthewomanmeanttobehismate,wassoanathematoeverythinghehadeverbelieved,thatbothmanandwolfwerebewildered,lost.Butthatwasn’ttheonlythingthathadhimfeelinglikeshit—regardlessofwhatAdriahadsaidaboutbeingwithhimeverystepofthewayduringtheirfirstprimalcoupling,hewasn’tamanwhomistreatedwomen.Itcontinuedtoshamehimthathe’dbeensoinconsideratewithher.
Asnapshotofmemory,Adria’shairtumblingaroundhiminasilkenwaterfallassheleaneddowntosuckhislowerlipintohermouth,releasingitinadeliciousteaseofabite.“Nomoreguilt,Riaz.”Ahuskyorder.“Ineededthatasmuchasyoudid.Wecangoslowthistime.”
Wrenchingthewatertoice-coldwhenhiscocksurgedatthementalreplayofexactlyhowslowthey’dtakenit,hegrithisteethuntilhiswolfcriedfoul.Sincehewasabouttoturnblue,hegotout,driedoff,andpulledonafadedpairofjeans,thethreadsbarelyholdingtogetherabovetheleftknee.AwhiteT-shirt,socks,andbootsandhewasdone.Heranacombthroughhishair,rubbedhisjaw.Itscraped,thebristleshard.SinceitwasfartoolateforAdria’sdelicateskin,heshruggedandleftit.
Headingtothesmallofficehe’dbeenassigned,hebegantogothroughsomepaperworkPiercehadaskedhimtolookover,figuringhe’dgrabdinnerfromthekitchenlater,asitwasonlyseventhirty.
However,Rileypoppedinhisheadaminutelater.“Dinneratmyplacetonight.”
Riazhadreturnedtothedenbecausehe’dknownheneededhispack.Butafterwhathadjusthappened,thepainfuldecisionhe’dmadetoforgetLisetteandcontinuehisstrange,sensualfriendshipwithAdria,hiswolfraiseditshackles,wantingtobeleftalone.“Thanks,butIhavealotofwork.”Itwasn’talie—hewasthelieutenantinchargeofSnowDancer’sinternationalbusinessinterests,Pierceandtheothersunderhisdirectcommand.
Rileyleanedagainstthedoorjamb,armsfolded.“Ifyouwantedtoisolateyourself,”hesaid,“youwouldn’thavecomehome.”
“Don’tpushme,Riley.”Hecouldfeelhisclawsprickingtheinsidesofhisskin.
“It’swhatfriendsdo.We’rerunningdownintenminutes.”
Realizinghe’donlyendupbroodingifheremainedbehind,RiazgaveinandjoinedRiley,Drew,andIndigooutsidetheden,theskyasoftdarknotyetdottedwithstars.“Wewaitingonsomeone?”
Rileyglancedoverhisshoulder.“Heretheycome.”
Riazdidn’tneedtoturntoknowthatAdriawaspartofthegroup.Buthedidsoanyway,sawthatHawkewalkedbesideher.ThealphawaslaughingatsomethingAdriahadsaid,herfaceturnedtowardhis,herdamphaircaughtinaloosebraid.
Thatlaughterfadedwhenhereyesfellonhim,buthersmiledidn’t.
Somethinghardandjaggedinhimeasedafraction,hiswolfsettling.
Andthentheyweremoving,thepacecomfortable,conversationbeingexchangedastheyflowedthroughthetrees.AdriaandIndigoranahead,followingRileyandHawke,whileDrewhadendedupbesideRiaz.Itwould’vebeenanunexpectedpairingafewmonthsago,butheandDrewhadmadetheirpeace,theothermansosettledinhismatingwithIndigothatnothingcouldshakehim.
Aburstoffemininelaughter,huskyandgenerous.
Compelledbyawomanwhowasbecomingimportanttohiminawaythatthreatenedtounderminethefoundationsofhisworld,hewonderedwhatAdriaandIndigoweretalkingaboutthathadthemsoamused,decideditwasprobablyoneofthosethingsamandidn’twanttoknow.
“Sienna’smissing,”hesaidtoDrew.“Unusual.”Newlymatedmenlikedtobeneartheirwomenasarule—andHawkewasalpha,withtheconcurrentprimaldrives.Hismatehadalsobeeninbrutaldangernotlongago.Continuedtobe,inmanyways.
“She’strainingwithJudd.”Drewmust’vedonesomethingviathematingbond,becauseIndigogavehimanarchlookoverhershoulderbeforereturningtoherconversationwithAdria.Grinning,Drewadded,“They’llcomedowntogetherafter.”
Itwasn’t,Riazknew,becauseJuddwasalieutenantthatHawketrustedtheothermanwithhismatewhenthepossessiveurgesofmatinghadtoberunningrampantthroughhisbody.“She’ssoyoung.”Itworriedhimattimes,thatSiennaLaurenwouldn’tbeabletobeartheweightplacedonhershoulders.
“Yousawwhatshedid.”Asolemnresponse.“Thatkindofpoweragesaperson.”
“Yes.”Siennashowednoovertsignsofit,butheknewshehadtohavepaidapriceforthecoldfirethathadsavedsomanySnowDancers.“Doesn’tmatter,though—partofmestillwantstoprotecther.”Shehadhisrespect,butthatdidn’tmeanhisnormalinstinctsweredead.
“Me,too,”Drewadmitted.“Don’tthinkthatworriesher—thegirl’stoughenoughtohandleanalpha.”
Justlikethewomaninfrontofhim,Riazthought,wasmorethantoughenoughtohandleanythinghethrewather,thedelicacyofherscentbelyingasteelycorethathadbeguntofascinatehiswolf.
“Youtwoareasslowasoldladies,”Hawkesaid,havingdroppedbacktojointhem.
Drewwhistled.“Soundslikeachallengetome.”
“Thatitdoes.”CatchingDrew’seye,RiazslammedintoHawkewithoutwarning,takingthealphatotheground.
“Whatthe—”
DrewhadalreadypulledoffHawke’sboots,strippedthelaces,andthrowneverythinginfourdifferentdirectionsbythetimethealphamanagedtogetpastRiazandtohisfeet.“Thosearemyfavoriteboots!”
Drewrubbedhishands.“Betterfindthemthen.Meanwhile,we’llbeatyourasstoRiley’s.”
Hawkebaredhisteeth—andtheracewason,thewomenandRileyjoiningin.Riaz’swolfgrinnedasitran,happyinthemostuncomplicatedsense.Thetreeswhippedbyatlightningspeed,andtheyspilledintotheclearingthatfrontedRiley’shome,agracefulstoneandwoodchaletsethalfwaybetweenDarkRiverandSnowDancerterritory,lessthantenminuteslater…tofindHawkeandhisbootswaitingforthemonthesteps.
“Damnit.”Drewscowled,handsonhisknees.“Weneedtocheatbetternexttime!”
Hawke’seyeswentnight-glow.“TouchmybootsagainandI’llhaveAishabroilyouforlunch.”
Chestheaving,Riazshookhishead.“Weshouldmakehimrunone-legged.”Thealphahadbeenfastasaboy,butnowhewasfast.“Maybeweighhimdownwithrocks.”
Hawkeleanedbackonthesteps,restingonhiselbows.“You’dstillbeeatingmydust.”
“Oooh.”Drewshookhishead.“That’sadeclarationofwar.”
“Boys!”Mercysteppedoutofthehouse.“Benice.”HeramusedexpressionchangedwhenitlandedonRiley—whoracedupthestepstoclaimakiss,hishandlargeandgentleagainsthercheek.
DorianandAshayaarrivedatalmostthesameinstant,pullingupinahovervehicletheyparkedattheedgeoftheclearing.RiazknewthemanwasoneofMercy’sclosestfriends,aswellasJudd’strainingpartneronoccasion.Itseemedastrangecombination—theformerArrowandamanwho’dfitrightinonasurfbeach—butamongotherthings,Dorianwasdeadlyaccuratewithasniperrifle.
“Comeonin.”Rileywavedeveryoneintothehouse.
Theyenteredenmasstofindtheairrifewithmouthwateringsmells.
“Yes.”MercyfellbackagainstRiley’swidechestwithadramaticsigh,thebackofherhandpressedtoherforehead.“Islavedandslavedforyou.Ihopeyouappreciateit.”
ThatwaswhenamaleheadsportingthesamedistinctiveredhairasMercy’s,poppedoutofthekitchen.“Iseesomeone’spantsareonfire.”
“Shutup,Bas.”Mercyshooedawaythetallman—whowalkedovertowraphisarmaroundherneckandtughertohissideinascowlinggrip,asifshewasn’tasentinelwithherlieutenantmatestandingrightthere.
“Saysorry.”
“Never.”Elbowingthemantofreeherself,Mercymadetheintroductions.“Everyone,thisismybrother,Bastien,otherwiseknownasapainintheneck,andanexcellentcook.Bas,thesearewolveswhowillfalluponyouanddevouryouifyousomuchasblinkwrong.”
“Ihavewolfdefurringtools,too,”Bastienmutteredbeforejerkinghisheadtowardthekitchen.“Food’sready.Meandmyservingwenchwillbringitout.”HedraggedMercyoffwithabrotherlylackofconcernforherinsultedexpression.
Riaz’sgazeconnectedwithAdria’slaughingeyes,hisownlipscurving.
SENSINGhismate’sapproachhalfanhouraftertherestofthemhadarrivedatRiley’s,Hawkeheadedintothetrees,squeezingBrennaintoahugwhensheappearedfirst.“Juddsprungyoufromyourlateshift,Isee.”Hiswolfhadasoftspotforthissmallwomanwho’dsurvivedamonsterandcomeoutofitsane.
“Mariskasaidshe’dcover.”Anunexpectedfrown.“Iwishshe’dgetoutmore.Nexttime,I’mbringingher.”
Awarethegiftedseniortechwasbothextremelyshyandasubmissive,Hawkenodded.Submissivesweren’tuniformlyshy,notbyalongshot,butwhensuchastrongcombination—asinMariska’scase—happened,ittendedtomakethemtimidandintroverted.Thepackhadtobecarefulthosewolvesdidn’tgetlostintheshuffleoftheirstronger,moredominantpackmates.“Tellherwedon’tbite.”
“Idon’tlietomyfriends.”
Hawketuggedonherponytailforthatsmart-assremark,justasJuddandSiennaappearedbehindher.“Howdidyoubeatthemdown?”
Brennagavehimalookofpure,haughtyaffront.“I’mawolf.”Walkingovertohermate,sheheldoutahand.“Iwon.Payup.”
“Tellmetheshortcut,”Judddemanded.
Innocenceinthefracturedblue-browneyesthatspokeofBrenna’sunwaveringstrength.“Whatshortcut?”Shebattedherlashes…andshriekedasshewasliftedintotheairwithoutwarning.Shriekturningintodelightedlaughterafterasecond,shedidabackwardflip.
BesideJudd,Sienna,herhandsonherhips,said,“Judd,thisisaninefficientuseofyour—”Astartledcryasshefoundherselffloating,too.
Grinning,Hawkewalkedovertorescueher,grabbingheraroundthehipstopullherbackdowntoearth.“That’llteachyoutosassaTk.”
“I’manX.Whydoesnoonehaveanyrespect?”shesaid,rubbinghernoseagainsthisasJuddandBrenna—backonherfeetandwithherhandlinkedtohermate’s—disappearedtowardthehouse.
Hetuckedherdeeperintohisbody,hislegssplayed.“You’relate.”Awarningniponherlowerlip.
Siennanippedback.“YouknewIwasonmyway.”
Yes,hehad,havingallowedhimselftherareluxuryofkeepinganeyeonherthroughthematingbond.She’dknown,hadunderstood.“So?”He’dpermittedeveryonetobelieveSiennaandJuddwereundertakinganormalsessionofpsychiccombat,hadevenforcedhimselftoremaininthedenratherthangoingwiththem,soasnottoraisesuspicions.
Intruth,JuddandSienna,aswellasWalker,hadbeenattemptingtogaugeherpsychicstability.Thepsychic“valve”inWalker’smindwasanexternalcontrolontheX-fire,butSienna’spowerremainedanunknownforthemostpart.Itwasimpossibletopredicthowitmightdevelopandgrow.Noneofthemwerejustgoingtositbackandhopeitwouldallworkoutforthebest.
“Itwentreallywell,”shesaidwitharelievedsmile.“I’memittingenergyataconstantrate,butthelevel’ssolowit’sbeingabsorbedintotheSnowDancerWebwithouthavingadiscernibleimpactonanyoneindividual.”
“I’mmoreinterestedinyou,baby.”Itinfuriatedhimthathecouldn’tprotectheronthepsychicplane,buthehadrock-solidfaithinSienna’scapacitytomasterherincredibleabilities.
“Myshieldsareairtight,andJuddsaystheenergytransferencebetweenmeandWalkerisbecomingsmootherasourbrainsadapttotheprocess.”Atenderkiss,herfingersplayingwiththehairathisnape.
Hebenthisheadsoshecouldreachhimmoreeasily.“Anyproblems?”
“Idon’twanttojinxit,but…sofar,sogood.”
Heunderstoodwhyshecouldn’tgivehimaconcreteanswer—becausenoonehadanyneatsolutionsforanX,muchlessacardinal.Buthiswolfdidn’tpanic,abletoseethecrimsonandgoldflameofherthroughthematingbond.Thoughalwaysdangerous,itwasstable.Yetinspiteofthat,hecontinuedtosenseadeepvulnerabilityandquietfearwithinhismate.Hehatedthatsuchfearlivedinherevennow,butSiennawasgladofit.
“Ishouldbeafraidofmystrength,”she’dsaidfiercely.“Itstopsmefromeverbecominglazyinmycontrol.”
Hawkecouldfollowherreasoning,acceptedthatshe’dneverbeabletobeascarefreeasotherwomenherage,butthatdidn’talterhisinstinctswhenitcametoher.Now,hiswolfrubbedagainsthisskin,nuzzlingather.“Sincewhenareyousuperstitious?”heteasedinanattempttosubduethevestigesoffearandworrythatlingeredinhereyes.
“SinceEviemademewatchthreehorrormoviesinarowtheothernightwhileyouwereonmountainpatrol.”Herlookoffauxterrormadehimchuckle.“Imissedyouwhenyouweregone.I’dliketocomenexttimeifI’mnotonshift.”
Hedidn’tlikebeingawayfromherovernight,butthatparticularpatrolsectionwasdifficult,evenforSnowDancersinwolfform.Asaresult,thedutywasrotatedbetweenhim,Riley,threeofthemoreexperiencedseniorsoldiers,Riaz,Indigo,andasurprisinglynimbleTai.Juddcould’vedoneit,too,butHawkehadmadeanalphadecisiontoconservethelieutenant’stelekineticstrengthwherepossible,incaseofunexpectedattackoremergency.“It’stoodangerous,”hesaidnow.“Ifyoufall,you’llshatteryourbones.”Sienna’spsychicpowermightbeimmense,butphysicallyshewasfarmorebreakablethanachangeling.
Stubbornintransigence.“Andyouwon’t?”
Hegrowled.“You’remeanttobePsy.Berational.”
“Icanwaitatbasecampwhileyoudothesweep.See,acompromise?It’sthatshinynewwordwe’retryingtolearn.”Chapter30
“BRAT.”FRUSTRATEDTHOUGHhewas,manandwolfbothlaughed,delightedwiththewomanwhowashisown.“I’lltalkitoverwithRiley,”hesaid,placingafingeronthelushfullnessofherlipswhentheyparted.“Rules.”
Bitinglightlyathisfinger,Siennatuggedonhishair.“Ihatethatstupidrule.”
“Servesyouright.”
“Riley’ssofair,”Siennamuttered,“Ican’teverarguewhenhedecidessomethinginyourfavor.”
“Andviceversa.”ItwasintegraltohisandSienna’srelationshipthatHawkenotbeabletousethefacthewasalphatooverruleher.However,Sienna’splaceinthehierarchymeantthepackwouldn’tacceptherasafreeagent.Neitherwouldsuchsuddenlackofdisciplinebegoodforher—she’dmadethatpointherself.
“Justlikeawolf,Ineedthestructureprovidedbythehierarchy,”she’dexplained.“Itsuitsthemilitarywaymymindwastrained,helpsmemanagetheX-fire.”
IthadbeendecidedthatRiley,themostseniorpersoninSnowDancerafterHawke,wouldbetheonewhogaveSiennaherordersasanovicesoldier,andwhookayedorvetoedthingsHawkewouldnormallyhandleforanyoneelseinSnowDancer.Ineffect,Rileyactedasheralpha.
Sofar,itwasworking.
“Hungry?”heaskedasshecontinuedtopethimwiththoselittletouchesthathadbecomeintegraltohisexistence.
“Yes,butI’mnotreadytogoinyet.”Whensheaskedabouthisday,hetoldher,listenedwithearsprickedwhenshereciprocated.
“Eviewantstogoonadoubledate.”Analmostwolfishamusementinhergrin.
“WhatdoesTaisay?”ThedifferenceinhisandSienna’sageshadworriedhimbeforetheymated,buthenolongerfeltanyguiltoverclaimingher,notaftershe’dalmostexecutedherselfonthefieldofbattle.Thememoryalwaysmadehimincandescentwithrage—andcertainhe’dmadetherightdecision.Whoelsewouldbeabletohandlehissmart,headstrongtroublemaker?
Now,shelaughedinunholyglee.“Tailooksappalledeverytimeshebringsitup.”
Hawkewasunsurprisedattheyoungsoldier’sreaction,buthealsounderstoodthatsweetEvie,whosawfarmorethanmostpeoplerealized,andwholovedSiennalikeasister,wassendinghimamessagewiththejokingidea.
ThepeopleatRiley’scabinrightnowwereallhigh-rankingindividuals,anutterlydisparategroupfromSienna’scircleoffriends.Thatdidn’tmeanshe’dbeuncomfortable—hismatewasn’teverintimidated—butthiswouldn’t,herealized,bethesamerelaxedeventforherasitwasforhim.“Doubledate’snevergoingtohappen.”
“AndIwassolookingforwardtoit.”
Hetappedherlightlyonthebutt,makingherdighernailsintohisnape.“Careful,”shewarned.“Ibite,too.”
“Ihavethemarkstoproveit.”Pressinghislipstohercheekbone,heliftedhishead.“Ican’teverbeanythingbuttheiralpha,baby.”Thoselinescouldnotbeblurred.
“Iknow.”Nodistress,hervoicegentle,affectionate.“Iwasteasing.”
HeconsideredEvie’ssilentmessageoncemore.ThoughtofhowmanychangesSiennawashavingtolearntohandleinadaptingtolifeastheSnowDanceralpha’smate.“But,”hesaid,decisionmade,“there’snoreasontheycan’tjoinustonight.”Theywereherfriends,hersupportstructure—astructureshe’dneedmorethaneverasherresponsibilitiesgrew.
Nomatterwhat,Hawkehadtoremainalpha,butwithIndigoandAdriahere,aswellasSienna,Eviewouldfeelnodiscomfort.AsforTai,theboywasJudd’sprotégéandsometimestrainedwithDorian.He’dbefine.
Siennastilled,lookingupathimwitheyesgonepureebony.“Sometimes,youdothingsthatmakemefallinlovewithyoualloveragain.”
Hiswolfpreened.“Yeah?Comeshowme.”
RIAZwasenjoyinghimselffarmorethanhewould’vebelievedpossible.Havingendedupontheverandahalongwitheveryoneelse,abeerinhand,hegrabbedanotheroneofthelittlepiethingsBastienhadbroughtout.
AfemalegroansoundedjustashewasthinkingthatMercy’sbrother,afinancialwhizinreallife,couldmakeaseriousgoofitasaprofessionalchef.“Bas,ifIwasn’talreadymated,I’ddragyouintothewoodsrightnow.”Indigopoppedtheremainderofhersamosaintohermouth,leaningintohersisterastheysatonthechairswing.
Bastien,perchedonthebalconyrailingbesideDrew,Dorian,andTai,legshookedaroundthewoodenbars,grinnedandtookasipofhisownbeer.
“Sinceallofyouhavethebadlucktobematedorotherwiseengaged”—Adriatuckedupthoselong,longlegsintheraggedbutcomfortablearmchairshe’dclaimed—“Iguesshe’sallmine.”
Several“boos”sounded,withBastienassuringthewomentherewasmorethanenoughofhimtogoaround.RiazlookedupatMercywhensheperchedherselfonthearmofhischair.“Yourbrotheralwaysflirtwithdeath?”
“Helikestoliveontheedge.”Placingherglassoffreshlemonadeonasmallcardtablethatalreadyheldatrayoffood,shebracedherforearmagainsthisshoulder.“Andheknowspreciselyhowfarhecanpushthings.Believeitornot,he’sthemostwellbehavedofmybrothers.”
“Yourpoormother.”
“Uh-huh.”
Rileycrookedafingerfromwherehesatinanotherarmchair.Smiling,Mercyroseinasinuousmovementandsaunteredover.“Youcalled?”
RiazhadneverseenthatteasinglookonRiley’sfacebefore.Itmadehimfeel…notanintruder,but…family.Pack.Asforthewomanwiththegold-streakedeyesofintenseblue-violetwhosehuskylaughtermadehiswolfprickitsears,hedidn’tknowwhoshewastohim,butheknewthattheirmoltenintimacyinthegrasshadonlytemporarilyassuagedtheflamethatburnedbetweenthem.
MERCYwatchedthelightsofDorian’scarfadeintothetrees,justasRiazdisappearedintotheforest,DrewandTaibyhisside,Indigo,Evie,andAdriaupahead.JuddandBrennahadleftalittleearlier,astheybothhadanearlystartthenextday,andBashadhitchedaridewithhermiddlebrother,Sage,who’dturnedupanhourago.Thefinaltwo,HawkeandSienna,intendedtotakeadifferentroutetothedenfromRiaz’sgroup.
“Hey,Sienna,”Mercycalledout,andwhentheyoungwomanturnedtolookoverhershoulder,said,“Youknowthewhole‘letmeshowyouabeautifulspot’line?It’sthechangelingversionof‘letmeshowyoumyetchings.’”
Hawkeslunganarmaroundhisgrinningmateanddraggedherclose.“Riley,showyourmateyourownetchingssoshedoesn’tworryaboutmine.”
Mercylaughedatthebad-temperedsnarl,leaningbackintoRiley’sembrace.“YoushowedmequiteafewetchingsafterSiennadidhernuclearbatterything,”shemurmuredastheothercouplewalkedintothestar-dustednight.
“FirsttimeIworeyouout.”Riley’slipsbrushedherneck,hisvoiceateensybitsmug.
Leopardandwomanbothhadtoadmithewasentitled.“Toobadtheenergywavedidn’tcrossovertome.”IthadproventhattheconnectionbetweentheSnowDancerandDarkRiverwebsformedbytheirmating,wasverymuchonlyamatingbond.Nothingelsecamethrough.Asaresult,afterSienna’sabilitieswentsupernova,Rileyhadbeenburstingoutofhisskinwithenergy—allofitfocusedoh-so-sexilyonMercy—whileshe’dalternatelymoanedinbreathlesspleasureandbeggedforsleep.
Thememorymadehertoescurl.“Gotanynewetchingstoshowme?”Sheclosedherhandsoverhisarms,lovingthewarm,solidfeelofhim.MyRiley.
“Asamatteroffact…”RileynuzzledatMercy.“Wanttogoforawalkfirst?”ThenightwasstunningasonlyaSierranightcouldbe,litbyafullmoonandamillionstars.
Mercydidafelinestretchinhisarms.“IfeeltoolazyafterBas’sconcoctions.CanIsitinyourlapinstead?”
“Comehere,kittycat.”Tuggingherback,hetookaseatinoneofthelargecushionedwickerchairsherparentshadgiftedthemontheirmating.Mercyimmediatelycurledintohim,herlegshangingoverthearmofthechair,herheadagainsthisshoulder.Fierycurlsofhaircascadeddownhisarmwherehebracedherback,thelithemuscleofherthighwarmunderhisotherhand.
Contentinawayhe’drarelybeenbeforeMercy,hesimplystrokedheruntilshepurred.Itdelightedhimasitalwaysdid.“Imadeyoupurr.”
Alazyyawn.“I’mfakingit.”
Lipscurving,hedippedhisheadtokissher.Itwasafamiliarexchange,alittleprivategametheycouldplaybecausetheywereutterlybesottedwithoneanother.Theword“besotted”hadfirstbeenusedbyadisgustedSage,butRileydidn’tmindbeingbesottedwithMercy.“Fakeitsomemore,”hesaid,hishandonherabdomen.
However,whenshetiltedbackherhead,asmiletuggingatherlips,hefroze,caughtbyadelicatesoftnesstoherfeaturesthatstruckhimoutofnowhere.Mercywasn’tavulnerablewoman—andyetatthatinstant,hiswolfroaredtothesurface,wantingtoprotect,toshelter,totakecareofher.Theurgewassoviolentthathefistedahandinherhair,theoneonherabdomenflexinguntilallhistendonsstoodoutinstarkrelief.
“Riley?What’swrong?”Sittingupfromherlanguorousposition,Mercyranherhandsthroughhishair,overhisnape,downhischest.
Pettinghim.Shewaspettinghiminanefforttocomfort.
“Talktome,toughguy.”Openconcern,hereyesnight-glow.
Rileytriedtofighttheprimitiveimpulse,onlytofeelitshovingbackwithsomuchurgencyhestoodnochance.Shocked,heshudderedasthewolftookover,butinsteadofusingthatcontroltoinitiatetheshift,itretreated…leavinghimwithaluminouspieceofknowledge,abrilliantfacetedjewelthatalmostblinded.
“Oh,”hewhispered,lookingdown.“Ididn’tunderstand.”Itwasanapologytohiswolf.“It’smyfirsttime.”
Mercytuggedonhishair.Hard.“You’rescaringme.”
Helookedup,wonderineveryheartbeat.“Guesswhat?”
Mercy’sgazedroppedtowherehe’dspreadhishand.Shewentmotionless,eyeshuge.“Riley,arewe—Doyou—How—”
“Yes,”heanswered.“Weare,andIknowbecauseachangelingmalealwaysknowsbeforeanyoneelsewhenitcomestohismate.”He’dheardthehealershypothesizethattherealizationwascausedbyaminutechangeinawoman’sscent,achangesosubtlenooneelsewouldsenseanything,butthatthewolfinRileyhadscentedatonce.
Mercy’seyesheldequalpartsshock,anddelight.“Riley.”
Hefelthislipsstretchevenwider.“Ithinkweneedtocelebratewithsomebrand-newetchings.”
Hiscat’slaughwassurprisedandwarmandthesoundofhome.“It’syouretchingsthatgotusintothisposition.”Stealingakisswhenhebenthishead,shewrappedherarmsaroundhisneck.“I’msohappy.”Itwasaconspiratorialwhisper.
Cuddlinghertight,hesaid,“CanItelleveryone?”
AFTERDrewtuggedIndigoawaysomewhereasmalldistancefromtheden,TaiandEviedecidedtostopatthewaterfall,leavingRiazandAdriatomaketherestofthejourneyalone.Neitherofthemspoke,anditwasn’tquiteacomfortablesilence,butitwasn’ttheedgyangerthathadexistedbetweenthemforsolongeither.
Thenightairacoolkissagainsttheirskin,theypassedintotheWhiteZonenotlongafterward,andthentheywereattheden.Insteadofsplittingwithher,hewalkedhertoherroom.Reachingthedoortoherquarters,hewaitedforhertounlockit,butmadenomovetocrossthethreshold.She,inturn,madenomovetoinvitehimin,hereyesdarkwithadawningawarenessthatsomethinghadchanged,thebondsthey’dforgedthatafternoondeeperthantheyshouldbe.“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”Waitinguntilsheclosedherdoor,hewalkedbackoutoftheden,hiswolfneedingthequietfreedomofthenight.Strippinginasecludedarea,heputhisclothescarefullyinthehollowcreatedbetweentwopinesthathadgrownintoeachother,andshifted.
Agonyandecstasy,pleasureandpain.
Theblackwolfthatlivedwithinhimtookforminsparksofcolor,itsnosepickingupathousanduniquetendrilsofscent.Shakingitsheadtoclearitaftertheshift,itbegantorun,disturbedbyitsownconfusion.Allitslife,thewolfhadbeentheonewhofeltnothingbutcertainty,beenalternatelyamusedandfrustratedbytheman’swayofcomplicatingthings.
Notnow.Nowitaskedthemanforclarity…andtogethertheyran,thewindrufflingthroughthepitchblackofthewolf’sfur,theforestafamiliarplayground,thetreeswatchfulsentinels.Thefreedomofitwasintoxicating,untilthewolfcouldalmostforgetthestrangeturmoilwithin.Butwhentheskygrewlighter,anditsstepsslower,itknewthetimehadcometoreturnhome.ThewildcalledtobothpartsofRiaz,yetsomethingdrewmanandwolftotheden,thetugsodeepthatherubbedafistedhandoverhisheartaftershifting.
Timetogetsomesleep,hethought,andhavingdressed,begantowalktowardhisquarters…thensuddenly,hewastrackinganotherscent.Delicateandstrong.Fragileandsteely.Apuzzlethatsuitedtheenigmaofawomanforwhomtheneedinhimburnedhotandintense.Hecaughtuptoherjustasshereachedherdoor
Apregnantpause,lastnightrepeated.
Notturning,shepushedthrough.
Enteringbehindher,heshutthedoor,turnedthelock.Chapter31
HISCRAVINGFORher,acravingthathadn’tabatedevenafraction,roaredtothesurfacewhenshereacheddownandpulledofftheT-shirtshe’dbeenwearing,baringthelong,tonedsweepofherback,brokenonlybythelinesofablacksportsbra.Heusedaclawtoshredthebraoffherbody,hishandsslidingaroundhertorsotocloseoverherbreasts.
Herbreathhitched,hernipplestightpointsagainsthispalms.Whenshetiltedhernecktotheside,theinvitationwasclear.Takingit,hesuckedadarkredmarkonthelowerslope,makinghertwistagainsthim.So,shewasexquisitelysensitivethere.Somethingtoremember.
Anacidstabofguilt,areminderthatthiswasnottheloverheshouldbelearninghowtoplease,howtoadore.Hestrangledthevoice,determinedtoholdtohisdecisiontomoveforward…butitwouldn’tquieten,theblacktendrilsofbetrayalwrappingaroundhismindandtwiningthroughhisblood.
Slender,warmfingersonhisown.“Wearen’ttheonlypeopleinthisroomrightnow,arewe,Riaz?”
Backingoff,heshovedhishandsthroughhishair,beyondangryathimself.“I’msorry.Ididn’tmeanittogolikethis.”He’dcometoherinhonestneed,butnowthatneedwastangledwiththecaustictasteofinfidelity,thechillrainofgrief.Thefactthatheknewhehadnorationalreasontofeeldisloyalmeantnothingwhentheprimalheartofhimwasfightingitself,toothandclaw.
Insteadofturningonhiminfury,areactionhewould’veunderstoodfromapredatorychangelingfemaleofherdominance,Adriatoedoffherbootsandcrawledintobed,stilldressedinherjeans.Givinghimherback,shesaid,“Comehere.Liewithme.”
Everymuscleinhisbodylocked,tornbetweentwofiercelyopposeddesires.“Idon’tknowifIcan.”Theadmissionwasrippedoutofhim.
“Noexpectations,justtwowolvestakingcomfortfromoneanother.”Apauseheavywiththingsunsaid.“Ineedthetouch,too.”
Thehiddenpainofher,itsmashedthroughthetumultinsidehimtotouchtheprotectivecore.Kickingoffhisownshoes,hestrippedoffhisT-shirtandstretchedoutbehindher.He’dleftenoughspacebetweentheirbodiesthathecouldseethegracefulcurveofherspine,thecreamygoldofherskinflawless.Itwasinstincttorunhishandoverherback,toaccepttheskinprivilegesshe’dofferedhim,evenashepettedthepainoutofherforafragmentoftime.
Sighing,shesweptherbraidoffherbackandoverhershoulder,sayingnothingashecontinuedtotouch.Thoughshewastheonewhowasostensiblyreceivingpleasure,hegainedasmuchfromthecontact.He’dcometoherbrokenandlost,andwithhervulnerability,she’dgivenhimthetoolsheneededtoreclaimthereins—tohelphim,thisstrongwomanhadhadthecouragetoripopenherownscars.Drivenbyprotectiveinstinct,hecurvedhisbigger,heavierbodyaroundhers,hischestpressedtoherback,hishandstrokingdownherarm,slowandeasy.
Hereyes,hesaw,wereclosed,butheknewshewasawake.Sowhenshespoke,hewasn’tstartled—butneitherwashereadyforherquestion.“Willyoutellmeabouther?”
Hisanswerwasautomatic.“There’snothingtosay.”
Herlashesremainedsoftshadowsonhercheeks.“Ofcoursethereis,andyoucan’tspeaktoanyoneelse.Iwon’tmakeanyjudgmentsorofferanyadvice.I’mjustheretolisten.”
Hishandclenchedonherarmbeforeheforcedhimselftorelaxhisgrip.Theonlyreasonhe’dsaidanythingtoIndigowhenhefirstarrivedhomewasbecausehehadn’twantedtoseehermessupwhathe’dsensedwastherightrelationshipforher.Hedidn’tregretthatchoice,madeasithadbeenoutoffriendship,buthestillsometimeswishedshedidn’tknow—becauseitwashisgreatestweakness.
AndIndigoknewthebarestfacts.Adriaalreadysawtoomuchofhim…andwasawomanstrongenough,honestenough,toadmittoherownwounds.“Hername,”hesaid,knowingthathonestydeservedhisown,“isLisette.”
Speakingofhercausedasweet,darkpaininsideofhim,buttherewaswildjoy,too.Atlast,hecouldsayhername,shareherwithsomeone.“She’sFrenchbutworksinVenice.”He’dseenheratanelegantballheldinoneoftheoldestbuildingsinthesunkencity,itsstatelylowerhalfsubmerged,itsupperhalfamasterpieceofornatearchitecture.
“TheHumanAllianceisbasedinVenice.”
“Lisette’shusband,Emil,isacomputronicspecialistwiththeAlliance.”Hewasasuccessful,smartmanwholovedhiswife.Riazhadwantedtokillhimonsight,beenstoppedonlybytherealizationthatthatlovewasreflectedinLisette’sblueeyes—toharmEmilwouldbetoharmLisette,andRiazwouldneverdoanythingtocauseherpain.“Onthesurface,”hecontinued,“Lisetteisabusinessmanagerforanunrelatedcompany,butI’mprettycertainit’sacoverforanAlliancecommunicationsoperation.”
Adriaopenedhereyes.“Youdidn’task?”
“No.”Histaskhadbeentowatch,tolearn,tomakecontacts.WhileSnowDancer’srelationshipwiththeAlliancehadthawedenoughthatthepackwaswillingtodosomebusinesswiththegroupthatrepresentedavastnetworkofhumanenterprises,neitherpartywasanywhereclosetoreadytosharesecrets.
“Ifsherunstheircommteam,shemustbeintelligent.”
“Nodoubt,”hesaid,mindfillingwithechoesoftheconversationsthey’dhadwhilehefoughthismostprimalinstinctstostealwhattimehecouldwithher.“ButthefirstthingInoticedaboutherwasherlaugh.”Gentleandwarmandsoalive.“Mywolfwantedtorollaroundinit.”
He’dneverforgetwalkingintotheballinVenice,thesightofherapunchtothesolarplexus,thethickmassofhershoulder-lengthhairshininginthelight,suchapuregoldithurt.“She’stiny,fivefeetonemaybe,butyoudon’tnoticethatwhenyoufirstmeether.”Allhe’dnoticedwasthefemininestrengthofher.
“Imetwithheranumberoftimes—thecompanysheheadsproducescertaincommtechnologythatcouldbeusefultoSnowDancer.”Aloneinanofficewithher,he’dwantedtolungeacrossthedeskseparatingthem,nuzzlehisfaceintoherneck,biteher,markher.“Shefeltsomething,too.Icouldsenseit.Itrattledher.”BecauseLisettewasafaithful,lovingwife.“Iknewshe’dhateherselfifsheeverbetrayedEmil.”
“ShesoundslikesomeoneI’dlike.”
Thinkingofthestrong,compassionatewomanAdriacalledsister,hesaid,“Yes,Ithinkyouwould.”LisetteandTarahhadthesamegentlesteeltothem,thesameinvitingopennessofspirit.
Realizinghewascompletelycurledaroundher,thearmhe’dplacedunderherheadbenttowrapoverherupperchest,heplayedherbraidthroughhisfingers.“Doyouhavetogoanywherethismorning?”Itwasseventhirty,theden’scorridorscertaintobefilledwithpackmatesstartingtheirday.
“No.”Herlashesclosed,throwingcharcoalshadowsontohercheekbones.
Exhalingquietly,heclosedhisowneyesandsleptwithher,skintoskin,hiswolffindingunexpectedpeaceinthenearnessofapackmatewhodidn’tjudge,didn’taskthingsfromhimhecouldn’tgive,andwhosharedherbodywithararekindnessofspirit.AdriaMorganwasawomanhewouldneverforget,nomatteriftheirliaisonlastedaweekorayear.
HAWKEglancedatSienna.She’dbeenpensivesincethey’dleftthehomeofMercy’sparentstenminutesearlier—whereMercyandRileyhadbrokenthenewsofMercy’spregnancytotheirrespectivealphas,thoughbothHawkeandLucashadknowntheinstanttheygotwithintenfeetoftheredhead.Itwasfunnyhowthatworked—thepreviousnight,they’dhadnoclue,butnowthatRileyknew,itwasasifMercy’sleopardhaddecideditwasokaytoallowothersinonthesecret.
HawkeandLucas’sunhiddengleeatthismostprimalsealontheDarkRiver-SnowDanceralliancehadgarneredthemasnarl,thougheveryonewastoogoofywithhappinesstoworkupanykindofagoodmad.However,rightthatsecond,hismindwasn’tonthenewsthathaddelightedhiswolfenoughtoputitinharmonywiththeleopardalpha.
“Hey,”hesaid,switchingthecarintohovermodetoensurehedidn’tcrushanyofthetinyforestplantsinthisarea.“Areyoupiningforyourcountrymusic?”She’dforgottenherportablemusicplayer,whichsheusuallyconnectedtotheonboardstereo.“Cruelandunusualpunishment,thatstuff.”
“Youlikedtheoneweslowdancedtolastnight.”
“Itoleratedit.”Thetruthwas,whentheydanced,hedidn’thearanythingbutthewhisperofherbreath,thebeatofherheart,thelowmurmurofhervoice.“Talktome,baby.”Itsoundedlikeanorder,andyeah,itkindofwas.
Anarrow-eyedglanceaimedhisway.“Ishouldrefuseonprinciple.”
“WhatifIsayplease?”
Sienna’slaughwassoft,intimate,thatofawomanwhoknewhim,acceptedhim.Sheneverletitslidewhenshethoughthewaspullingshit,butshedidn’tbusthisassforactingwhohewas—analphawolf.“Iwasthinking,”shesaid,herlaughterfading,“aboutchildren.We’venevertalkedaboutit.”
Itwasthelastthinghe’dexpectedhertosay.“Youwantbabies?”
Outofthecornerofhiseye,hesawSiennasinkherteethintoherlowerlip.“Ididn’treallyconsideritbefore.Because…”
“Iknow.”Hishandstightenedonthemanualsteeringwheelatthereminderthatshe’dlivedherlifebelievingshe’ddiebeforesheeverhadachancetolive.
“I’mstillscared.”Aquietconfession.
Wolfsensingherneed,hefoundaclearingandpulledintoit,settingthecardownsohecouldturn,bracehisarmalongthebackofherseat.Itwasn’tenough,notforeitherpartofhim.Shovingbackhisseat,heslidheracrossandintohislap.Shecamewithouttheleastprotest,asilentindicationofjusthowtroubledshewasfeeling.
“Wehaveyears,”hesaid.“There’snorush.”
Shesatupsoshecouldlookintohisface.“It’snotthat.”
“Talktome.”
“It’sageneticmutation,theX-marker,appearingrandomlyinthepopulation,”shesaid,aquieturgencyinhereveryword,“butthereisaveryhighprobabilityI’llpassitontoanychildIconceive,andIwon’tdothat,Hawke.Iwon’t.”
“Hey.”Cradlingherfaceinhishands,herubbedhisnoseaffectionatelyagainstherown.“Changelingsdon’tlikethewayPsyconstantlymesswiththeDNAoftheiroffspring,butevenwemakeanexceptionfordiseasesthatcouldharmachild’swelfare.”Hecontinuedbeforeshecouldinterrupt,hisvoicefierce.“AsfarasI’mconcerned,yourX-fireisn’tadisease.It’sagift.”Ithadsavedthepack,savedsomanylives.“B—”
“Walker’shelix,”Siennabrokein,herskinflushedwiththeintensityofheremotions.“Iknowitkeepsmestable,butthere’snopredictingtheresultwhentheX-markerfirstgoesactive.”Tearsglitteredinthemidnightofhereyes.“Ourbabycouldburnup,andwewouldn’tbeabletostopit.”
Hecuppedthebackofherneck,squeezedgently.“WhichiswhyIwasgoingtosaythatinspiteofthefactIseeyourabilityasagift,ifyouwanttoseeageneticspecialistbeforewetryforachild,I’llberighttherebesideyou.”
“Really?”Slenderfingersonhisjaw.
“Always,”hesaid,tuckingherhairbehindherear,hisPsywithhercapacitytolovewithapassionaswildasthecrimsonandgoldofherX-fire.“ButI’mnotbudgingonthehair.”Herubbedtherubyredstrandsbetweenhisfingertips.
Nosmile,fearlingeringintheebonyshimmerofhereyes.“Theotherthingis,”shewhispered,“Idon’tknowhowpregnancywillimpactmyabilities.IknowofnocasewhereanXhasevenbeenpregnant,muchlesscarriedachildtoterm.”Herthroatmovedassheswallowedpainfully.“Thechangescausedbypregnancycoulddestabilizeme,killourchild,hurtthepack.”
“Ah,baby.”Strokinghishandaroundtocuphercheek,heranhisthumboverthedelicatearchofhercheekbone,warmthcascadingthroughhisveinswhensheturnedherfaceintothetouch.“Iwon’tsaythat’snotarealworry,butwhatIwillsayisthatyou’rebecomingstrongerwitheachdaythatpasses.Fuck,I’mproudofwhoyouare,whoyou’rebecoming.”Hiswolfstruttedaroundthedenwithitschestpuffedout.“Iknowwhenthetimecomestomakethatchoice,we’llbeready.”
“Iknowtheothermatedcouplesdon’tuseanythingtopreventconceptionbecausethebirthrateforchangelingsissolow,but—”
Hekissedthewordsoffherlips,lavingaffectiononheruntilthetensionleftherbody.“Anythingthateasesyourmind,I’mgoodwith.”Changelingpairsrarelyhadmorethanoneortwochildren,anditwashighlyunlikelySiennawouldfallpregnantsosoonaftermating—buttherewasnoreasontochanceitwithhismate’slifeatstake.“I’msureLarawillknowthebestoptionforPsyphysiology.”ThehealerhadbeengatheringmedicalknowledgeaboutPsysincethefamily’sdefectiontoSnowDancer.
“Iknowthat,”Siennasaid,apertlooktoherthatmadehimchuckle.
“WasItakingover?”
“Justalittlebit.”Fingersweavingthroughhishair.
Hiswolfrubbedupagainsthisskin,wantingthattouch.Later,hepromised.
“IspoketoLaraandgotwhatIneededwhenIfirstbecameanadult,”Siennatoldhim,“IwassoafraidaboutpassingontheXmutation.”Thematebondvibratedwithquietpassion.“Ididn’tpurposefullykeepitasecret—itjustnevercameupbefore.”
“Iknow.”Sienna’shonestywasanintegralaspectofhernature.“It’sagoodthingyoutookcareofthatorwe’dprobablybewranglingalitterinayearortwo,rabble-rouserthatyouare.”
Aplayfulthumpagainsthischest.“Ithinkthatmaybe,Imightnotbeabadmother,”shesaidwithashakysmile,“butI’mnotreadyyet.”
“Hey,I’mnotsureIameither.”Hemightbewolf,mightbealpha,buthewasalsoamanwho’djustfoundhismateafterbelievinghe’dneverhavethatbond.“Iwantthistimewithyou.”Curvinghishandaroundherribcage,heslantedhismouthoverhersinaslow,pettingkindofakiss,lickingoutatherlowerlip,nippingatherupperone.
“Hawke.”Hisnameacaress,Siennawrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandmeltedintothekiss.Afarmorepleasurablekindoftensionrippledthroughherbody,hereyesdevoidofstarsforareasonthathadnothingtodowithfearorworrywhenshebrokethekisstorunherlipsalonghisjaw.
Hegroaned,wenttoslidehishandunderhershirt…butSiennashiftedwithoutwarning.Tumblingoutofthecaraftershovingthedooropen,sheshothimalookofpurechallenge.“Twenty-minuteheadstart.Igettoourgrottobeforeyou.Winnerdoeswhatshewantswiththeloser.”
Hiswolfjerkedtoattention.“Go.”TherewasnothinghelikedbetterthanplayingwithSienna,especiallywhenhehadmorethanonenewtrickuphissleeve.Baringhislipsinaferalgrin,hewaitedexactlytwentyminutesbeforetakingoffafterher.Chapter32
ADRIAWAKENEDTOfindherselfwrappedinhot,muscledmaleflesh.Notforaninstantdidshewonderwhoitwasthatheldher,thedarkwoodsmokeandfreshbiteofRiaz’sscentintimatelyfamiliar.Sensinghehadn’tyetawakened,sheremainedmotionless,thecrispnessofhischesthairagainstherpalmanexquisitetemptation,thethicknessofhisthighshovedbetweenherown—pressedagainstthepartofherthatwasgoingdampwithaslow,inexorablearousalthoughshetriedtofighttheresponse.
Shehadn’tinvitedhimintobedtodemandsex,buttherewasnowayhe’dfailtosenseherbody’sresponse.Hiserectionrubbedagainstheralmosttheinstantthethoughtpassedthroughherhead,andthenhewasrollingheroverontoherback,stillsleepy-eyed,hishairtousledandunbearablysexy.
“Riaz,”shesaid,thrustingahandintothejetblackstrandstokeephiminplacewhenhewould’vegoneforherbreasts.
Excepttherereallywasnowaytostopadominantchangelingmalewhooutweighedherbyagoodeightypoundsfromgoingafterwhathewantedinbed,notunlessshewantedtosayanunequivocal“no.”Becausethatwouldgetthrough.Thethingwas,shedidn’twanttosayno.Shejustwantedtomakesurehewasfullyconscious.
“OhGod!”Herbackarchedupoffthebedashetookoneofhernipplesintohismouthandsucked.Hard.
Hefondledherneglectedbreastwithhisfreehand,alittlerough,andsoperfectitmadeherache.Wantingtorubupagainstthethicknessshecouldfeelhotandrigidagainstherthighthroughthejeansneitherofthemhadtakenoff,sheforcedherselftoconcentrate—andpulledathishairhardenoughthatithadtohurt.
Growlingagainstherskin,heletherfeelhisteeth.“Damnit,”shedemanded,“areyouawake?”
Hebitdownonhernipple…very,verycarefully.Shewasstillattemptingtogaspinabreathwhenheliftedhisheadandsleepygoldeyesblazedather.Thewolfwasincharge,shethought,anditswildnesscalledtoherown.Twistingbeneathhim,shehissedoutabreathwhenheclampedhishandonherhip,hisclawsprickingatherskinjustenoughtotellherhewasrunningtheshow.
Awake.Verymuchso.
“Getyourclawsoffmyskin.”Itwasthesnarlofafemalewolfwhoknewherownstrength.
“Ithinkyoulikemyclaws.”Aferalsmile,buthedidretractthesharptips.
Hisresponseunbalancedherwolf—menofhisdominanceweren’tsoeasilycommanded.
“Ialsothink,”hesaidinadarkwhisperthatmadethetinyhairsonherbodyquiverinwarning,“you’lllikethisevenmore.”Slidinghishandoverhernavel—theskinsoexquisitelysensitivehertoescurled—hethrustitunderthewaistbandofherjeansandintoherpantiesinasingleunpredictablemove.
Itshatteredhertolookdownandseehismuscledforearm,asprinklingoffineblackhairontheduskybrownofhisskin,disappearingintoherjeans…wherehecuppedherwithstarkintimacywithinthetightconfinesofherclothing.Chestjerking,sheroseupagainsthiminavainefforttofindrelief.
“Undoyourjeans.”Hisvoiceedgyinherear,thescrapeofhisunshavenjawanerotictemptation.
Herfingersbrushedhisarmassheobeyedtheorderthatpromisedtogiveherwhatshewanted.Removinghishandtoripoffherjeansthesecondsheunzippedthefly,hekickedherlegsaparttosettlehimselfinbetween,hisjean-coveredcockpushingupagainstthewhitelaceandbluesatinofherpantiesinblatantdemand.“Tellme,”hesaid,thehairsonhischestrubbingoverheralreadysensitizednipples,threateningtostealwhatsenseofreasonremained,“somethingyou’vealwayswantedtodoinbedbutneverdared.”
“Why?”sheasked,herskinstretchedtautoverabodyitcouldn’tcontain.
“BecauseIwanttoplay.”Itwasn’tuntilthewordswereoutthatRiazrealizedwhathe’dsaid.Playingwithabedmate…foralonewolf,itwasbeyondfriendship,beyondneed,astepintoanaltogetherdifferentkindofarelationship
No,hecontradictedhimselfthesecondafterthethoughtpassedthroughhishead.Neitheroneofthemwantedarelationship,leastofallAdria.Theywereinthistogiveeachotheralittlesurcease.Andtherewasnothingwrongwithplayingwithafriend,evenifhiswolfrarelyplayedwithanyone.“No?”hesaidwhensheremainedsilent.
Hereyesapale,hauntingamber—thewolflookingoutathim—shesaid,“Ifyoupromisetoreciprocate.”
Wolfishcuriosityrosetothefore.Henoddedatonce.
Shewenttospeak,halted,hotredpaintinghercheeks.Hersudden,unexpectedshynessonlydeepenedhiscuriosity—untilheglimpsedthedarknessthatshadowedhereyeswithoutwarning.Andheknewshewasnolongerfullywithhim,thepasttanglingwiththepresent.
Grippingherjaw,hegrowled,“Meandyou.Nooneelsecomesintothisbed.Gotit?”Itwasavowasmuchasitwasademand.
“Yes.”Amberclashingintohis.“Forbothofus.”
“Yes.”Heclosedtheirdealwithahot,openmouthedkiss,grazingthebottomofherleftbreastwithhisthumbashedidso.
Adriajerkedawayfromthekisswithagasp.“I’veheardsomewomencanorgasmjustbyhavingtheirbreastscaressed,”shesaid,herhuskyvoicebreathless.“I’vealwayswonderedifIcould.”Hercheekswereblazingbythetimeshefinished.
“Somehow,Ididn’tthinkyou’dbeshy.”Itdidsomethingtohimtoknowshetrustedhimenoughtodropherguard.“Anythingelseyouwanttoshareaboutthisfantasy?”
Adriashookherhead,feelingnakedinawaythathadnothingtodowithexposingskin.Allowingmoreofhisweightontoherbody,Riaztookhermouthinanotherkiss.Araunchy,wet,demandingonethathadherdigginghernailsintohisshoulderasshegroundherbodyagainsttherigidintrusionofhiscock.
“Hmm,”hesaid,liftinghisbodyofftheachingneedofherown,“thisexperimentwon’tworkifyoucandothat.”Hemovedtoliebesideher,butwhensheturnedtofacehim,hesaid,“Onyourback.”
Everythinginherwantedtopushhimtohisback,ridehimtoeroticbliss.
“Givingupsosoon?”
Eyesnarrowedatthelow-voicedchallenge,sheturnedontoherback.Whenhepickedupherarmsandtoldhertowrapherhandsaroundthebarsintheheadboard,shegrippedthecoldiron.Thepositionleftherbreastsblatantlyexposed,butforherbraid,whichhadfallenoverhershoulder.
Takingthatbraid,Riazundiditwithleisurelymotions,fanningherhairoutoveronesideofherchest.Thelongstrandscoveredherbreast,butforthetautpeakofhernipple.“Lookatthat,”hemurmuredinthatdeepvoiceroughwithanearthysensualitythatspoketoherown,“soprettyandpink.”
Herthroatwentdry.Therewassomethingaboutseeingherbodythroughhiseyesthatchangedeverything.Eachbreathshetookliftedherbreasts,asifininvitation,hernipplesbeggingforhismouth,shamelessandplump.
“Hmm.”Riazcapturedonesensitivenubbetweenthumbandforefinger,thelightnessofhistouchanexquisitetease.
Theinstantshearchedherspineinanattempttointensifythecaress,heshookhishead,hisfingersturningfeatherlight.Understandingtheunspokenorder,sheforcedherselftolieback.
Theslightlyroughpadsofhisfingerssqueezedhernippletight.“Goodgirl.”
Shegrowledlowinherthroat.“Don’tpushit.”
Hechuckled,eyesgleaming.Thenhedippedhisheadandflickedhistongueoverthenipplehe’dbeenteasing.Itshotanelectriccurrentthroughherbody,butthesensationdisappearedalmostbeforeshe’dsensedit,theaircoldonthewetslicknessofthetightlyfurlednub.Chestrisingandfallinginjerkingbreaths,sheclenchedherfingersaroundthemetalthathadwarmedunderhertouch,andopenedeyesshehadn’tbeenawareofclosingtoseeRiazpushingherhairasidetorevealherbarebreast.
Akissofairfollowed,hislipstorturouslyclose,hishandslidingtoherribcage.“Doyoulikethis?”Herubbedhisthumbacrossthebottomofthetautcurve.
Sheshuddered,herclawsprickingtheinsidesofherskin.“More.”
Theforearmofhisfreehandbracedbyherhead,Riazinitiatedalanguidseductionofakiss,histonguelickinglazilyagainstherown,histhumbcontinuingtomoveslowandmaddeningacrosstheagonizinglysensitivelowercurveofherbreast.“Mmm.”Thelowmalemurmurmadeherwombclenchashebrokethekisswithasucklingtasteofherupperlip.
Herskinshimmeringwithsensation,sheheldthewildgoldofhisgaze,hissingoutabreathwhenhemovedhisfingerstohernippleagain,rubbingandtuggingwithmuchmoreforce.
Ittoreagroanoutofher,hereyesflutteringshut.
Asinglehotbreathwastheonlywarningshehadbeforehetookpartofherneglectedbreastintohismouth,scrapingupwithhisteethuntilhecaughthernipple.Aflickofhistongueandshearchedupoffthebed,thrustingherhandsintohishair.“Forgetabouttheexperiment,”shesnarled,andtwisted,takinghimtohisback.
He’dletherdoit,sheknewthat.Becausewhileshewasastrongdominant,hewasalieutenant,farstrongerandwithfasterreflexes.Itdidn’tmatter,notinbed,notwithloverswhocaredaboutoneanother’spleasure.Andtheydid.Herwolffelthappy,playfulforthefirsttimeinyears.Itwasagiddysensation,champagneinherbloodstream.
Reachingforward,shepinnedhiswristsabovehishead,hisbonessolidandpowerfulunderherhold.“It’stimeforyoutobehave.”
Aheavy-liddedlook,slitsofbrightgold.“What’smyincentive?”
Sheshifteddownhisbodyuntilthesatinofherpanties,hermostdelicatefleshslickwithdesirebeyondthefinebarrier,rubbedovertheheatedsteelofhiscock.“How’sthat?”
HE’Dseenherangry,seenherheartbroken,seenherpleasured,butthiswasthefirsttimeRiazhadseenAdriawithsensualmischiefinhereyes.Hiswolfresponded,lungingwithplayfulintent.Jerkingupevenasshebegantoshapeandpethischest,heflippedherontoherbackagain,endingupbracedonhishandsandkneesaboveher.“Prettygood,butI’veneverbeenonetogiveuponachallenge.”Bendinghisheadtoherbreasts,heusedhisteeth,nippingandbiting.
Shedugherclawsintohisshoulder.“Stings.”
Raisinghishead,hesaid,“No?”
“Ididn’tsaythat.”
“Good,Ilikethetasteofyou.”Hereturnedtowhathe’dbeendoing,suckingonhernipplesuntiltheywereripelittleberriesbeforelickingthelowercurveofherbreastsandtakinganotherbite.Herlegsroseuptohookaroundhiships,asweet,tightprison.Notfighting,hesettledheavilyagainsther,enjoyingthetensilestrengthofhermarriedwiththelushtangofherfemininity,herbreastsfillinghishands.
Herfingerswoveintohishairagain,fisted.
Releasingherbreast,herubbedhisunshavenjawagainstthesoftcurve.Sheutteredastarksoundofpleasureandattemptedtoslideherdelicateheatagainstthepainfulrigidityofhiscock,butwisetohertricks,hepinnedhertothebedwithhisgreaterweight.Shemadeherfrustrationclearintheclawshefeltbitingintohisskin.
Slicingouthisownclaws,hesqueezedherhipinwarning.
Asnarl.
Kissinghiswayupthecenterofherchest,hesuckedamarkonherthroat.Itmadehermoan,thesnarltransformingintoahuskysoundofpleasure.Hesqueezedonebreast,dippedbackdowntorubhisjawovertheother,thecreamyfleshmarkedbyhisattentions.
Ajoltshookherframe.“Riaz.”
Hearingthefractureinhervoice,hebitdownjustalittletoohardononenippleasherolledtheotherbetweenhisfingertips.Sheshatteredwithasudden,shockedcry,herthighsclenchingaroundhiships,onehandfistedinhishair,thenailsoftheotherdiggingintohisshoulder.Ahintofbloodscentedtheairandhiswolfbareditsteeth,notinangerbutinprimitivesatisfaction.
Breakingherhold,hepulleddownherpanties,gotridofhisownremainingclothingandslidintoherinasingle,deepthrust.Shewelcomedhimwithawildtangleofakiss,herbodycontinuingtoripplewithaftershocksofpleasurethatsqueezedhispulsingcock,thepressuredragginghimtotheedge.
Hebrokethekiss,gaspedinajaggedbreath.Twolong,hardthrustsandhefelthisspinelock.Grittinghisteeth,hetiltedhersothathispubicbonewouldpressagainstherclitoris,andthenhethrustagain.
Tinymusclesspasminganewaroundhiscock,amoltenfist.
Hismindwentblack.Chapter33
THOUGHVASICTELEPORTEDdirectlyintoAnthonyKyriakus’soffice,theCouncilor’spatricianfacedidn’tdisplayanyhintofsurprise.Leaningbackinhischair,thesilverthreadsinhishairglimmeringinthesunlightpouringthroughthewindowbehindhim,hemetVasic’seyes.“It’sbeenawhile.”
“Yes.”HisgoalshadoncealignedwithAnthony’s,butVasic’sloyaltywouldalwaysbetotheArrows.“TheCouncilisfractured.”
“It’snotyetcommonknowledge,”Anthonysaid,puttingdownthelaserpenhe’dbeenusingtomakenotesonadatapad.
“No—butrumorsarebeginningtospread.”Hestudiedthecommscreenonthewalltohisright,currentlydisplayingthelogosofanumberofcompanies,somewellknown,othersdiscreetpowerhouses.“Satisfiedclients?”Anthonycontrolledthelargestnetworkofforeseersintheworld.CorporationspaidmillionstogetpredictionsfromaNightStarF-Psybeforemakingdecisionsoneverythingfrominvestmentstoproductdevelopment.
“Very.”Anthonydidn’trise.“DotheArrowsrequireaprediction?”
VasichadalwayswonderedifAnthonyhadatouchoftheFability,thoughhewaslistedintheofficialrecordsasahigh-Gradienttelepathwithaminorillusionability.Anabilityhe’dapparentlypassedontohisdaughter,Faith.“PurePsyhasmovedonfromlickingitswounds—indicationsareithasanoperationinprogress.”
“Isee.”Risingfromhischair,Anthonyturnedtowalktothewindow.
Vasicjoinedhim,hiseyesonthelandscapedparkbelow,thegrassjewelgreen,thetreeslushwithfoliage.“Anunusualview.”Psycorporationspreferredtobeincitycenters,inhigh-risescreatedfromglassandsteel.TheinternalNightStarcompound,bycontrast,wasalllow,earth-tonedbuildingsdesignedtoflowintotheenvironment.
“EventshaveledNightStartoquestiontheneedforisolationinordertoguardthementalhealthofevenourmostpowerfulF-Psy,butforeseersdohaveuniquerequirementsincomparisontotheotherdesignations.”Anthonynoddedatasturdy-lookingmanwho’dwalkedoutoftheoppositebuildingtotakeaseatbeneaththespreadingbranchesofalargeoak.“He’sobviouslyhadastrongprediction,andit’sdrainedhim.IfindmyFsfunctionbetter—thusincreasingourprofits—iftheyhavenotmerelysoothingsurroundings,butthefreedomandspacetorecover.”
VasiccouldunderstandthatneedbetterthanAnthonywouldeverknow.Heoftenteleportedtodesertscloakedinmoonlight,becauseitwasonlythere,surroundedbyanendlessnothingnessthatwasstrangelyalive,thathecouldtrulythink.“Somewouldsaysuchaneedisanemotionalresponseandshouldbeconditionedoutofyourforeseers.”
“No,”AnthonysaidwithoutlookingawayfromtherecoveringF-Psy.“Nobodywoulddare—mypeoplearetoonecessarytothecontinuingsuccessofthebusinessesrunbythemostpowerful.SomethingImakecertainnooneeverforgets.”
AndthatwaswhyVasichadfirstagreedtoworkwithAnthony—themanwasruthless,buthehadthesamekindofloyaltytohisforeseersthatVasichadtotheArrows.“DoyourF-PsyknowanythingaboutthePurePsysituation?”
“AnumberhaveforeseenwhattheycallacataclysmicchangeintheNet,”Anthonyreplied.“Thevisionsaresoviolentthemedicshavehadtointerveneinthreecasestobringtheforeseerssafelyout.Iftheyhadn’tbeenundersupervision”—theslightestpause—“we’dhavelostthem.”
VasicwonderedifthepausehadbeenanunconsciousreferencetoAnthony’sdaughter.FaithNightStarwasthemostpowerfulF-PsyinoroutoftheNet,thereasonthesquadhadkeptacoverteyeonhersinceherdefectiontoDarkRiver.HerSilencebroken,therewasastronglikelihoodshe’dbeenoneoftheforeseersAnthonyhadreferenced.WhileFaithwasnolongerunderM-Psysupervision,shewasconnectedtoherjaguar-changelingmatebyatypeofpsychicbondVasicdidn’tunderstand.Perhapsthatbondprotectedherinsomeway.“Nodetails?”
Anthonyshookhishead.“Butit’sworsethananythingtheysawpriortothebattlewiththechangelings.Thescaleofthedeathswillbecatastrophic.”Chapter34
FEELINGMOREHIMSELFthanhehadinmonths,Riazwasoutlookingforawind-fallentreehecouldmineforahunkofwoodwhensomethingcaughtthesunlight—andhiseye.Hebentdown,pickedupatwistedpieceofmetal.Seeingthescorchedandbrokentreetrunksaroundhim,herealizedhewasatthespotwhereoneofHenryScott’sstealthcrafthadcrashedpriortothefinalconfrontation.Itwasn’tsurprisingthesmallpiecehadbeenmissed,thedebrishadbeenspreadoversuchalargearea.
Placingitintooneofthepocketsinhiscargopants,hedecidedtodoaquickgridsearchtoseeiftherewereanyotherfragments.Itdidn’ttakelongunderthebrightSierrasunshine.Thetechsandnoviceshaddoneanexcellentjob—butforthedamagetotheenvironment,theareawaspristine.Thatdamage,too,wouldheal.SnowDancerwouldmakesureofit.
Satisfied,hetookaquickglanceathiswatch,sawitwasfour.Sincehe’dalreadyfoundasmallchunkofthetypeofwoodheneeded,hewasabouttoheadbacktothedentocompletehisreviewofSnowDancer’sinternationalbusinessplan,whenhecaughtavaguehintofascentthatshouldn’thavebeenthere.
Metallic.Cold.APsydrenchedinSilence.
Itcouldbenothing,aremnantattachedtoanotherpieceofdebris,thoughtheprobabilitywaslowtakingintoaccountthetimethathadpassed.Andallthepenny-anteannoyancehitstodatehadtakenplaceontheedgesofdenterritory.WhywouldanyPsywanttoseriouslyantagonizeSnowDancernow,afterthepack’sdecisivedefeatofHenry’sarmy?
Trackingthescentonsilentfeet,hecametothetopofasmallrise.Here,thelingeringscentwasasthickassouptohischangelingsenses.Hefrowned.ThepositionofferedthewatchernostrategicviewpointintermsoffiguringoutSnowDancer’sweaknesses.Allheorshewouldseewasasmall,naturallyopenfieldsurroundedbyscrubbybushthatmergedintoastandoflodgepolepines
Acurvyyoungfemalewithlushblackcurls—Maria—joggedacrosstheclearingatthatverysecond,accompaniedbyadarkgraywolfwhospottedRiazasecondbeforeMariadid.Thesoldierwaved,whilethewolfhowledagreetingbeforetheybothdisappearedintothepines.
Hmm…
PsyhadbeenknowntouseSnowDancerlandformeetings,whichwasn’tasstupidamoveasitsounded,notgiventhespreadofdenterritory,andhowsimpleitwastoteleportintoisolatedsections.Thisspotmightqualify,exceptasMariaandLakehadjustproven,anyoneonthishillwouldbesilhouettedagainstthesky,openlyvisibletoapassingsentry.
Gut-certainhewasmissingsomething,hekickedoffhisbootsandstripped.Hissenseofsmellwasacuteevenasahuman,butnothingbeatthewolf’snose.Circlingtheareaaftershifting,hecheckedtwicetomakesurehehaditright,thenchangedbackintohumanformandquicklygotdressed.
Racingtotheden,hepushedintoHawke’sofficewithoutwaitingforaninvitation.“Weneedtotalk.”
Thealphaturnedfromthecommscreenwherehewastalkingtoamanwhoworeaneatthree-piecesuit,hisgrayinghaircombedsternlybacktorevealadefinedwidow’speak.“We’llhavetocontinuethisanothertime,Mr.Woo.”
Pursinghislipsindisapproval,themanontheothersidenonethelessmadenodemurasHawkesignedoff.“Whatisit?”HiseyesflickedoverRiaz’sshoulder,sharpened.
RiazhadalreadyturnedtogreetRiley,pushingthedoorclosedbehindtheseniorlieutenant.“DoyouhavewhatIaskedfor?”He’dcalledRileyduringhisruntotheden.
Nodding,theothermaninputadatacrystalintothecommpanel.“ThesearethewatchroutesI’veassignedthesoldiersandnovicesoverthepasttwoweeks.”Alongerperiodthanwarrantedbytheintensityofthescent,butRiazhadn’twantedtoriskmissingapatternbecauseoftootightadaterange.
“I’vecolor-codedtheindividualsoldiers,”Rileycontinued,“soyoucanseewhowaswherewhenataglance.”
Riazpinpointedtherisewherehe’dcaughtthescent,insertedanasterisktomarkthespotonthemap,thencheckedwhichpackmateshadpassedwithinsightofit.Furyignitedinhisblood.“Theshapeofthescentontheearth,”hesaid,afterfillingHawkeandRileyinonhisdiscovery,“saystheintruderwaslyingdown.”Itwastheonlywayheorshecouldhaveescapeddetection.
“Sniper?”Rileyaskedinagrimtone.
“Orsurveillance.”IceinHawke’svoice,thewolfstalkingbehindpaleeyesfixedontheassignmentmap.“NoreasonforthePsytowatchMaria,Tai,Riordan,orEbony.”
Thatleftonename.
“Weknewthiswouldhappen,”Riazsaid,trackingthedeepaquacolorRileyhadallocatedSienna,hisangertransformingintoacolddeterminationtokeepsafetheyoungwomanwho’dwalkedintobattlewillingtodieforSnowDancer.“EveryoneintheNetnowknowswhatshecando.”
“Ihopedthey’dleaveheraloneafewfuckingmonthsatleast.”Thewordsweregrittedoutbetweenthealpha’sclenchedteeth.
“How’dtheyknowshe’dpassthroughthatfield?”Riazthrustahandthroughhishair.“Rileymixesupassignments.”SnowDancerhadhadonetraitorintheirmidst—anotheronewouldkillthem;butthequestionhadtobeasked.“Youthinktheyhaveaninformant?”
“No.”Hawke’sresponseheldutmostconfidence.“I’mbettingthey’vebeenusingspysatellitestoscanourterritory—thecanopymakesitdifficultinmostcases,butthereareopenareas.”
Riazgaveaslownod.“Allthey’dhaveneededwasasingleglimpseofSienna”—herhairthatdistinctiverubyred—“andthentheyjusthadtobepatient.”HeconsideredtheotherimplicationsifHawkewasright.“Nonormalpersonwouldhaveaccesstothatkindofsatellitedata.Ortoateleporter.”Flyingordrivinganyunauthorizedvehicleintotheterritorywithoutbeingcaughtwassodifficultastobeimpossible.
“PurePsy,”Rileysaid,hiseyesonthemap,“lostthemajorityoftheirTksinthefight.IfJudd’srightabouttherumblingsintheNet,thegroup’sprobablygototherprioritiesatthispoint.”
“Mingisthemostobvioussuspect.”RiazwasawarethemanhadbeenthemilitarymastermindoftheCouncil.“Butwedon’thaveenoughinformationtoruleanyoneout.KalebKrychekforone.”ThelethaltelekineticcouldseeSiennaasathreattohisownpower.
“Shoshanna’sgonesuspiciouslyquiet,butshewastheforcebehindHenryformostoftheirshamofamarriage,”Hawkesaid,andRiazknewthealpha’sbrainwasworkingwithcoldefficiencyinspiteofhisrage.“AndTatiana’salwaysbeenverygoodathidingherinvolvementinanynumberofops.”
“I’lltalktoJudd.”Shuttingdownthemap,Rileyretrievedthedatacrystal.“Hemightbeabletogetusmoreconcretedata.”
“I’lltapmycontactsinEurope,”Riazadded,knowingMingusedanestateintheChampagneregionofFranceashishomebase.“SeewhatIcandigup.”Glimpsingthelookinhisalpha’seyes,hesaid,“Noonewillgetnearher,Hawke.Wewon’tletthem.”
Hawkeknewhispeoplewouldbleedtoprotecthismate,buthedidn’twantSiennatoneedthatprotection,tobeforcedtoliveinanothercage.“Wemakesureshe’ssafeonourland,”hesaid,hisangeranicyblade.“Thisneedstobeherhome,whereshecanwalkwithoutfear.”
Riaz’sphonebeepedasharpalarmintothesilence.“Damn,”thelieutenantsaid,glancingatthescreenafterswitchingitoff.“Ihavethecomm-conferencewithKenjiandtheBlackSearep.”
“Go,”Hawkesaid,thinkingpastthefurythatclawedthroughhisveins.“That’syourpriority.”BlackSeabroughtfartoomuchtothetabletodisregard.“IneedtotalktoSiennaanyway.”AnydefensiveresponseSnowDancerformulatedwouldneedherinput—sheknewthestrengthsandweaknessesofherenemiesbetterthananyone.
RileyshothimanopenlyconcernedlookafterRiazleft.“Itmightgobettercomingfromme.”
Hawkedidn’ttakeitwrong—Rileywasn’tonlyhisseniorlieutenant,hewasalsoHawke’sfriend,knewexactlyhowthismightmakehimbehave.“No,I’vegotit.”
HAVINGtrackedSiennatothenurserywhereshewasdoingavolunteershift,Hawkewatchedhismatetalkingwithatwo-year-old.ThankGodshewasinsidetoday—hedidn’tknowifhe’dhavebeenabletohandlehisprimalresponseifshe’dbeenoutinthethickgreenoftheforests.
Heknewshe’dsensedhispresence,butshedidn’tbreakoffwhatappearedtobeaseriousdiscussion.Noddingsolemnlyatsomethingthelittleboysaid,shehelpedhimfinishbuildinghiswooden-blockmasterpiecebeforerisingtoherfeetandwalkingovertoTarah.
Ashortconversationlater,sheheadedtowardhim.“Iaskedtoleaveearly,”shesaid,andheknewhe’dfailedinhisattempttoshieldtherawemotionsthathadhiswolfpacing,clawsout.
“Walkwithme.”
Notaskingquestions,sheaccompaniedhimdownthecorridorsandtoanexitfromthedenthatledintoalessutilizedsectionoftheWhiteZone.Whereheleanedagainstthemoss-coveredwallofthedenandgatheredherintohisarms,justheldherforalong,longtime.
Siennawasintensityandfireandenergy,buttoday,shestoodquiet,lettinghimtakewhatheneeded,hismatewhoknewhimbetterthanheknewhimself.
WhenhedrewbackatlastandtoldherwhatRiazhaddiscovered,thecardinalstarlightofhergazeturnedtoendlessmidnight.“Itwaspredictable,”shesaid,noshockinher,justanangerasdeepashisown.“NoonelikesarogueX.”
Agrowlrumbledupfromhischest.“Iwillnotallowanyonetohuntyou.”Itwasavowfromtheheartofthewolf.“BrennaandMariskaarealreadyworkingonfurtherfine-tuningoursurveillancesystems,sowehaveabetterchanceofdetectingtheseincursions.”Thefactthatitwasnearimpossibletostopteleport-capableTksfromgoinganywheretheywantedmeantnothing—nooneinSnowDancerwasplanningtomakeiteasyforthosestalkingSienna.
Hismateplacedherrighthandagainsthischest.“I’llspeakwiththem,”shesaid,“letthemknowafewelementstheycanfactorintotheircalculations.Juddwillprobablybeabletoprovidemoreguidance.”
Attimes,heforgothowSiennahadbeenbroughtup,theinhumanityofherchildhood.Thensheshowedthisdepthofstrength,keepingasteelycalmthroughanuglinessthatwould’veshovedmanybackintothedarkness,andherememberedthathisyoungmatehadlivedalifetimeinnineteenyears.“Good,”hesaid,hisprideinherablindingfire.“YoualsoneedtotalktoRileyaboutyourwatchrotations.”
Aguardedalertness.“Why?”
“Sohecanmakesureyourshiftsneverfallintoanykindofapattern,timingorlocationwise.Wedon’twantthosewatchingbeingabletoguesswithanyhopeofaccuracywhereyou’llbe.”
Hershoulderslostthefinetensionthathadflowedintoherwithhisearlierwords.“Yes,that’sanexcellentprecaution.”
Cradlingherfacewithonehand,hesaid,“Iwon’teverclipyourwings,baby.”Regardlessofhowmuchhehatedthefactthatshewasindanger—becausetodosowouldbetoputherbackinthatcage,andhismatehadspentmorethanenoughtimelockedinthedark.
“Iknowyouwanttoprotectme,”shewhispered,long,slenderfingersspreadingoverhisheart.“Icanfeelyourneedineverypulseofyourblood.”
“Ican’tpromisethatIwon’tcheckuponyoueverysooftenduringyourshifts,”Hawkeadmitted,becauseitwould’vebeenalieofmonumentalproportionstodootherwise,“buteverypartofmeunderstandswhoyouare.”Notsimplyhismate,butadangerous,beautifulwomanwithherowndreamsanddesires.
Itwould’vebeeneasierifshe’dbeensomeoneelse,awomanwhofollowedhiseverydictateandwhoneverputherselfinharm’sway.Buthedidn’twanteasier,didn’twantanyoneelse.HewantedSienna.OnlySienna.
Sheturnedherfaceintohishand.“Allright.”Asimpleacceptancethatsaidsheknew,understood…followedbyanunexpectedsmilefullofmischief.“Scuttlebuttis,Riley’sbeenrunningintoMercy‘accidentally’duringhershiftssincetheyfoundoutaboutthepregnancy.”
Hawke’swolfwasstartledoutofitsangerintoachuckle.“IhopeMercylivesuptohername.”
Siennalaughed,nofearinher,onlyastrengththatmadehiswolfwanttothrowbackitsheadandsinginjoythatshewashis.Chapter35
RIAZLINKEDINwithKenjiintheconferenceroomusuallyusedforSnowDancerlieutenantmeetings.Theotherman’shairwasnowashockingpinkwithvividbluestreaks.Itwasawelcomedistraction.“YoulooklikefuckingJapanesecottoncandy.”
“HowthehellcancottoncandylookJapanese?”Kenjishotbackbeforepickingupadatapad.“Anynewthoughtsontheoutlineagreementsinceourlastcall?”
Knowingtheywereshortontime,RiazdecidedtoupdateKenjionthesituationwithSiennalater,andbroughtupthecontractonasplitscreenthatwouldbevisibleonKenji’send,too.“Yeah,one.”Hequicklysetitout.“Youseeanyproblems?”
Kenjishookhishead.“No,that’sagoodamendment.”Hehighlightedasectionintheagreementthey’ddiscussedearlier.“I’mstillnotsureaboutthis.”
“Theywon’tconsenttoacompletestrikeout,andit’snotadealbreakerforus,”Riazsaid,“butlet’sbringitupandseewhatconcessionswecansqueezeoutofthem.”
“Worksforme.”
Oneoftheothercommscreensintheroomchimedafive-secondcountdownasKenjifinishedspeaking.Clearingawaythecontract,RiazwasreadywhenthethirdscreenfilledwithEmaniBerg’selegantface.BorninasmallvillagealongoneofNorway’sremotefjords,Emanihadskinofadeep,silkenshadeofbrown,andeyesofmidnight.HerblackhairhadbeenincurlsthelasttimeRiazhadseenher—inVenice—butfellsleekandstraightaroundherfacetoday…completewithasinglestreakofshockingpink.
Amused,Riazsaid,“Goodcall.”
Emani’snodwasregal.“Mr.Tanakadoeskeepthingsinteresting.”
Kenjilookeddisgruntled.“Howdidyouguess?”
“Ihavesomeoneinyourregion.”Notevenahintofasmile,thoughRiazknewherwellenoughtoknowshewastweakingKenji’snose.Thewomanwasakillerpokerplayer.
“Fleecedanyinnocentslately?”Riazasked,recallingthesoccerticketsshe’dwonoffhimandPierce,thesamesereneexpressiononherfacetheentiregame
“I’mplanningtodosointhenextfewminutes,”wasthesmoothresponse.
Laughing,heliftedtheprintoutoftheoutline.“This,”hesaid,“isfineasfarasthebasicsgo,butwe’dliketomakesomechangeswithregardtothedetails.”
Hersurprisewasconcealedwithsuchflawlessease,Riazwould’vemisseditifhehadn’tbeenwatchingforjustsuchareaction.“I’mlistening,”shesaidinthatcalm,temperatevoice.
RiaznoddedatKenji,whobegantogothroughSnowDancer’slistofrequestedamendments.Emanifrownedatsomeoftheirstipulationsbutdidn’tvoiceoutrightdisagreement.OnceKenjihadcompletedtherun-through,shelookedupfromthecopyonwhichshe’dbeenmakingnotes.“I’llneedtorunthispastourConclave,butwhilewe’llcertainlybecomingbacktoyouwithourownchanges,Idon’tforeseeanymajorproblems.”
“Good.”Riazfoldedhisarms.“BlackSearealizeswe’realreadyinalliancewithDarkRiverandWindHaven?”
“Ofcourse.Weunderstandthatshouldweagreetoafullalliance,BlackSeawouldbeexpectedtocometotheiraidwhennecessary.”
“Andviceversa,”Kenjipointedout.
Emanigaveagracefulnod.“AsDarkRiverandWindHavenwouldeffectivelybecomeouralliesshouldSnowDancerandBlackSeacometoanunderstanding,ourConclavewouldliketohaveacommconversationwithbothLucasHunter,andAdamGarrettoftheWindHavenfalconsbeforewetakethefinalstepintoanalliance.”
“Idon’tseeaproblemwiththat,”Riazsaid.“Wealsohavearequest:aface-to-facemeetingbetweenHawkeandMiane.”Hedidn’tmentionthefacttherequestwasnonnegotiable,wantingtogaugehowwellBlackSeawaswillingtoplaywithSnowDancer.
“Isee.”Asmallpause.
Heraisedaneyebrow.“Isthatano?”
“Onthecontrary.Weexpectedtherequest.”
“We’llworkwithyoutosetitupthen.”Therewasnousewaiting,notwhentheentirealliancemighthangonthereactionthetwoalphashadtooneanother.
“Verywell.”Emani’simageswayedalittle,thenrighted.
“Roughseas?”
“Nothingunusual.”Tappingatthecommcontrolsonherdesk,shelookedathimandKenjiinturn.“Whilewearenotyetallied,BlackSeawouldliketopassonsomeinformationinthespiritofcooperation.”
Notwaitingforaverbalresponse,Emanisplitherscreen.“Twodaysago,threeofourmembersfoundashipdeadinthewateroffthecoastofSardinia—welloutsidetheirterritorialwaters,however.”Theemptyhalfofthescreenfilledwiththeimageofasleekyachtthathadtobeatleastonehundredfeetlong.Paintedagleamingblack,itwasshapedlikeabullet,thewindowstinted.“Asperourowninternalrules,theyshiftedintohumanformtorenderassistance.”
Riazhadnotroublebelievingherexplanation.MorethanonestrandedsailororshipwreckedcrewhadbeensavedbythosefromBlackSea—theseachangelingsmighthavebeennotoriouslysecretive,buttheydidn’thesitatewhenitcametoaquestionofsavinglives.
“AllsevenofthepeopleonboardwerePsy,”shecontinued.“They’dbeendeadlongenoughtocool,butrigorhadnotyetbeguntosetin.”Sevencrimesceneimagesappearedonscreen,replacingthatoftheyacht.“Asyoucansee,theyappeartohavebeenexecuted.”
“Suggestsateamwithmilitarytraining,”KenjimurmuredbeforepausingandaskingEmanitoreordertheimagesacertainway.“No,notateam.LookatwhatI’dbetwasthefirstkill—brokenneck.Therestareallcleanstrikeswithalaserweapon.Silentandefficient.”
“Weagree.Itappearstheindividualresponsiblefortheexecutionstooktheweaponfromthefirstvictimandproceededtouseittoeliminatetheothers.”
And,Riazthought,iftheyachthadbeenfoundinthehighseas,thatpointedtotheinvolvementofasecondcraft—noonebutanotherwater-basedchangelingcould’veswumtoshorefromthatfarout.Inwhichcase,BlackSeawould’vesunktheboatanditsdeadcargoinshortorder,noonethewiser.
“Ourpeople,”Emanisaid,breakingintohisthoughts,“hadenoughtimebeforeaPsyteamlocatedtheboatthatwewereabletogatherasignificantamountofdata.Oneofthethingswediscoveredwasthisscrapoffabric.”
Riazstaredattheimageoftheraggedsquare,onehalfofitbearinganemblemofsomekind.“I’veseenthatbefore.”
“Yes,verylikely.”Emaniinputacommandandthefragmentre-formedintoawhole.
Kenjihissedoutabreath.“Sonofabitch.”
ADRIAhadjustfinishedhavingcoffeewithTarahandwasheadingbacktotheofficeshe’dbeenassigneddownthecorridorfromDrewwhenShawnelleranuptoher.Withanexuberantpersonalityandwildbronzecurlstomatch,theathleticfifteen-year-oldwasincrediblysweet,agentlematernalsubmissive.
“Youdidn’tforget?”thegirlasked.
“No,”Adriareassuredher.“Iwasabouttogetmycamera—youwantphotos,right?”
Abrightsmileagainstskintheshadeofpolishedteak.“Doyouthinkanyonewillwanttosee?”
“Don’ttrythatshyactonme,”Adriateased,tuggingononeofShawnie’stightcurls.“Walker’sputmeontoyourtricks.”
Shawniegiggled,protestingherinnocenceallthewaytoAdria’soffice,whereAdriagrabbedacameracapableoftakingholographicimagesaswellashigh-definitiontwo-dimensionalshots.“I’mallyours.”
Shawnelleledherquicklydownthecorridors,pastallthebusysections,toasmallroomattheveryback.Pushingthroughthedoor,shewavedAdriainwithexcitedmotions.
Entering,Adriawhistled.“Youhaveabunchofelvesworkingforyou?”
“Theothershelped,”Shawniesaid.“EspeciallyBeccaandIvy.”
Adriashookherhead.Theroomhadbeenfourplainstonewallsandadoorwhenshe’dassistedShawniemaketherequestforaworkspace.TheteenhadbeenterrifiedofapproachingRileyonherown,butshe’dhadthewill.AllAdriahadhadtodowasprovidemoralsupport.
Now,thefourwallswereeachpaintedadifferentcolorsfromlimegreentobloodorangetoaqua-blueandcrispwhite,thepaintremnantsnodoubtleftoverfromwhenthematernalshadredonethecommonareasoftheden.Vibrantandalive,itsuitedShawnie.Thefadedcarpetonthefloorwasclearlyadiscardfromsomeone’shome,butithadbeenwashedanddustedtowithinaninchofitslife,itsbatteredeleganceimpartingawarmcozinesstotheroom.
Againstonewallstoodalongtableonwhichwerespreadswatchesoffabric,besideitacompactsewingmachine,whiletherewasasmallcurtainedcubicletotheback.Walkingtothecubicle,Shawniewhisperedtothepersonontheotherside—Ivy,fromthescent—thenglancedatAdria.“Ready?”
Adriaheldupthecamera.“Set.”
Takingadeepbreath,ShawniepulledthecurtainbackwithatheatricalflourishtorevealherfrienddressedinabeautifullyworkedblackjacketthatnippedinatthewaistbeforeflaringoutgentlyjustaboveIvy’sslenderhips.Itwasdetailedwithfunkybeadingononeshoulder—asifacolorfulrainhadfallendownthevelvetofthejacket—andsetatopasimplepairofbluejeans,strappyblackheelscompletingthelook.
StunnedbythebeautyofShawnie’swork,Adriadidn’tsayanythingasIvyheldanumberofposestofullydisplaythejacket.“Sweetheart,you’reastar.”ShesmiledatIvy.“Andyou’reonthewaytobeingonacatwalk.”
Theybothblushed,lookingtowardeachotherwithhugesmiles.
Adriasnappedaphoto,capturingthemoment.“Thatone’sforyoutwo.”ThenshetookanumberofshotsofIvydisplayingShawnie’screationforSnowDancer’sweeklynewsletter.
“Youreallylikeit?”Shawnieaskedafterward,herheartonhersleeve.
“I’dwearitifitwasinmysize,”Adriasaidhonestly,consciousthatnurturingthejuvenile’sprideandself-confidence,whilelistednowhereinherofficialmandateasShawnie’strainer,wouldflowintoeveryotheraspectofthegirl’slife—includingthedefensiveandaggressivemovesAdriawasteachingher.
AsShawniebouncedawaytohelpIvychangeoutofthejacket,Adria’swolflaiditsheadonitspaws,itsbellywarmwithcontentment—likethehumanpartofher,itknewthisworkwasasimportanttothehealthofthepackasanybattlevictory,anysecuritymeasure.Shawnie’sbrightspirit,Ivy’sinnocentpleasureinherfriend’saccomplishment,thesewerethethingseverydominantfoughttoprotect.
KENJImetRiaz’sgazeafterEmanisignedoff.“Howdoyouwanttohandlethis?”
“I’llgotalktoBo,”Riazsaid,referringtothesecuritychiefandeffectiveleaderoftheHumanAlliance,amanhe’dtakencaretogettoknowaftertheAlliance’srun-inwithSnowDancerandDarkRiver.
“Hawke?”
“Notyet.”ThealphahadenoughonhisplatewiththethreattoSienna—andhe’dalwaystrustedhislieutenantstoworkindependently,partofthereasonwhySnowDancerhadsuchstrongmenandwomeninthosepositions.“LetmeseewhatIcanfindoutfirst.”
“I’llputoutsomefeelers,too,”Kenjisaid,hisexpressionseriousinawaythatbeliedtherecklessabandonofhischosenhaircolor.
“Callmeonmycellifyouhearanything.”Loggingoff,RiazdecidedtograbsomecoffeefromthenearbybreakroombeforecallingBowen.HewasfrowningattheimplicationsoftheHumanAlliancebeinginvolvedintheassassinationofanentirePsyteamwhenhewalkedintothebreakroom—tocometoacompletehalt,thescentofcrushedberriesinicewrappingaroundhim,delicateasthemostfragilesnowflake.Chapter36
ADRIALOOKEDFROMthecounter,herguardedsmilefamiliar.“Hey.”Sheheldupthecoffeepot,pouringhimamugwhenhenodded.“Milk?”
“No,black.”Itfeltstrangetobehavingthisordinaryconversationwithher,theundertonefaintlyawkward,whenhe’dbeenburiedballs-deepinheronlyhoursago.
“Hereyougo.”Passingitover,shebegantoaddsugartoherownmug.
Hiseyebrowsroseafterthefourthteaspoon,theawkwardnessdissipatingintoanamusedaffectionthatmadehiswolfprickitsears.“Sureyoudon’twantsomecoffeewithyoursugar?”heaskedwhenshebegantostir.
“Everyonehastheirvices.”Asuspiciouslyblandcomment,followedby,“Maybeyou’dlikemetofetchyouabarofdarkchocolate.”
Hegrinned,wonderinghowshe’dfiguredouthispredilectionforthestuff.“Ifiguredyouwereastrong-black-coffeetypeofgirl.”Itintriguedhimthathe’dbeensooffbase,madehimawareofallthethingshedidn’tknowaboutthiswomanwho’dsharedherbodywithhim.Especiallywhenshepouredinwhatlookedlikehalfapotofcream,thentookagulp,shiveringwithpleasure.
Hisbodyhardened.Theurgetotouchher,toclaimskinprivilegesoutsidethebedroomwasalmostoverwhelming,buthegrithisteethandfoughtit.They’dsetlimitsontheirrelationship,andheneededtorespectthat,notonlyforhissake,butforhers.
Adrialeanedbackagainstthecounter.“Youlooktense.”
Hercolor-drenchedeyes,theysawtoomuch.Itwasoneofthefirstthingshe’dthoughtattheirinitialmeeting,andregardlessofhowuncomfortableitmadehimasaman,herperceptivenesswasaskillhecouldutilizeasalieutenant.“YouknowmuchaboutwhatwentdownwiththeHumanAllianceayearago?”
TheAlliancehadtriedtoplantbombsinSanFrancisco,attemptedtokidnapAshayaAleine.Boandhispeople,rebelsfromthegroupatthetime,hadmadethestupid-assmistakeofkidnappingayoungmalefromDarkRiverterritoryinaneffortbothtoprotecthimandtogainthepacks’attention.“AboutBowenandhisgroup?”
“Yes”—Adriatookanothersipofhercoffee—“allseniorsoldierswerebriefed.Iknowwe’vebeenworkingwiththecatstobuildafunctionalrelationshipwiththem.”
“It’sbeenrocky,”Riazacknowledged,“butweknewwehadtofindsomewaytomakethingswork.”TheAlliance’sbusinessstandinghadtakenahitimmediatelyaftertheeventsinSanFrancisco,butasHawkehadpredicted,ithadreboundedevenstronger.
Changelingshavepacks,thealphahadsaid.TheAllianceisthehumanequivalent—itnotonlyrepresentshumansasagroup,it’spowerfulenoughthatpeoplepayattention.
Notabodytodisregard,regardlessofthefactthathumansweresooftenlabeledtheweakestpartofthetriumviratethatwastheworld.
“Aretheybreakingtheirsideoftheirbargain,”Adriaasked,“tryingsomethinginourterritory?”
“No,butthey’vebeenimplicatedinasetofassassinationsintheMediterranean.”Hepushedoffthewall,decisionmade.“I’mgoingtocallBowen.Wanttositin?”
Blue-violeteyesstreakedwithgoldwidenedatthecorners.“Yes,Iwould.”
Coffeesdrunkandmugswashed,theyheadedtowardtheconferenceroom.“DoestheAlliancehavepeoplewiththetrainingtopulloffsomethingsoclean,andwehavetoassume,fast?”sheaskedafterhefinishedsummarizingthesituation.
“Bocould’vedoneit.HeworkedincovertopsinthemilitaryarmoftheAlliancebeforehedecidedhedidn’tlikewherethatarmwasheadingunderthepreviousleadership.”Intoaviolenceascoldandself-servingasthatoftheCouncil.“IfitwastheAlliance,I’mmoreinterestedinthewhy.”
Adriaraisedaneyebrowastheyenteredtheconferenceroom.
“Bo,”heexplained,“hasbeenverycarefullyrebuildingtheAlliance’sreputation.”
“Andthiskindofviolence,ifitgotout,”Adriamurmured,“wouldbringuptoomanyuglymemoriesinthewiderpopulation.”
Hereachedbehindhertoshutthedoor.“Grabaseatoutofcamerarange,”hesaid,allowingherenigmaofascenttoseepintohisveins.“Iwantyoutoactasasecondsetofearsandeyes—Bo’sverygoodatonlygivingawaywhathewants.”
Choosingaseatthatofferedanexcellentvantagepoint,AdriawatchedRiazputthroughthecall.Hisbacktoher,hecouldn’tseeher,andsosheallowedherselftheindulgenceofalingeringvisualexamination,hereyesdrawntohisleftshoulderandthejaggedcurvesandlinesofthetattoohiddenbyhisT-shirt.Shelovedthewaytheblackinklookedagainsthisskin,asshelovedthemuscledbeautyofhisframe,thewayhemovedwheninsideher.
Itwasn’tdifficulttoseewhyheintriguedheronthedeepestlevel.
Butthoughhewasundeniablyasexy,handsomeman,herwolfsawbeautythroughadifferentlens.Itwasdrawntohisstrength,hiseasewithhimself—andwithher.Riazwasn’tbotheredifshelostcontrolduringintimacyanddrewalittleblood,didn’tcareifshewantedtotakethereinsattimes.Whenthey’dworkedtogetherduringthebattlewithPurePsy,he’dgivenorderswithcool,calmcontroleveninthemidstofchaos.Thesoldierinherrespectedhimforthat,whilethewomanfounditanothercompellingaspectofhischaracter.
However,shealsounderstoodthathe’dbemaddeninginarelationship.Hewasn’tsimplyadominantpredatorychangelingmale,alieutenant,hewasalonewolf.Itwaslegendhowincrediblypossessiveandinsanelyprotectivealonewolfbecamewiththewomanheclaimedashisown—asopposedtoonewithwhomhe’dagreedtobuildafriendshipbasedonastormofsharedneed…andsharedpain.
“Twoseconds,”hesaid,thoseamazingeyeslockingwithherown.“Ready?”
Herstomachclenchedinvisceralawareness.“Yes.”
“Whothehellisthis?”aroughmalevoiceasked,acceptinganaudio-onlytransmissionafterthecallrangforaquarterofaminute.
“Bo,it’sRiaz.”
Apause,thesoundofsheetsrustling.“Christ,letmegetoutofbed,”wastheresponse,thoughithadtobemidmorninginVenice.
“Latenight?”Riazasked.
“Unfortunatelynotthex-ratedkind.”AcouplemoresecondspassedbeforeBo’sfaceappearedon-screen.He’dshavedoffhishair,sohedidn’thavebedhead,buthisfacewasrumpledononeside,thesmoothcaramelbrownofhisskincarryingafinesunburn…asifhe’dbeenoutonthewater.“Thatwasquick.”SombereyesthatwatchedRiazwithpiercingintensity.
Riazdidn’tblink.“Youknowwhatthisisabout.”
“Icanguess.”Borubbedahandoverhissmoothskull,thelinesofhisfacemasculineyetelegant—amanwho’dbebeautifulifnotfortheflintyhardnessinhiseyes,theropesofmuscleacrosshisbareshoulders.“Ican’tsayanythingonthisline.”
“It’ssecure.”
ButBowenshookhishead,astubbornangletohisjaw.“Hastobeface-to-face,andI’mnotplanningonanytravelrightnow.”
Leaningbackagainstthewall,Riazfoldedhisarms.“You’resoundingparanoid.”
“Youwould,too,ifyou’djusthadtheweekI’vehad.It’llonlytakeyouwhat”—Bofrowned—“threehoursonanexpressairjettogethere?”
“Thisisn’tthebesttimeforaSnowDancerlieutenanttoleavethepack.”RiazheldtheAlliancemale’sgaze.“Whatpriorityisyourintel?”
“High.”Nohesitation.
“I’llcallyouback.”
“Trustme,Riaz.YouwanttohearwhatIhavetosay.”Bowensignedoffwiththoseportentouswords.
Waitinguntilthescreenwasclear,Adriasaid,“Whydidn’tyouconfirmatrip?”Hewasrightaboutthetiming,butitwasdoable,wouldn’taffectthestrengthoftheirdefenses.
“Ifhe’sonthemarkaboutthecommbeingmonitored,”Riazsaid,blue-blackstrandsofhairfallingacrosshisforehead,“it’snousetippingoffanylistenerstothefactwe’llbeinthearea.”
Herpulsespiked.“We?”
“I’mgoingtoneedbackup.”RiazsawAdria’seyeswiden.“Situationlikethis,I’dusuallyaskmymanalreadyinthearea,buthe’sgotsomethingelseonhisplate,andyouspeakfluentItalian.”Heknewitwastherightdecision,thatherlinguisticskillandstatusasanexperiencedsoldiermadehertheperfectchoice.Healsoknewhewastreadingadangerousline.
ButAdria,whensherosetoherfeet,showednoindicationsofhavingreadmoreintohissuggestionthanhemeant.“Howdoyouknowthat?ThefactIspeakItalian?”
“It’smyjob,”hesaid.“Ikeeptrackofanyoneinthepackwhohasaskillthatmightcomeinusefulinternationally.”Adria’sCVhadpassedacrosshisdeskwhenshetransferred.“WhatIcan’tunderstandiswhyyouchosetolearnItalianwhenSpanishwould’vebeenmoreusefulintheregion.”
Shedidn’tanswer,hernextwordstellinghimhermindwasonsomethingelsealtogether.“Idon’twanttodisruptthingssoearlyonwithmytrainees.”
“Itshouldonlybeadayortwo.”Heknewhowheavilythejuvenilesreliedontheirassignedsupervisors.
Aslownod.“That’smanageable.IwasplanningtoaskRileytoputmeonahigh-perimetershiftanyway.”Catchinghisquestioninglook,shesaid,“Theymightbesubmissives,butconstantoversightisn’tgoodforanywolf’sdevelopment.”
“We’llleaveearlymorningtomorrow,”hesaid,wonderinghowatoughseniorsoldierunderstoodSnowDancer’ssubmissivessowell.“Thatgiveyouenoughtimetoorganizecoverforyourduties?”
“Noproblem.”Thentohissurprise,shedidafunnylittledancearoundherchair,singing,“I’mgoingtoVenice.I’mgoingtoVenice.”
Itstartledlaughteroutofhim,hiswolfstandingupinfascinationattheunexpectedandsweetlycharmingcrackinAdria’ssoberfacade.“Ifyou’rereallygood,”hesaidwhenshestoppeddancingtogrinathim,“I’lltakeyouonagondolaridethroughthecanals.”Delight,brightanddangerous,cascadedthroughhisveins.Chapter37
HAVINGCOMPLETEDHISresearch,Vasquezlocatedthefirstthreeaddressesfastenough,butittookhoursofhackingthroughNetfirewallstounearththesecondthree,andfourdaystocompletethelist.Psychicallyexhausted,heconsideredsendingtheoneheservedane-mailwiththeupdate,buttheyhadagreedonelectronicandpsychicsilence.Nothingoftheirplanwasgoingtoleakandjeopardizeeverythingtheyhadsetsometiculouslyinplace.
Consciousthattirednesscouldleadtomistakes,Vasquezsleptlongenoughtobecomefunctional,thenmadehiswaytothecompoundhiddendeepinaruralsectorofIreland.“Ihavethecoordinatesandnecessaryimagesofthefirstsetoftargets.”
“Whencanwemove?”Thevoicewasarasp,abrokensaw,issuingfromathroatthathadsufferedsecond-degreeburnswhenHenryScottscreamedashislegswereturnedtoash,oneofhisarmsslicedbelowtheelbowbyawhipofcoldfire.
Themedicshadbeenworkingtorepairthedamage,butitwassevere.SiennaLauren’sX-firehadcauterizedthewounds,sothey’dneededtobecutopenveinbyveintoallowfortheregenerationaidstowork.However,theworstdamagehadbeendonewhenaPurePsyoperativeshovedhisbodyoverHenry’sinanefforttoprotecthim.Thatoperative’sweaponhadmeltedintotheformerCouncilor’sflesh.
Itwasprovingnearimpossibletoexcisetheplasfromhisbody,someofitappearingtohaveintegratedintohisorgans.Asaresult,Henryremainedhookeduptomultipledevices,hisbodysupineonahospitalbedinsidealargechamberofsterileglass,hisruinedvoiceissuingviaaspeaker.However,thefirehaddonenothingtohismind,andtheywerePsy.Themindwasallthatmattered.
“Areweinapositiontostrike?”Henryelaborated,hisbloodshoteyeslookingatVasquezthroughtheglass.
“Irecommendwaitinguntilwehaveatleasttencompletesets.”Itwouldallowthemtostrikebacktoback,leavingnotimeorroomforacounterstrike.However,italldependedonwhetherVasquezcouldmusterenoughtrustedpersonnelwiththerightabilities.
Loud,rattlingbreaths.“TheNetisbecomingweakerwitheachdaythatpasses,filledwiththosewhoseSilenceisflawed.Weneedtoremindthemofwhoweareasarace.”
“Yes,butourchancesofsuccessriseexponentiallyifweactwithoutanywarning.”Givingtheenemynotimetopreparebeforetheavalanche.
Henrytookalongtimetoreply,hisbreathingsoroughVasquezknewthisinterviewwouldsoonend.“Fivesets,”theformerCouncilorsaidatlast.“Fivecompletesetsandoneoutlier.”
“Sir?”
“Asmalllocation,ademonstrationofwhatwecandoaheadoftheprimaryhits.”
“Atesttoascertainthevalidityofourrefinedmethod?”Theirearlierplanhadproventohaveafatalflaw,sohecouldagreewiththeprecaution,exceptthatitriskedtippingtheirhand.
ButHenrysaid,“IfthoseintheNetwanttofeel,thenperhapsweshouldteachthemthetasteofterror.”
VasquezwouldneverbetraytheonlymanwhoappearedtobetakingthedisintegrationofSilencenotasaninevitabilitybutasadiseasethatneededtobestopped,buthewasalsonotacipherwhofollowedHenry’severycommand.“Wechancelosingtheelementofsurprise,”hesaid.“Itcouldleadtotheprimarytargetsbeingsequestered.”
“Woulditnotbebetter,”Henrysaid,“ifwedidnothavetoactagainstthosetargets?Perhapsonedemonstrationisallthatwillbeneeded.”
Vasquezconsideredthequestion,realizedhisleaderwasright.Thisstrategywasnotonetheyhadagreedtolightly—itwentagainstthefoundingtenetsofPurePsy.However,itwasaprovenfactthatthosewhoadaptedtoalteredcircumstancesweretheoneswhosurvived.“Oneoutlier,”hesaid,alreadyweighingupsuitablepossibilities.“Ifwearetoholdtothetimetable,Imustgetbacktomyduties.”
“Go.”Apause.“Vasquez?”
“Sir?”
“Youhavebeenloyal.Iwon’tforget.”
“Puritywillsaveus,sir.”Vasquez’sancestorsbeforeSilencehadbeenmurderersandsociopaths.Silencewashissalvation.“I’llsetthingsinmotion.”
Everyone,nomattertheirlocationorrace,hadaPsyneighbor,colleague,orbusinessacquaintance.WhenPurePsyrosethistime,itwasn’tonlythePsywhowouldlearnthemeaningoffear.Chapter38
RIAZSTEPPEDOFFthewatercraftheandAdriahadboardedtoreachVeniceaftertheairjetlandedinnearbyMarcoPoloAirport,bothofthemcarryingsmallduffelbags.Itwastemperatethistimeofyear,theairaroundthemduskywiththeoncomingsunset,thesoftlightburnishingtheoldstoneofthebuildingsthatremainedabovethewaterline.
AsaresultofchangingwaterlevelsintheAdriaticandanunderseaquakethathadbadlydamagedthewoodenfoundationsonwhichVenicestood,muchofthejewelofacitywasnowunderwater,thoughsomeofitsiconic,gracefulbridgessurvived,afewmaroonedinthemidstofwidecanals.However,insteadofsinkingintoobscurity,Veniceremainedavibrant,livingcityasaresultofitscomplexnetworkofbiospheresbelowthewaterline.
Thesphereshadbeendevelopedbyaconsortiumofwater-basedchangelingsandputintoplaceduringthefinaldecadeofthetwentiethcentury.AlargenumberofBlackSea’speoplestillcalledVenicehome,butRiaz’swolffoundtheoldcityclaustrophobic,especiallybeneaththesurface,wherethebiospheresactedas—tohismind—protectiveprisons.
“I’vealwaysbeenfascinatedbyVenice.”Adriadidafullcircleonthe“floating”roadwaydesignedtorisewiththewater,hereyestakingineverythingwithunhiddenwonder.“It’sfilledwithsomuchhistoryyoucanalmosthearthecitywhisperittoyou.”
PainfulthoughhismemoriesofVenicewere,itwasimpossiblenottobeaffectedbytheinfectiousdepthofherjoy.“YoushouldseeitduringCarnevale.”ItwasjustbeforethelastCarnevalethathe’dfirstseenLisette,andhe’dbeenunabletostophimselffromseekingheroutduringthecelebrations.
Standingintheshadowscreatedbythealcoveofamoss-coveredbuilding,hisfaceconcealedbyahalfmask,he’dwatchedherlithefigureswirlinherhusband’sarms,bothofthemfullofthewildenergythatcamefromthebeautifulchaosofthefestival.She’dbeendressedinredandblack,aSpanishflamencodancertransplantedontoVenetiansoil,hersungoldhairdyedavividblack.
“It’sonmylist.”Adria’sslightlyhuskyvoicebrokeintohisthoughts,soverydifferentfromLisette’sFrench-accentedsoprano.“AlongwithMardiGrasinNewOrleans,theIncaTrail,theTajMa—”Hereyesconnectingwithhis,shecutherselfoffmidstream,aslightwashofcoloronhercheekbones.“Sorry,I’mtalkingyourearoff.”
“No,tellme.”Struckoncemorebyhowmuchhedidn’tknowabouther,hefoundhimselffascinated.
“Howaboutyoutellme,”shesaidinstead,cockingherheadalittletothesideastheydetouredtodroptheirbagsoffatthehotel.“Youwereawayforalongtime.Tellmesomeoftheplacesyouvisited,thethingsyousaw.”
Riazshovedahandthroughhishair,thinkingback.ThoughhehadbeenbasedinEurope,he’dtraveledthroughAsiaandpartsofAfrica,hadadventuresthathadthrilledandchangedhimindifferentways.“IoncegotcaughtinthemonsoonrainsinIndia,”hesaid,choosingamemoryheknewwouldmakeherlaugh,becausewhenAdrialaughed…theedgesinsidehimgentled,hurtless.“Thehumanpartofmelovedit,butmywolfwasnotimpressed.”Heshuddered,asifflingingwateroffhisfur.
Adria’slaughterheldherownwolf’samusement,thefinestreaksofgoldinhereyesglitteringinthedeeporangelightofthesettingsun.“Icanimagine.DidyoumakeittoNepal,seeKathmandu?”
Heshookhishead.“IwasonmywaytherewhenIwasrecalledtoRometotakecareofsomepackbusiness.”He’dmetLisettenotmuchlater,andtheensuingmonthshadtornhimbloody,untilhe’dhadtogohometothedendeepintheSierraNevadamountains,wherehecouldlickhiswoundssurroundedbythewarmthofhispack.
Hestillneededthatwarmth,thatconnection,butfeltnolacktoday,thoughhewasfarfromhisheartland.Itwasn’thardtounderstandwhy,withAdriawalkinglong-leggedandhappybesidehim,herpleasureinVeniceasopenandasunhiddenastheheartofherwolf.
Noties.Nopromises.
Yet,inspiteofthevowthey’dtaken,tieswereforming.Tiesoffriendship,ofneed,ofrespect.Wheneverthisrelationshipended,thosebondswouldremain.Riaz’swolfwaspensiveaboutthat,butitdidn’trejecttheideaoutofhand—Adriawasn’tjustPacknow,wasn’tjustaloverwithwhomhe’dsharedskinprivileges.She’dbecomesomeonewhomatteredtobothsidesofhisnature,partofhisownpersonal“pack”ofpeople.
Histoprotect.
BOWENwaswaitingforthemoutsideanunassumingseventeenth-centurybuildinghalfsubmergedbytherisingwatersthathadpermanentlyfloodedtheVenetianlagoon,thebridgethathadoncelinkedittoanother,largerbuildinglonggone,leavingitanislandattheendoftheroad,theshimmerofwaterbeyond.TheleaderoftheHumanAllianceheldoutahand.“Riaz,goodtoseeyouagain.”
“Bo.”Shakingtheprofferedhand,hesaid,“ThisisAdria.”
Bowen’ssmilechanged,intothekindamangivesawomanwho’dcaughthisattention.“WelcometoVenezia,Adria.”
“Thankyou.”
ThecoolremotenessofherresponsemadeRiazrealizehowlongithadbeensincehe’dheardthattonefromher.Hiswolf’ssmugpridehadhislipstuggingupatthecorners.
“Comeonin.”BowenledthemthroughthedoorsoftheapparentlysmallbuildingthathousedtheAllianceoffices,downthecarpetedfronthallway,andintoanelevator.
Riazspottedsixsecuritycameras,fiveobviousguards,andatleastthreeconcealedoneshediscernedonlybecauseofhissenseofsmell.Thatwasontopofalaser-alarmsystemandtheprettilydressedreceptionistwiththeeyesofanassassin.Hedidn’teventhinkbeforepositioninghimselfsothatAdriawasprotectedbytheheavybulkofhisbody.Hesawhersharplook,caughtthetinynod.Ratherthanfightinghissubtlyprotectivestance,shefocusedherownattentiononcoveringhisblindspots.
“Expectingcompany?”heaskedBooncetheywereintheelevator.
Theothermanleanedbackagainstthewall,foldinghisarmsoverablackT-shirtthatsaid,“Justbecauseyou’reparanoiddoesn’tmeanthey’renotouttogetyou.”Thequotewasamusing,thewayhebaredhisteethlessasmilethanaferaldisplayakintothatofawolf.“Somethinglikethat.We’lltalkinside,”hesaidastheelevatordoorsopened.“Ihadsomefoodbroughtin.”
Steppingoutintothebiosphere-protectedpartofVenicemadeAdria’sshouldersslumpindisappointment,thoughhereyesneverlosttheiralertwatchfulness.“It’snodifferentfromtheabovegroundcity,”shewhisperedinasub-vocalmurmurhehadtoleandowntohear,herbreathacaressacrosshisjaw.
“Bepatient.”Heknewwhatwascoming,hiswolfquiveringinanticipationasitwaitedtoseeherresponse.
“Inhere.”Bopushedopenadoor.
Adriafrozeinthedoorway,hereyeshuge.
“Morelikewhatyouexpected?”hemurmuredinherear,nudgingherforwardwithacaressingstrokeofhishandonherlowerback.
Clearlycaptivatedbythemeetingroomthat,atfirstglance,seemedsuspendedovernothingbutwater,shewalkedslowlyinside.TheAlliancebuildingwasontheveryedgeofthecity,whichmeantitwaspossibletoactuallyseethewaterlappingatthebiospherefromanumberoflower-floorrooms.Locatedinacorner,withthreeglasswalls,thisonewasthemostmagnificent—itcreatedtheillusionoftheclearblue-greenwatertouchingtheglass,whentheactualcurveofthebiospherewasseveralmetersaway.
Asifputtingonashow,apodofsleeksilveryfishdartedacrossthatwater,theirscalescatchingthesunlightfromabove.
Notsayingaword,Adriacrossedthedeepgreenofthecarpettolookthroughthewindowsintothewater.Upclose,Riazknewtheviewwasbisectedontherightsidebytheremnantsofneighboringbuildingsthathadsunkanddeterioratedpre-Restoration,aswellasbythewoodenpilingsonwhichthosebuildingshadoncestood,butflawlesslyclearonthesidethatfacedoutintothelagoon.
“She’sdamnbeautiful,”Bowensaid,anditwasaquestion.
Riaz’sresponsewasinstinctive.“She’staken.”Neitherpartofhimcaredthattheagreementhe’dmadewithAdriagavehimnorightsofpossession.
“Luckybastard,whoeverheis.”Anobliqueglance.
Adriaturnedatthatmoment,thelightfromthewaterplayingoverthecleananglesofherface,thelight-shotamberofhereyesasilentindicationofherwolf’sfascinationwiththisstrangecity.“I’dgoinsanelivinghere,butforavisit,yes,it’sasight.”
“Youshouldseetheviewduringastorm.”Bowalkedovertotheconferencetablealreadysetwithsandwiches,water,fruit,andcookies,urgingthemtotakeaseat.“Evensomeofthefolkswholiveandworkherecan’thandleit.Thereminderthatthere’snotmuchbetweenVeniceandoblivioncutstoodeepintothebone.”
“Youlikeit.”Adria’svoicehadthawedafraction,herlushmouthsoftwiththefaintestofsmiles.
Bowencheekscreasedintoadeepsmileinreturn.“Yes.She’sastunninglady,myVenezia.”
Riaz’swolfbristledatthehintofflirtationinthemale’svoice,buthemanagedtoremainpoliteastheyeachgrabbedsomefood.“So,”hesaid,onceeveryonehadhadachancetotakeafewbites,“whytheintenseparanoia?”
Swivelinginhischair,acookieinhand,Bousedasleekblackremotetobringupanimageonthecommscreenbehindhim.Itwasofamiddle-agedman,alittlepudgyandaltogetherharmlesslooking.“Oneofourseniorcommspecialists.”Hedroppedthecookieontohisplate,hisjawahardline.“WefoundouttwoweeksagothatthePsybrokeandprogrammedhim.”
ADRIApushedasideherplate,appetitelost.“Didhesurvive?”BrainwashingwashardonPsymindsfromwhatshe’dpickedupfromtheLaurens,butitwasbrutalonchangelings,involvingasitdidtheshatteringoftheirstrongnaturalshields.Withhumans,itcouldgoeitherway,sincetheirnaturalshieldsweresoweakastobenonexistent—buttheirbrainsalsoweren’tbuilttotakethatkindofpsychicpressure.
“He’sonlifesupport.”Bo’stonewasbleak.“We’retryingeverythingwecantogivehimashot,but…”Rubbinghisjaw,hetookadeepbreath,andwhenhenextspoke,thebleaknesshadbeenreplacedbyanger.“Hewas—is—agoodman,foughthardnottogiveintothecompulsions.Thedoctorssayhehadtohavesufferedconstantnosebleeds,worse.”
“Youthinkhefailed,”Riazsaid,hisangeraquiet,dangerousthingthatspoketoherown.“Thathecompromisedyourcommsystemfromtheinside?”
“Thingis,”Bosaid,“Reubencan’ttelluswhathedidordidn’tdo—bythetimewediscoveredwhatthebastardshaddonetohim,he’dlapsedintoacoma.”Heshiftedhischairsideways,sohecouldseethecommscreenandthematthesametime.“We’reintheprocessofrippingoutandreinstallingeverysinglepieceofcommequipmenton-site.Softwareandhardware.Untilthat’scomplete,we’reintotalshutdownonanybutthemostgeneralconversation.”
“Cellphones?”Riazasked.
“We’rereplacingthewholelot—Reubenwastheonewhoissuedthemtous.”Heshookhishead.“Newonesaresupposedtoarrivetodayforthetechstopullapartandcheck.”
Adriaagreedwiththeprecautions,extremethoughtheymightseem.OnlyafoolwouldconsiderthePsyraceanonthreat.“DoyouhaveanyideawhoorchestratedtheattackonReuben?”ItwaseasytogeneralizethePsyastheenemy,butthepsychicraceranthegamutfromtheinnocenttotheevil,sameaschangelingsandhumans.
Bo’sexpressionturnedbrutal,strippedbareofanylingeringtraceofthecharmhe’dearlierdisplayed.AquicktouchoftheremoteandtheimageofReubenwasreplacedbythatofawomanwithcheekbonesthatcouldcutglass.Herhairwasadeep,luxuriantmahogany,herskinslightlyolivetoned,hereyesanacutehazel-green.
“TatianaRika-Smythe.”Iceineverysyllable.“She’snotasflashyassomeoftheotherCouncilors—thisone’smorelikeasnakeinthegrass.”
“Yousoundcertain.”AdriahadbeenintheupperhierarchyofthepacklongenoughtoknowthatCouncilorshadawayofworkingmachinationsbehindmachinations.
BodiscardedTatiana’sphotoforanotherimage,thatoftheyachtthathadstartedeverything.Itsatadriftintheocean.“AskmewhyIwasonthatyachtinthemiddleofthefuckingMediterraneanwithsevenPsyguards.”
Adria’sclawsslicedout,threateningtomarkthegleamingwoodofthetable.“Theyplannedtobreakyou,too.”Ittookconsciousefforttoretractherclaws—Riazhadkeptcontroloverhisown,buthiseyeswereahypnotic,dangerousgold.
Botookseveralminutestoreply,clearlyfightingtheragethathadcausedwhitelinestoappeararoundhismouth,carvedintothewarmhueofhisskin.“We’restartingtothinkthatthat’swhathappenedtotheoldchairman,”hesaidatlast.“Itwouldexplainwhyhesuddenlystartedmakingthosebullshitcalls—atthetime,weallhatedhim.Now…Ipitythepoorbastard.”Runningahandoverthesmoothcurveofhisskull,hegrabbedabottleofwater,sluggingbackhalfofitbeforehespokeagain.“OneofthemstunnedmewhileIwaswalkinghomearoundnineatnight.WhenIwokeup,Iwasontheyacht.”
Itwasaplausiblestory—especiallysinceitinvolvedamalewho,likeallstrongmen,didn’tthinkanythingcouldtouchhim,butsomethingdidn’tringtrue.“You’renottheofficialheadoftheAlliance,”shesaid,nevermovinghereyesoffhisface.
“Thechairmanpositionisnowlargelyadministrative.”Boshruggedoffherimpliedquestion,hisexpressionbetrayingnothing.“JustmeansRika-Smythehasgoodsourcesofinformation.”
“Areyoutellingme,”sheinsisted,consciousofRiazgoingverystillbesideher,“thatyouwerearrogantenoughtogooutaloneafterdarkwhenyou’dalreadydiscoveredwhathadbeendonetoReuben,knewthePsymightbeouttomesswithyou?”
Bo’ssmilewasslowanddangerous.“Smartandsexy—myperfectwoman.”Hefinishedoffthewater.“WewereworkingontheassumptionthatwithReubendown,someoneelsewithhislevelofaccesstooursystemswouldbeatarget.Wemadesureeveryonewhoqualifiedwascovered…exceptforme.”
“Playingbait?”Riaztappedhisfingersonthetable.“Nowayforyoutoknowyou’dbeabletohandletheoperativeswhocapturedyou.”
“Iwasn’tstupidbait,”Bosaidwithanoffendedsnort.“HadaGPStrackerimplantedaninchbelowmyarmpit,whereprettymuchnobodyeverthinkstocheck.Wealsohadateamintheairabovemetheentiretime.”
Themanhadguts,Adriathought.Becauseairsupportornot,he’dbeenonhisownonthatyacht.“Youweren’tworriedaboutpsychiccoercion?”
AsmallpausebeforeRiazwhistled.“Sonofabitch.”Histonewasamixofadmirationanddisbelief.“Youdidit,youactuallyfiguredouthowtomakethatchipwork.”Chapter39
ITHADBEENaftertheirfirstrun-inwiththeAlliancethatthepackhaddiscoveredthegrouphadbeenexperimentingwithachipthat,onceimplanted,actedasashieldagainstPsyintrusion.OrthathadbeentheofficiallinefedtotheAlliance’ssoldiers.Intruth,theoriginalchipshadactedasremotekillswitches.
Bo’ssmilewasgrimlysatisfied.“Hell,yes.”
Riazwasimpressed,butheneededtheanswertoanotherquestionbeforehecouldaskBoformoreinformationonthechip.“DoesAshayaAleineknow?”Thescientistwasoneofthemostexperiencedpeopleintheworldwhenitcametoneuralimplants,andhad—whenthedustsettledaftertheabortedkidnapping—agreedtohelpBoandhispeoplefixthedefectivechip.Ifshe,andbyextension,DarkRiver,hadknownoftheAlliance’ssuccessandnotsharedtheinformation,theshitwasgoingtohitthefan.Hardenoughtocovereveryone.
“No.”Bowenslicedhishandthroughtheair,histoneleavingnoroomfordoubt.“Herhelpwascritical,andnotoneofuswilleverbeanythingbutgrateful,butshe’snotAlliance,wouldn’tkeepoursecrets.”Abluntanswer.“Themostrecentprototypewesentherwascreatedfromoneoftheearlierdesigns.Wefiguredwe’dsharethetruthoncewewerereadyforthepackstoknow.”
“Theyachtincidentpushedthingsaheadofschedule,”Riazguessed,hiswolfrelaxingnowthathedidn’thavetoinformhisalphathatamemberofthepackthatwastheirmosttrustedallyhadbreachedtheiralliance.Besidehim,hesensedthetensiondrainoutofAdria,too.
“WevotedtogiveAshayaatwenty-fivepercentstakeinthepatent,”BosaidafternoddinganaffirmativetoRiaz’sstatement.“Apatentwe’llbefilingforwhenhellfreezesover,soAleineownsapercentageinadesignthat’llnevermakeanyprofit.Theonlyimportantthingisgettingthechipintoasmanyhumansaspossible.Beingprotectedfrommentalviolationshouldn’tbealuxury.”
Riazwasunsurprisedatthesecrecy,butBo’sconfidenceinthesuccessoftheimplantseemedpremature.
Adriaechoedhisthoughts,thedelicatewildnessofherscentlickingoverhimassheleanedforwardonthetable.“Idon’tseepeoplelininguptobeimplanted.”
“Lotoftrustiftheyare,”Riazadded,restrainingtheurgetorunhishandslowlydownthearchofherback,displayedsobeautifullybyhercurrentposition.
“You’rethinkingfromachangelingperspective,”Bosaid,thepassioninhiseyesaninferno.“Humans…youhavenoideawhatit’sliketowalkaroundknowingoneofthePsycouldslipintoyourmindatanytimeandtakethings,orplantthings.It’srapeandit’saviolationcommittedoverandoverandoveragainagainstpeoplewhocan’tfightback.”Flat,hardwords.“Ahumanmakesatechnologicalbreakthrough,andthenextthingyouknow,thePsyalreadyhaveapatentontheinvention.Justcoincidence.”Hislaughwasbitter.“That’siftheychoosetoleavethehuman’smemoriesintactsoheorsheevenknowswhat’sbeenstolen.”
Fistinghishandonthetable,heblewoutabreath,hisnextstatementnotasdrenchedinanger.“Theinitialrolloutwassoft,limitedonlytoAlliancepersonnelIpersonallyvetted.Reubenwasn’tonthelist.Ifhehadbeen…”Heshookhishead.“That’sdoneandgone.Factis,thePsyaregoingtofindoutaboutitsoonerorlater,sowe’vebegunanAlliance-wideoperation.Everyonewhowantsachipgetsone.”
TherewasnothingRiazcouldsaytothat,everywordBohadspokenanuglytruth.ButSnowDancerunderstoodhissenseofviolationinawaytheothermancouldn’tcomprehend.Psyhadbrokensomanyoftheirstrongesttwodecadesago,almostdestroyedthepack.Riazhadbeenajuvenile,buthewouldneverforgettheblood,theloss…andthelethaldeterminationintheeyesoftheboywithhairofsilver-goldwhohadbecometheiralphawhilebarelymorethanachild.
RiazsawthesameunyieldingdeterminationonBo’sface.Whateverittook,whateverthepersonalcost,heknewBowouldn’tflinch,notifitmeantprotectinghispeople.“Didyougofirst?”
“NowayIwasgoingtoaskmymenandwomentodosomethingIwouldn’t.”
Adria’shuskyvoicebrushedoverRiaz’sskin,snagginghisattention.“Ididn’tseeachipinthebackofyourneck.Didyouchangethelocation?”
“It’sthere.Coveredbyadermalpatchthatblendsintomyskin.”HejerkedhisheadtowardAdria,challengeandflirtationbothinthefaintsmileonhislips.“Youcanfeelitifyoulike.”
Onceagain,Riaz’swolfflasheditscaninesbuthelditssilence,wellawareBowasjerkinghischain.Nonetheless,hisfocuswasacuteanddeadlyashewatchedthewomanwhowashisloverwalktostandbehindBo’schair.
“Where?”shedemanded.
“Here.”Reachingback,hetappedaspot.
Unabletoseeanydifferenceinthehoneybrownofhisskintone,Adriapressedthepadofherfingeroverthewarmthofhisnape.Thehardnesswasslight,butwhenshetracedaroundthearea,sherealizeditformedasmallsquare.LookingatRiaz,shenodded,startledbythewaythewolfwatchedheroutofthoseeyes.Throatsuddenlydry,shehadtobreaktheeyecontact,clearherthroat,beforeshecouldspeak.“Couldbeadummy.”
Boshrugged.“I’msaneandaliveafterbeingtakencaptivebysevenPsy.Thinkaboutit.”
Shehad,andinspiteofherwords,herinstinctwastobelievehim.
Riazplacedhisarmonthebackofherchairassoonassheretookherseat,hisattentiononBo,buthisfingersjustbrushingherhair.Herheartslammedintoherribs,becausesubtlethoughitmightbe,sheunderstooditforapossessivedisplay—itwasthefirsttimehe’deverdoneanythingofthesortinpublic,awarningofthenotoriouslone-wolftendencytowardpossessiveness.Thethingwas,Adriahadneverexpectedhimtotrainthataspectofhispersonalityonher.
Shewasstilltryingtoworkouthowtorespondtotheunexpectedactwhenhespoke,hisvoicecreepingunderherskintotouchpartsofherithadnobusinesstouching.
“Ifyoudidn’taskAshayatohelpyoutesttheimplant,”heasked,eyesthathadreturnedtotheirhumanshadelockedonBowen,“whodidyoutrustenoughtodothetesting?”
Bowentookhistimeanswering.“WeheardabouttheLaurens,”hesaidwhenhedidspeak,hisexpressiongivingnothingaway.“Abouthowthey’vebeenaliveallthistime.How’dtheydoit?Afamilialnet?”
Adrialeanedforwardinexcitement,inadvertentlybreakingthecontactwithRiaz.“Anotherfamilyofdefectors?”
HoweverBowenshookhishead.“No.”Anotherpause.“Let’sjustcallthemawell-organizedgroup.”Hisexpressionmadeitclearhe’dsharenootherdetailsoftheiridentity.“TheydroppedoutoftheNetindegrees,changedtheirappearance,andblendedintothepopulation.Noonewould’vebeenthewiser,exceptthatoneofthemwasinjuredinafreakaccidentsixmonthsago—hitbybricksfallingontothestreetfromabuildingundergoingmaintenance.”
Adriafoundherselfslidingbackintoherseat,herskinburningattherenewedcontactwithRiaz’sfingers.
“Isawhimtryingtolimpaway,”Bocontinued.“I’mcertainhewouldn’tnormallyhavesaidaword,buthewasconcussedatthetime,andkeptrepeating‘noDNAprofile’asIwasleadinghimtotheambulance.Ifiguredhehadacriminalwarrantoutonhim,butthenhemumbledtheword‘PsyNet.’”Ashrug.“Ididwhatanygoodsecuritychiefwoulddo.Ibroughthimhere,hadhimpatchedup,andinterrogatedhimwhilehewasstilldopey.”
Aruthlessact—butthen,fromwhatAdriaknewofhim,Bohadneverpretendedtobeanythingelsewhenitcametotakingcareofhispeople.Thewolfinherrespectedthat,evenasitunderstoodthattheAlliancemanwouldbetrayeventhestaunchestallyifitcamedowntoachoicebetweenthatallyandthoseheconsideredunderhisprotection.
“Bythetimehisfriendstrackedhimdown,”hesaid,“weknewwhotheywereandthatblackmailingthemwouldbeaverybadidea,sowesimplysuggestedthatourinterestsmightmeshandletitgoatthat.”
Anintelligentandcalculateddecision,fromamanRiazhadseenleakcharmlikeatapinasuccessfulefforttodivertpeople’sattentionfromhiscold-eyedintelligence.“You’vegotballs,I’llgiveyouthat.”
Bowen’sgrinwasaflashofcanines.“ThereasonweknowitwasTatianabehindtheattackonReuben,”hesaid,grinvanishingasquicklyasithadappeared,“wasthatthemenwhoweresenttotakemeindidn’tbothertohidethecommconversationtheyhadwithheronceIwasonboard,eventhoughthestunhadwornoff.”
“Careless.”RiaztracedcirclesonAdria’snapewiththetipofhisfinger.
“TheyfiguredIwouldn’tbeinapositiontosayanythingaftershegotthroughwithme.”Bracinghisforearmsonthegleamingwoodofthetable,Bobitouthisnextwords.“Thebitchdoesherownreprogramming—shemadeitclearnooneelsewastotouchme.”
Consideringthefacts,Riazmadethetacticaldecisiontosharesomeknowledge.“Tatianaisthoughttohavetheabilitytopenetratealmostanyshield.”
Bo’spupilscontracted.“Shit.”
“Yes.Nowayofknowingifthechipwould’veheldheroff,sinceit’stechnological,notnatural,”Riazsaid,“butseemsshecangetintomostmindswithoutcausingmajordamage.”
“Lessscarstohide,”Adriasaid,andheheardtheempathyinher,thesoftheartshehidbeneaththetoughexterior.
“But,”headded,cuppinghernapegentlywithhishand,“Tatiana’sabilityisnoteworthybecauseofhowunusualitis,soitdoesn’tchangetheimpactofthechip.Still,yourpeopleneedtomakesuretheydon’tgetcocky.”
“Noted.”
“Onceyoutakeawaytheirpsychicadvantage,”AdriasaidintothesilencethathadfallenafterBo’scurtnod,“Psyareveryvulnerable.”
As,Riazmused,Bowenhadprovenwithdeadlyefficiencyontheyacht.
“Theyhaveatendencytorelyontheirabilities,”thehumanmaleagreed.“TheonesItookdownontheyachtwerearmed,buttheypaidsolittleattentiontomeitwastheeasiestopI’veevercompleted.Asingleguardonthedoor?”Hesnorted.“SoonasIhadhisweapon,itwasallover.Noneoftheotherswereonalertbecausetheyassumedtheirtelepathicsweepswouldwarnthemofanintruder.”
“Whykillthem?”Adria’squestionbetrayedtheinherentcompassionofhernature.“Whynotsimplyincapacitate?”
“Amessage,”Riazanswered,thepredatorinhimrecognizingtheonewhosatthreefeetaway.“Hewassendingamessage.TheyfuckwiththeAlliance,youaren’tgoingtotakeprisoners.”
AsmallshrugfromBowen,hisjet-blackeyessteelywithlethalpurpose.“Leavingthemalivewould’vebeenasignofweakness,andTatianaexpectsweaknessfromthe‘emotional’races.Whatthebitchdoesn’tunderstandisthatrageisanemotion,too.”Chapter40
HAVINGSPENTTWOhourswithBowen,goingovertheadvantagestheartificialshieldsmightpresentthehumansinSnowDancerandinthepacksoftheirallies,RiazreportedintoHawkeviaahighlysecuresatellitecommlinksetupusingequipmentatasmallSnowDancerofficehiddeninVenice.ThoughtheofficewasunmannedexceptforwhenPiercewasinthecity,ithadmultiplelayersofsecuritynotevenateleportercouldbreachwithoutsettingoffasilentalarm.Notthatthey’dfindmuchexceptsomeexpensivecommequipment—thecallhistorywassettoeraseitselfthesecondafterausersignedout.
“BosayshecourieredAshayathefinalchipearliertoday,aftermakingthedecisiontoletusinonthesecret,”hetoldhisalpha.“Havehertestitaswellasshecan.”Riazwasn’tcertainhowfarthescientistcouldgowithoutimplantingitinanyone,butitwasworthashot.“NowayI’mtakingBo’swordontheeffectivenessofthetechnology.”
Hawkenodded,andRiazcouldalmostseehimweighingupeverypossiblevariablebeforehesaid,“IalsowanttosendJuddin,testtheoneBohasinhim.”
“Ifigured.Bo’sexpectingit.”
Hawkeglancedtotheside,hisheadcockedatalisteningangle.TurningbacktoRiazafteracoupleofseconds,hesaid,“Juddwon’tbeabletogetthereuntiltomorrownight.Youokaytostay?”
“Yes.”Heturnedtothewomanbesidehim.“You?”
AdrianoddedandspokedirectlytoHawke.“Iclearedtwodaysjustincase.”
“Evenifyouhadn’t,”Hawkesaid,thewolf’slaughtersuddenlyinhiseyes,“Riley’ssohappyrightnow,he’sgrantingleavetoanyonewhoasks.I’mhalfafraidtoturnaroundandfindtheentiredenhasleftfortheBahamas.”
Theyallgrinnedattheideaofsolid,stableRileyinaspinofjoy.Riazcouldn’timagineithappeningtoabetterman.“HedriveMercytoviolenceyet?”
“Notsofar,butIhavepopcornforwhentheshowbegins.”
Signingoffafteranotherroundoflaughter,RiazandAdriaresettheoffice’ssecurityandleftviaaningeniouspassagewaythatspilledthemoutintoasmallbutbusyshoppingdistrict.
Thewalktothehotelwasquick,thestreetsaroundthemswathedinvelvetdarknessbrokenbythetwinklinglightsfromseveraleateriesspillingwarmconversationontothestreet.“Dinneronthebalcony?”hesuggestedastheyenteredtheirsecond-floorroom.
Adrialitup.
Andsomethinginhimgentled,wildtendernessinvadinghisveins.“Whatdoyouwant?”Hepickeduptheroomservicemenu.
TIPPINGthewaiteratthedoor,Riaztookthefoodouttothebalconyhimself.Thetemperaturehadcooledbutremainedcomfortable,thenightbelowdottedwithprettycoloredlightsfromanearbyrestaurant,thegolden-huedwindowsofanothersmallhotel,theold-fashionedstreetlights.Notfarinthedistance,waterdancedblackandsilkenthroughacanal
Pouringtwoglassesofwine,hehandedonetoAdria.“ToVenice.”
Sheclinkedherglasstohis,herhairtumblingaroundhershoulders.“ToVenice.”
Italmostfeltasifthey’dmadeavow…buttowhat,hedidn’tknow.
Thefoodwassimplebuttheflavorsatisfied,asdidthedarklyromanticmusicliltingupfromaneveningbusker.Wineglassinhandafterthey’deaten,thewinemidnightrubiesinthemutedlight,RiazwatchedAdria.She’dtwistedinherchairtocrossherarmsonthecurlicuedmetaloftherailing,herfacetiltedintothesoftwindandherearcockedtothemusic.Allhercaresseemedtohavevanished,thehardnesscreatedbylifegone,untilherbeautywasexquisite,thelinesofherfaceelegantandgraceful.
This,hethought,thiswaswhoshewasbeneaththewarinessandthehurtandtheshields.Awomanwho,hesuddenlyknew,wouldtellhimtruthstheotherAdrianeverwould.Dangerousthoughitwas,thistightropehewaswalking,heputdownhiswineandheldoutahand.“Dance?”
Astartledlook,thegoldstreaksinhereyesvividinthedark…herwolfcomingtothesurface.Butshestood,flowedintohisarms,oneofherhandsathisnape,theotherlockedwithhisownashewrappedhisfreearmaroundherwaist.Shewastallenoughthathedidn’thavetobend,didn’thavetodoanythingbutstepcloser.Theirbodiesalignedinsweetperfection,herheadcomingtojustbelowhischin.
Afaultlessfit.
Drawinginthehiddennotesofearthywarmthinherscent,hemovedtotheswayofthemusic,hisbloodhot,hisbodyready.Butneitherpartofhimwasinanyrush.He’drushedtoomuchwithAdria,alwaysbeenintoomuchneed.Tonight,thatneedwastemperedbythesexualprideofadominantmale,thedesiretoshowhertheloverhecouldbewhenhisheadwasn’tmessedup.
Thefactitwasn’t,eventhoughhestoodinVenice,whereithadallbegun,wasbecauseofher,thisstrong,guarded,complicatedwomanturnedintoalazy-limbedgoddessinhisarms.Hecouldn’tquiteunderstandhowithadhappened,howhehadcometotrustthatshewouldneverbetrayhissecrets,buthedid.Sowhensheliftedherfacetohis,longfingertipsstrokinghisnape,hebenthisheadandmetherkisshalfway.
Hotandlushandopen,itwasalanguidtanglingofmouths.Thesoftnessofher,thecurves,theleanstrength,itallintoxicated.Herscentwasinhiseverybreath,andhewonderedifshewasbecomingembeddedinhisskin,becomingpartofhim.Ithappenedwithlovers—he’dfoughtthechange,notwantinganotherwoman’sscentonhisskin…buthiswolfdidn’tclawawaytheideathistime.
Painfulasitwas,thewildheartofhimhadacceptedwhatcouldneverbe,thoughhecouldn’tyetforget.Butitwasn’tsimplythat,wouldneverhavebeenenough.Manandwolfboth,theywerefascinatedbytheenigmaofAdria.Thecouragehe’dwitnessedunderfirewasonlyasinglefacetofacomplexgemstone.Already,heknewherharsh,pricklysurfacetobeafacade,thewomanunderneathonewhounderstoodSnowDancer’smostvulnerable…andwhoknewhowtooffercomforttoabrokenmalewithoutunmanninghim.
Spreadinghishandonherlowerback,heurgedhercloser.“Doyouknowwhatthewordstothesongmean?”heaskedasthebuskerbegantosingasonginVenesiàn,alanguageRiazhadmadeanefforttopickupduringhistimeinEurope.
Sheshookherhead,strandsofebonysilkcatchingagainsthisunshavenjaw.“Itsoundsbeautiful,though.”
Nuzzlingather,hebegantotranslate,theirclaspedhandsheldagainsthischest.Hersighatthepoignantemotionoftheromanticballadwaseloquent,thelipsshepressedtothedipatthebaseofhisthroatlushandinviting.Itstrokedalow,deepsoundofpleasurefromhim,hisbodyprimed.“Stopthatifyouwantmetokeeptranslating.”
Ateasingfemininechuckle.“I’llbehave.”
Riazmurmuredthewordstoheruntilthesongended,thebusker’svoicereplacedbythesweetsoundsofhisfingerscaressingthestringsofhisguitar.
“Weshouldtiphim.”Shemovedthehandathisnapedowntocurveoverhisshoulder,herbreathblowingadelicatekissacrosshisskinwhenshespoke.
“Doyouwanttogodown?”
Shelookedup,violeteyeslitbyamber.“Yes.”
Fingerstangled,theylefttheroomandmadetheirwaytothebusker.Thetiptheydroppedintohisopenguitarcasemadehimgrin.“Come,”heinvitedwithaflourishofchords,“dance!”
Adria’ssmilewasshy.“Wouldyouliketo?”
Riazhadhisarmsbackaroundherbeforeherealizedhewasmoving,thefamiliarcobbledstreetsofVenicemadenewbyherlaughterasshenavigatedtheunevensurfacehighenoughtohaveescapedtheflooding,herfingerstighteningonhishand.
“I’vegotyou,”hemurmured.
Hiswolf,solongtrappedinpainandconfusion,pressedagainsther,happy.Slidinghishanddownherback,hedancedwithherunderthehalfmoon,barelyawareofpassersbyuntilanolderItaliancouple,thewoman’shairaluxuriousminkstreakedwithgray,hermate’sfacelinedwithageandlife,swirledintojointhem.
Thedarktruthhecarriedinsidehimstruggledtoawakeninthefaceoftheirunspokenbond,butthenightwastoobeautifultomarwithregrets.Manandwolf,hefocusedeverypartofhimselfondancingwiththecaptivatingwomaninhisarms.Hedidn’tknowhowlongtheyswayedinthesultrywarmth,butwhentheydrewapart,itwasinsilentagreement.Leavingtheotherdancers,theywalkedbacktotheirroom,themusicfollowingthemupstairs.
He’dleftthebalconydoorspartlyopen,andthegauzycurtainsfloatedinthegentlebreeze.Keepingthelightsofftoassuretheirprivacy,heranhisfingersoverAdria’scheek,luxuriatinginthewarmsmoothnessofherskin.“No,”hesaidwhenshewenttotakeoffherT-shirt.“Letme.”Runninghishanddownthecurvesofherbody,hedrewupthesoftfabricwithslowanticipation.
SHEwasbeingseduced,Adriathought,asRiazgrippedherhipsandpressedakisstothebaredskinofherbreastbone,herT-shirthavingcrumpledsoundlesslyontherichcreamofthecarpet.
“Youtastelikeberries,”hemurmured,kissinghiswayuptheslopeofherneck.“Ripe,lush,juicy.”
Exceptforwhenhe’daskedaboutherfantasies,he’dneverbeforespokenmuchinbed.Thedeeptimbreofhisvoicehazedhermind,hiscallusedskinonherownthreateningtotanglewhatthreadsofreasonremained.“Younevertoldmeyourfantasy,”shewhisperedagainsthismouth.
Heangledhisfacetorubhisjawdelicatelyagainsthercheek,histhumbsshapingtheveeofherhipbones.“Astrong,sexywomaninmybed,minetodowithasIwish.You.”
“That’saverydominantmalefantasy.”
Sensualamusementinhiseyes,hejustlookedather.
Shelaughed,thoughherpulsewasastaccatodrumbeat.“Yes,whyamIsurprised?”
Hiskisswasasslow,asromanticasthenight,thekindofkissamanmightgivetoanewloverhewaswooingintohisbed.“Letme,”hewhisperedagain,unhookingherbratopullitoffanddropitontoherT-shirtbeforepressingheragainsthimagain,bighandssplayedonherbackinawaythatshoutedpossession.“Letme.”Akisspressedtothesensitivespotbehindherear.
Shuddering,shewoveherfingersintothethicksilkofhishair,willingtobepettedandcaressedandadoredenoughtosurrenderthereinstothismanshetrustednottobetrayherfaith.
Ithadbeensolong
“Yes.”Itwasthebarestwhisper,butheheardher.
Fingersonherjaw,anothergossamerkiss,hisbodysobigandhot.“Holdon.”Withthat,hereacheddownandswungherupintohisarms,carryinghertothebedroom…andtothebedmadeupwithsoftwhitelinenonwhichsomeromanticsoulhadscatteredrosepetals.Theywerevelvetbitesagainstherbackwhenheplacedheronthebed,thefaintlightspillinginfromthebalconytheonlyillumination.
Theywerewolves.Itwasalltheyneeded.
“Weshouldturndownthebed,”shesaid,hereyesonhimashereachedbacktostripoffhisT-shirt,baringabodyshecravedevenmoretodaythanthefirsttimethey’dsharedthemostintimateskinprivileges.
“Nosheets,”hesaid,kickingoffhisshoesandreachingdowntotugoffhissockswithcurtmaleefficiency.“Iwanttoseeyou.”Hecamearoundtogetridofherbootsandsocksasquickly,beforeprowlingupoverher,hishairfallingacrosshisforehead.“Youaresobeautiful.”Hesoundedalmost…surprised,asifhewasseeingherforthefirsttime.
Perhapshewas,becauseshedidn’tquiteknowthislovereither.Theonewhotouchedherwithsensualfascinationandwantedtodiscoverhereverysecretpleasurepoint.“Riaz,”shewhisperedwhenhekissedhiswaydownhernavel,havingtuggedoffherjeansandpantiestodiscardthemoverthesideofthebed.
“Mmm.”Awetkisspressedjustaboveherpubicbone,hishandspushingherthighsapart,theroughnessofhisskinashockthatmadeherquiver.
Itwasthemostintimateofkisses,hispatienceexquisite.Hersoftcrieslingeredintheair,shimmeredonthefinelayerofperspirationthatturnedherskinintoamirage.Andstillhepettedherwithaslowattentiontodetailthatmadeitcrystalclearthatwhileshewastheonewhotrembledandbroke,thiswasverymuchhispleasure,too.
Hisfantasy.
Therealizationwasmoreintoxicatingthananywine.Surrenderingtothesensations,shewasstillgaspingforbreathwhenhefinallymadehiswayupherbodytonipatherthroathardenoughtoleaveamark.Allthewhile,hepettedherbreasts,herabdomen,thetopsofherthighswithhandsbothproprietaryanddemandingenoughthatsheknewhiscontrolwasn’tasimpeccableasitappeared.
Sheopenedhermouthtohiskiss,herlegstothejean-cladthighhepushedinbetween.Buthewithdrewitafteronlyasecond,muttering,“Skin,”beforerollingawayandstrippingoffhisclothingtoreturntoher,abig,dangerouspredatorwhohaddecidedtopethertopleasuresuchasshe’dneverbeforefelt.
Thistime,hesettledhimselfoverher,hiserectionpushingaggressivelyagainstherabdomen.Heallowedhertocloseherfingersaroundtheheatedsteelofhim,theskinthatsheathedhimparadoxicallysoft.Shewantedtotastehim,pleasehimashe’ddoneher,buttonight,shewashistodowithashewished.Itwasn’tinthenatureofadominantfemaletogiveinsoutterlyinbed,butAdriahadn’teverfeltsotreasuredbyalover.Itthreatenedtomakeherafraid,butsherefusedtosubmittotheinsidiousemotion,refusedtotaintanightsheknewwouldbecomeamemoryshe’dcherish.
Hismouthatherbreasts,lickingandtasting.Hishandbetweenherlegs.Hisfingersslidingdeepintoher,hiswayeasedbythemoltenheatofherneed.Shesqueezed,attemptedtoholdhim,buthewithdrew…andthenhewasnudgingherthighsapartandpushingintoherwiththethickintrusionofhiscock.
“Letme,”hewhisperedoncemore,slidingonehandunderherheadtofistitinherhair,strokingherlegupoverhishipwiththeother.
Shecoulddonothingelse,herbodyhisinstrument.Rockinghomewithagrunt,heclaimedanotherkiss,thisonehotter,moredemanding,butcontinuingtoholdthatlazyedgethatsaidhehadallnighttoloveher.Andwhenhebegantomove,itwaswiththesamelanguorousrhythm,theirbodieslockedinaslowdancethatsearedpleasurethroughtohertoes.
Seduced…shewasbeingseduced.Chapter41
HAWKELOOKEDACROSSthecabintowherehismatesatcurledupinbedwithadatapad.Shewasreadingapaperherlecturerhadrecommended,whilehehadKenjiandRiaz’sjointreportontheBlackSeanegotiations.He’dratherhavebeeninbedbesideSienna,butshe’dbarredhimfromit.“Wewon’tgetanyworkdoneotherwise.”
Sprawledinthearmchairhe’daddedtothecabinacoupleofweeksago,hetriedtofigureoutwhyhewassodamnhappywhenbyrights,heshould’vebeenfeelingalittlesurly.
Becauseshe’shere.Mymateisherewithme,safe,doingsomethingutterlyordinary.
Itwasagifthecouldn’thaveanticipatedafewmonthsago,andonehe’dletnoonetarnishwithfear.
Siennalookedupatthatinstant.“You’renotworking.”Touchingherfingertothescreenofherdatapad,sheprimlyturnedapage.
“Andyou’vebeenonthesamepagefortenminutes.”
“Drat.”Laughing,sheputthedatapadonthecomforterandthrewherarmsapart.“AsBenwouldsay,‘Hi!Wanttoplay?’”
Always.“Notoutside.”Itwasraining,andwhilehiswolfcouldfunctionfinethroughsnowandsleetitself,bothpartsofhimlikedbeingwarmanddry.
“Sometoughguy.”
“Comehereandsaythat.”Puttingdownthereport,hecrookedafinger.
Insteadofobeying,Siennagavehimasecretive,slightlyguiltylook.He’dseenthatsamelookmoretimesthanhecouldcountwhileshe’dbeenajuvenile.Temptedtopounceonher,hesaid,“DoIwanttoknow?”
“Iwanttomakecookies.”
Hegrinned.“Isthatwhatthey’recallingitnow?”
Shethrewapillowathim.“Ibroughttheingredientsinmybackpack.So,canwe?”
Lobbingitback,hecockedhishead.“Wehavethenighttoourselves”—amissiontoaccomplishevenwiththecurrentrelativepeace—“andyouwanttomakecookies?”
Shewassuddenlyveryinterestedinthepillow.“Laradoesitanditlooksfun.MarleeandTobylikeit.”Shepickedatthestitchingofthepillowcase.“I’dliketoknowhow…forthefuture.”
Incasewehavechildrenoneday.
Shecould’veaskedLara,Evie,Tarah,butshe’dwaitedtoaskhim.Itmadehimherslavealloveragain.“Anothermemoryforyourbox?”
Hersmilewasthesuncomingoutoftheclouds.“Ihavechocolatechips.”
“ThenIguess”—gettingup,heheldoutahand—“we’remakingcookies.”
Determinedtosucceed,theypulleduprecipesontheInternet,watcheddemonstrationvideos,andsubstitutedcranberriesforraisins,becauseneitheroneofthemwasafanof“shriveledgrapes.”
Thebestthingthatcouldbesaidabouttheirmaideneffortwasthatitwasedible—andthatSiennahadmeltedchocolateonthetipofhernosehehadtolickoff.
Theymanagedtoburnthesecondbatch—inano-burnoven.
Thethirdbatch,however…“Thesearemine.”Hemadeanimaginarylinedownthetraythatputninetypercentofthecookiesonhisside.
Throwingherarmsaroundhisneck,Siennakissedhim,smilingallthewhile.“Fine,”hemurmured.“I’llgiveyoutwo.”
“Areyousayingmykissonlyratesatwo?”
“Icouldbepersuadedtoreconsider.”
Later,afterhe’dfedherwarmcookieswhileshepromisedhimallsortsoffavors,theydrankmilkandbrushedtheirteethtomakeupforthesugarcurrentlyswimmingthroughtheirbloodstreams,andgotintobedfacingoneanother.Raincontinuedtopoundontheroof,atransientshieldaroundtheirownprivateworldthatmadethecabinseemevenmoresnug.
“Ihadfun.”Itwasasighingcommentfromhismate.
Runningafingertiparoundtheshellofherear,hesaid,“Ithinkweshouldtrymuffinsnext.Ilikebananabran.”Becausehe’dhadfun,too,thelong-forgottenboyinhimrisingtothesurface.He’dmadecookieswithhismomlongago,hadlostthememoryundertheweightofthepainthathadcomelater,butitwasonceagainaradiantjewelinhismind.
“Iwasthinkingmarblecake,”Siennasaid,expressionsparklingwithexcitement.
Hewhistled.“Ambitious.”
Rubbinghernoseagainsthis,shewhispered,“Noonewilleverknowifweendupwithavaguelymud-coloredcakeinstead.”
Hechuckled,grabbingherandturningontohisbacksothatsheendeduplyingalonghisbody.“Lookatus,we’retalkingaboutsomethingsodomestic.”Noguns.Noenemies.Notension.
Shebeamed.“It’swonderful,isn’tit?”
“Yeah,itis.”Dangerstalkedhismate,butthismoment,itwastheirs,privateandsafeandwiththescentofcranberriesandmeltedchocolateintheair.
ADRIAwokeupfeelingbetterthanshehadinyears.She’dspentthenighttangledaroundasexy,gorgeousmanwho’dlaughedwithherinthemidnighthours,hisvoiceadeliciousraspoverherskin,andwho’dmadelovetoheragainsometimebeforemorning.He’dbeenmoredemandingthesecondtime,butnolesstender.Shewasfeelingterriblypettedandspoiled.
Whenshepokedherheadupfromthesheetstoseehimwalkingintotheroomdressedinnothingbutatowelhitchedaroundhiships,acupofcoffeeinhand,shesimplystoppedbreathingforasecond.“Comehere,”shemurmuredonceshecouldspeakagain.Hesmelledofsoapandmanandcoffee,andshewantedonlytorubherfaceagainsthischest,indulgethedeepsensoryneedhebothcreatedandfilledinher.
Takingaseatonthebed,heputthecoffeeonthelittlesidetablewithprettycurvedlegs.Hereyeslockedonadropletofwatermakingitswaydownhischest,theduskyhueofhisskinbrokenbyasprinklingofdarkhair.“Youmissedadrop,”shesaid,catchingitonherfinger.
Nolaughter,hisexpressionreserved.
Fingerscurlingintoherpalm,sheallowedherhandtofalltothesheet.“Thischangesthings,doesn’tit?”She’dknownthenighthadbeentoobeautifulnotto,hadbeentryingtoignoretheinevitabletruth,becausethisfeelinginsideofher,itwasafizzyjoyshehadn’tfeltforsolongitwasn’tevenamemory.
“Yes.”Asingleroughword,buthishand,itclosedoverherown,warmandprotective.
Shespreadherfingers,interlockedthemwithhisown.“Doyouwanttoendit?”Thefactithurtherdeepinsidetoaskthatquestionwasanunmistakablesignshe’dalreadystartedtofallforthismanwhocouldnevergiveherwhatsheneeded.
“Weshouldstop,”Riazsaid,eyesofpalebrownshotwithamberinthemorningsunlight,“beforeitcostsusboth.”
“You’reright.”
Yetneitheroneofthemmadethemovetobreaktheirphysicalconnection.Adria’swolfstoodinsilence,uncertain…scared.Itwashardtoadmitthat,toacceptthatinspiteofhereverypromisetoherself,Riazhadcomeperilouslyclosetobreachingthecoreshe’dvowedtoprotect.Partofherwantedtowrenchherhandfromhis,turnaway.Itwouldbethesaferchoice,allowinghertowalkoutofthisalittlebruisedbutheart-whole.Andstill…
Riazcuppedthesideofherfacewithhisfreehand.“I’mabadrisk,Adria.”Raw,hissoulstrippedbare.“Areallybadone.”
Untanglingtheirfingers,shepushedupintoakneelingposition,thesheetheldtoherbreasts.“I’mworse.”Thescarsshecarriedwereinvisible,andmarkedhertothebone.“Idon’tknowifI’lleverbeabletotrustamanwithallofmeeveragain.”Hishonestydeservedherown.“I’mbrokendeepinside.”
Almostabletotastetheintensityofherpain,Riazcurvedhishandoverhernape.“IsweartoGod,IwillhuntMartindownandriphimlimbfromlimb.”Adominantfemale’spride,herself-beliefwasherarmor,somethingnomaleworthhissaltwouldeverattempttostripfromher.
Startledlaughtercoloringtheair,Adriatuggedhimdownuntiltheirforeheadstouched.“There’snoneed.Ittookmelongerthanitshouldhave,butIsawhimforwhathewas—andIsawthemistakesI’dmade,too.”
Butthedamagedone,hethought,wasnothingthatwouldeasilyfade,herscarsasindelibleashisown.Asindelibleasthefemininestrengththathadbroughtheroutofthedarkness.Hiswolf,itsteethstillbared,tookasinglesteptowardher,halted.Hefeltasifhestoodontheedgeofatreacherouscliff.Asinglewrongmovecouldsendhimtumblingdownintoarockygorge,shatteringhisbones,hismind,hissoulitself.
He’dneverexpectedtobehere,facingthismoment,withanywoman.
Astormclouddeepwithin,theshadowofapasthewasdeterminedtolaytorestthreateningtodarkenthemorning,butasstrongwastheknowledgethathecouldn’tliveinlimboforeverwithoutgoingmad,andthattheflickeringflamebetweenhimandAdriawassomethingimportant,somethingworthfightingfor.
Maybe,justmaybe,twobrokenpeoplecouldmanagetocreatesomethingwhole.“Yes,”hesaidandwaited,hiswolf’sbodyquiveringwithatensionthatkickedhiminthegutswithexactlyhowimportantAdriahadbecometohim.And,hiseyesonthemarkhe’dsuckedonherneck,heknewhewasn’tgoingtobehaveandwalkawayifshesaidno.
“Yes.”
Heranswermadehiswolflungetothefore.Hedidn’tfighttheshift,becausethisdecision,itwasasmuchthewolf’sasitwastheman’s.Alovelywomanwithwidevioleteyesandhairoftumbledsilkwaskneelingbesidehimwhenhecompletedtheshifttopadaroundandtakeaseatonthesheets,hisbodypressingagainstherknees.Aninstantlater,theairfilledwithiridescentsparksofcolor…toformintotheshapeofanelegantsilverwolfwithanunexpectedwhiteflashonhertail.
Shakingherselfasiftosettlehernewskin,shelaydownnexttohim,hermuzzleonherfrontpaws,herbodyhalfthesizeofhisinthisform.Heshiftedtocrowdheragainsttheheadboard.Snarling,sheprickedhimwithherclawswhenhepushedtoomuch.Henippedatherear.
Ambereyesturnedtohiminawarningthathadhiswolfnuzzlingatherwithwildaffectionthatcamefromtheheartofthepredator.Shewasn’ttheonewhohadmadeitssoulsinginrecognitionwhentheyhadbeeninthiswaterloggedcitybefore,butshewashisfriend,hislover,carriedhisscent.Thewolftrustedherathisback,withitssecrets,hadnointentionoflettinghergo.
ITwaslateatnight,wellpastaseven-and-a-half-year-old’sbedtimewhenJuddsatdownnexttoWilliamonafallenloginthewoodedareabehindthehometheboy’sfamilyhadboughtontheborderlineofDarkRiverandSnowDancerterritory.TherewasnolongeranyneedforJuddtohidehispresence,hiscoverwellandtrulyblown,buthemadesurehisvisitstoseeWilliamstayedcovertnonetheless—theinstantthevulnerableboywasassociatedwithhim,he’dbecomeatarget.Therewerethose,Psyornot,whowouldn’thesitatetotakeWilliam,moldhimintoatoolofdeath.
LikeJudd,theboywasaTk-Cell.Hecouldliterallymovecellswithinthebodyitself—whichmeanthecouldstopaheartandmakeitlooklikeanaturaldeath.JuddhadhadtoteachWilliamthatuglytruthnotonlybecausetheboyhadalreadyinadvertentlykilledafamilypet,butalsobecauseWilliamneededtorealizeandacknowledgeeveryaspectofhisabilitysothathecouldgaincontroloverit.However,theyweretakingthepracticalapplicationofWilliam’sTk-Cellstrengthinawhollynewdirection.
Now,reachingover,heruffledtheboy’ssoftbrownhair.“Badhaircut.”Itwasasifsomeonehadputabowlontopofhisheadandshearedaroundit.Crookedly.
Williamproppedhiselbowsonhisknees,cuppinghisface.“Mom.”Pureexasperation.“Shesaysit’llgrowout,butIhavetogotoschool!”
Withenoughtimeandeffort,Williamcouldlearntomorphthecellsofhisownbody—buttheskillwasadifficultandenervatingoneevenforJudd,andhewasmuchstrongerthanWilliam.“Telleveryoneyoudiditonadare,”hesaid,optingforamuchmoreaccessibleandeffectivesolution.
Agrin.“That’ssmart.”HiseyeswenttotheinsidepocketofJudd’sleather-synthjacket,revealedbythewayJuddhadbracedhisforearmsonhisthighs.“Ilikechocolate.”
Juddpulledoutthebarhe’dpickedupenroute.“It’syoursifyoucandemonstrateyourproficiencywiththetechniqueItaughtyoulasttime.”
“Likeatest?”
“Yes.”Somewouldsaytheboywastooyoungforsuchthings,butthosepeopledidn’tunderstandhowapsychiclossofcontrolcoulddevastate.TheaccidentaldeathofhispethadalmostdestroyedWilliam.Whatwouldhappenifhestoppedhismother’sheartorgavehisfatherastroke?
No.BetterthatJuddbeaharshtaskmaster—thoughhehadnointentionoftreatingtheboyasbrutallyashe’dbeentreatedasachild,untilhe’dbrokenandbeenre-formedintoanassassin.Hencethecandybarforareward,asrecommendedbyBen,hispersonalconsultantwhenitcametoallthingsconcerningsmallchildren.
“Okay,”Williamsaid,jumpingoffthelog.“I’vebeenpracticing.”
Puttingthechocolatebarbackinhispocket,Juddtookoutasmallpocketknife.“Ready?”
Williamrubbedhishandsdownthefrontofhisjeans,tookadeepbreathandsaid,“Yes.Go.”
“Ineedtomonitoryoutelepathically.”Theonlytimehewouldeverinvadetheboy’smindwithoutaskingwasifWilliamlostfatalcontrol—andWilliamhadmadethatrequesthimself.
“SoyoucanseeifI’mfollowingthecorrectprocess,”Williamsaid,histoneaperfectimitationofJudd’swhenhe’dspokenthosewords.
Itmadehischestgrowwarm,thesmilebuildingfromwithin.“Yes.”
“Heretheygo.”Williamdroppedhisshields,buthewasnevervulnerabletoanattack—Juddhadalreadytakenoverthetask.
“One,two,three.”Heslickedthebladeoftheknifeacrosshispalm.
Bloodwelled,thickandred.Chapter42
ITLOOKEDIMPRESSIVE,buthe’dmadethecutshallow—thiswasaboutbuildingWilliam’sconfidenceinhisabilities.Itdidn’ttakelongbeforehefelthisskinbegintotingle,thentug.Infrontofhim,William’sforeheadwasscrunchedup,hiseyesgluedtothecutuntilJuddwasn’tsuretheboywasevenblinking.Sweattrickleddownonetemple,hissmallfistsclenchedsotightthelighttanofhisskinwasbloodless.
Fiveminutesoffierceconcentrationlater,Williamsaid,“I’mdone,”andswayedonhisfeet.
“Sit.Drink.”Hegavetheboytheliterbottleofnutrient-richsportswaterhe’dplacedbyhisfoot.OnlywhenWilliamwassteadierdidhetakeatissuefromhispockettowipeawaythebloodandrevealthefaintpinklineofascarthatlookedtwodaysold.“Verygood.”Hepassedoverthechocolatebar.
Williamtoreoffthewrappertotakeabigbite.“Itmakesmereallyhungry,”hesaidafterhe’dswallowed.“Andtired.”
“That’sbecauseyou’reusingyourpsychicmuscles.Youneedtoremembertorefuelandrest.”Young,hisbodydeveloping,William’spsychicreserveswerelow.Thatdidn’tnegatehispower.“Youdidanexcellentjob.”
WhenWilliambeamedandleanedintohim,Juddfeltanotheroneofthosecracksforminsidehim.Theonesthepeoplehelovedkeptmaking,showinghimhehadthecapabilitytofeelevenmorethanhebelieved.
Williamfinishedthechocolatebarandlookedup.“Okay,I’mreadyfortheotherstuff.”
The“otherstuff”waswhereJuddtooktheboythroughhisentiremethod,teachinghimwherehecouldbemoreefficient,stronger,ormorecareful.“Closeyoureyesandfocus.”DroppinghisinnershieldsjustenoughtoallowWilliamtoslideintoaspecificpartofhismind,Juddshowedtheboythepsychicpathwayhe’dtaken,askedhimtocritiquehisownperformance
Williamwassmartandmotivated—anexcellentstudent.
Welldone,hesaidaftertheboyfiguredoutthesolutiontoanigglingproblem.That’senoughfortoday.Disengage,shieldsup.
“I’mgoingtoVenice,”hesaidwhenWilliamopenedhiseyes.“Doyouknowwherethatis?”
“No,butIknowithaswater,lotsofit.Andfunnyboats.”Apause.“IsthatwhyIhadtotakeanapthisafternoonandmeetyousolate?Becauseyou’llbegonetomorrow?”
“Yes,”Juddsaid,becausehedidn’tlietochildren.“You’reimportant.”
“Youare,too.”William’shugwasfierce.
Juddhuggedhimbackbeforeescortingtheboytotheedgeofhisparents’property,wherehismotherandfathersatwaitingatawoodenpicnictable.Williamrantothem,burstingtosharehissuccess.OnlywhenthesmallfamilywassafeinsidethehousedidJuddturnandwalkbackintothewoods…andtothemenwhoawaitedhim.“Aden,”hesaid,findingtheArrowseatedonthesamelogheandWilliamhadused.“Vasic.”
“Wedidn’tthinkyou’dspothim,”AdensaidasVasicshiftedoutoftheviscousshadowsbetweenthetrees.
JuddtookaseatbesideAden.“I’velearnedalotabouttrackingfromchangelings.”He’dsensedVasic’spresencebecauseofthesilencetheteleporterhadcreatedinthetinydenizensoftheforest.
ItwasAdenwhonextspoke,hisgazefocusedinthedirectionofthehouse.“Theboy’soneofus.”
“Yes.”
Vasic’snextwordswerequiet.“I’llkeepaneyeonhimwhileyou’reinVenice.”
Juddhadexpectednothingless.IftherewasonethingthatheldtrueforeveryArrowhe’deverknown—exceptMingLeBon,andhe’dnevertrulybeenoneofthem—itwasthattheywereloyal.Sometimesthatloyaltywasmisdirected,giventothosewhodidnotdeserveit,butitwasneverfalse,andneverforsale.“Didyoutrackmedownforareason?”
“Wealwayshaveareason,Judd.”Adenpickedupanacorn,examineditwithcare.“Doyouknowabouttheothers?InVenice?”
“No.”He’dneverheardahintaboutotherrogueArrows.
“Good.Thatmeanswesucceeded.”TheArrowmedicplacedtheacornbackontheground.
“Sizeofthegroup?”
“Asmallpercentageofthosewhoofficiallydiedduringmissionsoverthepastdecade.”
“How?”AllArrowbodieswereretrieved,deathconfirmedbyapathologistwhowasn’tpartofthesquad.
“Firstthesquadliberatedcertaincorpsesfrommortuariesafterthey’dbeenprocessedforburial.OftherightsizeandheighttofitanArrowabouttodefect.ThenthecorpsesweresubstitutedinplaceoftheArrowsinplannedincidentswherethebodieswouldbesodamaged,theDNAsodegraded,itwouldn’tbedifficulttofoolthescans.Explosionsandfires.”
“Risky.”Thewholethingwould’veunraveledifaconscientiousscientistdecidedtodouble-checkhisfindingsbeforethe“Arrow”bodywascremated.
“Yes,butpossiblewiththepreviousgenerationofDNAscanners,”Adensaid,givingJuddanotherindicationofthelong-termnatureoftheplan.“Thesameprocedurewouldn’tworknow.That’swhywecurrentlychannelthemajorityofdefectorsthroughafacilityintheDinarides.”
TheGhost,Juddrecalled,hadmentionedtheDinaridesfacilityinconnectionwithArrowswhohadbeentakenoffJax.
Vasicspokeontheheelsofthatthought.“MingtoldAdentoweantheArrowsatDinaridesoffJaxtoseeiftheycouldberestabilized—andafewweekslater,hetoldhismedicalstafftoensurenoneofthemevermadeitoutalive.”
BecauseMingLeBononlywantedperfectsoldiers.Fracturesthatcouldn’tbemendedorthatmightleaveavulnerabilitymadeamanuselesstohim.
“Hestaffedtheplacewithnon-Arrowsasacheckonme,”Adenadded,“butheforgotI’mnotjustafieldmedic.”
JuddwonderedifAdenhadusedthetelepathicskillshe’dlearnedfromWalkertosubtlyinfluencethemindsofthemedicalstaffwhomayaswellhavebeenlambsledtoslaughter.“NoreasonthenforMingtoquestiontheeventualdeathcertificatesthatcameoutofthefacility.”
Aden’sexpressiondidn’tchangeashesaid,“Especiallywhentheirbodieshadalreadybeencremated,thecremationsverifiedbyKeishaBaleherself.”
“TheheadM-Psy,”VasicsaidwhenJuddglancedupinquestion.
“DoIknowtherenegades?”Juddasked,impressedbythescaleofthedeception
“Thefirstfourdefectionsoccurredinthegenerationbeforeours—theinitialtworemainedheavilyshieldedintheNetforalmosttwoyearsaftertheir‘deaths,’untilathirddefectioncouldbesuccessfullynavigated,”Adensaid.“Threeisthesmallestgrouptheywantedtochanceintermsofastand-alonenetwork.”
“Asmartdecision.”TheLaurenNethadinitiallyhadtwoadults,oneteenager,andtwochildren,andithadtakeneverythingtheyhadtomaintainthefabricofthepsychicnetwork.
“Afterthethirddefection,followedquicklybyafourth,theprogramwentintohibernationtoeaseanysuspicion.ItwasreinitializedwhenItookoverthefieldmedicposition.”
ThatwaswhenJuddmadetheconnection.“Yourparentsbothdiedafterthesmallstealthboattheywereonexplodedwhileatsea.”Adenhadbeenaboy…butoldenoughtohavebecomeSilent,oldenoughtohavelearnedtoprotectthesecretsinsidehismind.
Theothermandidn’tconfirmhissupposition,butneitherdidhedenyit.“IwatchedyouafteryougotyourselftakenoffJax,”Adensaidinstead,“consideredbringingyouin,butyouweresuchaperfectArrow.IcouldfindnowaytoprovethattheJaxhadn’talreadydonewhatitwasintendedtodo,thatyouweren’toneofMing’sreprogrammedpuppets.”
Ironic,Juddthought,thathe’ddonesuchagoodjobofhidinghisintentionsevenhisfellowArrowshadneversuspectedhimofseditiousleanings.“Krychek?”
“BetterthanMing,”wastheshortanswer.“Asfortherest…WewillmakedecisionsthatbenefitthesquadandtheNet.Thatisthesingleoperativefactor.”
Neverbefore,Juddthought,hadtheArrowsthreatenedtobreaksocompletelyfromtherulingpowersofthePsyNet.Fornow,AdenandtheothersfollowedKalebKrychek,butonlyuntilhebetrayedthem.ThathadbeenMing’sfatalmistake.“DoyouintendtoeliminateMing?”
“It’sapossibility.”Adenstaredoutintotheforest.“TheNetisalreadydestabilizing.Anumberofthesquadbelievetheimpactofhisdeathwon’tbeassignificantwhentheoverallfabricisrippling,butI’moftheopinionitcouldbethetippingpointthatleadstoadeadlyrupture.”
“Agreed,”Juddsaid,havinghadanupdatefromtheGhostastothecurrentsituation.“TheCouncilmightbefractured,butthemajorityofthepopulacedoesn’tbelievethatyet.”Thoughtherumorsweregoingviral.“Ming’sdeathwouldbeaprofoundpsychicshock.”
Adengaveasmallnod.“Thesquadwillfollowmyleadonthis,andI’vesaidwewait.He’lldiewhenheneedstodie.”
Juddknewitwasn’tfalseconfidence.HealsoknewAdenunderstoodexactlyhowviciousanadversaryMingwouldbe—hisassassinationwouldtakecarefulplanning,aprecisionstrike.Asinglehintofwarning,andMingwouldturnitintoabloodyshowdown.
Vasicshiftedafraction,theleavesrustlingaroundhisboots.“TheArrowsinVenice—they’dliketospeaktoyou,butitcan’tbeinpublic.”
“Yourfaceistoowellknownnow,”Adensaid.“Theycan’triskanythingthatcouldcompromisetheircover.”
Juddhadnoargumentwiththat,understoodwhytheArrowsneededtomaintainthissecret.“Doyouhaveimagesofaprivatelocation?”Heneededitforateleportlock.
Adenpulledoutasmallphone,handeditover.“Photosloaded.Callthepresetnumberwhenyouarriveandoneofthemwillcomeouttomeetyou.Connectionissecure,can’tbetraced,evenifhacked.”
Takingit,Juddconsideredhowmanymoreofthesedefectorcellstheremightbeacrosstheworld,martialandfamilial.“You’velaidthegroundworkforatotaldefectionfromtheNet.”Houses,finances,alternatelives,thedefectorshadhadyearstoputeverythinginplace.
Adentooktimetoreply.“It’sanoption,butonlyifthereisnoother.ThesquadhasnowishtoabandontheNet,butneitherwillwestandbyandwatchthoseinpoweruseusupthendiscardus.”
“Someofusaretired,Judd,”Vasicaddedquietly,thegrayofhiseyesholdingthedarkestofshadows.“Whenthisisallover,allweaskforispeace.”
Whenthisisallover…
JuddwonderedifanythingoranyonewouldsurvivewhenthecivilwarinthePsyNetbeganinearnest,whetherVasicwouldeverfindhispeace…orgotohisdeathanArrowtothelast.
“DOweneedtoseeBowentoday?”AdriasaidtoRiazastheyfinishedbreakfastonthebalcony,wantingtosuggesttheyspendtheirtimewalkingaroundthecity.Alittlespacemighteasethestrange,painfultensionthatbothconnectedanddistancedthem.
Heshookhishead.“UntilJuddgetsheretotesttheneuralchips,there’snotmuchwecando.”Hisphonebeepedatthatinstant,thenumberonthescreenmakinghimgrinasheanswered.“Thedealdone?”Apause,then,“Yeah,fine.”Hisgrinwidenedatwhateverthepersonontheotherendhadsaid,beforehespokeagain.“Where?Right.”
Hangingupwithoutgood-bye,hesaid,“DoyouknowPierce?”
“Tall,icegreeneyes,couldbeItalian,Indian,EasternEuropean,acombinationofalloftheaboveornoneatall?”ThemanshewasthinkingofhadvisitedwithMatthiasacoupleofyearsback,havingdrivenhismomandnephewovertoseeashow.“SeniorsoldieroutofAlexei’ssector?”
Riazgrinnedatherdescription.“That’shim.He’stiedupthedealhewasworkingonandisheadedintoseeus.Iassumedyou’dbeokaymeetingupwithhim.”
“Ofcourse.”Evenalonewolf,shethought,neededcontactwithmembersofhispack,andifPiercehadtakenoverRiaz’sduties,he’dbeenonhisownformonths.
“Asforhisheritage,”Riaztoldher,eyesgleaming,“Piercetoldmehecomesfromalineofglobe-trottingmaraudersturnedtraderswhomated‘withmenandwomenfromeveryknowncountryandsomethatnolongerexist’overthecenturies.”
“Goodstory.”
“Fromhistrackrecord,womenobviouslythinkso.”
Piercehadapparentlyalreadybeenonawaterbuswhenhe’dcalledanditwasonlyfifteenminuteslaterthattheycaughtupwiththeothermaninthelobbyoftheirhotel.Adria’swolfchuckledatglimpsingthesidelongglancesofpassingwomen—andmorethanafewmen—whocouldn’ttaketheireyesoffRiazandPierce.Onewomanalmostwalkedintoacolumn.Adriasympathized.Separatelytheywerebothsexy,dangerousmenwithdarkhairandbodiesthatcouldmakeawomanwhimper.Together,theywerelethal.
Oblivioustotheattention,thetwomenembracedinatypicallymaleway,completewithslapsonthebackandpunchesontheshoulders.
“Youstillfuckingowemeahundredbucks,”wasPierce’sopeninggreeting.
“I’llbuyyouanicecream.”
TheexchangemadeAdria’swolfgrin,becauseitwasclearthetwowerecloseenoughfriendsthattheydidn’tbothertobepolite.WhenPierceturnedtoher,hiscrystalcleareyesnarrowedforasecond.“Matthias’ssector.”
“Excellentmemory.”Introducingherself,shetookabackseattotheconversationastheyheadedouttoexplore,themen’squiet,deepvoicesawelcomeaccompanimenttoherabsorptioninVenice.
Walkingintoaglass-smith’sforgeontheneighboringislandofMurano,shelostherselfinthecolorsandshapescreatedfromthefire,whileRiazandPierceprowledalongsideherwithlazypatience.Thepiecescreatedinthatsmallworkshopandtheonesthatfollowedwerebeyondbeautiful,fragiledreamsbornofsilicaandpainstakingcraftsmanship.Shestrokedherhandoveraflowingsculpturethatsighedwithsensuality,laughedindelightatthetinyglassbirdsperchedonanindoortree,wasbeguiledbytheminiaturechandeliers.
Intheend,sheboughtatrioofbirdswithbrightcobaltplumage.“ForTarah,Indigo,andEvie,plusthisgorgeousnecklaceformymom,”shesaidtoRiazwhenhewalkedoverfromanothercorneroftheartisan’sstore,showinghimthelustrousbeadsoforangeswirledwithgold.“Andtheseforme.”Sheheldupapairofminiaturehummingbirds,theearringsjewelgreenwithadashofscarlet.
“Yousureyouwantthose?”Asolemnquestion.“You’veonlybeeninhalfthestoresontheisland.”
“Goahead,”shesaid,“makefunofthenewtraveler.”
Hekissedheronthecheekinstead,thewarmthofhisbodyacaressshe’dmissed.“IlikeseeingVenicethroughyoureyes.”
Atinybudofhopesproutedinherheart.“Thankyouforshowingmethisshop.”Ithadbeenhidden,asecrettreasuretrove.“What’sthat?”
Hehelduptwosmallglassboxesindifferentcolors,tiedwithglassbowsofsilver.“Itookmymotheronelasttimeandshetoldmesheneededaset.Andforherhighness,Marisol,I’llbegrabbingabigboxofcandy.”
Itwasimpossiblenottoadoreamanwhomadenobonesabouthowmuchhelovedthewomeninhislife.“Yournieceisaluckygirl,”shesaid,risingtodropakisstothecornerofhismouth.“Andyourmotherraisedagoodman.”
Hisarmslidacrossherwaisttosettleonherhip.“Piercefoundsomethinghethinksyou’lllike.”Tappingheronthenose,henoddedtotheotherendoftheshop.“I’llhavethiswrappedforyou.”
“Thanks.”Thetinybudwithinhergrewasinglewhisper-thinleafofvividgreen:Sexwasonething,butgivingandacceptingsuchsweetaffection—tenderandpublicandplayful—ittooktheirrelationshiptoahauntingnewplace.Aplacethatmightcauseherterriblehurt,andyetonesheknewshecouldn’twalkawayfrom.
Itwastoolateforthat.Chapter43
CHESTTIGHTWITHtherealization,AdriacrossedovertoPierceandpeeredinsidetheglasscasebesidewhichhestood.Thesculpturedisplayedwithinwasfranklybizarre—itlookedlikesomeonehadsmashedupahunkofpuke-coloredglass,thenputitbacktogether.Badly.
“Isn’titmagnificent?”Piercetouchedthecasewithreverentfingertips.
Notwantingtohurthisfeelings,shescrambledforaresponse.“Icanseeitspeakstoyou.”
“Oh,yes.Theartisticflowisindescribable.”
Adriawasn’tsurequitewhattosaytothat,buthewaswaitingforhertorespondwithsuchanexpectantexpressiononhisfacethatsheknewshehadtospeak.“Yes,it’s…ah…imaginative.”
Piercebegantotalkabouttheabsorbingambiguityoftheshapesandhowthepowerofthepiecewasasubtlefusionoflightanddarkness.Itwasalmosttwominuteslater,justwhenshewasplottingherescape,thatshecaughttheglintinhiseyeandrealizedshe’dbeenhad.Intense,passionate,andintelligentPiercewasaplayfulwolfatheart.
“Yes,yes,”shesaidwhenhepaused,“you’resoright.Infact,Ithinkit’dbetheperfectgift.”Bitingtheinsideofhercheektokeepfromburstingoutlaughing,shetookoneofhishandsinbetweenherown.“I’mgoingtobuyitforyou—no,no,Iinsist.You’vebeensogreattoday,sopatient.”
Distinctalarm.“No,there’snoneed.Ialreadyhave—”
“Iinsist.”Turning,shequick-steppedittowhereRiazwasstandingatthecounter,thebagcontaininghersouvenirsinhand.“Riaz,IfoundthebestgiftforPierce.”
“Ifyougivemethatmonstrosity,”Piercegrowledfrombehindher,“Iwillregiftittoyouonyourbirthday.”
AsnortescapedAdria.Pierce’seyesnarrowed.Andthenshewaslaughingsohard,shehadtowalkoutsideandcollapseagainstthewall.Followingherout,Riaztuggedonherbraid.“Pierceisnotamused.”Deepgold,hiseyestoldherhiswolfmostdefinitelywas
Pierce’ssnarlmadetearscomeoutofhereyes.“Servesyouright,”shemanagedtogetouttothegloweringmale.
“Hey!Iwas—”Anabruptpause.“Ithinkthat’smycell.”
Adriahadn’theardanything,butperhapshehaditonvibrate.Ashewalkedafewstepsawaytoanswerthecall,sheturnedtoRiaz.“DowehavetimetosneakintotheglassmuseumIsaw?”
Riazwrappedhisarmaroundhershoulders,tuckingherclose.“Comeon.”
Wantingtonuzzleathisthroat,shegaveinalittleandpressedakisstothehollow.Hisresponsewasateasingsnapofhisteethbyherear.
We’llbeokay.
Thebudgreenedwithhealth,butdeepinside,sheknewitwouldneverbesosimple.
TRAVELINGunderanassumedname,andwithhisfeaturesdisguisedtoavoidattention,JuddsteppedoffanairjetatMarcoPoloAirportlatethatafternoon,thencaughtawaterbustoVenice.Hecould’veteleportedinandnegatedtheneedforthesubterfuge,buttherewasnopointinusinguphistelekineticreserveswithoutcause.
Whenhereachedtheisland,hefoundacorneroutofsightofpassersby—andofsecuritycameras,concentratedontheimagesAdenhadgivenhim,andteleportedtothelocationwherehewastomeettherebels.Itprovedtobeasmallindoorcourtyard,thewallscreamywithageandcoveredwithsometypeofadarkgreenvine.
Therewasnoneedtomakeacellphonecall.
“IwastoldIwasexpected,”hesaidtothearmedmanwhowatchedhimwiththeflateyesofanArrow,thoughhewasdressedinfadeddenimjeansandablueT-shirt.
Theslightesthesitation,theman’seyesflickingtohishair.Itwascurrentlydirtyblond,hiseyesapalegray.“Whosentyou?”Theothermandidn’tlowerhisweapon.
Insteadofanswering,Judd—havingbuiltupthecorrectfocus—bentthemuzzleofthegundownward,renderingitineffective.TherebelArrowthrewitaside,hittingJuddwithatelepathicblowatthesametime…butJuddhadhispsychichandsinthecellsofthemale’sheart.Heshiftedthingsenoughtopinchabloodvessel.
Themanpaledatthewarning.“Tk-Cell.”Itwasagasp,hishandup,palmout.
Juddreleasedhim,fixingthedamageasheleft.“Iassumenofurtherintroductionsarenecessary.”
Theanswercamefrombehindhim,wherehe’dsensedafamiliarpresence.“Iapologize,Judd,”saidthemelodicfemalevoice.“Alejandrohasorderstoincapacitateallunknownswhoenterthecourtyard.”
KeepingAlejandroinhislineofsight,heturnedtoseeapetitewomaninherlatetwentieswithafacethatwasallsoftcurves,herlipslush.Butitwashereyesthattoldthetruthofhernature—thecolorofcoal,theywerelikechipsofice.“Zaira.”BorninJordanandraisedinanArrowtrainingfacilityinTurkey,she’dbeenlostinactionfiveyearsago.
Zaira’sgazeshifted.Asecondlater,Alejandrogaveasharpnodandleft.OnlythendidZairaturnandinvitehimtojoinherforawalkaroundthecourtyard.“Wedidnotexpectyouuntilthisevening.That’swhyoneofuswasn’tonwatch.”
“Alejandroisdamaged.”
“Hisneuralfunctionsarefine,buthewasgivenanoverdoseofJaxwhileonamission.It’slefthimunabletoveerfromanorder.Alejandronolongerunderstandssubtleties.”
“Ishesafe?”
“SolongasIdon’tgivehimadirectorder,hewon’tkill.”Zairapausedforalongsecondbeforecontinuingthewalk.“Isavedhislife,andhe…imprintedonme.Itconcernsme,butaccordingtoAden,there’snothingtobedone.Hismentalpathwaysarelocked.”
Juddpickedupthenuancesofdeepemotion,wonderedhowmuchofitwastruthandhowmuchamaskcreatedtoblendintothehumanworld.ArrowsdidnoteasilybreakSilence.Heknewthatbetterthananyone.“Whydidyouwanttoseeme?”
“FromwhatI’vegleanedfromthemediareports,youappeartohavecarvedoutastablelifeforyourselfandyourfamily.Wewanttoknowhowyoudidit.”
Juddglancedaroundthecourtyard,awarehewasbeingwatchedbymoreeyesthanZaira’s.“Youalllivehere,inthiscompound?”
“Yes.”
“Whatdoyoudoforincome?”
“Diversifiedinvestmentsmadeoveranumberofyears,includingpropertiesinvariouscitiesandlocalities.”Zairaturnedthecornerofthecourtyard,comingtoastopbesideacurvedarchway.“Moneyisnotwhatconcernsus.”
JuddaskedonefinalquestionbeforegivingtheotherArrowtheanswershesought.“Doyouinterminglewiththeoutsidepopulation?”
“Onlyasmuchasnecessary.Therestofusaren’tlikeAlejandro,whosimplycan’thandlethestimulation,butwecontinuetograpplewithbeingoutsideSilence.”Shelookedathimwithadirectnessthatwoulddisconcertmostnon-Psy.“Idefectedbeforeyou,asdidanumberoftheothers,butwearenowhereasintegratedintotheworld.”
JuddthoughtofthekissBrennahadgivenhimashelefttheden,thehugMarleehadrunafterhimtoclaim,thepunchontheshoulderthathadbeenDrew’swayofsaying“staysafe.”“Youhavetoaccept,”hesaid,“thatyouneedthehumansandthechangelings,astheyneedyou.”Hisracehadabilitiesthathadoncebeengreatlyrespected,notmerelyfeared.
“IsolatingyourselfwillsimplyfurtherwhattheybeganintheNet.”He’dhadafamily,hadknownthatWalker,Sienna,Toby,andMarleeallcaredifhelivedordied,andstillhe’dbeenbrutallyclosetotheedge.TheArrowswholivedherehadonlyeachotherforfamily—andmostArrowsdidn’tunderstandwhatafamilywas,muchlesshowtocreateone.
Zairalookedupataskygonethathazybluethatprecededsunset.“Wecan’ttakethechancewithanyoutsiders.Notyet.”
“No,”Juddagreed,becausetheirtaskwastobeahiddenescapehatch.“Butchangeiscoming.”
Zaira’seyesreflectedonlythesteelwillthathadmadeheranassassinwithoutcompare.“Weareready.”
WeareArrows.
“COMEon.Judd’llbehereinacoupleofminutes,”Adriasaid,havingshoweredandchangedaftertheirdayout.
Riaz,hishairdampfromthesameshower,followedheroutintothecorridor,shuttingthedoorbehindthem.“Piercejustsentmeamessagetosayhe’sgoingtogetyouforthatstunt.”
“Itwashisownfault,”shesaidwithalaugh,feelingawarmaffectionforthehandsomewolfwhowasRiaz’sfriend.
Riaz’sresponsewasunexpectedlyserious.“Showerornot,youcarrymyscentinyourskin.”Watchfuleyes.“Thatbotheryou?”
Adriawaiteduntiltheywereinsidetheelevatorcagetoanswer,thefrothyhappinessofthedaysuddenlyalumpinherchest.“ThelasttimeIhadaman’sscentinmyskin,itnearlydestroyedme,”shesaid,tearingopenabarelyhealedwound.
Knucklesbrushinghercheek,thedarkwoodandcitrustangofhisscentinhereverybreath.“We’renotallbastards,Adria.”
Thedoorsopened,savingherfromhavingtocontinuetheconversation.Notthatshedidn’tagreewithhiswords.Butthememories,theywereraw,painfulthingsthatclawedandbitandthreatenedtostealherrationalmindwithoutwarning…becauseithadstartedouttenderwithMartin,too.
Gutchurningattheconsciousacceptanceofadreadthathadbeenanoxiouswhisperatthebackofhermindthroughouttheday,shealmostwalkedpastJuddwherehestoodagainstacolumninthebusyhotellobby.Itwashisscentthatcuedher,thattouchoficethatwasacoolkiss.“Youmakeagoodblond.”
“Brennadoesn’tlikeit,”hesaidastheyheadedoutintotheearlyeveninglight,RiazonherleftandJuddonherright.“She’salreadyboughttheneutralizertogetridofthecoloronceI’mbackhome.”
IfAdriahadmethimonthestreet,she’dhavethoughtJuddsophisticatedandaloof,buttherewasnomissingtheloveinhistonewhenhespokeofhismate.“Ihavetoadmit,”shemurmured,“ifIhadachoiceofyouwithchocolatebrownhairorblond,I’dgowiththebrowneverytime.”
“Chocolatebrown?”Riazmuttered.“Whydon’tyoujustgoaheadandcallhimastud?”
Adriablinkedattheedgycomment,belatedlyrealizingthelonewolfbyhersidewasirritatedbytheattentionshewaspayingJudd.She’dneverbeenawomanwhogotoffonmakingamanjealous,andthathadn’tchanged.Whichwaswhyshesaid,“BecauseI’mpartialtoprettygoldeyes.”
Colorstreakedhischeekbones.“Judd,you’renotlistening.”
“Listeningtowhat?”Theothermaleshotthemaquietlyamusedlook.“Wehaveatail.”
“Alliance,”Riazsaid.“Ithinkit’smoreofanescort.”
Adriahadpickedupthethreemenaswell.“Bo,”sheexplainedtoJudd,“isacutelyparanoid,butinhisshoes,Iwouldbe,too.”Sheexplainedhisabduction,aswellasthebrainwashingofthecommtechnician,thesuspectedfateoftheformerchairman.
Judddidn’tsoundsurprised.“Rumoris,TatianareachedherpositionontheCouncilbykillinghermentor.Iknowforafactthatsheusedpsychiccoerciontogetcertaincontracts—she’soneofthemostdangerousandunscrupulouswomenintheNet.Bowenisrighttobeparanoid.”
FurtherconversationstoppedastheyreachedtheAlliancebuildingandwereusheredinsidetowhereascowlingBowaswaitingbytheelevators.“WehadalltheroutesintoVenicetagged,”hesaid,eyesonJudd,“fullsurveillancewithfacialrecognitionsoftware,andyetyougotthrough.”
Judd’sresponsewaspragmatic.“There’snotmuchyoucandotostopsomeonewithmytrainingcomingintoyourcity.”
Expressionstilldark,Bowenledthemdowntothesameroomthey’dusedyesterday.Thistime,thewaterwasaninvisible,inkyblacknessbeyondtheglass—itcreatedtheunsettlingillusionofbeingcocoonedinnothingness.Hidinghershiver,Adriaglancedatthefourpeoplewhosatwaitingforthemaroundtheconferencetable:aslenderwomanBointroducedashissister,Lily,alongwiththreeothermalesranginginagefrommidtwentiestoearlyforties.
“Ifiguredfivetestsubjects,”BosaidtoJuddafterthey’dallsettledin,“wouldgiveyouenoughofarangetocrossnaturalshieldsoffthelist.”
Notnecessarily,Juddthought,notgiventhebreadthoftheAlliance.Iftheconglomeratethatrepresentedhumaninterestswasplayingsomekindofahigh-stakesgame,ithadenoughofamembershipthatitcouldhavegatheredfiveindividualswiththeraretypeofshield.However,allhesaidtoBowas,“Ready?”
Themalenodded.
TheinstanthetouchedBowen’smind—orattemptedto—heknewwithoutadoubtthatwhatstoppedhisintrusionwasnonaturalshield.Suchshieldshadalwaysfeltlikesolidwallstohispsychicsenses,butawallthatcouldbouncethingsback,repellinganypsychicprobe.Thiswasastormofelectricity.Hisprobesgotthrough…butweredestroyedbeforeeverreachingtheirdestination.
Riveted,hetriedthemostsubtletelepathictricksheknew,includingonesWalkerhadtaughthimduringhisclandestine’portstohisbrotherwhenJuddwasahalf-brokenteenagerinanArrowtrainingfacility.Theyfailed,allofthem.Theshieldwasamasterpiece,poweredbytheelectricalchargeofthebrainitself,andcalibratedtoprovidemaximumprotection.
Aswithachangeling,theonlywaytodisruptitwithouthavinglong-termaccesstothevictimwouldbetoblastinwithbrutepower,whichwouldlikelyresultinseverebraindamage.Futileifdataextractionwasthetarget.Thesolitaryotheroptionwasthesurgicalremovalofthechip.Unless—“Isthechipfusedtoyourbrainstem?”Chapter44
BOWENGAVEAshortnod.“Anyattempttoremoveitonceit’sfullyintegratedwillcausedeath.”
Whichmeantextractionwouldbeaspointlessasviolentforce.
Consideringotherwaystogetthroughtheelectricity,JuddturnedtoLily.Shewentwhite,clearlylesscertainoftheefficacyoftheshieldthanBowen,butnoddedwhenheaskedforpermissiontoattempttobreachtheshield.Hers,hefound,wasdifferentfromBowen’s—less“active”insomeways,thecurrentssmoother,butitwasjustasefficientindegradinghisprobes.
“Thetestiscomplete,”hesaid,retreatingfromthemindofthefinalsubject
BowenindicatedthatitwasalrightforLilyandtheotherstoleave,buttheyhesitated.ThesecuritychieflookedatJudd.“Theywanttoknowifyouwereabletogetin.”
ItwasadesireJuddcouldappreciate.“No.Infiltrationprovedimpossible.”
Bowencontinuedtogrinafterthedoorsclosedonthefourvolunteers,linescreasingthepalebrownhueofhisskin.“Doyouhaveanydoubtsabouttheoriginoftheshield?”
“It’sunequivocallymechanical,”Juddsaid,speakingtoRiazandAdriaaswellasBowen.“Anextremelybeautifulpieceofbiocompatibleengineering.”Hisadmirationwasgenuine—aswashisconcern.“Isitsafe?”
“We’vedoneextensivetests.”Despitetheconfidentwords,Bowen’ssmilefadedintoalookofgrimresolve.“Nowthatwe’veauthorizedageneralrollout,requestsarefaroutstrippingsupply,eventhoughwe’vebeenbluntabouttherisks.Thefactis”—theAlliancesecuritychief’sjet-blackeyeslockedwithJudd’s—“evenifitdoesblowupourbrainsinafewmonthsorafewyears,we’dstillhavehadthattimeknowingthatnoonecouldcomeinandtakewhatheorshewanted.Knowingourthoughtswereprivate.”
Juddunderstoodtheneed.He’dfeltthesamehelplessnessasachild.Hisentirelifehadbeenoutofhiscontrol,heldinthehandsofthosewhowantedonlytousehim.“Fullintegration—howlongdoesittake?”
“Ayearaccordingtotheprojections,”Bowensaid.“Afterthat,thechipwill,inessence,becomepartofthebrainstem.”
“So”—Riaz’stonewasquiet,serious—“decidingtoputinoneoftheseisalifetimecommitment.”
“Yes.”Bowenrubbedthetopofhishead,thestubbleraspingagainsthispalm.“Wedidthefirstfivetwoweeksapart.We’rethecontrols.Ifsomethinggoeswrongwithnumberonewithinthatgraceperiod,numbertwohasashottogetthechipout,andsoon.”
“You’dbethefirsttofall.”Adria’shuskyvoice.
“It’smyjobtoprotectmypeople.”Pushinghischairbackfromthetable,Bowenstood,handsbracedonthetable.“Sharetheinformationwithyourpack,andwithDarkRiverandWindHaven.Ifyouhavehumanpackmateswho’repreparedtotaketherisk,theAllianceiswillingtoletacertainnumberofthemcutintothequeueasagestureofgoodfaith.”
SIENNAwassittingbesideIndigoontheedgeoftheWhiteZone,supervisingagroupoftwo-year-oldsplayinginthesandpitwhiletheirmindershadacoffeebreak,whenthelieutenantsaid,“Youneedtostartshadowingdifferentmembersofthepack.”
“Othersoldiers,youmean?”Siennaasked,assumingitwasanexerciseofsomekind.
Butthetallerwomanshookherhead,herlongponytailbrushingagainstthebackofthefittedWestern-stylewhiteshirtwiththree-quartersleevesshe’dtuckedintoherlow-slungjeans.“Onepersonfromeverysubgroupintheden,frommaternalfemalestohealers,totechs,tomechanics,todomesticoperations.Soldiers,youalreadyknow.And,it’snotanorder,”thelieutenantadded,“butasuggestion.”
SiennatooktimetothinkthroughIndigo’srecommendation,understandingthelieutenantmeantfarmorethanshe’dactuallysaid.“LikeHawke,”shefinallymurmured,speakingmoretoherselfthanIndigo.“Heknowseveryminutedetailofeveryaspectofthepack.”
“Yes.”Onearmhookedeasilyoverthelegshe’ddrawnupattheknee,herbacktoayounggreenpine,Indigopausedtocalloutencouragementtoacoupleoflittleoneswhowerestrugglingwiththeirsandpails.“Holdon,Ibettergohelpbeforetheyburyeachother.”
Returningacoupleofminuteslater,sandonthekneesofherjeansandthefadingechoesofthewolf’slaughterinhereyes,shesettledbackintoherspot.“Tellmethereasonwhy,”shesaid,asiftheirconversationhadneverbeeninterrupted.
“SoIcanbehissoundingboard.”Thepersonwithwhomhecoulddiscussideashewasn’tyetreadytotaketohislieutenants.“SoIcanunderstandthenuancesofthesituationshehastohandledayin,dayout.”
“Smartgirl.”Brushingoffherknees,thelieutenantturnedtolookather.“Butthat’snottheonlyreason.”
“It’sforme,too,”Siennasaidslowly,graspingwhatitwasIndigowantedhertosee.“Tomakethejourneyfromnovicesoldierto…somethinglikealieutenant”—butnotthesame,herpriorityHawkeratherthanthepack—“fasterandsmoother.”Wolvesrespectedstrength,andshehadthat.Butsheneededmoreexperience,andcrucially,sheneededtheacceptanceofthepackwhenitcametoanychangeinherplaceinthehierarchy.“ThemorepeopleIshadow,themoreconnectionsImake.”
Indigo’sshoulderbrushedherownasthelieutenantnodded.“Everywolflikestofeelappreciated.Hawkedoesitinstinctively—you’llhavetodoitmoreconsciously,butinnowaydoesthatdevaluethecommitmentyou’dbemakingtoknowandunderstandthebeatingheartofthepack.”
Spoken,Siennathought,liketheprotectorIndigowas.Theywerestronger,undeniablymorelethal,butalldominantsconsideredthemselvesinservicetothevulnerableinthepack—becausewithoutthosegentlerpackmates,therewouldbenoonetoprotect,noreasonforthemtoexist…nosenseofahomecoloredinaffectionandwarmth.IthadtakenheryearsoflivingwithSnowDancertounderstandsuchsubtleties.“Ithinkitwouldbeagoodideatostartwithadominantmaternalfemale,don’tyou?”Theywieldedasmuchpowerasthelieutenants,simplyinadifferentsphere.
Indigo’sglanceheldopenapprovalandapridethatmadeSiennafeelasifshe’dbeengiventhemostlavishpraise.“Yes.IthinkifyouaskLara,she’llsetitupwithAva.”
ThetensionSiennahadn’tbeenawareoffeelinguntilthatmomentleakedoutofher,hershouldersrelaxing.She’dmetAvaanynumberoftimes.Herson,Ben,wasoneofMarlee’sfriends,thoughthetwohadrecentlyfallenout—andneitherwouldsaywhattheproblemwas.“Iwill.”Drawinginlongbreathsofthecrisp,cleanair,shewatchedapupinwolfformhelphisfriendcompleteasandcastle,pattingthesandintoplacewithbabypaws.“ItfeelslikeI’mbuildingthefoundationsfortherestofmylife.”
“Doyoumindthat?”
“I’msohappy,sometimesIthinkI’llburst.”Thedepthofherjoyscaredheronoccasion.Neverhadsheimaginedshe’dhaveafuture,alife,beyondthefuryoftheX-marker.Nowthatshedid…“I’mgoingtobuildafoundationsostrong,sosolid,itwon’tevershake,nomatterwhatthefuturebrings.”Noone,notevenMingLeBon,wasgoingtostopherlivingherlife.
RIAZandAdriajoinedJuddforthetripbacktothedenthatnight.TheautomatedwaterbusfromVenicetothemainlandwasempty,nochanceofbeingoverheard,sotheyspokeinquietvoices,thewindbriskagainsttheircheeks.
“Doyouthinkanyonewillwanttotaketherisk?”Adriaasked,worryandempathybattlingforspacewithinher.Sam,strong,loyal,courageous,wasbothadominantandhuman.ItwoulddevastatehimifhefellvictimtoaPsymentalviolation,theactasavageblowtotheheartofhisnature.“Icanseewhytheywould.”
Bracinghisforearmsonhisthighs,Riazsaid,“Ihavetoadmit,Ineverreallyconsideredjusthowvulnerablehumansmustfeel,”atroubledexpressionmarkingthestronglinesofhisfeatures.
“Yes,”Juddsaidfromherright.
Ithadn’tescapedhernoticethatthetwohadsandwichedherbetweenthemtheentiretimethey’dbeentogether.Herwolfwasirritated,itshacklesraised.Shewasn’tapuptobeprotected,butaseniorsoldier,wellabletogetherselfoutoftrouble.“DoyouthinkHawkewillwanttheinformationcirculatedthroughoutthepack?”sheasked,fightingtheurgetosnarl.Itwouldbeliketryingtoexplaintrigonometrytosomeonewho’dneverseenamathbook.Thewordsjustwouldnotcomputeintheirtestosterone-ladenmalebrains.
“No.”Riaz’sanswerwasdecisive,thedarkmasculinityofhisscenttwiningaroundherininvisiblethreads.“NotuntilAshaya’sdoneexhaustiveteststoconfirmthechipissafe.”
“Itcouldbesaid”—Judd’scalmvoice—“thatthehumansinthepackshouldbegiventheinformationandallowedtomakeuptheirownminds.”
RiazglancedatthePsymale.“Youknowapackdoesn’tworklikethat.Itcan’t.”
“Yes.”JuddechoedRiaz’sposition,thewindriflingthroughthedirtyblondofhishair.“Hawkeisresponsibleforthehealthofthepackasawhole,andsometimesthatmeansmakinghardcallswhenitcomestoindividualchoice.”
“Yes,”Riazanswered.“Ifourhumanpackmatesdecidedtodothis,andthechipsfailed,theirdeathswouldriptheheartrightoutofSnowDancer.Thegainisnotworththerisk,notyet.”
Riaz’sstatementechoedinsideAdria.
Shethoughtoftheriskshewastaking,withthispassionate,loyallonewolfwhomightneverfullybelongtoher,knewshemightjustbesettingherselfupforthehardestfallofall.But,asshe’dtoldRiaz,shewasn’texactlyundamagedgoods.And…shedidn’teverwanttolookbackandregretwhatcould’vebeen.
Lifemighthurt,mightbruise,mightforeverscar,butitwasforliving.
“Ifyouthinkaboutit,”Juddsaidasthefiercethoughtpassedthroughhermind,“thePsyNetisstructuredmorelikeapackthananythingelse,withtheCouncilinplaceofanalpha.”
Adriashookherhead,herwolfrejectingtheidea.“There’sabigdifference—Hawke’severydecision,whetherornotit’sdemocratic,isforthegoodofthepack,whiletheCouncilorshaveawayofusinguptheirpeopleuntilthere’snothingleft.”Itangeredhertothecorethatitwastheoneswhoweremeanttoprotect,whoweredoingthemostharm.
“Thisgeneration,yes.”Judd’sagreementwassolemn.“ButCouncilspre-Silencewerefocusedonthestrengthandhealthoftheraceasawhole.Ironically,it’sthatdesirethatledtoSilence,butIthinktheseedsofhopearethere,buriedinthedarkness.”
AsRiazrespondedtoJudd,thelowrumbleofhisvoiceraisingthehairsonherarms,shefoundherselfthinkingthatRiazwas,inmanyways,moresimilartoJuddthanhewastoanotherwolf.Itwouldtakehimtimetotrustawomanenoughtofullyopenuptoher,butoncehedid,hewouldbedevoted.
Adriadidn’texpectsuchdevotion…wasn’tsureshecouldhandleitifithappened,herwolfpanickedattheideaofthepossessivenessthatwouldbepartandparcelofthatkindoflove.ItmadeherwonderhowBrennahandleditwithJudd—theotherwomanwasn’tadominant,andhadbeenterriblywoundedwhensheandJuddhadfirstgottentogether.
Butthatwasn’ttheonlythingshewondered.“Doyoueverregretbeingmated?”sheaskedJuddafterthey’dmadetheirwayfromthewaterbustotheairportandgrabbedseatsinthegatelounge.Evenasshespoke,hereyesfollowedRiaz’smuscledformashewalkedovertothecoffeestandtograbthemdrinks,hishairglintingwithhiddenhighlightsofcopperandbronze.
Juddgaveheranunreadableglance.“Anunusualquestionfromawolf.”
“Wouldn’titbeeasier,”sheclarified,“todotheworkthatyoudo,towalkintodanger,ifyoudidn’thaveamatewhoseheartwouldbreakifyouwerehurt?”
Juddtookhistimeanswering,hisgazeonthewideconcourseandthepeoplewalkingandrunningtocatchtheirairjets.“Itwouldbemore…convenient,”hesaidatlast.“Butitwouldn’tbeeasier—Silenceisbasedonthepreceptthatemotionisaweakness,butwhatIfeelforBrennamakesmestronger.Ifightharder,dirtier,androugher,becauseIknowanyinjurytomewillreboundonher.”
“Soundslikeaseriousdiscussion,”Riazsaid,handingJuddthebottleofwaterhe’drequested,beforepassingoverAdria’shotchocolate.“Withmarshmallows.”Asmilethatcreasedhischeeks,madehiseyesflickergold,wildandcompelling.
Herwolfawakenedatthesightofhisown,thehappymemoriesoflyingbesidehimonthebedintheirhotelroommakingitrubupagainstherskininprimalaffection.Itwasallshecoulddonottonuzzleherfaceintohisneck.“Icantellyou’redrinkingyourusualsludge.”Thescentofhiscoffeewasrich,potent.
“It’llputhaironmychest.”Lipsstillcurved,hesettledintohisseat,drapinghisarmalongthebackofhers.“So”—histhighpressingagainstherownashepushedintoherspaceinaverymaleway—“whatareyoutwodiscussing?”
“Whetheremotionmakesusstrongerorweaker,”AdriasaidbeforeJuddcouldmentionmating,herhearttwistingattheideaofstealingthesmilefromRiaz’seyes.“Whatdoyouthink?”
Takingagulpofhisno-doubtscaldingcoffee,Riazsaid,“I’dsayit’swhatmakesushumaninthewidersense.Withoutit,wemightaswellbemachines.”
“Regardlessoftheirproblems,”Judddisagreedatonce,“thePsyintheNetaren’tinhuman.”
“Becauseinsomedeeppartofthemselves,”Riazargued,“theydofeel.”
“Yes.”ItwasanunexpectedresponsefromamanAdriaguessedhadgonethroughthemoststringentconditioningintheNet.“SilencewasneveraswatertightastheCouncil’spropagandamachinewould’veledustobelieve.”Henoddedtowardamotherandchildwalkingdowntheconcourse,thechild’shandheldtightlyintheadult’s.
Itwasclearbythecoollackofexpressionontheirfaces,thesubtlestiffnessofthewoman’swalk,thattheywerePsy.“ACouncilorwouldsaysheholdsthegirl’shandbecauseit’sapracticalmethodtoensurehergeneticlegacyisnotlostorharmed.”
Atthatverysecond,Adriasawthewomanshifttoblockasuitcasefrombangingintothechild,takingthebumpherself.“Perhapsit’sevenwhatshebelieves,”Adriamurmured,“butthere’smorethere.”Aprotectivenessthathadthewomantuckingthechildclosertoherbody,herhandcuppingthebackofthesmallblondehead.
“NotforallPsy.”Juddstaredataluggagecartabouttorollawayfromanelderlywoman,anditcametoagentle,seeminglynaturalstop.“It’stoolateforsome,thedamagedonebytheconditioningtoodeep.”
“AirjetExpressBD21toSanFrancisconowboarding.”
Finishingoffherhotchocolate,Adriagathereduptherestoftheirgarbageandtookittotherecycleslot.RiazandJuddwereupandwaitingforherwhenshereturned,withRiazhavingslungherduffeloverhisshoulder,alongwithhisown.Shehadnoproblemwiththat.Butwhenthetwoofthemwenttofallinoneithersideofher,shehalted.“Idonotneedbodyguards.”
Aconfusedlookfromboth.
Herwolfflasheditscanines.“Iknewitwouldn’tcompute.”Chapter45
RIAZSEPARATEDFROMAdriawhentheyreachedthedenlateafternoonSanFranciscotime.Showering,hepulledonhismostwell-wornjeans,thefabricsoftfromrepeatedwashing,andaT-shirt,thenmadehiswaytoherdoor.Herscentwasdampandwarmwhensheopenedit,herhairsleekandshinyfromherownshower,herbodycoveredinsoftgraypajamapantsandafadedpurpleteebearingthepictureofadepressedcartoondonkey.
Araisedeyebrow.“Yes?”
Hiswolfnarroweditseyesathercontinuedirritability.NeitherhenorJuddhadbeenabletofigureoutwhathadputherbackupbeforetheyboardedtheairjet.He’dletherstewinsilenceduringthetrip,butnowsteppedintoherspaceandnippedsharplyatherlowerlip.“Whyareyouactingsnippy?”Hekickedthedoorshutwithhisfoot.
Glaringathim,sherubbedattheliphe’dbitten.“Ijustam.Getoverit.”Shewalkedovertoflopdownonherbackonthebed.“AndgoawaysoIcansulkinpeace.”
Hefoughthissmile.Lettingitoutwouldbesuicidalwithadominantfemaleinthismood.“Ihavesomethingforyou.”Heheldupthesmallbaghe’dcarriedover.
Astartledlightinthebrillianthueofhereyes.“Yougotmeapresent?”Shescrambledupontoherknees,holdingoutherhands.“Give!”
Hewalkedacrosstositonthebed.“Idon’tknowifIshouldgiveittosomeonesobadtempered.”Playfulasapup,hiswolfgrinned.
Bracingherhandsonhisshouldersfrombehind,sheclosedherteethgentlyoverthetipofhisear.“Ibite,sobecareful.”
“SodoI.”Hesnappedhisteethather.
Adelightedlaugh,herclawskneadinghisshoulders.Whensheshiftedaroundtositcross-leggedbesidehim,heputthebaginherlap.Thewonderonherfaceasshetookoutandopenedthevelvet-linedboxwasworthallthetrickeryithadtakentobuy,thenhidethegiftfromher.HeowedPierceone.
“Oh.”Shebalancedtheglassfigurineonherpalm—ofawolfwithitseyesclosed,itstailcurledarounditself.“Thedetail…”Gesturingforhimtoholdit,sheretrievedthethreeotherfigurineswithgentlefingers.Theywereevensmaller—pupsfrolickingaroundthesleepingguardian:onegrowlingatawildflower,anothereyetoeyewithacrow,thethirdcroucheddowninasneakingposition.
Closingthebox,shearrangedallfouronthelid,placingthesneakingpupbehindtheadultwolf.Asifthepupwasplanningtopounceontheguardian’stail.Hechuckled.“IremembertryingtodothattoDad.”
Adriadidn’tanswer,simplylookedatthetableau,strokingafingeroveroneofthefigurinesonceinawhile.“Thisisn’tfair.”Itwasawhisper,hereyesgonehugeanddamp.
He’dboughtthemischievoussetforherbecausehe’dthoughtitwouldmakehersmile…andhelovedthewayAdriasmiledwhenshewasdeeplyhappy.He’dglimpsedthatsmileonlyonce,whenshe’dfirstlookedupfromthesheetsthemorningafterthey’ddancedonthebalcony,hadcometorealizehewantedtoseeitagainandagain.Butinsteadofjoy,hisgifthadputtearsinhereyes.
Cuppingherjaw,herubbedhisthumbovertheelegantarchofhercheekbone.“Hey.”
Sheshookherhead,pulledaway.Hedidn’tlikethat,buthelethergetupoffthebedandplacethefigurinescarefullyonthesmallvanitytuckedintoacorner.Whenshereturnedtostraddlehiminasinglesmoothmotion,hisbodyrespondedlikeamatchtoaflame,thesexualconnectionbetweenthemwhitelightning.Herlipsweresoftandwetastheyseducedhis,thetasteofheranaddictionthatfoughttostealhissenses.
Notright,hiswolfgrowled,thisisn’tright.
“Adria.”Chestheaving,hewrenchedherawaywithahandfistedinherhair.
Inresponse,shedugherclawsintohisshouldersandpushed,hereyesapale,dangerousamber.Itwould’vetakenhimtothebedifhehadn’tbeenreadyforit.Bloodscentedtheair,sharpandmetallic.Snarling,herippedherhandsoffhim,braceletingandpinningherwristsbehindherbackwithonehand.Itdidn’tinducehertodesist.Thighslockedaroundhim,sheangledherheadwithpredatoryfocus.
Hegrippedherjawwhenshewould’vesnappedforwardtosinkherteethintohisneck,squeezed.“Behave.”Thiswasachallenge,andhehadtowinit,orthey’dnevermovepastthismoment.
Asoftsmile,eyeswolf-sly.“Riaz.”Movingherbodyinasinuouscurvethatenticed,shebrokehisholdonherwristswithasinglewrenchingmove,wenttoslamherclawsintohischest.Buthewasn’tstupid,andheknewdamnwellwhohewasdealingwith—atrainedandhonedpredatorychangelingfemaleouttowin.Mercywasnotsomethingsheunderstood.Nothere.Notnow.
Twistingatthelastmoment,heusedherownmomentumtopinhertothebedonherfront.Hemanacledherwristsoneithersideofherbodybeforeshecouldcatchherbreath,pressingdownonherwithhismuchheavierframe.Shewassmart,shewasstrong,butinacontestofsheerbrutestrength,shewouldneverwin.
Whenhesankhisteethintothesmoothcurveofhershoulder,shebucked.Hecontinuedtoholdheruntilshestilled,herentirebodyquiveringwithtension.Releasinghisgriponhershoulder,thoughhecontinuedtopinherwrists,helickedatthemark,thennuzzledasideherhairtopressakisstoherjaw,herfaceturnedsidewaysonthepillow.“Sayit.”
Thesoundofteethgrinding.
Drivenbypossessionandgrimdeterminationboth,heallowedmoreofhisweighttofallonherashelickedatthemarkhe’dmade,usingslowflicksofhistongue.Itwasataunt,andthegrowlthatrumbledupfromherchesttoldhimsheknewit.Buthehadhergoodandpinned,andregardlessofhowmuchshestrained,shecouldn’tthrowhimoff.
“Iyield,”shefinallygrittedout.
Notquitetrustingher—notinthismood—hereleasedherwristsoneatatimebeforebracinghimselfaboveherononeforearm.Usinghisfreehand,hebrushedasidethedamptangleofhairfromherfaceandneck,baringthecleanlineofherprofile.“Wantmetogetoffyou?”Hecontinuedtorunhisfingersthroughherhair,pettinghertocalmness.
Aslightpausebeforesheshookherhead.
“TellmewhenIgettooheavy,”hemurmured,easinghislowerbodyintothelithecurvesofherown.
Herlashescamedownovereyesthatremainedahauntingwildamber,thenroseagain.“Itfeelsgood.”
Slidinghishandtohershoulder,herubbedhisthumbgentlyoverthebitemarkbeforereachinguptomassagehernape,herscalp.Slow,longminutespassed,butsherelaxedatlast,goingbonelessunderhim.Pressingahotlypossessivekisstothecurveofherjaw,hesqueezedherneck.“We’renotjustsex.”
Riazhadmadeuphismindtopursuethisindefinable,wonderfulthingthathadgrownbetweenhimandAdriawhenneitheroneofthemhadbeenlooking,andhewasn’tgoingtoallowthedamagedonetoherbyanothermantodestroythat.“Arewe?”Itwasaquestionheavywithdemand,hisfingerstightening.
Shedughernailsintothesheets,herjawset.Heknewshewasn’tphysicallyscaredbyhimbeingontopofher—theybothunderstoodhe’dreleasehertheinstantshemadeitclearshewantedout.No,herfearhadanaltogetherdifferentcause,herpaniconehecouldtasteinherskinwhenhelickedoutather,thesheenofperspirationthatcoveredherafinesparkle.“Adria.”
ADRIAjerkedattheunrestraineddominanceinthatcommand.Forthefirsttime,sherealizedexactlyhowcarefulhe’dbeenwithherintheirsexualencounterstodate—hemighthavebeentender,passionate,andurgentinturn,buthehadn’tallowedhertoseeintotheheartoftheblackwolfwithin.Thisman,theonewhowasspeakingtoherinasofttonethatwasahotbladeoverherskin,thiswastheprimalcoreofhim.
Hisfingersmovedagainstherneck,asilentreminderthatheheldthereins.Herwolfwasn’thappywiththat…yetitwas.Theconfusionofitcausedachaosofemotioninsideher.Solongshe’dbeenwithamanwhohadforcedhertosilenceandstiflehertrueselfinahundredsmallwaysbecausehehadn’tbeenstrongenoughtohandleher.Now,shewaswithamanwhonotonlydidn’thaveaproblemacceptingherstrength,butwhowasalsostrongenoughtooverpowerherineverywaythatmatteredtoachangeling.
Panicburnedhergutlikeacid.Shewastheonewhohadalwaysbeenincontrol,theonewhocouldstopthingsbeforetheywenttoofar,beforetheypushedhertoodeepintopainfulemotionalterritory.“Ichangedmymind,”shesaid,hertumultasmolderingblazeinsideherskin,swampingallrationalthought.“Weneedtobreakitoff.”
Releasinghernape,Riazbegantostrokehishandthroughherhairagain,slowandeasyandunmistakably,unbearablypossessive.“Icanscentyourpanic.”Akissonthemarkhe’dmadewhenhe’dbittenher.“Talktomeaboutit.”
Shecouldn’tdoit,couldn’texposethenaked,vulnerablegirlinsidetheskinofthewoman.However,whenshewenttoturnherfaceaway,heliftedhisbodyoffher.Anotherkindofpanicstungher,thesenseoflossdevastating.Butshewasbeingturnedontoherbackbeforeshecouldreact,Riaz’sheatcoveringheroncemoreashebrushedherhairoutofhereyeswithhisfreehand,hisotheronebracedbyherhead.
“Isawacactusinthedesertonce,”hesaid,hisvoicelowanddeepandahumoverherskin.“CalledQueenoftheNight.Ithadthisexquisitecreamyflower,andthescent,itintoxicatedmywolf.Butitonlyopenedatnight—youhadtobepatienttoseeit.”Eyesofbeatengold.“I’mverypatient.”Sucklingherupperlipintohismouthinanunexpectedkiss,hetoreherT-shirtononesidewithhisclawsand—holdinghergaze—shapedhishandoverherbareribcage.
Shiversracedoverherframe.Shetriedtoarchintohim,slidingherhandaroundhisbodytopushuphisownteesoshecouldtouchthehot,muscledskinofhisback.“Please.”
Butheshookhishead.“Sexiseasy.”Herockedagainsther,thehotsteelofhiserectionpushingagainsttheslick,needyfleshbetweenherthighs.“IbreatheyourscentandI’mready.”
“Thenwhyareyoudoingthis?”shewhispered,onehandfistingagainsthischest.“Let’skeepiteasy,asitwas.”Nodemands,noexpectations,noheartbreak.Becauseshe’dbeenwrong—shewasn’tbraveenoughtochancemorescars,morebruises.Notwhenthistimearound,sheknewtheagonywouldbesomuchworse.
HerwolfhadneveradoredMartinasitadoredtheblackwolfwiththegoldeneyes.
Leaningdownuntilhisfacewasabareinchaway,hisbreathhotagainstherskin,Riazsaid,“Becauseit’stoolateforthat,andyou’renotthecasualtype.Youneverhavebeen.Justlikeme.”Crushedrocksandbrokenglassinhisvoice.
Itwasinstincttocurveherhandoverhisnape,topethimashe’dpettedher.Helethertouchhim,letherclaimskinprivilegesthatwerebecomingevermorecomplicated.She’dthoughtshe’dfiguredeverythingoutinVenice,buttonight,whathe’ddone,ithadtouchedthesecret,idealisticallyhopefulpartofhershe’dallowednoonetoreachforsolong,itwasaforgottenmemory.Thefacthe’dalreadydoneso,whentheirrelationshiphadhardlybegun,ithadherstomachinknots,herheartthumpingagainstherribs.
Andthentherewashisdominance.
Hespreadhishandonherthroatjustthen,curvingitinagentlehold.“What’reyouthinkingthat’sgotyourwolfsowary?”heaskedinalowmurmur,rockingonceagainstthemoltenheatofher.
Shetwistedupininstinctiveresponse,hadthepleasureofhearinghimhissoutabreathbetweenclenchedteeth.Butthoughhestrokedhishanddowntoliepossessivelyoverherunfetteredbreast,hedidn’ttakethenextstep,theonethatwould’veleftthemtangledandsweatsoaked.“Igotusedtobending,”sheadmitted,fightingherpridetoexposewhatafoolshe’dbeen.
“WithMartin.Ihadtobendtomakehimhappy.”Ithadtakenplacesoslowly,shehadn’tunderstoodthecorrosiveuglinessofwhatwashappening.Smallthings,she’dthought,thingsthatdidn’treallymatter—afterall,themanhadriskedeverythingtosaveherlife.Untilshe’drealizedshe’dbeguntoburyAdriatopleaseMartin.“Hewasnowherenearasstrongasyou.”
Riazsnorted.“You’vebeenbustingmyballssincetheinstantwemet—Isureashelldon’tthinkyou’resuddenlygoingtoflutteryourlashesandsimperatmyeveryword.”
Wolfandwomanbothblinkedattheridiculousimage.“It’snotthatsimple.”Shetriedtofindthewordstoexplain.“Martinmademeweak…No.That’snotfair.”Therehadbeentwopeopleinthatrelationship.“Iweakenedmyselftomakehimhappy.I’mterrifiedI’lldothesamewithyou.”Thatwasherflaw,nooneelse’s.
Moldingherbreastwithstrongfingers,Riazleaneddowntotakeherlowerlipbetweenhisteeth,releasingitoh-so-slow.“Soyouwanttoendthingsbeforetheybegin?”Ahardersqueeze,adeeperhintofteethalongherjaw.“That’stherealweakness.”
Shedugherclawsintohisbackwhenhebitheragain.“DothatonemoretimeandI’llgiveyouanicenewtattoo.”
Lipscurvingagainstherneck.“Yeah.”Hisclean-shavenjawwassmoothoverherskin.“I’mnotrealworriedaboutyoubendingforme.”Pushingupintoakneelingpositionstraddlingherhips,herippedoffhisT-shirtandthrewittothefloorbeforecomingdownoverher,handsoneithersideofherhead.“Openyourmouthforme.”
“Isthatarequestoranorder?”
Alazysmilethatreachedhiseyes,hismouthcapturinghersinhotdemand.Sherubbedhertongueagainsthis,felthimgrowldeepinhischest.Shuddering,shepressedherhandstohischest,hismuscledbodyherstoexplore.Butwhensheranherknucklesdownthetantalizinglineofhairbelowhisbellybuttonandtothetopofthejeansthathungsexilylowonhiships,heonlyallowedhertoopenthetopbuttonbeforetuggingawayherhand.
“Igettoplayfirst.”
He’drippedherT-shirttoshredsandwastuggingoffherpajamabottomsandpantiesbeforesherealizedshewashisintendedtoy.Notresistanttotheideaandwithafewofherown,shepressedafoottohischesttheinstantshewasbaretotheskin.“Getnaked.”Verymuchanorder.“Iwantfullskinprivileges.”Shecravedthesweet,hotslideofhisbodyagainsthers,thehardmaleanglesanddeliciousweightofhim.
Akisspressedtoherfoot,andsuddenly,shewasbeingflippedontoherfront,thecoldmetalofhiszipperbitingintoherashesettledhisweightoverher,hiscockahardoutline.“No.”Hotdenialinherear,onebighandshovingunderherbodytoteaseandtugathernipple.“IthinkI’llbethebosstoday.”Chapter46
“RIAZ.”ITWASawarning,herclawsslicingintothesheets.
Chuckling,helavedakissonhernapeand—tohersurprise—obeyedherunspokendemand,risingontohishaunches,histhighsoneithersideofherhips.Justwhenshewasabouttoturnover,heputhishandsonherbackandbegantomassagedownwardfromhershoulders,hishandsstrong,hisfingersknowing.Shemoaned
Bythetimehegottothebaseofherspine,she’dgivenupeventhevaguestthoughtsofrebellion.“Youhavetwodimpleshere.”Awet,lusciouskisstoeachthatmadehermoan.
Apparentlyfascinatedbythespot,helickedeachdimple,rubbedhischeekagainstherskin.“Ishavedespeciallyforyou.”
Hertoescurled.“Iappreciateit.”Thoughshewasinnowayaversetotheroughscrapeofhisstubble,itmeltedherthathe’dtakenthetime.
“Don’tworry,I’llgetmypayment.”
Herheartthudded,everyinchofherveryawareshewasinbedwithabig,dangerouswolfwhowantedtododistinctlyeroticthingstoher.Whenheliftedhishead,silkenstrandsofhairslidingoverherskin,sheexpectedhimtogetoffthebed,removehisjeans,buthestayedinplace,movinghishanddowntoshapeandcaressherlowercurves.“Icanscentyou,sowetandready.”
ThemuskofthewomanbeneathhimactedasadrugonRiaz’ssenses,theslicknessofherpureprovocationwhenhecircledtheentrancetoherbodywithasinglefinger.
“Riaz.”Notawarningthistime.Aninvitation,hersweetcurvesrisingtofollowhistouch.
Lovinghersosoftandpleasured,heshiftedtokneellowerdownherbody,unzippingandshovinghisjeansdownenoughtoreleasehiscockwithahissofpleasure-pain.Squeezinghisturgidflesh,hefoughtforcontrol,foundenoughtocaresshishandsoverherhips.“Up,Empress.”
“Empress?”Shebroughtupherkneesinafluidslide,risingsoherbackpressedintohischestatthesamemoment.
Thebluntheadofhiscockalreadybathedinherslickness,hesimplyflexedhishipsandpushedintoherwithslow,exquisitelypleasurabledeliberation.“Queen,”hegritout,fingersdiggingintoherhips,“doesn’tseemenough.”
“Sweettalker.”Hislover’snailsmadetinyhalf-mooncrescentsonhisthighs,herbreathingragged,herbackarched,thrustingherbreastsforwardinsensualdisplay.
Growling,hereachedaroundtoclosehishandsovertheplumpmounds.“Dowhatyouwill.”
Shemovedonhim,squeezingandreleasing,andheknewhewasn’tgoingtolastmuchlonger.Flickingonetautnippleinawaythatalwaysmadeherclencharoundhim,heslidahanddowntofondleandteasetheslipperynubofherclitoris.
“Riaz!”Shespasmedaroundhiminaburstofmoltenpleasurethatrippedascreamoutofher.Butwhenshetriedtoridehimtocompletion,hedroppedhisfreehandtogripherthigh,haltingher.
“You’remytoy,remember?”Thiswasn’tjustaboutsex,andhewouldn’tallowhertoforgetit.
“Thenplaywithme.”Sheturnedherfacetodemandakiss.
Pleasedathertrust,hegaveherthatkiss,andmore,pettingandcaressingandindulgingbeforehedroppedhishandtoherclitagain.Playingwiththehardlittlebundleofnervesuntilshewasgrindingherbodyagainsthiminwildneed,herbreastsheavyandsensitivetohiseverytouch,hetookholdofherhips.
“Slow”—heliftedheroffhiscock,teethclenchedagainsttheneedtopound—“anddeep”—heslidherbackdowntoherlong,hotmoan—“andsowet.”
Thistimeheliftedheruntiltheheadofhiscockpoppedout.Pushingpastherpassion-swollenentrancemadehercomearoundhim,hermusclesclampingdowninfemininedemand.Handsrisingtosqueezeherbreasts,hethrustdeep,ridingoutthehotpulsesofherpleasure.Buthecouldn’tcome,notyet.Kissinghernape,hestrokedhishandsdownherbodytopushhergentlyforward.
Endinguponherforearms,sheshothimanamber-eyedlookovertheshoulderhe’dbitten,hereyeshazy.That’showhewantedhertoday.Pleasuredandmarkedandknowingexactlywhoheldthereins.BecausewhileAdriawasadominant,shecouldn’tbeoneinthisbed.Itwouldneverwork,notforeitherofthem.
Fistinghishandlightlyinherhair,heheldhergazeashepulledout,thrustagain.Andagain.Andagain.Untilshescreamedandorgasmedsohardaroundhimthatherentirebodytrembled.Onlythendidhesurrender,theorgasmallbutrippinghimintwo.
HAVINGleftNayawithLucasattheChinatownoffice,Saschaglancedatthejaguarwho’ddrivenherupwhenhebroughttheSUVtoastopnearthedenataroundaquartertosixthatnight.“Ithink,”shesaid,“weallagreeInolongerneedabodyguardhere.”Itwasanimpliedquestion.
“It’snotabouttrust,”Vaughnresponded.“It’saboutshowingstrength.Ouralliancedoesn’tchangethefactthatwe’retwopredatorychangelingpacks.”
Saschafeltherlipscurveintoaruefulsmile.“JustwhenIthinkIknoweverythingthereistoknowaboutchangelings.”
Theamber-blondmalewasn’toneofthemoretactilesentinels,hisreservepartofhisnature,butnowherubbedhisknucklesagainsthercheek.“Don’tworry,wewon’ttakebackyourpackmembership.”
Laughingattheslyfelinehumor,shegotoutofthevehicle,hertelepathicsensesalertinghertothefacttheywerebeingwatchedtheen-tirewaytotheden.Anothershowofstrength,aquietreminderthatSnowDancerhaditslethalreputationforareason.Larametthemattheentrance,hercorkscrewcurlsinaponytail,thepalelemonyellowofhershirtskimmingthecurvesofherbody.“It’sgoodtoseeyou.”ThehealerembracedSaschawithawarmththatwasgenuine.
“I’msorryIwasn’tabletomakeitearlier.”Anissuehadarisenwithajuvenile,somethingshe’dhadtohandleinherpositionasmatetothealpha.“ThespikeinAlice’slevelofconsciousness?”
“Slightbutholding.”Steppingback,LarasmiledatVaughn,thefoxbrownofhergazewarminthewayofhealers—ofallthepeopleinapack,theyweretheonlyoneswhohadnotroubleinteractingwith,orbeingwelcomedby,otherpacks,eventhosewhomightotherwisebetheenemy.“Hello,Vaughn.How’sFaith?”
“Shewantedmetothankyouforthephotosyousent.”
Larawavedawayhiswords.“Shesavedthelivesofthosepupswithherprediction—she’sgotaclaimonthemnow.”
AquietnodfromVaughn.
“Doyouwanttocomewithus,orheadouttocatchupwiththesoldiers?”
“I’llcome.”
Nodding,Laraledthemtotheinfirmary,updatingSaschaonAlice’smostrecentreadingsasshedidso.“Thesinglebitofgoodnews,”shesaidastheywalkedintotheinfirmary,“isthatminorshiftinherlevelofconsciousness,butitissosmallwehavetoacceptitcouldbeanaturalfluctuation.”Shegesturedtotheopendoorofapatientroom.“Alice’s.”
“I’llwaithere,”Vaughnsaid,takingawatchfulpositionoutsidethedoor.
Leavingthejaguartohispost,SaschafollowedLarainside.Asalways,Alicelaysilent,herbodycoveredbyasoftsheet,herskullbyafinecomputronicskullcapthatmonitoredhercerebralfunctions,whileanumberofotherthintubesranoutofherbody.However,shewasbreathingonherown,herchestrisingandfallinginsogentlearhythm,itwould’vebeeneasytomisshadtherestofhernotbeensoverymotionless.
Sascha’sattentionlockedonthefinebonesofAlice’sface.Markedbyfaintlinesoftension,thatfacewasn’tpeacefulinrepose,asifAlicewasfightingfromwithin,strugglingtogetout.“Icansenseher.Theemotionalresonanceisfaint,butitisthere.”Saschaintendedtostrengthenitevenfurther,havingbeenmentallyhoningherabilitytoamplify,afterreadingaboutthetechniqueinthegroundbreakingbookAlicehadwrittenmorethanahundredyearsago.
Oneofthestrongestandmostuniquegiftsofacardinalempathistheabilitytodampenemotions.Thisstudyhasbrieflymentionedhowthatabilitycanbe—andhasbeen—utilizedtocontrolriots,butthesameskillcanbeusedinreversetoheightenemotions.However,thelatterusagehastheeffectofdrainingtheE,andevencardinalscanonlyactivelymaintainitforaspanofminutes,rangingfromthreetoseven.
Alicehadn’tdescribedhowEabilitiesworkedonthepsychiclevel,thethrustofherthesismoreananthropologicalstudyonempathsasadesignation.Asaresult,Saschahadbeenleftwithtantalizingcluesbutnopracticalguidance.Whenshehadfirsttriedtocontrolavolunteer“crowd,”she’dexhaustedherselfinminutes.
Onlylaterhadsherealizedshe’dactuallybeenattemptingtoforceemotionintothecrowdratherthandampeningtheirown.Ithadbeenastart.Whileshestillhadn’tcrackedhowtodampenemotions,shedidthinkshecouldheightenthem.“IwishIhadateacherinsteadofstumblingaboutinthedark.”Itfrustratedherattimeslikethis,thepowerwithinherthatshehadnoideahowtoshape
“YoualreadyknowmorethananyotherE-Psyontheplanet—giveyourselfalittlemoretime.”SqueezingSascha’sarm,Laramovedtothecontrolpanelattheendofthebed.“Thereadingsdon’tshowanyproblems.Youcanstartwheneveryou’reready.”
Exhalingquietlytocenterherself,SaschatookoneofAlice’sthin,pallidhandsinherownandclosedhereyes.However,beforeshecouldbegin,shehadtoidentifytheotheremotionsthatlingeredinthevicinitysoshecouldestablishabaseline:Lara’sintensefocus,herconcern;Vaughn’salertwatchfulnessandcuriosity;thetenorofadeepfriendshipemanatingfromtwochangelingsinanotherpatientroom.
Baselinelaid,shenarrowedherattentiontoAlice.
Frustration.
Clean,clearbutsofaintshehadtostraintosenseit.Isolatingtheemotionwithmeticulouscare,Saschabegantodowhatshe’dtheorized.InsteadofbluntlypushingemotionintoAlice,sheinstead“hummed”anemotionalnotethatresonatedwithAlice’sfrustration.
Ifitworkedasshethoughtitshould,itwouldchangethedepthofAlice’sfrustration,bringittothesurfaceofherconsciousness.Oncethere,itshouldcontinuetoresonateatthehigherfrequency,stimulatingAlice’sminduntilthehumanwomanhadthestrengthtobreakfree.Saschadidn’tknowhowlongshe’dbeenhummingthenote,changingthepsychicrangetofindtheperfectpitch,whensomething“clicked.”
“I’mseeingablip.”Lara’squietlyexcitedvoicecamefromadistance.“Ithinkit’sworking.”
TWOdaysaftertheirreturnfromVenice,andAdriahadnoideawhatshewasdoingabouttowalkintotheDelgadohouseinSanDiego.Riazhadcaughtheraroundfourthatafternoon,justaftershe’dcompletedhersecondsessionwithaunitofIndigo’snoviceswhowantedtolearnthestyleofmartialartsatwhichAdriawasproficient.SiennaLauren,who’dbeenthefirsttosignup,wasturningouttobewellsuitedtothediscipline.
“It’stheunderlyingorderofit,”theyoungwomanhadsaid.“Ilikethefacttheentireartisbuiltonabaseofhundredsofsetmovesthatthefighterputstogetherinunexpectedways.”
ItwasSiennashe’dbeenchattingwithwhenRiazappearedontheedgeoftheoutdoortrainingarea.“Imanagedtogettwoticketsonthehigh-speedtraintoSanDiego,”he’dsaidwhentheyoungerwomanhadtakenherleave.“Departingintwohours.”
Startled,ithadtakenheramomenttofigureoutwhathemeant.“Wecan’ttakeoffagainsosoonafterVenice,”she’dsaid,heartinherthroat.
“Returntriptonight—we’llgetbackintothedenaroundtwoa.m.You’redonefortheday,right?”
“Yes,butIwasplanningtocatchuponsomepaperwork.”Likealldominantsinchargeofminors,shemadesuretokeeptheirparentsupdatedwithweeklyreports.
“Doitonthetrain.”He’dtappedhercheekwithhisfinger.“Comeon,Empress.Iwantyoutomeetmyfamily.”
She’dbeenhitsidewaysbytheemotionalimportoftherequest—thefactRiazhadinvitedhersoclosetotheheartofhispersonalpack…itmadeathousandbutterfliesawakeninherstomach.
“Thegardensarestunning,”shecommentednowastheysteppedoutofthetaxi,onehandunobtrusivelyonherabdomeninanefforttosoothetheflutteringwithin.
“Youhavewonderfultaste,dear!”Thesamesmall,curvywomanshe’dseenatHawkeandSienna’smatingceremonyappearedunexpectedlyfromaroundthesideofasprawlingrosebush,handsheldoutandahugesmilewreathingherface.“I’msogladtomeetyou,Adria.”
AdrialeaneddowntoacceptAbigailDelgado’shug,thescentofheramixofspicesshecouldn’tnameandasweetfloralnote.“Me,too,”shesaid,suddenlytongue-tied.
WhenAbigailsteppedback,AdrialookeduptoseeRiaz,dressedinjeansandachocolatedarkshirtwiththesleevesrolleduptotheelbows,beinghuggedbyatallmanwhohadsuchstrikinglysimilarfeaturesitwascleartheywerefatherandson.TheonlydifferencewasthatthethickblackofJorgeDelgado’shairwasfaintlythreadedwithsilver,thefinelinesatthecornersofhiseyesandaroundhismouthaddingaquietdepthofcharacter.“God,”shesaidwithoutthinking,“Riazisgoingtogetevenmorebeautifulashegrowsolder.”
Abigail’sdelightedlaughmadeAdriacolor,butRiaz’smothertuckedAdria’sarmintoherownandsqueezed.“It’saterriblecrosswehavetobear,sweetheart.”
Meetingthosetwinklingeyesatthewhisper,Adriaburstoutlaughing,thebutterfliestakingflighttoleaveherwolfhappyonanelementallevel.Laterthatnight,whenRiaztuckedhertohissideasthetrainpunchedthroughtheopaqueveilofnight,sheknewthedinnerhadbeenakintothepossessivedominanceofhislovingafterVenice—herlonewolfwasclaimingherinhisownquiet,determined,andinexorableway.
Herheartstuttered,jubilantandterrifiedinequalmeasures.Chapter47
KALEBFOUNDHIMSELFatadeadendintheNet,butinsteadofbackingawayandattemptingtonavigatearoundthesection,heexaminedeveryaspectoftheblockade.Itwasablackwall.Nofractures,nodata.Deadspace,theNettruncated.
Suchbarricadesformednaturallyinareaswithlowpopulationdensities.TheNetMindshuntedtheindividualsinthezoneintothenearestactivechannelinanexerciseinefficiencymostpeopleneverrealized—becausetheNetMindaugmentedtheNetlinkoftheaffectedtoensurethosemenandwomenfeltnostrainatbeingpsychicallypositionedoutsidetheirgeographicarea.
Theproblemwiththistruncatedsectionwasthatitwasalmostbutnotquitefarenoughawayfromarelativelydensepopulationmatrix.Anygaininefficiencyresultingfromshiftingthemindsinthissectorwouldn’thavebeenenoughtojustifytheNetMind’soutput.
Whichmeanttheneosentiententityhadn’tcreatedthisroadblock.
Ittookhimthreehourstowedgeopenasmalldoorwayinthewallofblackwithouttrippingtheinbuiltalarms.Slippingthrough,hecloseditbehindhimself,concealingthedoorwayforlateraccess.Thebarricadeprovedtohavebeennothingbutafirewallmeanttodiscourageanyonefromcontinuingtofollowthetrail—becauseitwashotagainonthisside.
Evenashesweptthroughtheslipstreaminsearchofhistarget,partofhisbraincontinuedtosiftandsortthemillionsofpiecesofrandomdatathatfloatedpast.Rumors,whispers,businessinformation,snippetsoffadingconversation,itwasallfilteredoutsoitwouldn’tcloghismind.Untilasinglefragmentmadehimpause.
…pushedtheanchordownthesteps,buthisdeath…
Nothaltinghispsychicpursuit,hetouchedtheNetMind’scuriouspresence,askedittofollowthefragment.Thevastneosentiencereturnedtohiminasplitsecondwiththereportthatthefragmentwasallthatremained.Therestoftheconversationhaddegraded,itsenergyabsorbedbackintotheNet.
Regardless,onlyoneanchorhaddiedinthatmannerintheprecedingweeks.Andsincethemodeofhisdeathhadnotbeenmadepublic,thefragmentappearedtoinferthemalehadbeenmurdered.WhatKalebcouldn’treasonoutwaswhy.AsheandAdenhaddiscussed,thedeathofananchorofferednooneintheNetanyadvantage.
Followingthatlogic,itwaslikelythemurderwastiedtosomethingthathadnothingtodowiththevictim’spositionasananchor.Thatotherreasonwasoftencold,rationalmoney—theanchor’sheirsmightsimplyhavewantedtohastenthespeedoftheirinheritance.
KalebsentAdenatelepathicmessage,takingcarenottodisturbthetrailinfrontofhim.Itglowedafaintsilvertohispsychicsenses,andhewasalmostcertainthiswasit…whenitdisappearedwithtotalabruptness.
I’llfollowup.Aden’stelepathicvoice.
Kalebrespondedautomatically.Contactmeassoonasyoudiscoveranything.Hescannedhissurroundingsforanyhintofthesilverthread.Butitwasgoneasifithadneverexisted.Chapter48
FIVEDAYSAFTERthevisittohisparents,RiazwatchedAdriajogpastwithasmallgroupofherkids.Perchedashewasontopofthejunglegympartofthetrainingrun,hehadanexcellentview,knewshewasteachingthemoneoftheemergencyevacuationroutestheymightonedayhavetoutilizetoprotectthepups,shouldallthedominantsbeneededtoholdbackaninvadingforce.
Manandwolfbothstoppedwhattheyweredoingtowatchthewomanwho,hewasslowlybeginningtosee,wasasmuchanurturerasanaggressiveprotector.Anunusualcombination,rareinthehierarchy.Whileshewasundoubtedlyadominantsoldierwithimpressiveoffensivecapabilities,therewasagentlenessaboutherthatwasmoreakintothatofthematernalfemales.Itwasanaspectofherpersonalityhe’dbrushedupagainstmorethanoncewithoutrealizingit—anditmadehisprotectivenesstowardherintensify,untilheknewhe’dhavetobecarefulnottocrosslinesthatwouldmostdefinitelyannoyhisamber-eyedwolf.
Asifsensinghisscrutiny,sheturnedtolookoverhershoulder,herexpressionsoftening.“Hey,”shemouthed.
“Hey,”hemouthedback.
Lipscurving,shereturnedherattentiontotheteenagersaroundher,disappearingunderthethickcanopyofthetreesnotlongafterward.Hiswolfstretcheditsneck,tryingtocatchafinalglimpseofher,butitdidn’tsnarlwhenthetreescontinuedtoblockitsview—itknewshe’dreturntohim,thebondsbetweenthemnolongercobwebfine.WhathadhappenedafterVenicehadchangedthingsonafundamentallevel.
He’dmadehisdecision,madehisclaim.
Adriahadn’trejectedhispossession—notthesameasacceptance,butashe’dtoldher,hewasapatientman.Smilingatthewaythisskittishwolfwasbeginningtotrusthimwithpiecesofherheart,heturnedhisattentionbacktotheobstaclecoursethatwasthetrainingrun.Thesoldiershadbeguntolearntheoldpattern,whichmeantitwastimetoreconfigureitintoanewone,whichhewasdoing,withJudd’shelp.
Theotherlieutenant,hishairbacktoitsnormalchocolatebrownshade—Riaz’swolfsnorted—teleportedhimawrenchwhenhecalledoutforit.“Thanks.”Hetwistedastubbornboltintoplace,hismindgoingthroughtheissuestobediscussedattheupcominglieutenantmeeting.“HeardanythingfromAshaya?”
“Justanupdateonhowlongherinitialtestswilltake,”Juddcalledoutfromunderthestructure.“Approximatelyamonth.Ashaya’sverydogmaticanddetailorientedinherwork.”
“Good.”Unscrewingasmallpiece,hesnappeditintoanewpositionontheright.“Bowen—what’syourtake?”
Juddcameoutfromunderthestructuretolookupathim,wipinghisforearmacrosshissweat-dampforeheadandleavingastreakofgreasebehind.“Heis,inasense,analpha.TheAlliancelookstohimfordirectionandprotection—seenthatway,hisactionsmayberuthless,butthey’reforthegoodofhispack.”
“Spokenlikeatruewolf.”
Juddcaughtthewrenchhethrewdown,waitinguntilRiaz’sfeethitthegroundtosay,“AsDrewwouldsay,ifyoucan’tbeat’em…”
“Yeah,toolatetobackoutnow.Weknowwhereyoulive.”
Judd’sresponsewastoputthewrenchwiththeothertoolsandraisehiseyebrow.OfcourseRiazcouldn’tturndownthechallenge,andtheywerescramblingoverthemodifiedjunglegyminseconds.ItdumpedJuddonhisasstwominutesin.Riazlastedanothertenseconds.“Damn,”hesaidwithasatisfiedlaugh.“Gotusboth.Excellent.”Noonewasgoingtolearntobeatthisconfigurationinahurry.
Eyesnarrowed,Juddstaredatthestructureasifatamortalenemy.Slappinghisfellowlieutenantontheshoulder,Riazsaid,“Don’teventhinkaboutit.”Apissed-offtelekineticversusthecomplexmetalpylonsandtubesofthejunglegym—theresultswouldnotbepretty.
Juddglancedathiswatch.“I’lldestroyitlater.”Coolasice,butRiazcaughttheglint,knewtheTkwouldbebackuntilhe’dbeatentheobstacle.“We’dbettergettothemeeting.It’salmosttwo.”
Headingin,theyputawaythetoolsandquicklywashedupbeforewalkingintothespecialconferenceroomsetupforlieutenantmeetings.Hawkeandtheotherlieutenants—viacommlinkandinperson—wereallpresent.Indigo,herfeetproppeduponasecondchair,herlegscrossedattheankles,said,“You’relate,”withoutlookingupfromherdatapad.
Thatdatapadwassuddenlyhoveringseveralinchesintheair…beforeitzippedtoastopinfrontofJudd.Takingit,hesaid,“Andyou’replayingWolfversusLeopard.”
EveryonelaughedasIndigothreatenedJuddwithbodilyharm,butthePsylieutenantcontinuedtostudythedatapad.“Youhaveanexcellentterritorialstrategy—thoughitappearsthisgameskewstofavorwolves.Wasthedeveloperawolf?”
“Iconfess!”Tomásthrewuphishands.“Itwasme.”
NudgingthedatapadbacktoIndigo,Juddtwistedachairaroundtositwithhisarmsbracedontheback.“Ifyouwantcatstoplayit,too,youhavetoevenouttheplayingfield.”
Tomás’seyesgleamed.“Ithinkyoujustvolunteeredtobemyimpartialtestplayer.”
“Fine.AslongasIgetashareofwhatarecertaintobehugeprofits,takingthecompetitivenessofwolvesandleopardsintoaccount.”
Tomástappedthesideofhisnoseasmorelaughterfilledtheroom.“I’llhavemypeopletalktoyourpeople.”
Hawkeleanedbackinhischair,tippingitsoitbalancedontwolegs.“His‘people’isBrenna,sowatchoutoryou’llbeluckytocomeoutofitwiththeshirtonyourback.”Handslinkedbehindhishead,heglancedatRiley.“Okay,what’sontheagendatoday?Anyattemptedmini-strikesbyPurePsyIdon’tknowabout?”Itwasanirritatedquestion.“It’slikethatmolegamewheretheykeeppoppingup.”
“Nothinginthelastfourdays,”Rileyrepliedtoaroundofapplause.“AndSamisleadingthetrap-detectionpoolwithanimpressiveninepoints.”
“Fourdays,”Indigosaidinamusingtoneofvoice.“That’sthelongestgaptodate.Strainontheirlimitedpersonnelbeginningtoshow?”
“Molesreproduceveryquickly,”Juddsaiddryly.
Jemalmostsnortedoutthewatershe’dbeendrinking.“Enoughwiththemoles,let’snotgivethemthesatisfactionofsuckingupmoreofourtime.”
“Inowdeclareamolemoratorium.”Withthatsolemnstatement—whichmadeCooperchoke—Rileypickedupthedatapadinfrontofhim.“BlackSea’sfirstonthelist.Kenji,Riaz,giveusanupdate.”
RiaznoddedatKenjitoanswer.
“Wehadabitofback-and-forth,butthey’renowhappywiththecontract.”Pushinghisshockinglysedateblackhairoutofhiseyes,KenjiglancedatHawke.“Theymadetheirdecisionaboutthealliancebeforetheyeverapproachedus.Itwasjustacaseofworkingoutthedetails.”
Riazhadtoagree.“It’sgoingtocomedowntothemeet.”HeandKenji,aswellasRiley,wouldaccompanyHawketotheface-to-facewithMianeLevèque,whileBlackSeawassendingalongEmaniandtwootherrepresentativesoftheirrulingboardwithMiane.IndeferencetoBlackSea’spreferencetobenearwater,themeetingwassettotakeplaceinawaterfrontbuildingownedbyDarkRiver.“Stillnohintonwhythey’resuddenlysokeenonanalliance.”
“Wegetanansweratthemeet,orwewalk.”Thealpha’ssmilewasallteeth.“BeautifulGarnet.Report.”
Jemrolledhereyes.“Nothingnew.I’vestillgotthesteadytrickleofPsycomingintomysector.IthinkthemajorityarecontinuingontoSanFrancisco.”
Frowning,Indigosaid,“City’sgoingtostarthavingapopulationandhousingissueifthiskeepsup.”
“It’snotthatbadyet,”Rileyreplied.“Catsarekeepinganeyeonthesituation—thereareenoughapartmentsinthegeneralareaforthetimebeing.ThePsycominginarestayingclearofdenterritoryandDarkRiver’sterritorialborders.”
Coop,who’dtouchedbasewithRiazjustyesterday,thetwoofthembullshittingoverthecomm,hadnothingtoreport.NeitherdidMatthias,butAlexeiwassportinganimpressiveblackeyeandascowl.However,allhesaidwas,“Allquiethere.”
“Noway,SexyLexie,”Tomássaid,earningadeadlylook,“fessup.Wheredidyougetthatshiner?”
“Dominancechallenge.”
Hawke’shandsdropped,thelegsofhischairslammingtothegroundashisexpressiongrewdark.“Anotherone?”
“Don’tworry—Itookoffthekidgloves.”Whitegroovesbracketedhismouth.“He’salive…barely.Idon’tthinkanyoneelsewillwanttotrytheirluck.”
“Good.”Hawke’stonewaswithoutpity.“Wemight’vegainedtwoorthreestrongsoldiersasaresultofthechallenges,butit’sawasteofyourtimedealingwiththem.”
“Didyouevenputiceonthat?”Jemasked,wincingatthedamagetoAlexei’sface.
Theyounglieutenantshrugged.“Wasn’ttime—Ididn’twanttogivehimachancetohealupbeforewedeliveredhimtohispack.”
Themessage,Riazthought,hiswolfincompleteaccord,hadtobebrutal,unmistakable.“Ithink,”hesaid,whenRileyturnedtohimandaskedforanupdateontheHumanAlliance,“itmightbetimetorevisittheideaofapermanentliaisonwiththem.”
Thesoundofteethgrinding.NobodyhadforgottenorforgivenwhatBowenhaddonethelasttimehe’dbeeninthearea.
Coopwastheonewhobrokethesilence.“Riazisright.TheAllianceistoobigtosimplyignore.”
Hawkeshovedahandthroughhishair,askedforopinions.Everyonehadone,buttheyfinallydecidedtofeeloutsomekindofaliaisonarrangement.
“Canyouhandlethat?”HawkeglancedatRiaz.“You’vegotBlackSeaaswell.”
“Kenjicantakemostoftheloadthere,”hesaid,receivinganodfromtheotherlieutenant.“Andthisisn’tafullalliancenegotiation.”HecaughtJudd’seye.“Imightneedyourinputnowandthen.”TheothermanhadaccesstothePsyNet,andRiazknewtherewerepowerfulpeopleinthepsychicnetworkkeepinganeyeontheAlliance.
“Noproblem.”
“ThepossiblecivilwarinsidetheNet,”IndigosaidtoJudd.“Anynewsonthatfront?”
“Closetoignition—allitneedsisasinglematch.”Achillingprediction.“I’vegottenthewordoutamongthePsyinthecity.Theforewarningmaysavesomeofthem.”
Some,Riazthought,notall.
CLOSINGthedoortoherofficeaftercompletingtheday’ssessionwiththekids,Adriawipedherhandsonherjeans,tookadeepbreath,andputthroughthecall.Itwasansweredonthesecondring,hermother’svividblueeyesfillingthecomputerscreen,thehoneybrownofherhairtumblingoverhershoulders—itwasCullanMorganwhohadgivenhisdaughterstheebonyoftheirhair,butTarah’sandAdria’seyescamefromFelicity.
“Adria.”Heartfeltsmileonherface,hermomreachedtowardthescreenasiftotouchAdria,thendroppedherhandwitharuefulsmile.“Howareyou,mybabygirl?”
Adria’sheartclenchedatthelovethatsanginhermother’severyword.She’dkeptherdistancefromherparentsfortoolong,drivenbyacausticmixofshameandanger,andherwolfachedtofeelthefiercenessofhermother’sembrace,theroughaffectionofherfather’stouch.“Good.IwenttoVenice.”
“Oh,howlovely.Iknowyoualwayswantedto.”Felicitybeamed,glancedoverhershoulder.“Cullan,comehere!Yourpumpkin’sonthecomm.”
Adrialaughed,knowingthatregardlessofherageorrank,she’dalwaysbetheirsurprisebaby.“Hi,Dad,”shesaidwhenherfather’shandsomefacefilledthescreen.
“Ishouldspankyou,AdriaMorgan,”washisgrowlingresponse,hisbeardsprinkledliberallywithsilver.“Whenareyouplanningtovisityourparents?”
“SoonasIcangetthreeorfourdaysofleaveinarow.”HerparentswerebasedinLosAngelesasaresultofhermother’spositionattheuniversity,herfatherinchargeofSnowDancer’sconstructionarminthecity.“Riley’sinaverygoodmood,soImightbeabletoswingitinthenextfewweeks.”
“Oh,Iheard,”hermothersaidwithadelightedgrin.“He’llmakeawonderfulfather.”
“Thathewill,”Cullanagreed.“Alwayshadasteadyheadonhisshoulders—evenwhenhewasmakingtroublewithHawke,Cooper,Riaz,andtheotherswhentheywereyounger.”
AdriahaddecidedtokeephersilenceonherdeepeningrelationshipwithRiaz.Itwasn’tthatshedidn’twanttoshareherfamilywithhim,didn’twantherparentstomeettheintelligent,passionatelonewolfwhowastwiningeverstrongerbondsaroundherheart,butthatshehadtobedeadcertain.Neveragaindidshewanthermotherandfathertoworryandhurtastheyhadwhenshe’dbeenwithMartin.
No,thenexttimesheintroducedamantoherfamily,itwouldbebecausesheknewhelovedherwithhisheartandsoul,hisdevotionunflinching.Chapter49
SIENNA’SNERVESWEREshotbythetimesheshovedintoHawke’semptyofficeandsprawledinhischairlatethatafternoon.Thescentofhimsurroundedher,butitwasn’tenough.Scowlingbecauseshewantedtosulkwithhim,shegotup,decidingtotrackhimdownlikehesooftendidher.
Itdidn’ttakelong—becausesheknewwhotoask.
“Isawhim,Sinna!”BenvolunteeredwhensheinterrogatedthekidsintheWhiteZone.“He’sfixingacar.”
“Thanks,Ben.”Shekissedhischeek—andthecheeksofalltheotherpupswho’dgatheredaround—thenmadeherwaydowntothegarage.
Hawkewasn’t,infact,“fixingacar.”Hewasdiscussingaruggedall-wheel-drivevehiclethatlookedlikeithadbeentakenapartpiecebypiece,withtheheadmechanic.Stayingoutofsight,shedidn’tinterruptwhatseemedtobeanimportantconversation,butsheknewhewasawareofher,hiswolfrubbingagainstthematingbondinaprimalhello.
Shedidn’tknowhowsheknewwhichpartofhimshewastalkingtoatanygiventime.Shejustdid.Andshe’dlearnedtostrokethewolfthroughthebond,didsonow.WhenHawkefinishedhisconversationandwalkedacrosstoher,hejusttappedheronthecheekandsaid,“Myoffice,”havingclearlysensedhermood.
Theinstanttheyenteredit,heraisedaneyebrow.“Someone’sbeensittinginmychair.”
Sheslumpedinitagain.“Thematernalfemaleshateme.”
Pale,paleblueeyessuspiciouslybland,Hawkeleanedbackagainsthisdeskinfrontofherandlookeddowntomeetherno-doubttemper-foulgaze.“I’mguessingshadowingAvadidn’tworkout.”
“Herbabywasfussytoday,soshearrangedformetoshadowNellinstead.”Cockingherfingers,shepretendedtoshootherselfinthehead.“DoyouknowhowmanytimesIwaspulledupinfrontofNellasajuvenile?Well,shedoes.Hasamemorylikeasteeltrap.”
“Isee.”
“Stoplaughing,”Siennamuttered,glaringathermatethoughhehadn’tmadeasound.“Thisisserious.”
Aninfuriatingchucklebeforeheusedhisfoottopushthechairaway,thenpullitbackinsosheendedupbetweenhislegs.“Tellmeexactlywhathappened.”
“IshoweduptomeetNellinthenursery,andwespentanhourwiththepups.Thatwasnice.”Shelovedtheinnocenceofthebabies,thewaythetoddlersshriekedindelight,theirjoyguilelessandforthright.“ItwaswhenweleftthatNelldecidedtowanderdownmemorylane.Her‘favorite’”—shehookedherfingerstocreateairquotes—“oneaboutmeisfromthattimemyclasswascampinginthemountains,andIconvincedthegirlstostealandhideeverysinglestitchofclothingownedbytheboys.Shesaidshewasimpressedbytheprecisiontiminginvolvedintheraid.”
Hawkerememberedtheincident,andthepunishmenthe’dmetedouttoallthoseinvolved—fightingtheurgetocongratulatethegirlsonthesheeraudacityofthestunttheentiretime.“Nellprobablywasimpressed.”Hesureashellhadbeen.
Respondingwiththatadorablegrowlingsoundheloved,Siennapushedherselfbackuntilhischairpressedagainstthewall,herlegskickedoutinfrontofher.“Shethenmademesitthroughadisciplinesessionwithtwooftheyoungerteens—itwaslikeabadrerunofmylife.Later,shetookmetoameetingwheretheseniormaternaldominantsallworkedaroundaquilt.Icanhardlysewenoughtocompleteemergencyrepairsinthefield!”
Hmm…“Didsheinviteyouback?”
Agrumpynod.
Delighthadhimhookinghisfootunderthechairandrollingherbacktowardhim.“Askmethenameofthereigningchampoftroubleinthedenbeforeyoucamealong?”
Sienna’scontinuedblackmoodwasapparentinhermuttered,“Who?”
“Nell.”
Thatgotherattention.“Nell?”
“Yes.Andsheheldthetitlefortenyears.So”—heleaneddownwithhishandsbracedonthearmsofherchair—“I’dsayit’sdefinitethatshewasimpressedbythatraid.”
Bitingdownonherlowerlip,hismatesaid,“Thequiltingmeeting?”inasmallvoice.
“It’swherethematernalsgetmostoftheirbusinessdone.Andtheydon’tinvitejustanyone.”
“Oh.”Siennarubbedahandoverherface.“Tobehonest,themeetingwaspainlessincomparisontothetimeIspentwithNell—IfeltlikeIwasbeingrakedoverthecoals.”
“Howdidyourespond?”
“Itreatedherwiththerespectduetoherasoneofthemostseniorpeopleintheden.”Lashesdown,backup.“ThoughIdidgetalittleirritatedwhenshepushedtoohard—andImighthavepointedoutthatI’manadultfemalenowandnotparticularlyinterestedinrehashingmypastexploits.That’swhenshetookmetothequilting.”
“Good,”hesaid,claimingahardkissbeforerisingtohisfullheightonceagain.“Ifyou’dletherwalkalloveryou,you’dneverhavebeeninvitedtothemeeting.”SlenderNellmightappearyoungandalmostfragile,buttheleaderofthematernalshadaspineoftitanium,andappreciatedthesameinothers.“Thefactyoucan’tsewisirrelevant—theybloodywellgivemeaneedleandthreadwhenIattend.”
Siennaspitoutastartledlaugh,thestarsreturningtohereyes.“Whatdoyoudo?”
“RemindthemI’malpha.”Thewolfsnarled.“ThenIsitandIlisten.”Becausethematernalswerethebackboneofthepack,theoneswhomadethemfamily,gavethemheart.
“Imademyselfusefulcuttingpiecesforthequilt,”Siennasaid,“butmostlyIlistened,too.”Along,shudderingreleaseofbreath.“So…itwasn’tadisaster?”Hesitant,quiet,arequestforreassurance.
Itfuckingkilledhimeachtimesheexposedthedepthofhertrustinhim,thiswomanwho,asascared,lonelychild,hadbeentaughtnottotrustanyone.“Notevenclose,”hesaid,crookingafinger.“I’dcallitanunmitigatedsuccess.”
Rising,Siennapressedherbodytohis,herfiststuckedagainsthischest.Cuddlingherclose,herubbedhisjawagainsthertemple.“You’redoingbeautifully.”Heknewshewaswalkingthisroadnotsimplyforherself,butforhim,forSnowDancer,sothepackwouldknowtheycouldhavefaithinthestrengthoftheiralphacouple.
Prideandloveviedforspaceinsidehim,collidedinapowerfulpunchofemotion.“Comeon,”hesaid,runninghishandsdownherback.“Let’ssneakintoourquartersforanearlydinner.”Hewantedtotouchher,pether,adoreher,holdher.
CAUGHTuponworkthenextday,andwithherandDrew’snextclimbingtutorialnotuntillater,AdriafoundherselfasunnyseatonagiantboulderintheWhiteZonejustbeforelunch.Shewantedtositandfiddlewithasmallcomputronicenginepartthemechanicshaddiscardedastoomuchtroubletofix.Itwas,butshelikedthechallenge.Shewasalmostsureshe’dfiguredoutapartialworkaroundwhenshecaughtascentthatwasnowembeddedinherveryskin.
Herwolfrose,paddingtothesurfaceofhermind,andshedroppedthehandholdingtheparttoherthightofocusonhim,thislonewolfwhowasbecomingherown…thoughhewouldneverbehers.Hisstridewasconfident,amansureofhisstrength.Buthewasn’tunbending,wascapableofatendernessthatthreatenedtomakeherfallsodeep,she’dneverrecover.
Reachingher,heglancedattheenginepiece,angledhisheadinasilentquestion.
“It’sahobby,”shesaid,slidingthepieceandherminiaturetoolsetintoapocketofherbuff-coloredcargos,feelingoddlyshy.Asifthisweretheirfirstdateandhe’dcaughtherplayinglikeachild.“Apuzzletosolve.”
Placingthebrownpaperbaginhishandontheboulder,hereachedintohisownpockettopulloutasmall,polishedwoodencarvingofaleopardmid-prowl.“Myhobby,”hesaid,standingtheleopardonherpalm.“It’snotfinished.”
Astonishedandcharmed,sheranherfingeralongthebackoftheincrediblylifelikeanimal.“Whendoyoudothis?”Shewasfascinated.“I’veneverseenyou.”
“Hereandthere,whenI’mthinking.”
“CanIhaveit?”
Aglintofgoldinthepalebrown,thewolf’sdelight.“Whenit’sdone.”Pluckingitfromherfingers,heslippeditbackintohispocket.“Showmewhatyouweredoingwiththepart.”
Retrievingit,sheexplained,whilehestoodbetweenherpartedknees,oneofhishandsonherthigh,hishairshiningblue-blackinthesunlight.Itwasasubtleintimacy,anditwrappedherinsilkenchains—shehadtoconcentratetogetthewordsout,wasn’tsureshebreatheduntilhesaid,“Thatlookslikefun,”inanintriguedtone.“Iwanttotakeoneapartwithyou.”
Alaughbubbledoutofher.“Alright.”
Stealingherlaughwithakissthatwaspurehot,wetdemand,hesqueezedherthighbeforereachingtogetsomethingfromthebaghe’dbroughtover.“Here.”
Itwasasandwich.“Chickenandavocado,”shemurmured,anotherpieceofthehardshellaroundherheartfallingaway.“Myfavorite.”
“Andyoursugarandcreamwithadashofcoffee.”Placingthethermalcupandhisbottleofwaterontheboulder,hetookouthisownsandwich.
Thesunwarmedhershouldersasheturnedtobracehisbackagainstthestone,herthighsoneithersideofhisbigger,moremuscularframe.Whenshepressedanimpulsivekisstohisnape,hemadealow,rumblingsoundinhischest,awolfpleased.Allofher—bodyandsoul—trembledinvisceralresponse.
Dangerous,shethought,thiswassodangerous.Toomanypiecesofherinhishands.Shehadtoholdsomethingback,somepartofherthatwouldprotectheragainstthenightsshewoketofindhimlyingawake,afarawayexpressiononhisface.Becauseitwouldhappen—nomatterthepassionatetendernessgrowingeverdeeperbetweenthem,shewassecondbest,wouldalwaysbesecondbest.
Theharshtruthofitbruisedherheart.Puttingdownhermostlyuneatensandwich,sherubbedherhandsurreptitiouslyovertheorgan.Shedidn’tknowifshewastryingtoquelltheacheorcontainthewildfuryofwhatshefeltforRiaz.Butshehadthesinkingfeelingitwastoolate.Perhapsithadbeentoolatetheinstantherwolffirstrespondedtohim,theattractionvisceral.
Havingfinishedhissandwich,heturnedtograbhiswater,sawhers.“Eattherest.”
Alreadyonedge,shebristled.“Sincewhendoyougettogivemeorders?”
Eyesofpalegoldmethers,lashedbyblacksilk.“SinceIrealizedyouhaveatendencytonoteatproperly.”Pickingupthesandwich,hehelditout.
Shetookit,placeditbackdown.“Don’ttrytocontrolme.”
Riaz’svoicewasadeeprumble.“Iwillnotletmywomanmistreatherself.Eatthesandwichorwe’llbehereallday.”
Mywoman.
Herthroatchokedup,untilshecouldn’tspeak,everypartofherhotlyconsciousofthehandhe’dplacedoncemoreonherthigh.Acoupleofincheshigherandhecouldslidethatbighandtocupherwiththesameintimacyhe’ddonelastnight,inthehusheddarkofherbed.Theroughheatofhisbodysoclose,theduskybronzeofhisskinaninvitationtoherlips,itstolehermind,madeitimpossibletothink.
Pushingasidehishand,shebroughtherlegsuptocrouchontheboulder—thenjumpedofftheotherside.“MaybeI’lleatthesandwichlater”—herheartbeatpunchingintoherthroat—“ifIfeellikeit.”Thishadnothingtodowiththesandwich,theybothknewthat.
Narrowedeyes.“Youreallywanttochallengemeoverthis?”
Histoneraisedherwolf’shackles…andshotadrenalinethroughherbody.“Youknow,whydon’tyoueatit,sinceyouseemtolikeitsomuch.”Withthat,sheturnedandsaunteredintotheforest,ensuringherhipsswayedinawaydesignedtofurtherarousehismostdominantinstincts.
RIAZstaredintothetreeswhereAdriahaddisappeared,hiswolfatsnarlingattention.Ifshethoughthe’djustlethergoafterthatkindofprovocation,shehadnoideawhoshewasdealingwith.Takingthesandwich,hewrappeditupinthepaperbagandsliditintothepocketofhisjeans.Itwasgoingtobesquashedalltohellbythetimeheranherdown,buthisempresswoulddamnwelleatit.
Agrimsmileonhislips,hewasonhiswayintotheforestwhenasmallbodybarreledintohislegs.“Whoa!”Grabbingthepup,Riazsethimupright.
Buttheboywobbled,hisfacescrewedupinachildisheffortnottocry.
“Hey.”Crouchingdown,Riazcheckedthepupover,discoveredasprainedankle.“Comeon,littlebuddy.”Hetooktheboyintohisarms.“We’dbettergoseeLara.”
ThedistraughtpupattachedhimselftoRiazlikealimpetandwouldn’tletgountilhismotherarrivedattheinfirmary,bywhichtimeAdriahadafifteen-minuteheadstart.However,Riazwasalieutenantandoneofthebesttrackersinthepack.Ittookhimonlytwominutestopickupthecrushedberriesandiceandwildmuskofherscent,anotherthirtysecondstorealizetwoveryimportantthings.
One,Adriahadrunfull-tilttheinstantshewasoutofhissight;andtwo,she’dmadeanattempttocoverhertracks,sosheclearlyunderstoodtheconsequencesofthegauntletshe’dthrowninhisface.Hisbloodturnedhot,thechasesuddenlyaveryadultgame…untilhertracks,nolongerconcealedinanyway,showedthatshe’dsloweddowntoawalk.
Hebaredhisteeth.
Adriathoughthe’dgivenup.Thatwashersecondmistake.Herfirsthadbeentotaunthiminthefirstplace.Stalkingherinsilence,hetrackedhisquarrytoanaturalpoolfedbytwostreams,takingcaretoremainupwind.Apileofdiscardedclotheslayonthebank,butthatwasn’twhatdrewhiseye.
Sleekandwet,sheroseupoutoftheclearwater,reachingbacktosqueezetheexcessmoistureoutofherhair.Hernippleswerehard,bitablepointsfromthechillofthewind,herskincreamlickedwithgold.Flexingandunflexinghandsthatwantedtostrokeandpetandpossess,hedippedhisgazetothedarktrianglebetweenherthighs,hisbodyrigidwiththeneedtodrivehiscockintothemoltentightnessofher.
Nomorerunning,mystubborn,beautifulsoldier.Chapter50
ADRIAFINISHEDWRINGINGoutherhairandconsideredwhetherornottouseherT-shirttoblotherbodydry.Shecouldalwaysshiftandreturnhomeinwolfform.Itmightbebestifshedid,becauseshewasn’tsureshecouldhidethepainfuldepthofherdisappointmentotherwise.
Thechasehadbeenatest,agameputinmotionbythewolfthatlivedwithinher,waryandhopefulandwiththecouragetorollthedice.She’dneededtoknowRiazcaredenoughtobepissedoff,enoughtofollow.Changelingmaleswho’dclaimedafemaleweretouchyaboutthekindofchallengeshe’dhandeddown,neversimplyallowedonetopass.Thathehadmadeitclearthatthoughhe’dcalledher“his”woman,itwasonlytheshallowestofcommitme—
“Ilikewhatyou’rewearing.”
Shewashauledbackagainstahardmalebody,oneofhishandssplayedpossessivelyonhernavel,theothercuppingherbreasttopluckathernipplebeforetheimportofthatdeepmalevoiceregistered.Herpulseturnedintoahammer,herbreathcominginsoftgasps.
“SorryI’malittlelate,”hemurmuredinawaysheknewmeanttrouble.“Pupemergency.”
Reliefandexhilarationthreatenedtomakehermeltagainsthim…butshewasadominantfemalewolf.Slicingoutherclaws,shewenttobreakhishold,buthe’dreadherintent—shefoundherselfbeingspunaround,herwristsimprisonedbehindherback.Hewasusingonlyonehand,buthisholdwasunbreakable.
“Thatwasn’tnice.”Hegrippedherjawhardenoughthatshecouldn’tuseherteethagainsthim,andbenttotakeabiteoutofthesideofherbreast
“Thathurt!”Sheclenchedherthighs,thedelicatefoldsbetweenherlegsslickwithamoisturethatmadelieofherattemptatasnarl.“Riaz.”
Hot,wetlapsofhistongue.“Youlikedit.”Hesqueezedherjawinwarningwhenshegrowledlowinherthroat,eyesofwolfgoldlookingintoherown.“Behave.”
Shemightnothavebeenalieutenant,butneitherwassheasubmissive.Nottelegraphingheractionsinanyway,shebroughtupherkneeatthesametimethatshesnappedforwardherhead.
Rearingaway,Riazblockedthegroinstrike,butthedualattackdistractedhimenoughthatshewasabletofreeherself.Slashingoutwithherclawsbeforehecouldregainhisbalance,shescoredfourperfectlinesacrosshischest,shreddinghistee.Redseepedintotheedgesofthewhitefabric,butthecutsweren’tdeep.Onlyenoughtoremindhimthathewasplayingwithastrong,dangerouswoman,notanuntriedgirl.
TuggingoffthetornT-shirt,hethrewitaside.“Now,”hesaid,stalkingherwithslow,prowlingstepsandanunblinkingstare,“I’llhavetodomorethanjustbiteyou.”
Oh,God.Seeinghisnostrilsflare,thetangofherarousalthickintheair,shefoughttheprimalurgetopinhimtotheearthskintoskin,andshothimadeliberatelyprovocativesmile.“Idon’tseeyouanywherenearme.”
Helaughed…rightbeforehelungedather.Thesolitaryreasonshegotawaywasbecauseshedancedleftandintothedeeppoolcreatedbytheconvergenceoftwostreams.Comingupasecondlater,shesawhimcrouchedontheverge,watchingher,hisheadangledinaverywolfishway.“Idon’twanttogetwet.”
“Good,I’llstayinherethen.”
Thickblacklashesloweredtohoodhiseyes.“Ijustsawaneelswimpast.”
Shejerked.“Noyoudidn’t.”Exceptwhatwasthatbrushingherleg?Yelping,shejumpedafractiontotheright,glaredathimwhenhechuckled.“You’remakingitup.”
Agrinthatwasallteeth.“ComeoutandI’llonlybiteyoualittle.”
Sheshudderedagainsttheimpactofhimsoplayfulandmorethanatinybitdangerous.Thatwasit,shewasagoner.Deadandburied.Don’tgivein.Itwasacommandfromherwolf—whounderstoodthatthemalestalkingherwashavingfun.Sowasshe.
Treadingwater,sheshookherhead.“Thanksfortheoffer,butIdon’tthinkso.”
Shrugging,hedughisnow-barefeetintothegrassandsettledin,watchingherwiththatsameunwaveringandunquestionablypredatoryfocus.“It’srightbehindyou,”hesaidaminutelater,thetensionbetweenthemathrummingbowstring.“Withafriend.”
Shespunaround,backedup.“Lia—”
“Gotcha.”Hehauledheroutofthewaterandpinnedhertothesoftgrassinasinglepowerfulmove.
Nipplesrubbingagainsttheexquisitefrictionofhischesthair,shewrappedherlegsaroundthepossessiveintrusionofhiships.“Youjustwantedmecloseenoughtograb.”Shescratchedlightlyathisshoulderswiththeverytipsofherclaws.
Archingintothecaress,hesaid,“I’mawolf.Whatdidyouexpect?”Heslidhishandbetweenherthighswithaboldnessthatintoxicated.“Let’splayadifferentgamenow.”Thumbandforefingerslickwiththecreamyevidenceofherwelcome,herubbedthetautbundleofnervesthatwasherclit.
Shuddering,shesaid,“Yes,”andtuggedhisheaddownforakissthatendedwithhistongueinhermouthandhisfingerspushinginsideherinhardmaledemand.“Let’s.”
ANhourlater,Riaz’shandtrembledashestrokeditoverthedampsilkofAdria’shair,herfacepeacefulinsleep.Hisbeautiful,prickly,woundedAdriahadfallenasleepinhisarmsaftertheplayfuldanceoftheirloving.Heunderstoodwhatthatmeant,knewhe’dreachedapartofhermostpeopledidn’tevenrealizeexisted.
Itwasonlyfair.
Becauseshe’dreacheddeepintohissoul,too,toplaceshe’dthoughtwouldremainforeverbarren.Quitesimply,hewashappy.Cautiouseyes,clawsandall,Adriamadehimhappy.He’dworriedhiswolfwouldfighthim,fighthowhardhe’dfallenforher,butthepredatorinhimwasdelightedwiththeloverwhohadbecomeafriend…andwhonowownedagreatbigchunkofhisheart.Itnuzzledagainstherasheindulgedhisbone-deepneedforskinprivilegesbycaressingthesweepofherback.
“You’remine,AdriaMorgan.”
Itwasapunchtothethroat,thediscoverythathewasstillcapableofsuchavisceraldepthofemotion.FindingthenlosingLisettehadn’twitheredawaythepartofhimthatfeltawildpossessivetendernesstowardthelong-limbedgoddessinhisarms,andwhereoncehewould’veseenhisfeelingsforAdriaasabetrayal,henowsawthemasagift.He’dbeengivenasecondchance.
Herlashesflutteredupatthatinstant,sleepyeyesofmountain-skybluestreakedwithveinsofpreciousmetals,lookingupathim.“WasIsleeping?”
Itwasinstincttoplaywithher.“Yousnoreadorably.”
Laughing,hervoiceevenhuskierwithsleep,shepretendedtopullhisnose.“Youdon’t.”
“Snore?”
“Snoreadorably.”
Hebaredhisteethather.Shebaredhersback.Filledwithaffectionatejoy,thebrickthathadbeenacrushingweightonhissoulcrumblingawaytonothing,hedrewalineinthesand.Neveragainwouldhelookback.
Lisettewashispast,Adriahisfuture.
RILEYfinishedhiscellphoneconversationwithKenjiinrelationtotheBlackSeameetandglancedovertowherehismatestoodatNateandTammy’skitchenwindow,hereyestrainedonsomethingoutside.They’ddrivendownbecausehe’dneededtoreturnsometoolshe’dborrowedfromNathan,andsinceshe’dbeenoffshift,MercyhadcomealongtocatchupwithTamsyn—andtaketheopportunityto“dresslikeagirl.”
Havingchosenastrappydresspatternedwithbrightyellowsunflowers,she’dpulledherredhairbackinahighponytailandslippedherfeetintosimplewhiteflip-flopsdecoratedwithasingledaisyatthetoes.Shelookedsunnyandprettyandgirly—andheknewdamnwellshe’dwornthoseshoesbecauseshecouldkickthemoffinasecondandhaulass,shoulditbenecessaryfortheprotectionofthepack.
Smilewidening,hewalkedovertoslidehisarmaroundherwaistandnuzzleakisstothecreamyslopeofherneck.“What’ssointeresting?”hemurmuredinasub-vocalwhisper,consciousofNateandTamsynteasingoneanotheratthetableontheothersideofthekitchenbench.
“Faithishavinghysterics.”
Wolfimmediatelyonalert,hefollowedherlineofsighttoseethespectacleoftranquil,gracefulFaithNightStardoubledoverintheDarkRiverhealer’sbackyard,laughingtoohardtoreplytowhateveritwasherbemusedmatewassaying.SheandVaughnhadswungbyfifteenminutesearliertodropoffaboxofmedicalsuppliesthey’dpickedupforTamsyn,hadendedupstayingforcoffee.
Now,theF-PsyfinallystoppedgigglinglongenoughtosaysomethingtoVaughn.Thejaguar’sgrincouldbestbedescribedasshit-eating.
Mercy’sclawshissedout.
Rileysqueezedherwaist.“Doyouwanttoknow?”Hiswolfpacedinexcitement—manandwolfbothlikedknowingthingsinadvance,butRileywasawareMercypreferredsurprises.He’dgowithherchoiceonthis,sinceitwashighlyunlikelyhe’dbeabletokeephismouthshutifFaithhadforeseenwhathethoughtshehad.
BecauserightbeforeKenji’scalldistractedhim,RileyhadcaughtFaithstaringatMercy,cardinaleyeshuge.Asecondlater,theF-Psyhaddevelopedasuddencough,strongenoughthatshe’dhadtostepoutside.Clearly,Mercyhadalreadyconnectedthesamedotshejusthad.
“Ilovesurprises,”shewhispered,retractingherclawsandplacingherhandontheasyetflatcurveofherabdomen,“butIthinkthistime,foroursanity,we’dbetterfindoutwhatshe’sseeninourfuture.”
Rileyrubbedherlowerback.“Probablyahellionredhead.”
“Orperhapsastubbornwolfpupwholikestogethisownway.”
Grinningatoneanother,theyturnedtoNateandTamsyn.“We’llbebackinasecond,”Mercysaid,tugginghimtowardthedoor.
IttookthemonlysecondstoreachFaithandVaughn.“Spillit,”Mercyorderedtheinstanttheywerecloseenough.
TheF-Psywipedtearsfromhereyes,hersmilethesweetestinnocence.“What?”
“Don’tmakemebeatitoutofyou,FaithNightStar.Justtellus—isourchildgoingtodriveusthatinsane?”
Forsomereason,thequestionsetFaithoffagain.Shelaughedsohardsheendedupsittingontheground,Vaughncrouchedbesideher.Rubbingherback,thejaguarattemptedtolooksolemn.Hefailedmiserably,hischeekscreasedinararegrin.“Youknow,”hesaid,“thefutureismutable,subjecttochange.”
“I’mguessingfromFaith’sresponsethatthisparticularaspectofitisprettymuchsetinstone.”Foldingherarms,Mercytriedtobreathepastthebubblesofincipientdelightinherbloodstream.“Ourbaby’sgoingtoshiftintoawolf,isn’the?”Adorable,shethought,theirpupwouldbedownrightadorable,hiscutefaceaminiaturecopyofRiley’s.
“Hmm.”Faithpursedherlipstogether.
“Intoaleopard?”Riley’sdelightwastransparent.“WithMercy’spatternofspots?”
AspurtoflaughterbeforeFaithsaid,“Hmm,”again.
“Faith.”Itwasasharedgrowl.
Sharingacageylookwithhermate,theF-Psysaid,“IthinkTammyhandlesherboysrealwell,don’tyou?”inamusingtoneofvoice.
Mercy’slegscollapsedunderher.“Nu-huh,”shesaid,awareofRileycomingdownbesideher.“Iamnothavingtwins.”
“No,I’msureyou’renot.”Faith’simmediateresponsewasstrangelydisappointingwhentheideaoftwinshadbeensuchashock.“Youknowhowforesightworks—thingsarenevercrystalclear,andmultiplebirthsarerare.”Risingtoherfeet,sheheldoutahandtoVaughn.“Let’sgodrinkthatcoffee.”
Mercy’sheadwassoturnedaround,ittookherbrainuntilaftertheothercouplehadlefttheyardtoprocesswhatFaithhadactuallysaid.“Multiplebirths.”Herno-doubtpunch-drunkeyesslammedintoRiley’s.“Multiples.”
“Butshe’ssurewe’renothavingtwins.”Rileylookedalternatelyecstaticanddazed.“ChangelingshavealowerbirthratethanPsyorhumans,butwithinthat,wedohaveahigherrateofmultiplebirthsthantheotherraces.”
Mercystaredathim.“Howcanyoubesocalm?”
“BecauseIcan’twaittokissthebabiesyougiveme,kittycat.”Takingherintohisarms,henippedheraffectionatelyonthejaw.“Oneorthreeorfive,Ihopetheyallhavetheirmama’sspirit.”
“Mymotheralwayssaidmypunishmentforgivinghercountlessgrayhairsbeforeshewasthirtywouldbelittleterrorsofmyown.”Stealingakissfromthosefirmlips,shesaid,“Hopefully,yourgeneswillbalancemineoutandwe’llgetgorgeous,well-behavedauburn-hairedbabieswholistentotheirmother.”
Rileystaredather…andthentheywerelaughingandkissingandholdingontooneanother,happyandscaredandnervousallatonce.
ALICE
FROM:Lara<lara@snowdancer.org>
TO:Sascha<sascha@darkriver.net>;
Ashaya<ashaya@darkriver.net>;
Tammy<tamsyn@darkriver.net>;
Amara<amara@sierratech.com>
DATE:Sep22,2081at1.21p.m.
SUBJECT:PatientA
IwantedtogiveyouanupdateontheresultsofSascha’svisit.PatientA’smentalactivityhasincreasedatanacuterate,andIhavetosayshe’ssignificantlymore“alert.”However,therearenosignsofherrisingtoconsciousness
FROM:Amara<amara@sierratech.com>
TO:Ashaya<ashaya@darkriver.net>
CC:Lara<lara@snowdancer.org>;
Sascha<sascha@darkriver.net>;
Tammy<tamsyn@darkriver.net>
DATE:Sep22,2081at1.38p.m.
SUBJECT:re:PatientA
Itmaybetheoptimaltimetoinjectherwiththenewserum.
FROM:Ashaya<ashaya@darkriver.net>
TO:Lara<lara@snowdancer.org>
CC:Amara<amara@sierratech.com>;
Sascha<sascha@darkriver.net>;
Tammy<tamsyn@darkriver.net>
DATE:Sep22,2081at3.45p.m.
SUBJECT:re:re:PatientA
IagreewithAmara.However,we’llneedanotherseventotendaystocompleteourfinalcalibrationoftheserum—someoftheteststaketimetoshowresults.Callmeifyouseeanysignthepatientisregressing.I’drathernotinjectherwiththeserumasis,butifit’sachoicebetweentakingtheriskandherlife,thenIwill.
TELEPATHICCOMMUNICATIONBETWEENAMARAALEINEANDASHAYAAFTERPREVIOUSE-MAIL
Whydoyoumakemeusethisarchaicmethodofcommunication?Iamnotaprimateonlycapableoftappingoutprimitivemessagesonakeyboard.
Becauseyouneedtolearntocommunicatewithothers.
Why?
Amara,yousaidyou’dtry.
Verywell.Haveyoucompletedyouranalysisofsection2B3oftheAllianceneuralchip?
Yes.Itappearsstableandsecure.Yourconclusions?
Iconcur.Let’smovetosection2B4.
Agreed.Amara…howareyou?
Stableandsecure.
Amara.
Thereisamaleinthelabswhospeakstome.Idonotknowwhy—hehasnothingofrelevancetosay.
Perhapshelikesyou.
Thenhe’sbeingirrational.Ican’tlikehimback.
Talktohimanyway.Youmightfinditaninterestinginteraction.
Unlikely,butIwillconsideritanotherstepinmy“rehab.”
Doyoufeelanydifferent?
Inolongerhavepsychopathicthoughtsasoften.Ibelievethatcouldbetermedprogress.
You’renotapsychopath.
Orperhapsyousimplydon’twantmetobe.Chapter51
HAWKESLAPPEDRILEYontheback.“Hellyeah.”Hiswolfwasasproudoftheotherman’snewsashe’dbeifhewerethefather.
Rileyraisedhisbeerinacheer.“Toredheads.”
HawkeclinkedhisbottletoRiley’s,bothofthemseatedonthestepsofHawkeandSienna’sprivatecabin.Whiletheplacewasmeanttobeoff-limitstotherestofthepack,they’drealizedtheyenjoyedinvitingfriendsoverattimes.
“Wait,”Hawkesaid,beforetakingasip.“Whichredheadarewesaluting?Myredhead,Mercy,Faith,oryourfuturespawn?”
“Allofthem.”Rileyspreadhisarmsexpansively.“AndI’llthankyoutocallmyspawnpupsorcubs,orpupcubs.”
“Pupcubs.”Hawkemused.“Ilikeit.”
Fromherchairontheporch,MercyshookherheadatSienna.“Theboysaredrunk.”
Siennawasfascinated.“I’veneverseenHawkedrunk.OrRiley.”
“This,”Mercysaid,hertonethatofawiseteacher,“iscelebratorydrunkenness.Witnessedattimeswhenmenrejoiceintheirownprowess.”
Rileyglancedoverhisshouldertogrin—actuallygrin—atMercy.“Igaveyoumultiplepupcubs.Ihaveprowess.”
Eyesdancing,Mercywalkedtositbehindhimonahigherstep,sohecouldleanagainstherchest.“Yes,youdid,andyes,youdo.”
Siennarealizedshewasgrinning,andwhenHawkeshotherawolfishsmile,shecouldn’thelpbutobeythesilentordertositwithhimasMercywasdoingwithRiley.Later,theDarkRiversentinelpulledherasideforasecond.“Thesetwoarebothhardheaded,”theotherwomansaid,thewordsaffectionate,“butafterthismuchcelebration,evenhisAlphanesswillhaveahangover.Begentle.”
Siennacertainlydidn’thavetobegentlethatnight—Hawkewasinamood,andohherbodylikedit.Withenergytoburnandthensome,heexhaustedherintolimpincoherencebeforetuckingherpossessivelyagainsthim,nuzzlinghisfaceintoherneckandfallingasleep.
Hedidn’tmoveforeighthours.
Showeredanddressedaftershemanagedtowriggleoutofhisembracebypromisinghimallsortsoflavishthingsshewasn’tsureheheard,shesatdownonthebedwithamugofcoffeeandbrushedbackhishair.Oneeyeopenedthemerestslit.Closed.Agroansounded.“Shutthecurtains.”
“They’renotopen.”GiventheunpredictableeffectofalcoholonPsyabilities,she’dneverbeendrunk,butshe’dseenherfriendsinthecondition,kepthervoicetoawhisper.“Ihavecoffee.”
“Grr.”Herefusedtomove.
Laughterbubbledinherchest.“It’smyspecialblend.”Breathingdeep,shetookasip.“Andyouhaveacomm-conferenceinforty-fiveminutes.”Hecoulddoitfromhere,butheneededtobeconsciousforit.
“TellRileytohandleit.”Spokenintohispillow.
“Rileywasmoredrunkthanyouandisprobablystillcomatose.”Puttingthecoffeeonthebedsidetable,shesnuggledbackintobedbesidehim.
Eyesremainingclosed,heflunganarmaroundherwaistandhauledheragainsthim.“Icanhearyouthinking.”Grumpy.
“Whatifwhenwedodecidetohavechildren,Ionlyconceiveone?”
Anotherslitofhuskyblue.“Ihavenoideawhatyou’retalkingabout.”
“Ijust…Isitbettertohavetwinsortriplets?”HeandRileyhadbeensodelightedbythenews.“Wecouldaskthemedicstoensurethat.”Though,theleopardshadbeenasoverjoyedatNaya’sbirthandshewasasinglebaby.
Hawkeclosedhiseye.“Iloveyou,butIhaveahangoverandyou’retalkingcrazy.”
Shescowled.“I’mjusttryingtounderstand.”
Givingadeep,complaininggroan,heopenedbotheyes.“Howmanymakesnodifference—meandRiley,we’dhavegottendrunksoonerorlater.He’sthefirstoneofustohaveakid.Getit?”
Oh.“LikeifitwasEvieorMariaorsomeoneelseinmygroup.”Shedidgetit.“It’samilestone.”
“Andit’sfuckinghilariousthatRiley,withoutwhomthedenwouldfallapart,ishalfterrifiedatthefacthe’sabouttobecomeafather.”
“Onlyabestfriendwouldfindhisnerveshilarious.”
“Godyou’readorable,evenwhenyou’retalkingloudenoughtowakethedead.”
“I’mwhispering,”shepointedoutwithanotherscowl,and,rubbingherhandagainstthebristlesonhischeek,gotup.“DrinkthiscoffeeorI’llopenthecurtains.”Energeticandbusyashewas,she’dneverhadtodealwithhimsosurlyinthemorning—itwasfundiscoveringthisunexpectedfacetofhispersonality.
“Don’tgivemeorders.I’mthealpha.”
“Idon’tcare.”
“Comehere.”
“DoIlooklikeit’smyfirsttimetanglingwithawolf?”Reachingdown,shepulledthesheetoffhim,exposingthenudelengthofhisbody,hisskingoldeneveninthedimlight.
Ohmy.
Really,hehadnorighttobesogorgeous.
Painfulasitwastoturnherbackonthedeliciousmaninherbed,shewenttothecurtains.“Younowhavethirty-fiveminutesandthesecurtainsare…open.”
Nosound.
Sheturnedtofindhehadapillowoverhishead.
Laughing,shebouncedontothebedandkissedherwaydownhisspine.“Fine,”shesaid,utterlyinharmonywiththeworld,“let’sstayinbedallday.”
“Teasingwench.”Hegotridofthepillow.“WhoamIcommconferencingwith?”
“SelenkaDurevinMoscow.”Thetwopackshadaninformalarrangementtoshareinformation,andthiswasa“touchingbase”kindofachat.“Youknowhowquick-temperedsheis—shemighttakeitasaninsultifyou’relate.”Akisstohisnape.“I’llturnontheshower.”Asshegotoutofbedanddidso,sherealizedshewassmiling.Nomatterhismood,therewasnomanshe’dratherwaketofindnexttoher.
Whenhewalkedintotheshowerandaskedhertoremindhimofthepointshewasmeanttogooverduringthecomm-conference,shefeltthetiebetweenthemgrowdeeper,morenuanced.Hehadn’taskedherbecauseshewasanovicesoldier.He’daskedherbecauseshewashismate,andheneededthereminder.Justashe’dallowedhertoseehimhungover.Asimplething,asmallvulnerability,butitmeanteverythingcomingfromanalphawolf.
ITwasaterrifyinglyhappyweekafterthatinterludebythepoolthatAdriafoundherselftoe-to-toewithRiaz.“Don’tgivemeanultimatum.”Martinhadthrowntoomanyofthoseatherduringtheiryearstogether,untileventhehintofonemaderageeruptinherbloodstream.
“It’snotanultimatum,”Riazsaid,histoneasilkythreat.“It’sawarning.I’velettheissueofsharedquartersslideahellofalotlongerthanIshouldhave.You’remine.Youlivewithme.Endofstory.”
Herwolfbristled.“It’snotaninevitability.”Anditwasn’tasiftheyeversleptapart.
“Fuckthat.IfIwantedtolivealone,Iwouldn’tbeinarelationship.”Twistingherbraidinhishand,heheldherinplace.“Soyourthinkingtimehasjustrunout.”
Shedugherclawsintohischest,sawhimwince.“LetgoorI’llripthisT-shirt,too.”
Respectonhisface.“I’llletgo…afterthis.”Thekisswashotandangryandrefusedtoallowheranydistance.
ShewasstillgrowlinginfurywhensheranintoIndigonotlongafterward.“Don’task,”shesnappedtheinstanttheotherwomanwenttoopenhermouth.“NotwhenIsawyoumakingkissyfaceswithDrewfivesecondsago.”
Indigoheldupherhandsinsurrender.“Hey,wefight.Drewjustmakesitdamnhardtostaymadathim.Doyouknowwhathedidtoday?”SheansweredherquestionbeforeAdriacouldrespond.“Helinedthedashboardofmyvehiclewithminiatureteddybearswithsadfaces.Imean,comeon!Notfair.”
Adrialaugheddespiteherself—becauseIndigowasholdingoneofthoseadorabletinybearsasshegesticulated.“Youhaveitsotough,boo-hoo.”
Indigomimedthrowingthesofttoyather.“See?Inevergetanysympathy.”Tuckingthebearintoherjeanspocket,whereitwatchedthemmournfully,shesaid,“So?”
Adriashookherhead.“I’mgoingforarun.”
“I’llcomewithyou.”
“Goaway,”shemuttered.“Iwanttobealone.”
“Getoverit.You’reinapack.”
Theyraninsilenceforoverhalfanhour,endinguponahighmountainmeadowdottedwithwildflowersandhugebrokenrocksthrownaroundasifbyagiant’shands.Takingaseatononeofthoserocksafterquenchingherthirstatafragilewaterfallhiddennearby,shesaid,“Sorryforbeingsnippy.”
Indigo,seatedonthegroundwithherbacktothesun-warmedrock,reachedovertopatherontheshin.“You’reallowed.WhatdidRiazdo?”
“He’sdemandingImoveinwithhim.”
“Hardlysurprising,”Indigosaid,stretchingoutherlegs.“He’sawolf.Packiseverything,andhiswomaniswhereitbegins.”
Thosewordsagain—hiswoman.“Imadethedecisiontobewithhim,”Adriawhispered,“butIneverthoughtI’dfallsohard,sodeep,untilhisnameiswrittenonpartsofmeMartinnevertouched.”Itwasthefirsttimeshe’dconsciouslyacceptedthatfact…andthefearthatcamewiththeknowledge.Martinhadhurther,butRiaz,hecouldsavageher.“Hedoesthesethingsandtheytakemybreathaway,makemychesthurt.”
“Whatkindofthings?”
“Yesterday,hedisappearedwithmybootsandcamebackwiththemresoledbecausehe’dnoticedtheyweredamaged.”Whenshe’dthankedhim,he’drunhisknucklesdownhercheekandsaiditwashisjobtocareforher.“Ifoundashawlinmyquarterstheotherday,softasair,andtheprecisecolorofmyeyes.”Goldenthreadswovenintotheexquisiteblue.
“Andhe’salwaysfeedingme,”shesaid,bewilderedbytheunexpectedtenderness.“Cupcakesandhomemadepizzaandmyfavoritespaghetti.”Thentherewasthemostwonderfulthingofall—thewoodensculpturesshekeptfindinginherpockets.Herfavoritewasatinydragon,itsexpressionfierce,itsclawsout.
“Protectivenessispartofthepackage,”Indigosaid.“Youknowthat.I’mmoredominantthanDrew,buthestillfindswaystotakecareofme.”Shetookthesadbearout,smiled,andkisseditsfacebeforetuckingitsafelybackintoherpocket.
“Iknow.IjustneverexpectedRiaztobelikethatwithme.”Shedidn’thavetoexplainwhy,didn’twanttospeakoftheunknownwomanwhowasRiaz’smate
Twisting,Indigolookedupather.“Igetwhyyou’rehesitant.Iguessthequestionis,doyouthinkyou’dbehappierwithouthim?”
“Ican’tbeartothinkofbeingwithouthim.”Thehurtwasbonedeep…andthatwasheranswer.
ComingdowntositbesideIndigo,shesaid,“It’snousetryingtokeepaphysicaldistancebetweenus,isthere?WhenIalreadybelongtohimhere.”Sherubbedafistedhandoverherheart,knowingthatregardlessofhowmuchitterrifiedhertotrustherlovetoamanwhoseownwouldneverbelongtoher,keepingitstifleddidaninjusticebothtoherselfandtothelonewolfwhohadmadeherfeelsocherished.“Ihavetohavethecouragetolovehimwithoutconditions.”Chapter52
VASQUEZWENTOVERthemostrecentreportcataloguingtheactsofattemptedsabotageonSnowDancerland.Theincidentshaddroppedoffmarkedlyinthepasttwoweeks,andnonehadcausedthewolvesanyproblems,butplanningandcarryingthemoutwaskeepingthemajorityofPurePsy’sremainingforcesoccupied.
Good,hethought,sendingatelepathicmessagetotheringleadertocontinue.Solongastheywereoccupiedinthepointlesstask,hecouldsetupthewarning“outlier”strikewithouthavingtoconcernhimselfwithanyonegettingtoocurious.Noleakscouldbepermitted.Notnow.
Notwhenthetimehadfinallycome.
“Thereisoneproblem,”hesaidtoHenrywhentheymetthatnight.“ThoughIhaveaunitreadytomoveonthesecondarytargets,IstillhaveonlyoneoperativeItrustwiththeprimarytask.”Makingback-to-backstrikesimpossible,though—andnotcountingtheoutlier—hehadfivecompletesetsofconfirmedlocations.“However,Idonotrecommendwaiting.TheNetisbecomingfurtherinfectedwiththosewhoseconditioninghasfractured.”
“Youhavepermissiontomoveassoonasyouseeanopenwindow,”Henryreplied,hisbrokenvoiceshortofbreath.“Wewillsucceed,Vasquez.”
“Yes,sir.Wewill.”Nooneandnothinghadthepowertostopthem.Notthistime.Chapter53
TWODAYSAFTERAdriamovedinwithhim,Riazwasahappywolf.Helovedhavingherinhisspace,lovedthatherscentwaseverywhere—andthathiswasallovereveryperfectinchofher.Andhewasdefinitelysmugaboutthefactthatthoughtheirrequestforquartersinthecouplessectionhadn’tyetgonethrough,shehadn’tmadeanynoisesabouthisroombeingtoosmallforthebothofthem.
Wipingthesmileoffhisfacesinceittotallydestroyedhishard-assrep,heputthroughacalltoBowen,needingtotalkthroughsomefinaldetailsaboutSnowDancer’spermanentliaisonarrangementwiththeAlliance.ThesecuritychiefaskedhimtoorganizeclearancefortheliaisontoflytoSanFranciscoforasit-downdiscussionwithinthenextfewdays.“IthinkIhavetheperfectcandidate,butIwanttodiscussherwithLily.She’stakenoverHumanResources,knowsourpeopleinsideout.”
“Holdon.”Switchinglines,RiazmadeaquickcalltohiscounterpartinDarkRiver—Nathan—andgottheclearance,thecityverymuchleopardterritory.BackonthelinewithBo,hesaid,“You’vegotpermission,”thensetouttheconditions—basicallydealingwithhowmuchfreedomofmovementtheliaisonwouldbepermitted.“Youcomingalong?”
“I’lltry.Dependsonthesecuritysituation.”
“AnyfurtheraggressionfromTatiana?”
“Nothingobvious.Covertsurveillanceislikely.”Abeepinthebackground.“That’smycellphone.Ibettergetit—linkupwithyoulaterintheweektoconfirmflightdetails.”
Hangingup,RiazswungbyIndigo’sofficetodiscussapersonnelmatter.Theotherlieutenantgavehimaconsideringlookacrossherdeskaftertheyweredone.“Adriatoldmeabouttherosepetals.”
Heknewwhenawolfwasfishing.“Didshe?”
“Damnit.Shementionedrosepetalsandthensheblushed.Adrianeverblushes.”
Sprawledinhervisitorchair,hejustsmiled.“So,youandDrewareheadingtotakeoverAlexei’ssectorinamonth.”
“Onlycaretaking,”Indigoclarified.“Youknowhowgoodheis.Needsabitmoreseasoningisall.I’mtakingmostofmynovicesandyoungersoldiersalong,”sheadded.“Goodforthemtolearntoworkwithdominantsfromothersectors.TheonesI’mleavingherearethosewithanaptitudeforweapons—Alexei’sgoingtodosessionswiththemwhilehe’shere.”
KnowingAlexei’sstrengthinthatarea,Riazknewthenoviceshadluckedout.“Hehadanymoreproblemswithchallenges?”
“No,buttherehasbeenaninterestingdevelopmentasoflastnight—thewolvesinthepackthatkeptchallenginghim?”AtRiaz’snod,shecontinued.“Turnsoutthey’reinabadway.Theiralphapassedtwomonthsagofromoldage,andwhilethelieutenantswereabletokeepitquietandholdthepacktogether,they’reallcomparativelyyoungandweak.”
Inasituationwhereapackhadnosuccessortotheiralpha,Riazthought,astronglieutenantwhohadthebackingofhisfellowdominantscouldensurethepack’scontinuedhealth.ButitneededtobesomeoneofRiley’scaliber—amaneverywolfinthepackcouldrespectandwhosestrengthwasunquestioned.
Withoutthat,thenaturalaggressionofthedominantswouldspillover,disintegratingthepackfromtheinsideout.“Isthatwhyallthechallenges?”hesaid,seeingtheweakerpack’splan—acleverone,ifonlythey’dhadsomeonewhocouldtakeAlexei.“TheywantedoneoftheirpeopleinapositionofpowerinSnowDancer?”
Indigonodded.“They’redesperatetomergewithus,butit’satoughaskforthemtobringintheirpeopleundersomeonetheydon’tknowandtrust.Especiallygivenourreputation.”
Areputationthat,Riazknew,hadbeencarefullycultivatedintheyearsafterHawketookoverasalpha.Nooneelse,thatyoungboyhaddeclared,wouldeverseeSnowDanceraseasyprey.Eachandeverydominantinthedenhadbackedthatreputationupwithteethandclawsandblood,untileventhemostaggressivepackssteeredclearofSnowDancerterritory.“Alexei’sshowgottheirattention,”heguessed.
“Yeah—andsinceprettymucheverydominantintheirpackwastherewhenhereturnedtheirman,theyhadachancetojudgehimforthemselves.They’vemadeaformalrequesttobepermittedtomoveinunderSnowDancer’sbanner,bringingtheirterritoriallandswiththem.”
“Thispackknowwhatthatmeans?”SnowDancerexpectedtotalandabsoluteloyalty,hadexecutedoneoftheirownnotlongagowhenheprovedamurderoustraitor.
“Theywill—andifitgoesthrough,ourregionswapmighthavetowaitabitwhileournewpackmatesgetsettledinunderAlexei.”Indigoglancedatherwatch.“It’stimeforyoutoleaveforthemeet.Makesuretheoctopusdoesn’tgetyou.”
“Funny,”hemuttered,butpartofhimwasintriguedbytheideaofchangelingoctopuses.Orshouldthatbe“octopi”?BlackSeawassosecretive,itwasimpossibletoseparatewildconjecturefromfact.
HawkeandRileymethiminthegarage.Thethreeofthem—andKenji—haddebateddressinginsuits,buthadsettledontheirusualjeansandT-shirts.Thiswaswhotheywere,andifBlackSeadidn’tlikeit,therewasn’tmuchhopeforafunctionalalliance.
“Who’sgoingtodrive?”Riazasked,reachingthevehicle.
Theyalllookedatoneanother…thenstuckouttheirfistsforagameofrock,paper,scissors.Rileywon,withRiazlosingandendingupinthebackseat.Inagoodmood,hewasn’tfussed,hismindfilledwiththoughtsofthewomanwhohadbroughthimbacktolife,brandedherclaimonhisheart.Histough,prickly,generousAdria,whowasn’tsotoughorpricklyafterall.
Lastnight,he’dhadheringigglingfitsafterfindingaticklishspotandtakingmercilessadvantage.He’dfeltasyoungasapupastheytwistedandtangledinthesheets,hergiggleseruptingbetweensternadmonitionsandbreathlessthreats.Wolfgrinningatthememory,hetalkedtothebackofRiley’shead.“How’sMercydoing?”
Theseniorsentinelcaressedthesteeringwheelthroughaturn,slidingthevehiclegracefullyontothehighwaybeyonddenterritory.“Shehasn’tsnarledatmeyet.”Puredisbeliefineverysyllable.“Iturnupoutofthebluewhileshe’sworking,andshesmiles,givesmeakiss,andletsmehangaroundaslongasIwant.”
HawketurnedtolookatRiley,suspicionwritlargeonhisprofile.“We’retalkingaboutMercythesentinel?Theonewho’dkickyourassifyoudaredbabyher?”
“Maybeit’sthepregnancy?”Rileysoundedhopeful.
Riazwinced.“Pregnancyusuallymakesdominantfemalesmeaner,notnicer.”Ittendedtotakeverycarefulpettingtocalmonedownonceshegotherfurruffled.“Areyousureshe’shappytoseeyou?”
Rileygavehimalookintherearviewmirror.
“Right,”Riazmuttered.“Matingbond.”Thescarinsidehimstretched,thewoundthrobbing,butitdidn’tbleed.Becausethethingwas,heknewwhenhisempresswashappy,too,hiswolfattunedtoherown.
Hawkerubbedhisjaw.“I’dsayenjoyitwhileitlasts,”washisthoughtfuladvice.“Soonerorlater,she’llturnintoashe-demon.”
Riley’sgrowlfilledthevehicle.“Don’tinsultmymateorI’llhavetostopthisSUVandbeatyoudead.”
Hawke’shaircaughtthelightcomingthroughtheopensunroofasheshookhishead,thestrandsgleamingwhite-gold.“Icantakeyou.”
“Bullshit.”
“Afterthemeeting,youandme.Riazwillreferee.”
Wellawarethetwomenwerethebestoffriendsandoftentookeachotheronincombat,Riazinterlockedhisfingersbehindhisheadandlookedupattheclearblueskyvisiblethroughthesunroof.“Dolphinchangelings—whatdoyouthink?”
Rileywastheonewhoreplied.“Thatone,Icouldgivecredenceto.Anynumberofhumansandnonwater-basedchangelings—evenPsyinsomecases—reportbeingsavedfromdrowningbydolphins.Thesurvivorsalwaysmentionhowintelligentthecreaturesseemed.”
“That,”Hawkesaid,“assumeshumans,changelings,andPsyaretheonlyintelligentspeciesontheplanet.Prettyarrogantofus.”
“Jellyfish,”Riazsaid,afterconsideringtheotherinhabitantsofthesea.“Seriously,therecannotbejellyfishchangelings.”
Hawketurnedtolookoverhisshoulder.“Whatthehellhaveyoubeensmoking?”
Riazshrugged,hismoodundampened.“Itwasgreenandleafy.”HemadeanotetodiscussthesubjectofpossibleseachangelingswithAdria—intriguedasshewasbypuzzles,she’dfinditasfascinatingashedid.“There’sKenji.”Hisflightdelayed,thelieutenanthadaskedthemtoswingbytheairportandpickhimup.
Jumpinginsansluggage,KenjiandhismagentahairtookaseatbesideRiaz.“Ateenagegirlscreamedandaskedformyautograph—thoughtIwaspartofsomeboybandfromJapan.”
“Itoldyouso,”Hawkesaid.“Didyougiveyourfananautograph?”
Kenjigrinned.“Itwould’vebeensuchashametodisappointher.”
Therestofthedrivewastakenupwithaquickdiscussionabouttheupcomingmeeting,whichHawkewouldlead,therestofthemprovidingbackupandsecurityasneeded.
RiaztappedRiley’sshoulderwhentheyhittheEmbarcadero,pointingleft.“Thatbuilding.”Squatandwide,itfrontedthepier,theshimmeroftheBayvisibleinthesmallgapbetweenthewarehouseandthefence.
Parking,theygotouttofindNathanwaitingforthem.TheseniorDarkRiversentineltookthemthroughtheemptyspaceRiazhadalreadycheckedoutwithhimearlierintheweek.Natewentoveralltheexitsandentrancesonceagain,aswellasanythingthatcouldbeapossibleblindspotinafight.Becauseofitsshape,thewarehousedidn’treallypossessanyshadowycorners,partofthereasonRiazhadchosenit.
“We’vedisabledthesurveillanceequipmentasyouasked,”NatesaidtoRiaz,“butoneofthetechsisstandingbyifyouwantanythingfunctional.”
Hawkeshookhishead,crossingthecavernousspacetoslideopenthewidedoorthatledoutontothepier.“No,we’lllosetheirtrustiftheyfigureoutthey’rebeingmonitored.”
“Inthatcase,theplaceisallyours.Callmeonceyou’redoneandI’llsendsomeonetolockitup.Goodluck.”TheDarkRiversentinelleftwiththosewords.
RiazandKenjifollowedRileyandHawkeoutontothepier.Seagullscawedoverhead,thescentofbrineandfishpungentinRiaz’snostrils,thewindriflingthroughhishair.Takingadeepbreath,hescopedtheareaonemoretime.WhileitallowedeasyaccesstoandfromtheBay,onceonthepier,theirguestswouldbeblockedfromtheviewoftheotherwarehousesbythehighfencesonbothsides
GivenBlackSea’spreferencetostayundertheradar,heandNatehadevenriggedupatemporaryboathouse,ensuringMiane’sgroupcouldgostraightfromtheirboattothepier.NatehadsuggestedBlackSeamightsimplyswimin,butRiazdidn’tthinkthey’dbeanythingbutbesuited,polishedprofessionals.
Hewasprovenright.
“Heretheycome.”Thesleekcraftcutthroughthewaterwiththegraceofadancer,itsenginenearsilent.Unsurprising—BlackSea’sshipbuildingarmwasconsideredtobepeerless,itscraftsmenandcraftswomenartists.
Thevesselslippedintothetemporaryboathouseanddocked.AndthenMianeLevèquewassteppingontothepierwithtwounfamiliarmenandEmani.Dressedinaneatskirtsuitofdeepgreen,Mianewasawomanofmediumheightwithtranslucenthazeleyesuptiltedafractionatthecornersandstick-straighthairofebony,theblacktoosofttobecalledjet.
Thathairwascutintoabluntfringeabovehereyes,throwingthemintosharprelief.HerskinwasashadethatplacedherancestryinNorthernAfricaortheMiddleEast,orpossiblypartofSouthAmerica.Riazdidn’thavetoguess—he’ddonehisresearch,knewshe’dbeenbornintheportofCairotoanAlgerianmotherandanEgyptianfather.
“Hawke.”Sheheldoutahandthatborescarsfrommorethanafewnicksandcuts,thoughhernailsweremanicuredandpolishedaglossyshadeRiazthoughtmightbecalledoyster.
Hawkeshookit,holdinghercool,almostcoldgaze.Rileyintroducedhimselfasecondlater,givingMianeareasontolookaway.Itwasanalmostritualisticdancewhentwoalphasmetforthefirsttime.Lefttotheirowndevices,they’dstareuntiloneofthemeitherbackeddownordrewfirstblood.
RiazremainedinthebackgroundwithKenji,hisattentiononthemenwho’dcomewiththeBlackSeaalpha,bothclearlythereforherprotection,regardlessofanystatustheyheldintheConclave.Thatwasn’taninsult—heandtheotherlieutenantswerehereforHawke’sprotection.Noneofthemwoulddroptheirguardatanytime,incasethiswasagiantdouble-crossandBlackSeawasaimingfortheassassinationofthemostpowerfulalphainthecountry.
“Please,”Mianesaid,takingasmallstepback,herfeetencasedinblackleather-synthheelsthatmadeaclippingsoundontheplascrete,“joinmeonmyvessel.Thestateroomismorethanadequateforthismeeting.”
Agraciousoffermeanttoputthemofftheirgame,theirwolveshavingastrongdislikeforthemotionofthesea.Theycouldbearit,butitwouldfraytempers,reduceconcentration.
“Thanks,butI’lldecline.”Hawkebaredhisteethinasmilethatwasasilentwarning.“Ifyouprefernottoenterthewarehouse,wecantalkhere.”
Mianeconsideredit,oneofhermenwhisperinginherearatasub-vocallevel.“Malachaisaysitwillbeeasiertospyonusoutdoors,useaudioequipmenttopickupourvoices.Themostsecureplacewouldbeoutatsea.”
Hawkejustwaited.He’dmadehisintentionsclear,andnowitwasuptoMianetoacceptorwalkaway.Afteratensepauseandanothermuteddiscussionwiththehard-eyedmalenamedMalachai,theleaderoftheBlackSeaConclaveinclinedherhead,andRiazknewshe’ddecidedtotrustthemthismuchatleast.“Let’sproceedinside.”
Riazleftthedoorsopenbehindthem.InterceptingaglancefromEmani,hesaid,“Wecanuseaudiodisrupterstomakecertaintheconversationremainsprivate,”andproducedthesmall,rounddevicesfromaflatcaseinthebackpocketofhisjeans.
Emanicheckedthedisrupterswithahandheldscannerandnodded.Together,theysetoutandactivatedfourofthem,oneineachcornerofthewarehouse.Noonespokeuntilthey’dreturnedtostandbehindtheirrespectivealphas.
“We,”Mianesaid,“havebeenpleasedwithSnowDancer’swillingnesstoworkwithusonanagreement.”
Hawkewatchedherwithoutblinking.“Let’scuttothechase—theonlyremainingquestionsarewhetherwecanworktogetherontheground,andtherealreasonwhyyou’resuddenlysokeenonanalliance.”
AslightwideningofhereyeswasthesoleindicationofMiane’ssurprise.“Blunt.”
“Weworkedwithyouonthecontractbecauseitmadesensewithyourpeoplebeingsospreadout,”Hawkesaid,“butthat’snotwhoweare,andthat’snothowwefunction.Betteryouknowthatnowthanbesurprisedbyitlater.”
AfainthintofwarmthinthecoldintelligenceofMiane’seyes.“Didyouknowthatchangelingsharksaresorare,”shesaid,“they’reconsideredamythevenbysomeofthechangelingsinBlackSea?”
Hawke’srespondingsmilewasrazorsharp.“I’mguessingyoudon’tbelievethesame.”
“Astothat,I’llkeepmyowncounsel,butIwillsayIunderstandpredators.”
“Inthatcase,let’stalk.”Chapter54
HAVINGBEENASSIGNEDtoashiftattheinfirmaryatthelastminute,AdrialiftedaquestioningeyebrowatEliaswhenhejoinedher.“LastIchecked,”shesaid,“wedidn’thaveanydangerouscriminalsinhere.”
“They’rehopingtowakeAliceEldridge.”Eliaskepthisvoicelow.“HawkewantsextrasecurityuntilLaracangetareadonherwhileshe’sconscious—there’snowaytoknowwhatshewasprogrammedtodobeforebeingputtosleep.”
Shiftingslightly,Adriaglancedintothepatientroom.WhileaccesstoAlicewasstrictlycontrolled,Adriahadseenthecomatosewomanintheaftermathofthebattle,whenshe’dhelpedmoveAlice’sbedtothesidetomakeroomforinjuredSnowDancers.Alicelayasshehaddonethen,ashenandmotionless.Aroundherstoodthreewomen,eachwithafrownofconcentrationonherface,theirvoicesoverlappingastheytalkedoverlast-minuteadjustments.
Lara,Adriaknewandrespected.AshayaAleine,too,wasfamiliarafterthatdinneratMercyandRiley’s,hertightcurlspulledseverelyoffherfaceintoaneatbun,herblue-grayeyesstartlingagainsttherichbrownofherskin.Thethirdwoman,withhersoftcurves,honey-tonedskin,andcardinaleyes,wasnooneAdriahadeverspokento,butrecognizednonetheless.
SaschaDuncan,matetotheDarkRiveralpha,anE-Psy.
Adria’swolfwasn’tquitecomfortablebeingaroundawomanwhocouldsenseitsemotions—especiallywhenthoseemotionsweresopainfullydeepandcomplex.LivingwithRiaz,itwasnothinglikelivingwithMartin.Themanwasdominantandpushyandarrogantenoughtowanthisownway,buthewasalsoperverseenoughtobedelightedwithherwhenshesnarledathim
Thethoughtmadeherlipstwitchforafleetingsecond,beforedarkeremotionsrosetothefore.Inspiteoftherealizationshe’dhadonthewildflower-strewnmeadowinthemountains,adesperatekernelofself-preservationkeptwarninghertokeepapieceofherselfseparate,apart.Nottohurthim…butbecauseshewasn’tRiaz’smate,neverwouldbe,theirrelationshipunbalancedonthemostfundamentallevel.
PERIPHERALLYawareofEliandAdriainthedoorway,LaraglancedatAshaya.“Yes?”
Thescientistnodded.“We’vedoneasmuchaspossiblewithoutinjectingher.”
ConscioustheM-Psywasprofoundlyconcernedaboutthedamagetheymightcause,Larasaid,“Ifwedonothing,she’lldie.Herbodyisfailing.”
Ashaya’sheadsnappedupfromthepanelattheendofthebed.“Itoldyoutowarnusifshewentdownhill.Wecould’vemovedfaster.”
“IspoketoAmara,”Larasaid,thinkingofthewomanwhowasphysicallyidenticaltoAshaya,butsoveryalieninherthinking.“ShetoldmethatifweinjectedAlicewiththeuncalibratedserum,theriskoffailurerosebyseventypercent.Imadethedecisiontowait.”
Ashayagrippedthetopofthepanel,herbonespushingwhiteagainstherskin.“Mytwinhasawayofbeingrightwhilehidingthings,Lara.Youknowthat.Youshould’vedouble-checkedwithme.”
“Ididn’twanttodistractyouatsuchacriticalstage.”AshayaherselfhadtoldLarathefinalcalibrationwouldtakeprecisionwork—somuchsothatthescientisthadspenttwodaysawayfromhermateandson,inthededicatedlabDarkRiverhadbuiltforher.
“Noharmdone—theserumwasn’tready.”Ashayawentasiftoshoveahandthroughhercurls,realizedtheywerebound,anddroppeditbackonthebed.“Forfuturereference,though,mytwinisvery,verysmart,butshehasnomoralcompass.”
Saschamadeasmallsoundinthebackofherthroat.“Ididn’tlikeAmarawhenImether,”shesaid,clearlystilltroubledbywhatshe’ddescribedtoLaraasanoverwhelminglyhostileresponse.“Evennow,shesendsachillthroughmybonesbecauseofthelackinher,butthatlackisn’tastotalasitoncewas.Idon’tthinkshe’lleverbecapableofthenormalrangeofemotions,butshemaybeshowingastuntedkindofawarenessoftheemotionsofothers.”
Ashaya’sfaceheldpainfulhope.“You’renotcertain,though?”
“No,I’msorry.”Saschatouchedtheotherwomanonthearm.“IhavesuchastrongreactiontoherthatIfinditdifficulttogetaclearread,andasyousaid,herintelligenceisunquestioned.She’sfullycapableofmanipulatingherresponses.”
Smartenough,Larathought,tofakeempathy.
“But,”Saschaadded,“therehasbeenachangeinher,thatmuchIcanverify.Itmightsimplybetheeffectofbeinginacleanpsychicnetwork—there’snoDarkMindintheWebofStars,nohiddenmiasmathat’sseepingintoherbrain.”
“I’lltakethat.”Swallowing,Ashayareturnedherattentiontothecomputronicreadoutonthepanelinfrontofher.“Unlesseitherofyoudisagrees,Ithinkit’stimewespoketoAlice.”
LaraandSaschabothnoddedathertogoahead.
Pressureinjectorinhand,thescientistlookedtowhereSascha’sfingersnowintertwinedwithAlice’s.“Areyousensinganything?”
“Frustrationagain,”Saschasaid,threedeepverticallinesbetweenhereyebrows.“Butthere’ssomethingelse.”Lasheslowering,shesqueezedthebridgeofhernosebetweenthethumbandforefingerofherfreehand.“Determination.”Hereyesflickedopen.“I’dbetmylifeshe’stryingherhardesttowakeup.”
“That’senoughforme.”Withnomorehesitation,AshayapressedthepressureinjectortoAlice’sneck,punchingtheserumintoherbloodstream.“Theeffectshouldbeapparentwithintwoorthreeminutesifitworksasit’ssupposedto.”
Noonesaidaword,thesilencesopristineLaracouldhearthehushedbreathsofeveryoneintheimmediatearea,includingEliandAdria.Iftheroomhadboastedanold-fashionedtickingclock,shethought,everytickwould’vesoundedlikeabomb.
Oneminute.
CheckingthedatacominginthroughAlice’scomputronicskullcap,Larashookherheadattheothers.
Twominutes.
ItwasAshayawhocheckedthistime,herfingersflyingoverthepanel.“Nochange.”
Threeminutes.
Four.
Five.
Disappointmentaheavyrockonherchest,LarasqueezedAshaya’sarminsilentsympathy,andtheywalkedtostandacrossfromSascha.However,thecardinalempathpaidthemnoattention,hereyesgoneamidnightthatdenotedeitherstrongemotion—orapowerfuluseofherabilities.
Exchangingataut,hopefulglancewithAshaya,Laramaintainedhersilence.
“Ashaya,”Saschasaidalmosthalfaminutelater,hervoicemuted,asifherattentionwaselsewhere,“doyouhavemoreoftheserum?”
“Yes,butasecondshotcouldkillher.”Ashayafiddledwiththesettingsontheinjector,pausedforasecond.“Amara’sconfidentwecansafelygiveheranothereighthofadose.”
Recallingtheotherwoman’searlierwarnings,Laraturnedtoher.“Youtrustheronthat?”
“Thisisachallenge.”Ashaya’sanswerheldaclaritythatsaidshesawhertwin’sfaultsandflawsaswellashergifts.“Amaradoesn’tlikefailing,andAlice’sdeathwouldconstitutefailure.”
“Icanfeelherstruggling,”Saschasaid,herfingersnowlockedsotightlywithAlice’sthatthewarmhoneyofherskinwasbloodless.“Sheknowsshe’strapped—there’spanic,fear.God,it’slikeshe’ssuffocatingfromtheterrorofbeingentombedinsideherownbody.”
Clearlyshakenbythereport,AshayaputtheinjectortoAlice’sneck.“Areyousure,Sascha?”
“Yes.Quickly.”
ApressofAshaya’sthumbandaone-eighthpartoftheserumblastedthroughthepermeablebarrierofAlice’sskin.
Alarmsblaredasecondlater,Alice’sbodyarchingsoseverelyoffthebedthatshealmostbentherselfinhalfbeforefallingbackontothesheetsinajaggedspasm.Scanningthealarms,LaragrabbedtheoxygenmaskandplaceditoverAlice’smouthandnose.“Ashaya,stats!”
“Rapidspikeinhermentalactivity.Irregularheartbeat,insufficientoxygenbeingabsorbed.”
SlappingSascha’shandovertheoxygenmasktokeepitinplace,LarareachedforanotherinjectorandpressedittoAlice’supperarm.“Now?”
“Heartbeatisstabilizing.”Ashayatappedthescreen.“Oxygenlevelsreachingoptimum.Brainactivitycontinuestobeerratic.”
“Alice,”Sascha’sgentlevoiceturnedsomehowruthless,itwassointent.“Alice,you’resafe.Focus.”
ThatwaswhenLaralookeddownandrealizedthatAliceEldridge’seyes,sorichabrownthatpupilandiriswerenearimpossibletodifferentiate,werewideopen.
HAVINGreturnedfromthemeetingwithBlackSeatobetoldthenewsaboutAliceEldridge,RiazspentseveralminutestalkingwithAshayaandHawke.Itwasn’tsimplyaboutthehumanwomanthattheyspoke.
“I’vebeenfocusedonAlice,”Ashayasaid,“butwhatI’vestudiedsofaroftheAlliancechiphasn’traisedanyredflags.However,that’snotsayingmuch—I’llbeginintensiveworkonitassoonasAliceisstable.”
Waitinguntilafterthescientisthadreturnedtotheinfirmary,Hawkesaid,“When’sBogettingbacktoyouabouthisliaison?”
“Nextfewdays.”Riazfoldedhisarms.“WhatdoyouthinkabouttheBlackSeasituation?”ThesecretivechangelinggrouphadfinallysharedwhyitwastheyneededSnowDancerasanally.
Hawke’sexpressionwasgrim.“They’reavaluablegrouptohaveasfriends.Wehelpthemasmuchaswecan—MianeknowsIwon’tdoanythingthat’dleaveSnowDancervulnerable.”
Riazhadhadthesamethoughts.“Doyouwantmetosetupanothermeetingtofinalizethealliance?”
Hawketookasecondtothinkaboutit,shookhishead.“I’lltalkdirectlytoMiane,makesuretherearenomisunderstandings.CanyoutakesomeofRiley’sload?Ifigurehe’searnedarest…andsomesparetimetostalkMercy.”
Riaz’slipstwitched.“Notaproblem.”AsaresultofarrangingthingswithRiley,aswellasstayinglatetotakeseveralcallsfromthemenandwomeninSnowDancer’sinternationalnetwork,Riazdidn’tgetachancetospeaktoAdriauntilafternightfall.Unabletofindherintheden,heshiftedandbegantocheckoutherfavoritespotsintheforestsonebyone.
Hefoundheratthethirdlocation,thefullmoonaspotlightacrossthelargeclearingdottedwithyoungsaplingsthathadcomeupafterastormfelledmanyofthematuretreesacoupleofyearsback.Silhouettedagainstthemidnightblueofthenightsky,theirslenderprofilesaddedahauntingbeautytothescene.
Andtherewashisempresswalkingthroughthesaplings,herheadloweredinthought.
Hewatchedforalong,motionlessmoment,hishungersatisfiednowthathe’dfoundher.Shewasmagnificent.Strongandlitheandlovely.Andhis.Evenifshewasn’tquitecertainshewantedtobe—Adriathoughthedidn’tknowabouttheapprehensionthathauntedher,butofcourseheknew.Henoticedeverythingabouther.
He’dbeenpatient,butitwastimesheacceptedhewasn’teverlettinghergo.
ADRIAcaughtthewoodsmokeandcitrusofRiaz’sscentonthebreeze,butittookherseveralsecondstolocatehim—intheend,itwasthosegoldeneyesthatgavehimaway.Ifheclosedthem,he’dbeablackshadowinthedark.Whenhebrushedhimselfagainstherlegs,sheranherfingersthroughhisfur.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
Hedidn’tshiftintohumanform,justpressedmoreheavilyagainstherinsilentdemand.Comprehending,shecontinuedtostrokehim,hiswolfmorethanbigenoughtoreachhalfwayupherthigh.Whenhelookedup,caughthergazewiththenight-glowbrightnessofhisown,shefeltherheartstutter,kick-startinafasterrhythm.
Thatlook,itwasofthehunter.
Andsheknewthissilentdancebetweenthemwouldbedecidedtonight,onewayortheother.Eithershetoredowneveryoneofherdefensesandacceptedhisclaimtothesoul,orshewalkedaway.Exceptshedidn’tthinkthelatterwasanoption.
Nervesandangercollided.
Hewaspushingher,butofcoursehewould.Thatwaswhohewas.Likeshewasadominantwhoknewherownstrength.Breakingcontact,sheshifted,notbotheringtostrip.Herclothesdisintegratedoffherastheagonyandecstasyofthechangetookover,sparksoflightblazinginthelushmysterythatwasthenight.
Aheartbeatlater,shestoodonfourfeet,herheadangledtowardtheblackwolfwhowassomuchbiggerandstronger,butwhosheknewwouldnevercauseherphysicalharm.Thatknowledge,itwasenoughforthewolf,butthewomanneededmore,neededthedevotionsheknewhewouldofferonlyonewomanhisentirelifetime.
Henuzzledather,butshedancedaway,racingthroughthewillowyshadowsofthetreesandacrossthesilentmusicofamoon-silveredstream.Hewasfast,sofast,butshewasclever,andshetangledandtwistedaroundtreesyoungandold,overjaggedrocksandacrosssleepyflowerstocrossanotherstream,splashingdownstreamtoconcealherscentbeforecomingupontheothershore.
Theblackwolfwasnowheretobeseen.
Shewasn’tfooled,knewhewasstalkingher.Paddingquietlyalongtheverge,shekepthereyesontheothersideofthestream…andcaughtaglimpseofferalgold.Helungedacrossthewater,butshewasalreadyracingtoputdistancebetweenthem,squeezingthroughgapshewouldn’tfit,skatingunderfallentreesthatwouldn’taccommodatehissize.
Thenexttimeshehalted,herheartthumpedapoundingbeat,thewolf’sexhilarationmixingwiththewoman’s.Theairwasatreasuretroveofscents,thenightfullofsong.Itintoxicated.Knowingsheneededtothinkwithaclearerhead,sheshiftedbackintohumanform,herhairtumblingaroundherasshecrouchedontheforestfloor,herheadangledtothewind.
Dark,oftheforest,kissedwithwoodsmokeandawildbiteofcitrus.
Allaroundher.Inherskin.Againsthertongue.
Hislipssmoothedoverherneck,hishandgentleonherhip,butsheknewshewascaught.Turning,shewatchedhimwiththewolf’seyes.Hisownhairfelloverhisface,hisgazeluminous.Thistime,thoseeyessaid,hewouldn’tletherrun.Butshewasn’tawolfbecauseshegaveup.Shetwistedtotheleftwithoutwarning.
Hewastherealmostbeforeshemoved,takingherbodytotheearth.Sheshiveredatthecoolkissofthedew-ladengrass,buthedidn’tletherup.“Ihaveyou.”Hisvoicewasgravelly,darkwiththedeterminationofthepredatorinsidehim.“AndI’mkeepingyou.”
Sheliftedahandtohischeek,thetendernesswithinheranendlessriver.Howcouldshehaveeverthoughttokeepanypartofherheartsafefromhim?Itwasanimpossibility.Shewascaught,wellandtruly.Tearsburnedhereyes,trickleddownthesidesofherfaceandintoherhair.
“Shh.”Hekissedthesalt-lacedsadnessaway,rollingontohisbackandtakingherwithhim,onehandcradlingthebackofherhead,theotherstrokingdownthecurveofherspine.“Don’tcry,sweetheart.”
Hisgentlenesstwinedanothertendrilaroundherheart,untilshewassoentangledinhim,sheknewshe’dneverbreakfree.Forthefirsttimeinherlife,herwolfhadchosen.Andithadchosenthislonewolf.“Youhaveme,”shewhispered.Allofme.Chapter55
KALEBWASAThishomeofficewhenSilvercalled.“A.V.isVasquez,”shesaid,“ofthatmyfamilyisascertainaswecanbewithouthavinghisDNA.HealsoappearstoberunningthingsasfarasPurePsyisconcerned.However,therankandfilebelievehespeaksforHenry.”
SodidKaleb.TheNetMindandDarkMindbothhadhadtoocalmareactiontoHenry’s“death.”KalebhadattemptedtousethetwinneosentiencetotracktheformerCouncilor,buttheyhadbeenactingincreasinglyerraticoflate,andhe’dbeenunabletofocusthemonthetarget.ThatbespokeaprofoundproblemintheNet,thedepthofwhichperhapshealoneunderstood—Henry’sfanaticismandthecontinueddeteriorationofSubject8-91weresimplysymptomsofamoredangerousmalaise.
Concludingtheconversationwithhisaide,herosefromhisdesk,playingasmallplatinumstarthroughhisfingers.Themetalwaswarmfromhistouch,buthismindworkedwithice-coldprecisionashedecidedwhatwastobedonewithHenryAden.
Thetelepath’sreplywascrystalclear.Councilor.
Kalebwilldo.TheCouncilisnolongerinexistenceexceptinthemindsofthepopulace.
Kaleb.
Henrywillcontinuetobeaproblemifhelives.Doyouhaveanyissuewitheliminatinghim?KalebneededtoknowhowmuchoftheArrows’loyaltywashis.
No.HispoliciesarenotgoodfortheNet.
Kalebrubbedhisthumbovertheshiningsurfaceofthestar.Thenregarditasanauthorizedmission.
Noted.
Telepathicconnectionsevered,Kalebconsideredthosewho’dremainafterHenry’sdemise.Shoshanna,hedidn’twastetimeon.Henry’s“wife”hadflawsthatwouldmakeiteasytomanipulateher.NikitawouldleaveKalebalonesolongashedidn’tattempttoviolateherterritory—orharmherchildandgrandchild.TheotherCouncilorhiditwell,butKalebcouldglidethroughtheNetwithoutcausingasingleripple.Hesaweverything.Nikita’sconditioningmightbeflawless,butshewasn’tSilent.
Notinthewayhewas.
Nikita’sprotectiveinstinctwasherAchilles’heel,butKalebhadnoreasontoexploitit.Notaslongasshedidn’tattempttogetinhisway.Ifshedid…
Hiseyefellonthestar.Hehaltedhismovements.Andknewhehadhisownweakness,oneNikitawouldneverguessat,andsohestillhadtheadvantageinhisdealingswithher.
AsforAnthony,Kalebdidn’tthinktherewouldbeanyproblems—hehadnodesiretoencroachonNightStarlandsorcaptureAnthony’sstableofF-Psy.Noforeseercouldstophimoncehe’ddecidedonacourseofaction.
ThatleftMingandTatiana.Bothwouldhavetodiewhenitwastime.Therewasnootherviableoption.Kalebwouldnotchancethemcomingathimfrombehind.
Thestarsparkedinthelightfromthelamponhisdesk.
Caught,hestaredatthesmallcharm,wonderingwhatitsownerwouldmakeofhisthoughtsofassassination.Soon,hewoulddiscovertheanswer.Becausehe’djustbreachedanotherlayerofsecurity,unearthedtheoldestpartofthetrail.Itwasfragileandfragmented,butitwasthere.
Soon.Chapter56
RIAZCALLEDADRIAtoaskhertocomealongtothemeetingwithBoandtheliaisonthreedayslateranddiscoveredthatshewasalreadyinSanFranciscowithIndigo,Tarah,Evie,andanotherwomanwhohadafamiliarscentbutlookednothinglikesheshould—fromherheight,tothecolorofherhairandeyes,eventheshapeofherface,thelatterapparentlyalteredusinghigh-techgelpadsJuddhadprocuredfromwhoknowswhere.
AshepulledawayafterpickingupAdria,theotherfourwomenwavedathimfromthecaféwheretheywereeatinglargepiecesofcakeslatheredinfrosting.“HowinhelldidSiennatalkHawkeintolettingheroutofdenterritory?”
Adriagavehimanarchlook.“Ihavenoidea.Didn’task.”Scoopingupabiteoftheapplepieshe’dhadpackedtogo,shefedittohim.“However,shemaypossiblyhavepointedoutthatshe’sanadultfemalewiththerighttomakeupherownmind.”
Hebitbackagrinathertone.“Yes,shemayhavedonethat,butHawkeisnewlymatedandthere’sahighprobabilityshe’sinMing’scrosshairs.Hawkemightbeintelligent,buthe’snotthatrational,notwhenitcomestoSienna.”
Eatingabiteofpieherself,Adriamadea“hmming”soundinherthroat.“Youknow,you’reright.Though,untilyoupickedmeup,shewaswithalieutenant,aseniorsoldier,andawomanwhothinksofherasanotherdaughter.Noonewasgoingtogettoher.”
Riazhadtoconcedethatpoint.ForgetaboutTarahbeingsubmissive—maternalwolveswouldfighttothedeathtoprotecttheiryoung.
“Buuuuut,”Adriadrawled,“fiveminutesbeforeIleft,IgotacallfromSimranandInés.Inthearea.Shopping.Heardwewerenearby,saidthey’dcomejointhegroup.”Anarrow-eyedlook,buthertonewasadmiring.“Themanisdevious.”
Riazchuckled.“Ofcourseheis.”Brutestrengthalonedidnotthealphaofapackmake.“YouthinkSienna’sfigureditout?”
“FromthelittlesmileshegotonherfacewhenSimrancalled,yes.Shewasn’tmad—IthinksherealizesexactlyhowhardthismustbeforHawke.”
Riaz’swolfgrowledindisagreement.“Ifshedid,she’dhavestayedsafeinourterritory.”
“Andifshewasthekindofwomantodothat,”Adriaresponded,“shewouldn’tbestrongenoughtobematetoanalpha.”Shefedhimanotherbiteofpie.“There’sadifferencebetweentakingsensibleprecautionsandtuckingyourtailbetweenyourlegs.”
Ittookconsciousefforttothinkpasthisprotectiveinstincts,tounderstandthatwhenamanchoseastrongwomanforhisown,hemadeacommitmenttonurtureandrespectthatstrength.Adriawouldneverallowhimtocoddleher—butasSiennadidn’tfightHawke’sneedtoensurehersafety,AdriaallowedRiaztoholdher,trustedhimtotakecareofherinahundredsmallwaysthatsoothedhiswolf.
Therewasnolongeranyhintofdistancebetweenthem,thatnightunderthemoonhavingforgedabondthatwasyoung,raw,andhauntinglypowerful.Hecouldn’timaginewakingwithouther,lovedtofallasleepwithhislegstangledinherown,herhuskyvoicethelastthingheheard.Heknewthatwhentheurgetoroamisolatedreachesawokeagainwithinhiswolf,he’dcoaxhertogoalong.Solitudewouldbenofunwithouther.
Pickingupherhand,hepressedakisstoherknuckles.“Thankyouforbeingmine.”
Astartledlook,followedbyasmilethatlituphereyes.“Ditto.”
Hewasstillsmilingwhentheywalkedintothelight-filledlobbyoftheartdecohotelwheretheyweretomeetBoandhisliaison.ThatwaswhenRiaztookanemotionalkicktothechestthatknockedalltheairoutofhim.
ADRIA’SwolfpunchedtothesurfacetheinstantshesensedthesuddentensionthatgrippedRiaz’sbody.Onalertforasecurityrisk,shefollowedhisgazetowhereBowenstoodwithawomanofaboutfive-two,maybethree,herhairashininggoldshe’dpinnedintoaneatroll,herbodyclothedinafittedaquamarineshiftthatsetoffeyesofgentlegray.
Noweapon.Nothreat.Onlyalovelywoman…fromEurope.
Ahorriblesickfeelinginherstomach,AdrialookedfromthestrangertoRiaz,sawtheshockthathadturnedhiseyeswild,andsheknew.Sheknew.ButthewomanandBohadseenthem,werewalkingover,andsomehow,shemanagedtomakeitthroughtheintroductions.Yeteventhroughtheringinginherskull,thenauseachokingherthroat,shenoticedthatRiaznevertouchedthewoman—Lisette,hernamewasLisette—neverevenlookedatherproperly.
“Lisetteusedtobethebusinessmanagerforanothercompany,”BosaidtoAdria,“butshe’stakenupapermanentpositionwithus.”Smoothassilk,notevenahintthatthatothercompanywasafrontfortheAlliance.“Herspecialtyisincommunications—theperfectchoiceforaliaison.”
Riazfoldedhisarms.“IsEmilwithyou?”
AdriacaughtwhatshethoughtwasdistressinLisette’sexpressionbeforetheotherwomansmiledandrepliedinFrench-accentedEnglish.“No,hehadsomebusinessinBerlin.”GlancingatAdria,shesaid,“RiazandmyhusbandworkedtogetheronaprojectwhileRiazwasinEurope.”
God,Adriathought,howthatmust’vekilledRiaz.Herpainforhimwasendless,herownanguishacavernousdarknessinsideofher.Toknowandacceptthatthemanshelovedhadamate,andtocomeface-to-facewiththatmateweretwodifferentthings.Itrippedawaytherose-coloredlensesshe’dputonsincethenightunderthemoon,slappedherinthefacewiththerealityofherstatusasnothingbutasubstituteforthewomanRiazreallywanted.
Shedidn’tknowhowshegotthroughthemeeting,butneithershenorRiazsaidawordaboutituntiltheywereinSnowDancerterritory.“So…she’stheone.”Astatementthatwasinreality,aquestion,becausesheneededtohaveitconfirmed,tohearitfromhismouth.Yet,somesmallpartofherwasachild,wantingtohearhimsay,“No,”andtellhershewasimaginingthings,evenwhenthetruthwasaneonsigninfrontofher.
Riazbroughtthecartoahalt.“Itchangesnothingbetweenus.”Hisresponsewasharsh,thehandheplacedagainsthercheekroughwithwarmth.“You’retheoneinmyheart.”
No,I’mtheconsolationprize.Theybothknewhewasonlywithherbecausehecouldn’tbewithLisette.Pridechokedupherthroat,butshedidn’tshovehishandaside,didn’ttellhimtogetthehellawayfromher—she’dcomeintothiswithhereyeswideopen.Topunishhimforsomethingoverwhichhehadnocontrol,towalkawayatthismomentwhensheknewhehadtobesufferingthemostviciouspain…no,shecouldn’tdothattoherblackwolf.Love,sherealizedatthatterriblemomentoftruth,couldbeincrediblyunselfish,evenwhenithurtuntilshebled.
Unclippinghersafetybelt,thenhis,shecrawledovertostraddlehislap,wrappingherarmsaroundhim.“I’mhere.”
SHEbrokehim,Riazthought,hisarmsclenchingaroundthesleekmuscleofherbody,hisheartthundering.Unabletospeak,heburiedhisfaceinherneck,drawinginthestrangedelicacyofherscent,socomplexandunique.Itanchoredhisshockedandnewlywoundedwolf,calmedtheman.
He’dexpectedfury,hadthoughthemightfindhimselfoutinthecoldwhenheneededhermorethanever.Theonethinghe’dneverexpectedwasthisgenerosityofspirit,andheshouldhave,becauseshe’dshownhimoverandoverthatshewasn’tonlyatough-skinnedsoldier,butawomanofempathyandheart,awomananymanwouldbeproudtocallhisown.
Pressingakisstothebeatofthepulseinherneck,hefeltherhandstrokethroughhishair.Hiswolfbaskedinthetenderness.“Itwastheshockmorethananything,”hesaid,herskinsosoftunderhislips.“I’llbefinenow.”
Adriarubbedhercheekagainsthisbeforeshedrewback.“Nopretence,Riaz,”shesaid,holdinghisgazewiththeunflinchinghonestyofherown.“Youtellmeifthisisn’tworkingforyou.”
Hefistedhishandinherhair,shockobliteratedbypossessivefury.“Itdamnwellis.”Maybehe’dgoneintothisrelationshipneedingthecomfortofapackmate’stouch,butnow?Nowhe’dstakedhisclaim.“You’remine.”Thewolfgrowledinagreement.“Iamneverlettingyougo.”Chapter57
VASICWASINaremote,night-shroudedpartofNunavut,Canada,talkingwithAdenabouttheirprogressintrackingHenry,whenashudderrockedhim.Initially,hethoughttheCapeDorsetregionhadexperiencedanearthtremor.
ThenAdenshookhishead.“Something’shappenedintheNet.”
Asplitsecondlater,havingopenedhispsychiceye,VasicdoveintotheslipstreamofthePsyNetasAdendidthesame.TheNetwasthebiggestdataarchiveintheworld,millions,trillionsofpiecesofdatauploadedintoiteachandeveryday.ButratherthantherelativelysmoothriversofinformationVasicwasusedtoseeing,thissectionoftheNetwastwisted,crumplinginonitself.
Shield!hetelepathedtoAden.
Aroundthem,thestar-studdedblackoftheNetwasliterallycollapsing,takingthehundredsofmindsanchoredinthissectionwithit.Heexpandedhisshieldstoprotectasmanymindsashecould,butwhilehewasapowerfulTk-V,Adenwasthestrongertelepath,abletoshieldafargreaternumber.
Straininginhisphysicalbody,hefocusedonholdingtheshieldsonthosehe’dmanagedtograbfromtheedgesofthedisasterzone,notthinkingabouttheoneswho’dbeencaughtinthecollapse.SeveredfromtheNet,theywould’vediedaquickandviolentlypainfuldeath.
Aden,hetelepathedwhenhesawtheedgebegintoexpandinaripplingwave.Histelepathicabilitiesweren’tenoughtoholdbackthecontinuingcascadeofdestructionandprotectatthesametime.
I’vecalledtheothers.
Butsomeoneelsearrivedbeforetherestofthesquad,andhispowerwassovastitblinded.Hesingle-handedlybuiltabuttressaroundthecollapse,sealingupthebreach,untilVasiccouldreleasethemindshe’dprotected.
Krychek’snotonlyacardinalTk
Adualcardinal,Adenreplied.Impossible.
Exceptthatmuchtelepathicpowerwasnothinglessthancardinallevel.
“It’sholding,”Krycheksaidonthepsychicplane,theconversationprotectedfromleakingintothePsyNetbyshieldsofimpenetrableblack.“Canyougetintothecollapsedsectiontochecktheextentofthedamage?IneedtomaintainthissutureuntiltheNetsealsitself.”
AdencheckedwithVasic,gotariskassessmentidenticaltotheonehe’dmade.“Yes.”
“I’llleavethissmallwindowopenforyou.”Kalebindicatedthecoordinates.“Go.”
Divingintothetwistedwreckage,Vasicathisback,Adenmaintainedheavyshieldingashenavigatedbrokenpathwaysthatthreatenedtocutandshoveintohismind,theblacknessoftheNetsomehowjaggedanddevoidoflife.“Stop.”HemadeVasiccheckhisbiofeedbacklink,ashedidthesame.
OnlywhenhewassatisfiedthattheirlinktotheNetwasholding,regardlessofthefacttheywerenowina“dead”section,didtheycontinue.Itdidn’ttakethemlongtofindthelocusandthecauseoftheunprecedentednetworkfailure.TheNethadimplodedintoasharppointatthatlocation,asifthepsychicfabrichadbeensuckedintoavortex.
“Theanchorforthisregion,”hesaidtoVasic,“isdead.”
“Hisdeathalonewouldn’thavecausedthis.Therearemultiplefail-safes.”Vasicwentclosertothefrozenvortex,themangledfabricoftheNethavingcreatedanaturalplug…toolatetosavethemen,women,andchildrencaughtwithin.Weneedtofindthebody.
ReturningthroughthewindowKrychekhadleft,theyinformedhimofthelackofsurvivors,watchedhimstarttofinalizetheseal.“Theanchorisdead,”Adensaid.“We’llworktolocatethebody.”
Droppingfromthepsychicplane,hewaitedforVasictoopenhiseyes.TheTk-Vbroughtupsomethingonthecomputronicgauntletonhisarmassoonashedidso.“I’maccessingtheanchorfilesforthisregion.”
Adenwaited,awareVasicwassearchingforanimagehecouldfocusonforateleport.
“There.”Aninstantlater,theTk-Vteleportedthemdirectlyinfrontofatwo-storycottageontheedgeofCapeDorset.ThelackofneighborswasunusualforaPsy—butnotforananchor.ManymembersofDesignationAcravedisolation.
Itwasbecause,ananchorhadonceexplainedtoAden,theywereconstantlysurroundedbyothersontheNet.UnlikewithordinaryPsy,ananchorcouldnotshutoffthatawareness—itwasaninbuiltcomponentoftheirabilitytoholdtheNetinplace.Theirrelativeseclusiononthephysicalplanewasapsychologicalcopingmechanism.
Lightspilledfromthecottage,andwhenAdenmadehiswaytooneofthewindows,usingtheshadowsoutsidetohisadvantage,hesawnohintofdanger.I’llringthedoorbell
WaituntilI’minside.
Vasicheardthecleartonesofthebellechothroughthehouseasecondafterheteleportedintotheroomvisiblefromthewindow.Whentherewasnoothersoundormovement,heletAdenin.Workinginpracticedsilence,theycheckedthefirstfloorandfoundnothing,beforeheadinguptothesecond.
There.Adennoddedatadropofwhatlookedlikebloodonthecarpetthatcoveredthesteps.
Halting,Vasiclookedmorecarefullyandsawtwootherdrops.Whoeverdidit,passedthisway.
Thebodywasinthecornerroomtheanchorhadusedashisoffice.Fromthedentsandthebloodsplatter,he’dbeenflungviolentlytothewallatleasttwice.“ThisistheworkofaTk,”Vasicsaidoutloud,afterscanningtheroomforlisteningdevices,thescanner—abletobeadaptedtomanytasks—builtintohisgauntlet.
Adendidn’tsayanythinguntilhe’dwalkedoverandcheckedtheanchor’sthroatforapulse.“Deathconfirmed.Hisskin,however,iswarm.Fitswiththetimeline.”
Vasicranhiseyesoverthedentstheanchor’sheadhadmadeinthewall.Therewasblood,yes,butthekillerhadhadenoughonhimtodrip,whichmeanthe’dbeenupcloseandpersonalwithhisvictim.“CatastrophicfractureinSilence?”
“You’recertainitwasaTk?”
“Patternofthevictim’sinjuriesaddedtothehigh-impactdamagetothewallmakesithighlyprobable.”Helookedattheblood-splatteredmessonthedeskwhereitappearedtheanchorhadbeenworkingpriortotheattack.“Eithertheuncontrolledviolenceisstagedressing,orsomeoneisusinganunstableTkforhisorherownpurposes.”
Aflickeratthecornerofhiseye.Swiveling,hefoundKalebKrychekintheroomwiththem.Thoughthefactwasn’twellknown,theformerCouncilorwasoneoftherareTkswhocouldgotopeopleaswellasplaces,andhe’dobviouslyzeroedinoneitherVasicorAden.
Dressedinapristinesuit,hisfaceborenomarksofstrainasaresultofthepowerhe’dexpendedontheNet.“TheinformationIwasabletogatherfromtheNetMind,”hesaid,takinginthecarnage,“indicatesthefail-safeswereallmurderedsecondsbeforetheanchor’sdeath,bykillerswhobrokeintotheirhomesarmedwithlaserweapons.Ithappenedsofast,theNetMindcouldn’tstabilizethefracture.”
Adenrosefromhiscrouchingpositionbesidethebody.“Thatwouldrequireacoordinatedeffort.Thenamesofthefail-safesaren’tbroadcast,andwhiletheirsecurityisnowherenearthatofananchor”—thereasonwhynon-teleport-capableassassinshadbeenabletobreachtheirhomes—“eachispassivelymonitored.”
Whichiswhy,Vasicthought,theentirenetworkhadbeeneliminatedaroundthesametime.Anywarningandcontingencyplanswouldhavecomeintoplay.ThePsyhadbackupsuponbackupswhenitcametoanchors—DesignationAwasthefoundationoftheentirepsychicframeworkthatkepttheirracealive,theNetfartoobigtobestablewithoutthem.KilltheanchorsandtheNetwouldsufferatotalcollapse,takingeveryonewithit.
ADENwatchedVasicbegintomovearoundtheoffice.Quiet,calm,icilyfocused.“CouldthisbetheworkofoneoftheotherformerCouncilors?”heaskedKaleb.
“Itwouldmakenologicalsense—fracturingtheNetfracturestheirpowerbase.”
“Anindividualwhoknewtheparametersofthefailureaheadoftimecouldensurethesafetyofhisalliesandthedeathsofhisenemies.”
Kaleb’seyes,livingpiecesofthePsyNet,lockedonAden’sface.“Yes.However,suchindiscriminatecarnagebetterfitsthetenetsofPurePsy—myfellowex-Councilorstendtobemuchmoretargetedintheirassassinations.”
AdenthoughtofthelackofsupportthegrouphadreceivedintheNetaftertheirrecenthumiliatingdefeatatthehandsofthecoalitionofchangelings,humans,andPsy—mostofthepopulationbelievedPurePsyshouldn’thavesteppedoutoftheNet,thattheaggressioncontravenedtheirstatedaimofPurity.GivenPurePsy’sincreasinglyextremeideology,thatlackofsupportmightwellhavebeentakenassedition.
“Evenwithdepletednumbers,”hesaidtoKaleb,“thegrouphasthecapabilitytoorganizesuchanattack.”
“Andtheirgeneralhasthediscipline.”KalebturnedfromAdentoVasic.“Haveyoufoundit?”
“No.”TheotherArrowlookedupfromthetransparentcomputerscreenhe’dbroughtup.“There’snomessagehere,andnothingontheNetfromanyoneclaimingresponsibilityorthreateningmoreviolence.”
That,Adenknew,didn’tmeanfurthermurdersweren’tplanned.Kaleb’snextwordsmadeitclearthecardinaltelekinetichadcometothesameconclusion.“Protectingeveryanchoracrosstheworldisastatisticalimpossibility.”
“Agreed.”Thereweretoomanyofthem,strongandweak,criticalandperipheral.“However,wecansendoutanalerttoeachregion,advisetheauthoritiesinchargeoftheanchorstobeefupsecurity.”
“WarnthemofthepossibilityofastrongTkbeinginvolved,”Vasicadded,hiseyesonthebloodydentsinthewall.“Atleast8ontheGradient.”
“That’sgoingtobeproblematic.ThereareveryfewpeoplestrongerthanaGradient8Tk.”
Kalebwasright—whichmeantmoreanchorsweregoingtodieunlesstheyranthearchitectofthisattacktoground.“IfthisisthestartofaPurePsycampaign,”Adensaid,consideringhowtonarrowdownthepossibletargets,“certainregionsaremorelikelytobehit.”NikitaDuncanandAnthonyKyriakushadn’tonlybeenpartofthecoalitionthathaddefeatedHenry’sfanatics,they’dalsobeenvocalintheiranti-PurePsyviews.Morecrucially,theirregionwasbecomingamagnetforthosewhoseSilencewasfracturedorotherwisesuspect—anathematoPurePsy’saimofabsolutepurity.
“ThislocationwouldseemtoargueagainstPurePsyinvolvement,”Vasicpointedout.“Ithasnostrategicorpoliticalimportance.”
“I’dtheorizethiswasatrainingruninaquietregionoftheNet.”Adenacknowledgedhistheoryhadaflaw,inthatitrequiredtheaggressorssacrificetheelementofsurprise,butthatdidn’tdisqualifyit—notwhenirrationalbehaviorwasbecomingahallmarkofPurePsyoperations.“Weshouldn’tdiscountitbeingtheworkofanunknowngroup,butit’sreasonabletogiveNikitaandAnthonyspecificwarning.”
Kalebnodded.“I’lltakecareofit.”
Vasicbrokehissilence.“Preliminaryreportsarecomingin—fourhundredandseventyconfirmeddeadsofar.”
Andtheregionthathadcollapsed,Adenthought,wastiny,withasparsepopulation.AsinglesectorcollapseinSanFranciscowouldtaketensofthousandsofliveswithit.
“Atleasteighty-fiveofthedeadarechildren.”
AdenmetVasic’seyesinasilentwarning,butKalebwasn’tpayingattentiontotheArrowwhowasbothSilentandbroken.“Ihavetogo,”theformerCouncilorsaidafteraten-secondpause.“Releasethegeneralsecuritynotice,Aden.”Heblinkedoutinthenextbreath,hispowersovasttheteleporttookhimlittletonoeffort.TheonlyotherpersonintheNetasfastwasVasic,andhe’dbeenbornwiththeability.KalebhadlearneditasaTk.
“Hecouldhavedoneithimself,”Adensaid,staringatwherethecardinalhadstood.“We’dneverknowwiththespeedheteleports.”
“Yes.”
KALEBteleportedintoNikita’sofficetofindAnthonyKyriakusalreadythere.SinceAnthonywasatelepathwithnoteleport-capableability,thatmeanthe’deitherusedoneofhisTkstoarrangeanimmediate’port…orhe’dbeenwithNikitaatthetimeoftheattack.Verylateforapoliticalmeeting.
Unbuttoninghissuitjacket,hetookaseatbesideAnthony,ontheothersideofNikita’sdesk.“AdefactoCouncil?”
“IhavenoreasontowanttheNettosufferacatastrophicfailure,”Nikitasaidinsteadofanswering,herruler-straightblackhairbrushinghershoulders.“NeitherdoesAnthony.Neitherdoyou.”
“Socertain?”
“YouwanttocontroltheNet,Kaleb.Broken,it’suselesstoyou.”
Hesaidnothingtothat,betrayednothing.Nikitathoughtsheunderstoodhowhismindworked.Shedidn’t,butitwastohisadvantagetolethermisapprehensioncontinue.“There’sstillnosignofHenry,andShoshannahasbunkereddownsomewhereinEnglandbehindheavyshields.”Noneofwhichwouldprotectherwhenthetimecame.“TatianaandMingarethewildcards.”KalebhadhissuspicionsaboutMing’sinvolvementinthePurePsyassaultinCalifornia,butthemilitarymastermindhadbeenverycarefultoburyhistracks.
“ThereareotherswhohavereasontowanttodamagetheNet,”Anthonysaid,andthethreeofthemwentthroughmuchthesameconversationhe’dhadwithAdenandVasic.
Aden,hethoughtwithacornerofhismind,wasthecenteraroundwhomtheArrowsrotated.Whilethetelepathwasn’tthemostpowerfulmemberofthesquadintermsofrawpsychicability,hewastheonetherestoftheArrowslookedtoforleadership.HealsohadthesupportofVasic,theonlyteleporterintheNetfasterthanKalebhimself.Toownthesquad,KalebwouldhavetohaveAden’sloyalty.Andhewould.BecauseKalebhadplansNikitacouldn’tevenguessat,andhavingasquadoflethalassassinsbehindhimwouldmakethingsbothdeadlierandsmootherwhenheplayedhisendgame.
“Nowthattheviolencehasashape,willyourforeseersbeabletopredictthenextstrike?”NikitaaskedAnthony.
“I’vegiventheorder,andI’llforwardanypertinentinformation,butchaosonthisscaleskewsandwarpsthetimeline.”AnthonyglancedatKaleb.“We’llensureouranchorsarewellprotected.”
“Icanofferyouacertainnumberofmytroops.”Heknewthetwoex-Councilorshadlimitedmilitaryresourcesoftheirown,wouldfinditnearimpossibletocovertheanchornetworkinthearea.
“Thankyou,”Nikitasaid,“butI’lldecline.”
Anthony’sresponsewasmuchthesame.Kalebhadn’texpectedanythingelse—ifhewereontheotherside,hewouldn’ttrusthimselfeither.“Theofferremainsonthetable,shouldyouchangeyourmind.”
Rising,hebuttoneduphissuitjacketatthesametimethathesoothedthepanicoftheNetMind.Theneosentiencewasscared,andwhileKalebdidn’tfeel,hehadlearnedtodifferentiatethemoodsoftheDarkMindandNetMindboth.NowhegentledtheNetMindandreinedintheDarkMind,thedarkersentiencestrongerinthewakeofthemurderousviolence.“Ifyou’llexcuseme.Ineedtoreturntomyownregion.”
Asecondlater,heteleportedintoanotherroomonanothercontinent.“Ming,”hesaid.“Tatiana,Iseeyou’veheardabouttheattack.”Chapter58
AFTERANIGHTspentcurledaroundthewomanwhohadhealedsomethingbrokeninhim,thenheldhimasthewoundtoreopenagain,Riazwokewithhisworldbackinfocus.“Goodmorning,”hesaid,brushingasidetheinkystrandsofhairthatclungtoAdria’scheek.
“Morning.”Afaintsmile,thecautionhiddenbutpresent.
Hefeltlikehe’dbeenpunchedalloveragain,buthetoldhimselftobepatient.Hisnot-so-toughsoldierhadhadashock,too.Leaningdown,henibbledatherlowerlipinaplayfulkiss,onehandsplayedoverherribcage,hisotherarmbracedaboveherhead.
Sheranherownhanduphischestandaroundtohisnape,pettinghimwiththesameaffectionatelaziness,hersmilegrowingdeeper.“Thisisanicewaytowakeup.”
“Yes,itis.”Hewenttosaysomethingelse,butthecommbeeped,Rileysummoninghimtoanurgentlieutenantmeeting.
Hedidn’twanttogo,wantedtoloveAdriasweetandslow,showherwhoshewastohim,buthewasalieutenantasshewasaseniorsoldier.Dashingintotheshower,hewalkedouttofindshe’dscaredupacupofcoffeeforhim.“Ihopeit’snotanotherattack,”shesaid,eyesofblue-violetdarkwithworry.
Cuppinghercheek,hepressedhisforeheadtoherownforasingle,preciousmoment.“Ihopethehellnot.I’mguessingwhateveritis,theseniorswillallbebriefedsoonaswe’redone.”
Shenodded.“Goon.”Aquickkiss,thewarmthofherlipsstillwithhimwhenhewalkedintotheconferenceroomafewminuteslater.
“Isthatcoffee?”Indigogroanedasshewalkedinbehindhim.
Puttingdownhismug,Riazpouredheracupfromthecarafeonthetable,awaretheotherlieutenanthadworkeduntilnightfallwithFelix’steam,thenreturnedtosupervisehernovicesinanighttrainingexercise.Riazhadofferedtohandlethelatter,butIndigohadwantedtopersonallyjudgetheirprogresssinceacouplewereedgingtowardfullsoldierstatus.“Don’ttellmeyourboytoyisn’ttreatingyouright,”hesaidashehandedthecoffeeover.
Indigoswiggedhalfofitbeforesaying,“Ishalldealwithyoulater,”inanominoustonestrippedofitsmenacebyajaw-crackingyawn.“Doyouknowwhatthisisabout?”
“No.”Grabbingaseat,heturnedtowardthemonitorsasAlexei’sandJem’sfeedscameonline.“Youtwohaveanyideawhat’shappening?”heasked.
“Myguess—something’supwiththePsy,”Jemsaid.“IwentforastreetrunthismorninglikeIsometimesdo,andIdon’tknowhowtodescribeit;therewasthiseeriequietonthefaceofeveryPsyIpassed.”
“Whateveritis,”Alexeipointedout,“ifwe’rehavingameetingandnotgoingintoemergencymode,it’sprobablynotanimminentthreattothepack.”
Tensionleveldroppinganotchbecausetheyounglieutenantwasright,RiazwenttoaskAlexeiaboutthewolveswhowantedtomergewithSnowDancerwhenHawkeenteredwithRileyandJudd.Conversationstoppedforaminuteastheotherlieutenantsstartedtocomeonline.Kenji,Tomás,Matthias,andCooperallsnappedintofocusoneaftertheother.Coopwasasbrighteyedasifhe’dbeenupforhours,andKenjiappearedtohavecomeinfromanightshift,buttheothersdidn’tlookimpressed.
“Ithoughtthewarwaswon,”Tomásgroaned,agiantmuginhishand.“Thiswasmysleep-inday.”
“Ithoughtthatwasyesterday,”Coopersaid.
“Shutup.Justbecauseyou’regettinglaidonaregularbasisdoesn’tmeanyouhavetobesmugaboutit.”
Coop’ssmilewasslowanddefinitelysmug.
Tappingthetablewithafingerontheheelsofthatsmile,Hawkecalledthemeetingtoorder.“Judd,Lucas,andI,”hesaid,“hadaveryinterestingconferencecallwithAnthonyandNikitaafewminutesago.”
Everyonequieted.Thepack’srelationshipwiththetwopowerfulPsywasshakyatbest.TherewasnodoubtbothhaddonetheirshareoftheheavyliftingwhenitcametoprotectingthecityfromHenryScott’sarmy—they’dprovidedcombat-abilitytroops,usedtheirownconsiderabletelepathicpowerstorepeltheintruders.However,thatdidn’tmeantheycouldbetrusted.
“Goodnewsis,”Hawkesaid,“it’shighlylikelywe’renolongertargetnumerounoasfarasPurePsyisconcerned.”
“Whyaren’tyoucelebrating?”Indigoasked,reachingforthecarafeandpouringherselfasecondcupofcoffee,toppingupRiley’swhenhehelditout.
Hawke’sexpressionwasgrim,thewordshespokeevengrimmer.“BecausethecivilwarintheNetisn’tapossibility—it’sbegun.Themostrecentcasualtycountisfivehundredandseventeen.”
“Shit.”Matthiasrubbedhisface,hisdarkskingleaminginthelightofthelittletablelamphehadn’tyetturnedoff.“Anexplosionofsomekind?”
Juddwastheonewhoanswered.“PartoftheNetcollapsedlastnight.”
Ashockedhush.
“Thevictims’separationfromtheNetwassoviolent,”hecontinued,“theywould’vehadnochancetoattempttoreintegrate.Men,women,children…entirefamilieswipedout.”
“Angryasthismakesme,”Coopsaid,hisscarwhitefromtheforceofhisemotions,“wecan’taffecttheNet.WhydidNikitaandAnthonycontactus?”
“TheNetcollapsedbecausetheanchorintheregionwasmurdered,aswereallhisfail-safes,”Juddexplained.“Anchorsareprotectedonthepsychicplanebypermanentshieldingthat’sclosetoimpossibletobreak.However,they’restillmortal.”
Riazsawitthen,whatNikitaandAnthonywantedthemtodo.“Theyneedourhelptoprotecttheanchorsintheterritory.”Itwasahistoricrequest…especiallywhenRiazthoughtitthroughandrealizedthetwoPsywerewillingtotrustSnowDancerwiththelocationsofpeoplewhowerethegreatestvulnerabilityoftheirrace.
“Yes.”Juddpushedhishandthroughhishair,ararephysicalbetrayalofhisemotions.“Beforewemakeupourmindsonthat,there’ssomethingI’mnotsureyouallrealize.”
“Wait,”Indigosaid,pushingoveracupofcoffee.“Drinkthisfirst.Nooffense,gorgeous,butyoulooklikehell.”
JuddgaveIndigothefaintestofsmiles,obeyedtheorder.“EversincethediscoverythatSnowDancerprotectedMarleeandTobyfromrehabilitation,”hesaid,afterdrinkingagoodthirdofthecup,“alotofthePsyintheareaarelookingtoDarkRiverandSnowDancerforsomekindofleadership.Attheheartofitistheknowledgethatyouprotectedthedefenselesstheirownleadershipsoughttodestroy.”
“Changelingpacks,”Rileysaidinhismeasuredway,“havemanagedtoretainoursenseofidentity,tosurvivebeingsuckedintothePsymachine,becausewe’recarefulaboutwhowecallourown.”
Changelingswouldfighttothedeathtoprotectthepack,Riazthought,butgainingthetrustofthatpackwasahardthing—asJuddhimselfknew.However—“Itdoesn’tsitrightwithmethatweturnourbacksonpeoplewhotrustustohelp.”
“Withmeeither,”Rileysaidastheotherlieutenantsnodded.“Atthesametime,ourwolveswouldgoinsanetryingtoprotectsuchalarge‘pack.’”
Becauseonceadominanttookresponsibilityforagroup,hetookfullresponsibility.
“Hellofamess,”Matthiasmuttered.
Havingtippedhischairbackontwolegs,Hawkenowbroughtitdownonallfour.“Puttingthatasidefornow,firstweneednumbers.Judd?”
“Twentyanchorsacrossthestate,”thelieutenantreplied.“Twohundredbackups—tenperanchor.”
Tomáswhistled.“That’sadamnlownumberonwhichtopinthelivesofmillionsofpeople.”
“Thereareothers,likeSophiaRusso,Max’swife,whoalsohelpstabilizetheNet,buttheycan’tholdbackacollapse,sotheyaren’ttargets.”Judddranktherestofhiscoffee.“Threeofthetwentyarecardinalsandtechnicallytheonlytrueanchorsinthenetwork.However,thesecondaryanchors,trainedsincechildhood,arejustasintegratedintothepsychicfabricofthePsyNet,havethesamevulnerabilities.Whilethecardinalscontrolexponentiallylargerareas,takingoutasinglesecondaryhubwillmeantensofthousandsofdeaths.”
Alexeileanedforward,hisblondhairtiedbackwithapieceofstring.“Howlongwouldwehavetomaintainthewatch?”
“Notlong,”Juddsaidtotheirsurprise.“Therearevery,veryfewTkswhocanteleporttopeopleratherthanplaces.Theoddsareexcellentthatthetelekineticbehindtheanchormurderdoesn’thavethatability.Whichmeansheneedsimagesofhistargets’livingspaces—andthosehe’sprobablysourcingfromthe‘incaseofemergency’fileskeptonanchors.”
“AnthonyandNikitaarearrangingnewboltholes,”Coopguessed.“Clever,simple,andeffective.”
“Wecandoit,”Rileysaid,havinghadhisheadtogetherwithIndigowhiletherestofthemspoke.“FactoringinDarkRiver,theRats,andWindHaven,alongwithcertaintrainedhumansweknowwecantrustinthecity,wehavemorethanenoughpeopletocoveralltheanchorsandbackupstwenty-fourseven.”
“Willitleavetheterritoryvulnerable?”Hawkeasked,thequestionthatofanalphawhoseprimarygoalwastokeephispeoplesafe,evenifthatmeantmakingaruthlesschoice.
Indigoshookherhead.“No,we’reinverygoodshape.”
Hawke’spaleeyesscannedtheroom.“Yesorno.ThedecisionwillaffecteverysinglesectorofSnowDancerterritory,andifwesayyes,itputsusononesideofthelineinthiscivilwar.”
Riaz’swolfknewtherewasonlyonechoice.“Likeitornot,”hesaid,“asthemostpowerfulgroupinthearea,wehavearesponsibilitytotheregionnow.”AsRileyhadpointedout,changelingpackswereinsularforareason,buttheywerenotandhadneverbeen,blindtotheoutsideworld.
“Riazisright.”Cooper’svoice.“Wecan’tjustlookawaywhileourneighborsareslaughtered.”
“That’snotwhoweare.”Jem’sstatementwasechoedbyeverysinglelieutenantintheroom.
Hawke’snodheldaquietpridethatsaidhe’dexpectednootheranswer.“But,itcan’tbepermanent.”Implacablewords.“Ourwolvesaren’tmadeforthatkindofpoliticalmaneuvering—andIhavenodesiretorulethisregionoranyother.Weprotect,andwhenthedustsettles,wehelpthePsypopulationfindtheirfeet.”
Animmediateroundofagreement,andthentheygotdowntothehardquestionofexactlyhowtheycouldprotectthemselvesandtheanchorsfromaTk.Juddhadasimpleanswer.“Attackwithdeadlyforceassoonasthey’portin.Nowarning.”
HAWKEwalkedintohisofficetofindSiennastandingtotherightofhisdesk.Herattentionwasonthewallandthemapthatshowedthelandcurrentlyintheprocessofbeingreplanted—workthatwassettohitcompletionthisweek.Knowinghowithauntedher,whatshe’dalmostdonetoSnowDancer,thelivesshe’dtakentoprotectthepack,hedidn’tofferheranyplatitudes.Instead,tuggingheragainsthischest,herubbedhischinoverherhair,hiswolfsoothedbyhermereproximity.Herarmcamearoundhiswaistinreturn,butwhenshespoke,thewordshervoiceshapedwereunexpected.
“JuddgavemethelatestupdateonthedeathsinCapeDorset.”Quiet.Solemn.Asshe’dbeenwhenhe’dwokenhertotellherthenews.“Iftheyobliterateananchorpointinthisregion,thecasualtycountwillbecatastrophic.”
Heshould’velearnedbynowhowgoodshewasatignoringherownemotionstofocusonharshreality,butshestillsurprisedhimattimes.Wouldcontinuetodoso,hethought,aslongashelived.TherewasnothingpredictableaboutSienna…exceptforthelovehesawinhereyeseverysinglemorning,hisownpersonaldawn.“We’veagreedtohelpwiththeprotectiondetail.”
“Iwantto—”
“No.”
Pullingaway,shefrowned.“Iknowyou’reworriedaboutMing,buthe’sgottohaveotherprioritiesrightnow.IcanwearadisguiselikeIdidwhenIwentoutwithEvieandherfamily.”
Hefoldedhisarms.“Thatdisguiseonlyworkedbecauseofthecontext.”Itwasthesolereasonhe’dbeenabletolethergo—becausenoonewouldexpectSiennaLaurenSnow,cardinalX,tobewalkingaroundthecityshoeshopping.“Youthinkthepeopleplanningtoattackananchorwon’tscanthearea?Theinstantaftertheyfigureoutyou’rePsy,they’llknowwhoyouare.”They’dalsoknowthevalueofthatinformationtothosewhosoughttoharnessthefuryofanX.
Stubborntensionmarkedherjawline.“Ican’thideforever.”Shefoldedherownarms,feetsetslightlyapart.“I’mstrongenoughtotakeonevenacardinaltelekinetic.”
“AndIshouldjustforgetaboutthebigfattargetonyourback?”Angercreptintohisvoice,hiswolf’shacklesup.
“Oh,youmeantomatchyours?”Narrowedeyes.“I’llstayifyou’llstay.”
Blowingoutabreath,hegrowled.
Siennasteppedcloserinsteadoffartheraway,droppingherarms.“Ithoughtwealreadyworkedthisout?”
He’dpermittedhertogointobattle,permittedhertoputherlifeontheline.Thatdidn’tmeanhe’dlikedit.“DidyouforgetthefactthatI’madominantwolfaswellasyourmate?”Hewasnotsanewhenitcametotheideaofherbeinghurt.
Sherolledhereyesathim,thensmiled.Oneofthosesudden,brilliantsmilesshegavehimeveryday,smilesthatmadehimfeeltenfeettallevenastheycuthimoffattheknees.Andwhenshecuppedhisfaceandtuggedhimdowntorubhercheekagainsthisown,herbreastspushingagainsthisfoldedarms,manandwolfbothknewtheyweresunk.
Unfoldinghisarms,heranhishandsdownherbackasshepressedalineofkissesalonghisjaw.“Notyet,”hewhispered,hisvoicestrippedtothecore.
Siennadrewback,linesbetweenhereyebrows.“Hawke?”
Hewaswolf,wasalpha.Revealingvulnerability,eventohismate,didn’tcomeeasy.“Ialmostlostyou,”hesaid,thememorymakinghimwanttorage,asherelivedhowclosehe’dcometoneveragainseeingSienna’ssmile.“Ineed—”Hecouldn’tcompletethesentence,hisemotionstooraw.
Cardinaleyesdevoidofstarsstaredbackathim.“Iunderstand,”shesaid,andhefeltthedepthofherperceptionalongthematingbond.“We,bothofus,needalittlemoretimetoconvinceourselveswemadeit.”Strokingherhandsoverhischest,shewrappedherarmsaroundhimtoresthercheekagainsthisheart.
Hehadn’texpectedit,thatshe’dsurrendertotheviolentdepthofhisneedtoholdhersafe,ifonlyforafleetingwhisperoftime.Andheknewhecouldn’tallowhertodoit,couldn’tstealherfreedomtoassuagehisneed.“Go,”hesaid,forcingthewordsout,“speaktoRiley.Askhimtopairyouwithsomeoneseniorandexperienced.”
Pushingawayfromhischestsoshecouldmeethiseyes,Siennatouchedherfingerstohisface.“Beautifulman.”
Hisclawsprickedtheinsidesofhisskin,hiswolffightingthehuman’sdecision.
“I’llstay.”Herpalmagainsthischeek,hereyesluminescentwithemotion.“It’sthelogicalchoice.”
Whenhecockedhishead,shesaid,“IfIgooutthere,you’llbehalfinsanewithworryandofnousetothepack.”Shepressedherfingerstohislipstostophimfromspeaking.“I’dbethesameifitwasyou.”Acrookedsmile.“I’mmakingthischoicenotforyou,butforbothofus—I’llhaveotherchancestohelpthepackinthatway.Thistime,I’llhelpbybeingoneoftheoneswho’llremainbehindtoguardourterritory.”
Takingherhand,hekissedtheslightlyroughskinofherpalm,thatofasoldier,afighter…andofawomanwhounderstoodhiminwaysnooneelsehadeverdone,oreverwouldagain.Chapter59
IAMNEVERlettingyougo.
AdriaheldRiaz’spassionatewordstoherheartduringherfirstwatchonanchordetail.Butitwashard,sohard,whensheknewhehadameetingwithLisettethisafternoon.He’daskedAdriaifshewantedtoaccompanyhim,andtheferalwolfinherhadswipedatthechance,butAdriawasn’tajealous,angrywoman,wouldn’tallowherselftobecomeone.
Soshe’dreinedintheurgeandsaidno,trustinghimtohonorherfaith.
Butshewasstillawomanwholoved.IthurttoimaginehimspeakingtoLisette,untilhereverypulsewasarazorcuttingherfromtheinsideout.Partofherpainwasforhim,fortheagonythathadtobetearinghimtopieces.Tobesoclosetotheonemeanttobeyourmate,onlytobedenied.Itwassuchacruelidea,itmadeherchestache.Orperhapstheachewasforher,asymptomofherknowledgethatthistruthwouldneverchange—shewouldneverbewhoLisettewastoRiaz.
Atthatmoment,shecouldalmostenvythePsytheirSilence.
Theoldermansheguarded,hishairadustygray,hiseyesnearthesameshade,lookedupfromthepapershewasgrading.Hewasateacherattheuniversity,he’dtoldher.Anchorsdidn’tneedtowork,andoftencouldn’tbecauseofthementaldisciplinerequiredofthemontheNet,butBjornThorsenwasamathematicalgenius.“Itmakesnorationalsense,”he’dtoldher,“tohavemyknowledgediewithme.”
Now,hesaid,“Awolfinmystudy.Theworldhaschangedindeed.”
AdrialikedThorsen.Therewassomethingabouthim—asifinspiteofhismathematicalbent,hehadthecapacitytoseethemostnonnumericalofsubtleties.“Yes,”shesaid.“ThisisthelastthingIeverexpectedtobedoing.”
“I’meighty-fiveyearsofage.”Hebroughtuphiscomputerscreen,showedheranimageofhimselfasamuchyounger—andstiffer—man.“Atthestartofmylifetime,changelingsweren’tevenablipontheCouncil’sradar.I’vewatchedyourpeople’spowergroweverstronger,andI’vewatchedmypeoplemakebadchoiceafterbadchoice.Thislateststateofaffairs,it’snosurprise.”
Startled,sheturnedtoleanhershoulderagainstthewall.“Youexpectedsomeonetobeginmurderinganchors?”
“It’sonlylogical,Adria.”Puttingdownthepeninhishand,hemethereyes,hisgazeholdingafiercepower.“Ifyoucontroltheanchors,youcontroltheNet.”
“Butthey’rekilling,notcontrolling.”
Thorsenshookhishead,hisfaceholdingthewisdomofsomeonewhohadlivedwellmorethantwiceherlifetime.“Doyounotsee?Oncetheyhaveshatteredalarger,morecriticalsectionoftheNet,theonesbehindthiswillmakeitknownthey’llbreakotherparts,murderotheranchors,unlessthoseanchorsswearfealtytothem.”
Adriafrowned.“Whatadvantagewouldthatgivethem?AsIunderstandit,youstabilizetheNet,nothingmore.”Theanswercametoherasthelastwordleftherlips.“IfyoustabilizetheNet,”shesaid,realizingthetruelevelofcoldintelligencebehindthesadisticplan,“youcandestabilizeit.”Thatdestabilizationhadthepotentialtoaffectthousands,tensofthousandsatatime.“Whatbetterwaytocontrolthemassesthantoletthemknowtheirveryliveshanginthebalance.”OnestepoutoflineandtheNetitselfcouldbecollapsedaroundthem,theirlifelineextinguished.AndunliketheLaurens,mostordinaryPsylikelydidn’tknowhowtodefectintoasmallernetwork,muchlesshavethepsychicandpsychologicalstrengthtopullitoff.
“Excellent,”Thorsensaid,soundingliketheteacherhewas.“Ofcourse,suchapracticecan’tbemaintainedlongterm.Thereasonanchorsthemselvesdon’tdestabilizetheNetandholdeveryonehostage,isn’tonlybecauseitwouldbeanirrationalact,butbecausewe’resodeeplyconnectedtoit,anydamagewedoreboundsbackonus.Imightsurviveitonceortwice,butbeyondthat…”Herubbedathistemples.
Herwolfwentonalert.“What’sthematter?Telepathicattack?”Ifso,shehadJuddonstandby.Hecouldteleportinandhopefullydisrupttheprocess.
Linesofpainradiatedoutfromtheprofessor’seyes.“No.Dissonanceprogramming—itappearsIamnotmeanttotalkofsuchthings.”Hedroppedhishand,hisbreathingrough.“It’sexcruciatingononelevel,butI’vebecomesomewhatnumbedtoitovertheyears.”
“Becauseamanoflearning,”shesaid,pouringhimaglassofwaterfromanearbyjug,“doesn’tlikehavinghisthoughtstruncated.”Hewouldn’tcallitbravery,wouldn’tevencallitanemotionaldecision,buthe’dmadeastandinhisownquietway.“Whatdoyouthinkyou’llseeinthenextdecadeofyourlife?”
Hiseyeswerecalm,hisanswerbrutal.“War.”
RIAZhaltedinthedoorwayofthemeetingroomonthelowerfloorofthesameartdecohotelinSanFrancisco.“Where’sBo?”
Lookingupfromtheothersideofthesmallovaltable,Lisettesaid,“HeflewbacktoVeniceanhourago,”inthatdistinctivecleartoneofhers.“TherewasanotherattempttotakeAlliancepersonnel.Everyone’ssafe,buthewantstobethereontheground.Heassumedyou’dbefineworkingoutthefinaldetailswithme.”
“Ofcourse,”hesaid,makingamentalnotetofollowupontheattackwithherlaterintheday.Asliaison,Lisetteshouldhavethemostup-to-dateinformation.“HaveyoubeenthroughthecommunicationprotocolsIe-mailedthrough?Anyproblems?”
Lisette’ssmilewassoft.“Won’tyousit?”
Hetookachairacrossfromher,anditwasthefirsttimehe’dreallylookedathersinceherarrivalinthecountry.Theimpactwas…unexpected.Theprimaldrawhefelttowardherhadn’tdisappeared,butithaddulledtobackgroundnoise,leavinghimclearheadedandincontrol.Whathadhimtakingadeep,quietbreathwasthathiswolf,too,showednodesiretowrenchatthereins,tolungeather.Itlayquiet,watchful
Lisetteliftedahandinagracefulmotion,thefinegoldbraceletaroundherwristslidinglowerdownherarm.“Ihavenoissueswiththeprotocols.Ishould’vetoldyouthatinmye-mail,butI…wantedtotalk.”
Hetookintheshadowsunderhereyes,thepalenessofherskin,felthisprotectiveinstinctsstir.“What’sthematter?”
“I’msorry.”Sheswallowed,shookherhead.“Idon’tknowwhy—”Anotherheadshakebeforeherfacecrumpled.
“Hey,hey.”Walkingaroundthetable,hecroucheddownbesideher,takingherhandsintohis.“Tellmewhat’swrong.”
Ittookherseveralminutestocatchherbreath.“Ihaven’tspokentoEmilinamonth,”shewhispered,hereyesred.
“Ah,Lisette.”Rising,hepulledherintoahug.
Sheheldontighttohim.“Idon’tknowwhyIcanspeaktoyouaboutthis,whyitfeelssoeasy.”Bewilderment.“Ihaven’ttoldanyoneelse.”
Riaz’swolfunderstoodwhyshefeltsocomfortablewithhim,yetheknewtohisbonesthatshewasn’ttheonehe’dgotoifhewashurtingasbadlyasLisettewasnow.Therewasonlyonepersonhetrustedenoughtolowerhisguard,leavehimselfdefenseless,onlyonepersontowhomhiswolfwouldspeakitssecrets.Theknowledgewasanotherpiecesettlingintoplace,anotherfilamentinthebondbetweenhimandhisempress.
SqueezingLisettetight,hereleasedherandnudgedherbackintoherchair.“Why?”heaskedaftergettingheracupofcoffee.“Iknowyou’recrazyforoneanother.”
“Somethinghappenedandhejuststoppedtalkingtome,”shesaidinanalmostsub-vocaltone.“Ican’tbelievehe’shavinganaffair,butwhatelsecoulditbe?”Shewipedoffanotherrushoftears.“IsaidIwasleavinghim,hopingtheshockwouldgetthroughtohimandhe’dfinallytellmewhatwaswrong…andhesaidhewantedadivorce.”
MERCYwasn’ttheteensiestbitsurprisedwhenRileyturnedupthatnighttojoinheronhersecuritypatrolofthecity.Herleopardbuttedupagainsthisscent,playfulandaffectionate.Riley’sreturningtouchwascareful,almost…tentative.
Tiltingherheadtotheside,shesaid,“What’sup,mypersonalandverysexybig,badwolf?”Rileywasnevertentative.Thoughquiet,themanhadsteamrollersbeat.He’dhavemademincemeatofthelittlesubmissivehe’doncedreamedabout—Mercyhadforgivenhimforthat,butshestilllikedtojerkhischainaboutitnowandthen.
Nottonight,notwhenhelookedsosolemn.
“You’rebeingsweet,”hesaid,thetentativenessreplacedbyfrustration.“Ikeepwaitingforahissandaswipewithyourclaws,andinsteadyoupetme.”
Laughingsoftly,shepressedherbodytohis.“Riley,myRiley.”Sosolidandstrongandstable,hewasherportinthestorm.Nomatterwhathappened,sheknewshecouldcomehometoRiley,hisloveasenduringasthemountainsthemselves.“Iknowwhatitdoestoyoutohavemevulnerable.”
Thefactshecarriedachild—children—inherwomb,meantshewasnolongerasfastoraslethal,cognizantasshewasaboutnotdoinganythingtoinjuretheiryoung.Itwasthereasonshe’daskedtobeputonroutinepatrols.“Iknow.”Clawskneadinggentlyathisshoulders,shespokewithherlipsagainsthis.“Itdoesn’tmakemecrazywhenyoucheckuponme.”Hisdeepneedtocare,toprotectwaspatentineveryshimmerofthematingbond.That’swhoRileywas,andshelovedhimforit.
“Honest?”hesaid,strokinghishandaroundtohernape.
“Honest.”Sealedwithakiss.“Areyougoingtostay?”
Hegaveasheepishnod.“Iputmyselfonshifthere.Iknowit’sdoublingup,butwehaveenoughpeoplethatnoonewillnotice.”
AndRiley,shethought,hadearnedthetime.HewasSnowDancer’srock,too,hadbeenforaslongasHawkehadbeenalpha.“Comeon.Let’sgoneckonthepier—Zachwillcoverforme.”Herpartnerwasbeingverydiscreetontheothersideofthestreet.
Rileylaughed;itwasoneofherfavoritesoundsintheuniverse.Chapter60
“IT’SASIexpected,”Vasquezsaidtothemaninsidethesterilechamber.“TheanchorsintheCaliforniaregionarenowunderheavyguard.”
“Canwegettothem?”
“Yes,butwemayjeopardizeourprimaryoperative.”Toolate,Vasquezrealizedthatheshouldn’thavegivengroundontheCapeDorsetstrike.“WeshouldchangethefocusofournextplannedhitfromSanFranciscotoanothermajorcenterwiththepotentialforhighimpact.”
“Wearen’tmindlessanarchists,”cametherasped-outresponse.“Thepopulacemustseewedothisforareason.TocleansetheNetofthosewhohavefailedtomaintaintheirSilence.”
“Theriskishigh.NikitaandAnthonyhavechangelingsupport.”
“Whichonlydisplaystheirweakness.”HisjudgmentwasoneVasquezshared.“It’stimewedemonstratedthat.SanFranciscoremainsthetarget.”
Everypartofhistrainingtoldhimthemovewasafoolishone,buthealsoknewHenrywasright.Violencealonewasnottheanswer.Themessagemustbeheard.“I’llbeginthepreparations.”Itwouldtakeextensivereconnaissanceandextremepatience,butVasquezhadneveryetfailedinhistask.Chapter61
ADRIAHADBEENcoping.Shehadn’tinterrogatedRiazabouthismeetingwithLisettethepreviousday,hadn’tpickedandproddedattheunspokentruththathoveredbetweenthem,consciousthatdoingsowouldonlycreateawoundthatwouldfester.Instead,she’dmadethedecisiontocherishthetenderandpassionatetiethathadgrownbetweenthem,tobaskinthewildaffectionofhiswolf,andnotobsessovertheprimalbondthey’dneverhave.Soshedidn’tknowhowthishadhappened,howshe’dendedupalonewiththewomanwhomadeitimpossibletothinkaboutanythingelse.
“Thankyousomuchforthis,”Lisettesaid,strappingonhersafetybelt.“Itrulywasn’thintingataridewhenIranintoyou.”
“It’snotaproblem.”HavingdroppedoffsomepapersatDarkRiverHQforHawke,AdriahadbeenwalkingbackthroughChinatowntohercarwhenshe’drunintoLisettecomingoutofasouvenirshop.“Buyanythinginteresting?”
Thewomanlaughed,anditwasasweet,gentlesound.Inspiteofherperfectmakeupandhair,herpristinetangerine-coloreddressthatlookedbothprofessionalandsummerybeneathaneutral-tonedtrenchcoat,Lisettegaveoffawarmththatwasgenuine.Now,sherustledinherbagandcameoutwithasmalljadestatuette.“Thestorekeepersaiditwouldbringmegoodluck—I’mgoingtoaskDarkRiverandSnowDancerforpermissiontosetupanapartmentinthecity.”
Adria’sheartstuttered.“You’dcontinuetobetheliaison?”
“Yes.Itmightactuallyworkbetterifthepackshavemehereontheground.”
Theotherwoman’swordsmadetoomuchsense,speakingastheydidtothechangelingpreferenceforsituationswheretheycouldjudgetheotherparty’smood,hisorherscent.“Haveyouandyourhusbanddecidedwhichpartofthecityyou’dwanttoliveinifyougettheokay?”ThequestionwasaremindertoherselfthatLisettewashappilymarried,hadnodesiretopressaclaimonthelonewolfwhowasAdria’s.
Alongsilencefromthepassengerseat,solongthatthehairsstooduponthebackofAdria’sneck,hermindworkingahundredmilesanhour.“Yourhusband’snotmoving,”sheguessed,knowingsheshouldn’tprybutunabletoletitgo.
“No.”Itwasawhisper.“We’veseparated.”
Adria’swolffeltasifithadbeenkickedwithsteel-toedboots,wasbrokenandbleedingasherworldcrasheddownaroundher,buthervoicesoundedoddlycalm.“I’msorry.”Sheunderstoodthehurtthatcamewiththecollapseofalong-termrelationship,couldn’tnotfeelcompassion,eventowardawomanwhothreatenedtostealeverythingfromher.“It’sfinal?”
Lisetteturnedherheadtowardthewindow,herhairapalegoldinthesunlight.“Thelastwordshespoketomewereaboutadivorce.”Ableakconfession.“Ineverknewhoweasyitwastodissolveamarriage.”
Theotherwoman’sdespairwasablackwave,andAdriaknewLisette’sloveforherhusbandhadn’tdied,justbeenbadlybruised.Riazdeservedmore,deservedawomanwho’dgivehimeverything…butLisettewashismate.Andshewasnowfree.
Adriawasn’tsurehowshemanagedtofunctiontherestofthedrivetoLisette’shotel.Hergood-byewascurtenoughthattheAllianceliaisongaveheraconcernedlook,butAdriawasbarelykeepingittogether—shedidn’thaveenoughgoodnessinhertobegentlewiththeotherwoman’spain.LeavingbeforeLisettecouldaskherwhatwaswrong,shedrovewithsingle-mindedfocustoSnowDancerland,parkedthevehicleinaheavilywoodedsection,bracedherhandsonthesteeringwheelandscreamed…untilhersobsrobbedherofbreath,shatteringhertopiecesfromtheinsideout,thepaininherchestnothingtotheoneinherheart.
NomatterifLisetteremainedinlovewithherhusband,shewasRiaz’smate.Adriawould’vefoughtforherblackwolfwitheverythinginheragainstanyotheropponent,butthatsinglefactcouldn’tbealtered,couldn’tbewishedaway.Itwasn’tcoincidencethatLisettefoundherselfwantingtosettleinCalifornia,heractionscoloredbyaconnectionshedidn’tconsciouslyunderstandorrealize.Riazhadtofeelit,too,feelthatprimaldrawthatwasthegreatestgiftofachangeling’slife.
Buthe’dmadeapromisetoAdria,andhewasn’tamanwhorenegedonhispromises.
Soshe’dhavetobetheonewhobrokeherownheart.
JUDDwalkedintotheinfirmaryjustaftertwelve,awareWalkerhadtakenLaraofftolunch.ItwaseasytoskirtLucy’sattention—thenursewasinvolvedwithayounggirlwho’dcomeinwithbrokenribsaftertumblingoutofatree,hertearstainedfacered,thoughshewasmakingavaliantefforttofightbackthesobs.Still,shewasonlyseven.
Fightingtheinstinctiveurgetohelp,heslippedunseenpastLucyandthepupandintotheroomoccupiedbyAliceEldridge.Hemadesurethedoorshutwiththesoftestsnickathisbackbeforeheturnedtotakeinthepatient.Shelaywithhereyesclosed,herhandsontopofthesheets,herheadangledtotheside.Thoughnolongerhookeduptoafeedingtube,shecontinuedtowearthethincomputronicskullcap.
Herchestroseandfellineasybreaths,herlashesdarkagainstthedullbrownofherskin.Thatskinneededthesun,neededtobeburnished.BrennahadfoundsomeoldphotosofAliceEldridgehiddenonline,includingonetakenbyherrappellingpartnerasshecamedownbesidehim.Herlegshadbeengentlymuscledasshebracedherselfonthewall,hersmilebrilliant,theunexpectedblonde-kissedbrunettecurlsexposedunderherhelmetshinywithhealth.
Nothinglikethewastedwomaninthebed.
Yethereyes,whentheyopenedandzeroedinonhim,werethesame.Ebony,sodarkthepupilwasdifficulttodistinguishfromtheiris.Hewaitedforareaction,anditwasn’tlongincoming.“Arrow,”shesaid.“Former.”
“Youremember.”Hehadn’tbeencertainshe’drecallanythingabouttheirfleetingconversation.
“Ithought,”shesaid,hervoiceroughwithdisuse,“youwereadream.”
Walkingacrosstheroom,Juddgrabbedachairandsatdownbesidethebed.“Yourmemoriesfrombefore?”LaraandtheothershadbecomefrustratinglyclosemouthednowthatAlicewasawake,citingthetrustapatientneededtohaveinherphysician.Butthiswomanhadincredibleknowledgelockedinsidehermind—knowledgeSiennawouldneedgoingintothefuture.AlicewastheonlyauthorityonX-Psyintheworld.
Adeepbreath,ebonyeyesshiftingtotheright.
Followinghergaze,Juddsawthewaterbottle.Hepickeditupandheldthestrawtoherlips.Shetookasip,two,beforehalting.Waitinguntilhe’dputthebottleback,shesaid,“Abrokenkaleidoscope.Thosearemymemories.”
“Yetyouknowwhatakaleidoscopeis.”
Afaintsmileonthattoo-widemouth.Inthephoto,hermouthhadseemedperfectforherface,hersmilehuge.Buthere,herfacealljuttingbones,thelushnessofherlipsdidn’tfit.“Yes,”shesaid.“Strangeplace,themind.I’velostme,butI’veretainedtheworld.”
Herintelligencewasclear,evennow,whenshewassodamaged.ItmadehimwonderwhoAlicewouldbeifsheeveragainregainedherfullself.“Doyouknowwhenyouare?”Ahundredyears,more,hadpassedsincethebeginningofAlice’sforcedsleep.
“Yes.”Suchlossinthatacknowledgment.“Ihadparents.Irememberthem.They’regone.”Simplewordstodescribeanineffabletruth.
“I’msorry.”TherewassomethingaboutAlicethatmadehimthink“she’soneofus,”thoughthescientistwashuman,andfromatimelonggone.Perhapsitwasbecauseshehadtriedtostudythemostoutcastofalldesignations.
ThesorrowinAlice’sexpressionwasreplacedbyaquietknowledgeasshewatchedhim.“Youwantedtobreakme,”shesaid.“AnyArrowwould.”
“Ineededtheknowledgeinyourmind.”
Alice’slashescamedown,lifted,herchestrisingandfalling.“StrangehowIremembertheArrows.”
“Perhapswewerethelastthingyousaw.”Hishistoricbrethrencouldwellhavebeentheoneswhohadtakenher.
Afrown,thesmoothskinofherforeheadwrinkling.“No,”shewhispered.“Zaidwouldn’thaveallowedthemtoputmeinabox.”
Za-eed.
Alice’spronunciationofthename,Juddthought,wasperfect.Itwasheracquaintancewithitthatsurprisedhim.ZaidAdelajahadcreatedthesquad,beenthefirstArrow,atelepathwithaferociousabilityinmentalcombat.“YouknewZaid?”Itwasn’timpossible—ifJuddwasrightaboutthedateofZaid’sdeath,theothermale’slifetimewould’veintersectedwithAlice’s.
Herhandfistedonthewhitesheet.“Ithinkso.”
Shatteredmemories,heremindedhimself,certainshewasn’thealthyenoughtolie.“You’llremember.”
“Yousoundmorecertainthanthelovelyhealerwiththeblackcurls.”Apause,herfingersrisingtotouchthecomputronicskullcapthatcoveredhershavedhead.“Ihadcurls.Somanycolorsinthere—asifmyfather’sblondandmymother’sblackhaircollidedinme.”Droppingherhand,shestaredatthewall,hergazedistant.
Hewonderedwhatshesaw,buthekepthispeacefornow.ForcewouldnotmakeAliceremember,regardlessofhowimportantitwasthatshedid.Rising,hereturnedthechairtoitsspotagainstthewallandwasabouttoleavewhenAlicespokeagain.
“AllIrememberbeforeyou,”shewhispered,“issadness,suchterriblesadness.Itmademyhearttearinpain,untiltheagonytookovermyworld.Zaid…Zaidwasthere.”
ARRIVINGbackinthedenfourhoursaftershe’ddroppedoffLisette,Adriamight’veallowedherselfalittlemoreroomtobreathe,hopestrugglingtofindarayoflightinthedarkness,butthenshesawRiazwalkingtowardher,andknewtimehadrunout.
Riaz’ssmilereachedhiseyes.“Hello,Empress.”
“Heyyou.”Flowingintohisarms,sheletthestrengthandheatofhimsurroundheronelasttime.“Doyouhavetimetotalk?”
“Afewminutes,”hesaid,wrappingthelongtailofherhairaroundhishandashehadawayofdoing.“IhavetoheadinforadiscussionwithHawkeaboutBlackSea.”
“Somethingcomeup?”Suchaneverydayquestion.Suchaquietintimacyshe’dneveragainexperience.Thenexttimetheymet,itwouldbeasseniorsoldierandlieutenant,notloverswhohadbecomefriends…more.
“No.”Hischestrumbledagainsther.“Justacaseofsettingupapermanentcommunicationsline.We’rethinkingKenjifortheliaison,sinceIhavetheAlliance.”
Asharplanceofpain,andshethought,perhapsitwasbettertodothishere.Iftheywentbehindcloseddoorsandhefoughther,shemightgivein.Butoutthere,withpackmatesatthefarendofthecorridor,andtheexitnotfarbehindher,shewas,inastrangeway,protectedfromherownweaknesswherehewasconcerned.
Drawingbackuntilshecouldlookintohisface,shesaid,“IsawLisette—shetoldmeshe’sgettingadivorcefromherhusband.”
Nosurpriseonhisface,justtheintensedeterminationofadominantwhointendedtogethisownway.“Itdoesn’tchangethis,doesn’tchangeus.”
“Itchangeseverything.”Hervoiceaharshwhisper,shesteppedback,breakingtheconnectionbetweenthem.
Hedidn’tlikethat—shesawitintheflashoftemperineyesgonepurewolf.
Breathajaggedbladeinherchest,sheshookherhead.“Don’ttellmeyoudon’twonder,don’tth—”
“Ifuckingdon’t!”Hegrabbedherupperarms,heldherinplace,therawfuryinhisvoiceawildthing.“Imademychoice,andIchoseyou.Don’tyoudothis.Don’tyoudestroyus.”
Itwassotemptingtogivein,butsheknewthatinspiteofwhatshe’dtriedtoconvinceherself,theideaofhismatewouldalwaysbeapainfulsilencebetweenthem.Still…shewasn’tthatself-sacrificing.Shewantedtokeephim,andifhewantedtostay,surelyitwasallright?
Agonysearedherblood,herwolfhowlinginbone-deepsorrow.
Andsheknewshelovedhimtoomuchtostealthisjoyfromhim.“Go,”shewhispered,anditwastornoutofher.“Behappy.”
ThesoundthatcameoutofRiaz’sthroatwasthatofamortallywoundedanimal.Grippinghernape,hehauledheragainsthim.“No.”Asinglebrutalwordspokenagainstherear.
Tearsburnedinhereyes,chokedupherthroat.Shewantedsodesperatelytoholdon,justholdon,butinherheadplayedthenightmareofwakinguponedaytofindthathehatedher,asMartinhadhatedher.Herformerloverhadresentedherstrength,butRiazwouldhaveafardeeperreasontohateher.
No,shewouldn’tdothat—tohim,ortoherself.
Shewasworthmore.Shewasworthbeingthefirst,theonly.Notsecondbest,nottheonewho’dcaughtthisincrediblemanwhenhewashurtingfromalossachangelingalonecouldunderstand…notjustatrustedfriendhecouldn’tbeartohurt.“Go,”shewhisperedagain,brushingherlipsoverhisjawinafinalcaressthatheldherheart.“She’syours.Youneedher,andsheneedsyou.”Rippingherselfoutofhisarms,sheshovedthroughthenearbyexitandbegantorun.
Herfeetpoundedtheearth,herbloodthuddedinherveins,andherheart…itsplinteredintoamillionfragments.
RIAZstaredattheexit.Hecouldcatchher—thecrushedberriesandiceandhiddenwarmthofherscentwasembeddedinhiseverycell.Hecouldtrackherthroughwindandhailandsnow.Buthecouldn’tgoafterher.
Notnow.
Notwhenhedidn’tknowthewordstosaytoconvinceherofalovethathadcometodefinehim,alovethatborethenameofhisprickly,generous,beautifulAdria.
“Fuck.”Heslammedhisfistintothestonewalloftheden,scrapingtheskinandleavingastreakofbloodbehind.Itbarelyregistered.Insteadofhowlingwithpossessivefury,hegrithisteeth,reinedinhiswolf—whoclawedathiminaconfusionofrageandpain—andstrodeoutthesamedoorAdriahadused.
Heneededtothink,toplan.Becausenowayinhellwashelettinghergo.Shewashis,hadgivenherselftohim.Hewasn’tagenerousmanwhenitcametohisempress,wouldn’treturnherheart.Itgoddamnedbelongedtohimandhewaskeepingit.
Fightinghismostprimalinstincts,heranintheoppositedirectionfromtheoneshe’dtaken,pushinghimselfsohardthathispowerfulchangelingchesthurtwiththeforceofhisbreaths.Stillheran.Untilhewasinthethinnerairofthehigherelevations,theskyriotouswiththefierydanceofsunset,andhisbodyforcedhimtostop.Bracinghimselfwithhispalmsonhisthighs,hegaspedinthecrisp,cleanair,hisheartpumpinghotandrapid.
Itwasn’tasmuchofasurpriseasitshould’vebeentoseeahugesilver-goldwolfmaterializeoutofthetrees.Hawkewasn’talphasimplybecausehewasstrongerandfasterthantheotherwolvesintheden—hewasalphabecauseheknewhispeople.Shovingahandthroughhissweat-damphair,Riazjoggedovertotheedgeofastreamfedbythemountainsnows,andthrewwaterontohisface.Thechillofitshocked.
WhenHawkeshiftedbesidehim,hedidn’tlookathisalpha.Itwasn’tthefacttheothermanwasnude—suchnakednessafterashiftwasanacceptedpartofachangeling’slife,nothingtoberemarkedupon—butbecausehehadnodesiretotalktoanyone.“Ineedtobealone.”ItwasonlyAdriahe’dallowclosetohimwhenevershewanted.Everyoneelsecouldgetoutandstaythere.
Hawke’sresponsewasresolute.“Nellsawyousmashyourhandintothewall—shethoughtyouprobablybrokeaboneandnevernoticed.Whatthehellhappened?”
Hisragesimmered,needinganoutlet.“Isaid,leavemealone.”Decidingtomakehispointexplicit,heshiftedintowolfform,lipspeeledbacktoflashhiscanines.
Hawkechangedbetweenoneheartbeatandthenext,hiseyesstaringRiazdown.ExceptRiazwasinnomoodforadominancedisplay.Snarling,helaunchedhisbodytowardHawke’s,clawsout.
Theymetinaclashoffurandbloodandfury.Chapter62
TENMINUTESLATER,hethrewwateronhisfaceagain,winced.Thecutoverhiseyehadbledplenty,andhischeekbonefeltasifitwascrushed,thoughitwasprobablyjustaheavybruise.TheonlyconsolationwasthatHawkehadn’tcomeoutofitunscathed—thoughhehadmanagedtoslamRiaztothegroundattheend,sinkhisteethintothescruffofRiaz’sneck.
“Youwerefightingangry,”thealphanowsaid.“Madeyousloppy.”
Blowingoutabreath,Riazflexedhishand.“Nellwaswrongbytheway.Nothingbroken.”Thoughhishandwasredandraw,hisknucklesscraped.
“Youreadytotalknow?”
“Youusuallybeatyourlieutenantstogetthemtotalk?”
Hawke’sbarkoflaughterwasgenuine.“AskRileysometime.”Runninghishandoverthefurofoneofthewildwolveswhohadcometostandguardwhiletheyfought,thealphametRiaz’sgaze.“Adria?”
Riazwasn’talonewolfjustbecausehelikedsolitude.Hedidn’ttrustmanypeoplewithhisinnermostthoughts,washappierkeepinghissilence.Exceptthistime,heknewheneededhisalpha’shelp.Takingaquietbreath,hebegantospeak.
“Shit,Riaz,”Hawkesaidwhenhefinished.“Hellofamess.”
“Tellmeyouhavetheanswer.”Hawkewasthesolepersoninthedenwhomight.“You’retheonlywolfIknowwhofoundhismatetwice.”
“Haveyou?”
Riazsuckedinabreath,thepaininhischeststabbingdeeper.“Adriaismine.”Hewouldnotbudgeonthat,notnow,notever.She’djusthavetogetusedtothatfact.“Butthematingtug,it’stowardsLisette.”Thoughitwasnolongeraferal,possessiverush,butagentleknowingatthebackofhismind,initselfastrangething,giventhathewasapredatorychangelingmale—thenagain,nothingaboutthissituationwas“normal”inanyway.
Hawke’shaircaughtthelightastheothermanshookhishead.“IfItoldyouIhadtheanswer,I’dbealiar.”
“Yeah.”TherewasasinglecriticaldifferencebetweenhissituationandHawke’s—thechildHawkebelievedwouldhavebeenhismate,haddiedwhenHawkehadbeenaboy.“IfRissahadlived…”
“Iwouldn’thavebeenthesameman,”Hawkesaidsimply.“I’dhavebeenmatedforyearsbeforeIevermetSienna,andthatlifewould’veshapedmeinawhollydifferentway.”Awrysmile.“Whoknows,Imightevenhavebeenaniceguy.”
UnexpectedamusementthreadedthroughthetangledknotofRiaz’semotions.“Icanjustseeyoubakingcupcakes.”
Forsomereason,thatmadeHawkehowlwithlaughterbeforehisalphashiftedandpaddedintothestream,thewildwolvesfollowinginhissteps.Riaz’sownwolfstretchedinsidehim,wantingout.Hesurrenderedtotheneed,followingHawkeacrossthestreamandevenhigherupintothemountains.Theirsmallpacklopedataneasypace,thewindripplingthroughtheirfur,thescentsintheairsharpandbrittlewithcold.
ThebeautyoftheSierraNevadahithisheartanewandhewonderedhowhecould’veeverleftthisplaceofmountainandforest,lakesandrivers.Ithurthisheart,thelovehefeltforthisland.Scramblingupontoasmallhillockformedbyfallenrocks,heliftedhisheadandsangofhisjoyatbeinghome…andoffindingtheonewhowasmeanttobehis.Hispackjoinedinhissong,anditwasgood.
Paddingbackdown,heranagain.
Whenthepackhalted,itwasbesideamirror-perfectlake.Riazassuagedhisthirstbeforeshifting,hismindifnotcalm,thenatleastafractionlessdisordered.SparksofcolorbesidehimdenotedHawke’sownshift.Neitherofthemspokeforlong,quietmomentsastheearlyeveningwindrustledthroughthetrees,thefieryskyabovecurlingwithanedgeofindigoblue.
“AreyouinthematingdancewithLisette?”Hawkeaskedatlast,scratchingtheheadofthewildwolfthathadcurledupbesidehim.“Becauseifyouare,yourwolf’smadethedecisionforyouandtryingtofightitwilldestroyyou.”
“No.”NeithermannorwolfwantedtobeinthedancewithLisette—theideaofitfeltwrongoneverylevel,abetrayalsovast,itmadehiswolfsnarlindefiance.“AllLisetteandIeverhadbetweenuswasapossibility.”Andheknewinhisgutthatthetimeforthatpossibilitytocometofruitionhadpassed,regardlessofanyacceptedrule.“Haveyoueverknownawolfinarelationshiptofindhismate?”
Hawketooktimetoreply.“I’veknowncoupleswho’vebeentogetherforyearstosuddenlydevelopamatingbond.I’vealwaysthoughtthatperhapsthehuman’schoiceinfluencesthewolf’s,ormaybetwopeoplecomeintoperfectsyncafterthattimetogether—kindoflikeIndigoandDrewknowingeachotherforsolongbeforetheymated.”
Riazunderstoodwhathisalphawassaying,hadseenthesamethinghimself,but—
“That’snotthequestionIasked.”
Husky-paleeyeslockedwithRiaz’s.“Theanswerisno.Lovewithoutthebond,wherethewolfacceptsthelover,ratherthanbeingneutralaboutit,seemstostopthematingbondcomingintoplaywithanyoneelse.”Pausing,headded,“Simplestexplanationisthatthecommitmenttakestheplaceofthematingbond.”
“SoifI’dmetAdriafirst”—fallensofuckinghardforherfirst—“Iwouldn’thavetodealwiththis.”Asituationwherethewomanheadoredthoughthewasmeantforanother.
“Yeah,likely.”Hawkepattedthesideofthewolfwhoseheadhe’dbeenscratching,anditreluctantlymaderoomforanother.“Daltonmightknowmoreaboutthisthaneitheroneofus,”thealphasaid,namingthepack’sLibrarian,“butthereissomethingelseIcantellyou.”
Riazwaited.
“Thechoiceisn’tyours—it’salwaysthewomanwhoacceptsorrejectsthebond.”
“Hellitisn’t.”Riaz’sclawsslicedoutofhisskin.“Thefemalemightacceptthebond,butIdamnwellbetyouthemale’sgottobewilling.Thisoneisn’t.”Once,hewould’vesoldhissoultobeLisette’s,butsomethingfundamentalhadchangedinhim,hissoulrebornfromacrucibleofshatteringpain.He’dsurvived,comeoutofitscarred,altered,stronger,amanwholovedasoldierandhadnodesiretoturnbacktheclock.
“It’sAdria’sfaceIseewhenIthinkofhome.”Adria’seyesofblue-violetthatlookedbackathimfromthefacesofthechildrenhe’dstartedtoimaginesincethatnightinthemoonlitmeadowwhereshehadbecomehis.“Adriawhoholdsmysecrets.”
“You’dwalkawayfromthewomanmeanttobeyourmate?”
“Yes.”Maybeitwasn’tachoiceanyotherwolfwouldevermake—hell,theideamightevenhorrify—butnootherwolfhadlivedthelifethathadleduptothismoment.“I’vefoundthewomanwho’smeanttobemine.”Thewomanwhohadhiswolf’swilddevotion.
“Areyousure?”hisalphaasked,thoughhe’djustgivenhisanswer.
Riazmettheotherman’sgaze,hisangersodeepheknewhiseyeswerethoseofthepredatorthatlivedwithinhim.
ButHawkedidn’tbackdown.“You’retalkingaboutAdria’slife,”hesaid.“Youhavetobecertainyou’renevergoingtoturnaroundandseealackinher.”
Riazwasn’tevenawareofreacting.HejustknewhehadhisclawedhandaroundHawke’sthroat,hisalpha’shandgrippinghiswristinapunishinghold.
Paleblueeyesmethisown,Hawke’sownwolfcalm.
Growlinglowinhisthroat,hewithdrewhishand,hisclawsslicingbackintohisskin.“Idied,Hawke.”Brutalwords.“WhenIfirstsawLisetteandrealizedshe’dneverbemine,IbrokeintosomanypiecesIwasthewalkingdeadwhenIreturnedtotheden.”
ItwasAdriawho’dforcedhimbacktolife,who’dchallenged,fought,andplayedwithhimuntilhewasn’tonlyalivebutwildly,gloriouslyso.“ItrustAdriaonalevelIdon’teventrustyou.”Aswasright.Awolfshouldtrusthismatemorethananyother…yetAdriawasn’thismate,exceptinhisheart.“Mywolftrustsher.”Heletthatwolfrisetothesurface,letitcolorhiseyesandhisvoice.
Hawkeblewoutabreath.“Asyourmate,Lisettehasthepotentialtoearnanevendeepertrust.”
Riazsnorted,consciousthealphawasplayingdevil’sadvocate.“Andyouhavethepotentialtotakeupknitting.”Thewolfthoughtinfarmoreconcreteterms,andithadgivenitsloyaltyanditshearttoAdria.Thatsomeoneelsemightbeabetterfit,evenwhenthatsomeoneelsepromisedtobeitsmate?Itwasapointlessconsideration.
Aquietnod,anacceptance.“What’reyougoingtodo?”
“ConvinceAdriaImeanwhatIsay.”He’dacceptnootheroutcome.
ADRIAmadecertainsheswappedtasksandshiftstoensuretherewasnochanceofrunningintoRiaz.Herskinhurt,herbedacoldplaceshehated,herentirebodyachingwithalossthatmadeherfeelasifshe’dbeenbeaten.Shewasn’tsureshecouldstopherselffromreachingforhimifshesawhim.
Sowhenshewalkedintoherroomthedayaftertheirlastpainfulencounterandfoundapowderpinkboxbearinghisscentonthebedsidetable,shethoughttherawnessofherneedhadmadeherhallucinate.Touchingtheboxwithwonderingfingers,shejerkedwhenitdidn’tdisappear.Neitherdidthecupcakeswithin.
“Strawberrycream,redvelvet,bananaberry,andapplespice.”Aknotinherthroat,shepickeduptheapplespiceoneandlickedupafingerfulofthefrosting.Thesweetdelicacymeltedonhertongue…thetastemergingwiththesaltofthetearthatkissedhermouth.
Shedidn’tremembertellinghimherfavorites,butshemusthave.
Collapsingonthebed,sheputthecupcakebackinthebox,hershouldersshakingwiththeforceofheremotions.Good-bye,shethought,hewassayinggood-byewiththesweetesttenderness.Itwould’vebeeneasierifhe’dbeenangry,orifhe’dsimplyignoredher—God,thatwould’vehurt—buthe’dsenthercupcakesandmadeherfallinlovewithhimalloveragain.
“Ihateyou,”shewhispered,dashingawayhertears,anditwasthebiggestlieshehadevertold.Thelieshetoldlaterthatday,asshegavethreeofthecupcakestoShawnie,Becca,andIvy,wasonlyatinyonebycomparison.“Itried,butIcouldn’teatthemall.”Thetruthwas,shestillhadtheoneshe’dtasted,couldn’tbeartofinishit.Itwouldfeellikeshewasacceptinghisgood-bye,andshewasn’tready.
Threehourslater,sheglaredatthepolishedlittlewoodenboxsittinginthemiddleofherdesk.“Look!”
Indigostareddutifully.“It’slovely.Plain,butIhearlonewolvesaresometimesabitoddwiththeirideaofgifts.”
“Plain?”Incensed—withwho,shedidn’tknow—Adriabegantotaketheboxapart.
Indigoleanedinclosetowatchthedemolition,hereyeswide.“It’sapuzzle!”Delighthadherreachingforapiece.
Adriaslappedawayherhand.“Youhavetodoitintheexactorderor…youwon’tseethis.”AminiaturerepresentationoftheColosseumhiddeninthecenter,completewithcarvedarchwaysandthesuggestionoftieredinternalarchitecture.
Indigorubbedherfingercarefullydowntheglossywood.“Thisis…wow.I’veneverseenawoodenpuzzlethiscomplicated.”
He’dcreateditforher,Adriathought,becauseheknewshelikedpuzzles,hadtohavebeenworkingonitforawhile.
“WhyRome?”
Empress.“Nevermindthat,”Adriasaid,reassemblingtheboxunderIndigo’sfascinatedgaze.“He’snotlisteningtome.”Thestubbornwolfwasn’tsayinggood-byewithdignityandgrace,hewascourtingher.Outrageously.
“Adria,darling,”Indigosaidslowly.“Youdorealizeyou’retalkingaboutadominantmale?Sincewhendotheylistentoanyoneoncethey’vemadeuptheirminds?”
“You’renothelping.”
“Youknow”—alookofglee—“nowIunderstandwhyeveryonehadsomuchfunwatchingDrewdrivemeinsane.”
Grabbingthecupcakeshe’dbroughttotheoffice,Adriatookabigbite.IfRiazthoughtshewasgoingtosoftenandmeltunderhischarmoffensiveandforgetthepainfullyrealchasmthatdividedthem,hedidn’tknowher…buthedidapparentlyknowofherloveofItalianopera,avaguelyguiltysecretshe’dsharedwithnoone,andtheveryunsensiblereasonwhyshe’dlearnedthelanguage.
TwoticketstoLaBohèmegreetedherthatnight,tuckedintothecornerofhervanitymirror.Herheartleapt,butdeterminedtomakehimseereason,shetooktheticketsandpinnedthemtotheboardintheseniorsoldiers’breakroom.Noonemadeanyefforttoclaimthem,inspiteofthefacttheywereforhighlycovetedseats.
“Noneofusareinsaneenoughtopissoffalonewolf,”SimransaidwhenshefoundAdriaglaringattheticketsthenextday.“Especiallywhensaidlonewolfmadeitapointtosayhe’dhuntdownandburythepersonwhodaredtakeanygiftsmeantforyou.”
Ignoringthefacttheotherwoman’seyeswerebrightwithhumor,AdriarippedofftheticketsandstalkedtoRiaz’soffice.Hewasn’tthere—shewasn’tsureifshewasrelievedatnothavingtotestherstrengthofwillwherehewasconcerned,orcheatedatbeingrobbedoftheknock-down,drag-outfightshe’dbeenanticipating.
BorrowingahammerfromWalkerLauren,shepoundedtheticketsintotheofficedoorwithanail.Hawke,passingby,helpfullyheldtheticketsinplacewhileshehammeredthenail.Hedidn’tsayaword,hisexpressionsoblanditwasclearhewashighlyamused.
Riazdidn’tsayanythingeither.
Hejustsnuckbackintoherroomandtuckedtheabusedticketsbackinplace.Ontopofthevanity,heleftagailywrappedbox.Unabletoresistunwrappingit,shefoundashinynewtoolkit,completewithapersonalizedpurplehammer.Herwolfwassocharmed,ittookherasecondtofocusandseewhathe’ddone.
Thehammerwaspersonalizedallright—withthename“AdriaDelgado.”
“OhRiaz,”shewhispered,“what’reyoudoingtome?”Chapter63
KALEBKNEWTHEArrowshadadiscreetwatchonhim,buthehadlongagoperfectedtheabilitytomovethroughtheNetundetected,andheusedthatabilitynow.Hewastooclosetolocatinghistargettoallowanyobstructionordelay.
AnyonewhotriedtostophimwouldsoondiscoverthatunliketheotherswhohadoncebeenCouncil,hedidn’tmindgettingbloodonhishands.Chapter64
DEEPLYSATISFIEDWITHthefactthathe’dforcedAdriatoplaywithhim,evenifshemightnotseethingsinthesamelight,RiazwentlookingforDaltonthenextmorning.Hawke’sthoughtwasagoodone—theLibrariancarriedthepack’shistoryinhismind,mightwellknowofananalogoussituation,informationthatcouldaidRiazinhiscampaigntoconvinceAdriathatwhattheyhadwasright,wastrue.He’dtakeallthesupporthecouldgetifitwouldhelphimcourthisempressbackintohisarms.
WhenhearrivedatDalton’sstudy,itwastofindanoteontheelder’sdoorsayinghewasathis“lakeoffice.”Smiling,Riazjoggeddowntotheedgeofthelakenearesttheden,awareLara’sgrandfatherlikedtositnotonthepebbledshore,butuponthegrassyverge,beneaththespreadingbranchesofathicklyleafedoak.
“We’recontemporariesofasort,”he’doncesaidtoRiaz,pattingthetrunkofthestill-growingtree.“ThoughIfearshe’lloutlastme.”
Now,heraisedhisfoxbrowngazeasRiazappearedoutofthetrees.“Ah,thereyouare,”theLibrariansaid,asifhe’dbeenexpectingthevisit.“Comeandtalktome,Mr.Delgado.”
Riaz’swolfsatstraightup,remindedofahundredchildhoodscrapes.“Youonlyeverusedourlastnameswhenwewereintrouble.”
Dalton’sdarkskinshimmeredwithwarmth,hiseyesdancing.“Youhavethesamelooktoyoutoday,”hesaid.“Whathaveyoudone,pup?”
Takingaseatbesidetheelder,Riaztoldhimeverything,awarehecouldn’thidethetruthifhewantedDaltontounderstandasituationthatshould’vebeenanimpossibility.Afterhefinished,Daltonsighed,hisgazeonthelake.“Lookatit,sosmooth,withonlythefaintestofripples.”
“Thewind’scalmthismorning.”
Daltonsaidnothingforalongtime,untilthosewhohadnotgrownupwithhispresencewouldhavebelievedhimasleep.Riazknewbetter,understoodthewhite-hairedeldersaweverythingwiththosebrighteyeshe’dbequeathedhisgranddaughter.
“TheTerritorialWarswereastorm,”Daltonsaidatlast,“creatingathousandripples.Shatteringeverythingthatshouldbe.”
Including,Riazunderstoodwithapainfulburstofrawhope,thenormalruleswhenitcametocourtshipandmating.
“Recordsfromthattimearefragmentedatbest,”Daltoncontinued.“ManyLibrarianswerekilledinthefighting,whileothersmadethechoicetobeginanewwhenthepostwarpackswerefounded.”
Riazthoughtbacktohishistorylessonsasaboy,recalledthatdecimatedbythebloodshed,anumberofpackshadamalgamatedacrossthecountry,eachgroupchoosinganewnametorepresenttheirvariedmembership.“Soalotoftherecordsmadeduringthewarsmayhavebeendestroyed?”Regardlessofhisintensefrustrationatcomingupagainsttheroadblock,hecouldunderstandthesurvivors’desiretoleavethehorrorofwarinthepast—especiallywhensomeofthosewhohadamalgamatedhadoncebeenbitterenemies.
“Yes.”DaltonputhishandonRiaz’sshoulder,squeezed.“ButsomebelievedasIdo,thatthepastmustnotbeforgotten,nomatterifitistheLibrarianalonewhoknowsthetruth.Thoserecordsexist.”Squeezingagain,hisfingersstrongdespitetheirapparentlygnarledstate,hedroppedhishandbackintohislap.“Eveninwar,therejectionofamatewasararething.Moreoften,whenithappenedtocombatantsonoppositesidesoftheline,thechoicewasmadetocometogether,toattempttoeffectpeace.Sometimes,itworked.Othertimes…”
“Theyfailed,wereexecuted,”Riazguessed.
“No,”Daltonanswered,tohissurprise.“Matingissopreciousagiftthatevenwarringalphaswouldnotexecutethoseoftheirpackswhobondedwiththeenemy—butsuchbondedcouldnotbeallowedtoremainineitherpack.Thematedcankeepnosecretsfromoneanother.”
RiazthoughtofMercyandRiley,andtheimpossibilityofthepairremainingpartoftheirrespectivepacksifSnowDancerandDarkRiverwenttowar.“Itwould’vebeenhell.”Towalkawayfromyourpackwasnoeasything,notforawolf.
“Especiallyforthemostdominant,thewolvesthepacksdesperatelyneededtoprotecttheirvulnerable.TheoneunambiguouscaseIknowofwheretwochangelingswhofeltthematingurgechosetorejectoneanother,involvedenemylieutenants.”
Riaz’swolfloweredhishead,comprehendingtheagonythathadtohavetornthosetwoapart.Matingwasajoyeverychangelinghopedfor,butprotectingthoseundertheircarewasasprimaladrive.Nodominantcouldwalkawayfromthatdutyandlivewithhimself—theguiltwouldpoisonanyrelationship.“Whathappened?”Itwasacrucialquestion.
Daltonrubbedafallenoakleafbetweenhisfingertips.“Therecordsaren’tasclearonthat,buttherearehintsthenascentbondmayhavebrokenundertheforceofthedualrepudiation.”
TheemberofhopewithinRiazflaredbrighter—Lisette’scontinuedanddeeploveforEmilwasasmucharejectionasRiaz’sconsciousone,theirsituationnotsoverydifferentfromDalton’slieutenants.“Sotheywereabletobondwithotherpeople?”TohavethechancetomatewithAdria…
Dalton’ssmilewassad.“We’llneverknow—theybothdiedinthefinalbattles.”GlancingatRiaz,heshookhishead.“Suchdisappointment.Youwantedaroadtofollow,butallIgiveyouareghostsandshadows.”
Shovinghishandsthroughhishair,Riazrosetohisfeet,pacedacrossthepebblesandtothewater’sedgebeforewalkingbacktocrouchbesideDalton.“Thereisnoreasonforthefemaletohaveachoiceifitmeansnothing,”hesaidatlast,becausewhileDaltonwouldshareinformation,hehadalwaysmadehisstudentsfindtheanswerstotheirownquestions.
“Yes.”WrinklesfannedoutfromthecornersoftheLibrarian’seyes.“Perhapsyouwillbetheonewhosolvesthisriddle,eh,Riaz?Itiseverthelonewolf’stasktojourneyintotheunknownalone.”
“I’mnotalone,”Riazsaidatonce,thewordsrequiringnothought.“Adriawalksbesideme.”Evenifthestubbornshe-wolfdidn’tseeityet.
Daltonsmiled.“So.”
AndRiazunderstoodthatwhileamatebondwouldbeanincrediblehappiness,thelackofitdidnothingtodiminishhisloveforAdria,hiswolf’sdevotionabsolute.“Callmeafoolandbedonewithitthen,”hesaidtotheelderwhosawthepresentandpastbothwithcrystalclarity.
Reachingout,DaltoninsteadpattedRiaz’scheekashe’doncepattedthetreetrunk.“Gocourttheoneyouhavechosen,pup,andleaveanoldmantohisruminations.”
ITwasn’tuntilAdriawalkedintothegaragethatnight—twodaysafterRiazbeganhisrelentlesspursuit—thatsherealizedshe’dbeenoutflanked.“IthoughtIwasonwatchwithSam.”Thetinycarvingthisstubbornwolfhadleftsittinginherlockerearlier,ofahilariouslydrunkenskunk,burnedaholeinherpocket.
“I’llonlygiveyousomuchspace,”Riazsaid,hissmiledangerous,“andyou’veusedupyourquota.”
Shedidn’ttellhimhewasanarrogantS.O.B.whohadastoreofimpossiblecharm,andshedidn’twrapherstarvedbodyaroundhimuntilnothinghurtanymore.Instead,shegotintotheSUVandsaid,“Ididn’thaveachancetoreadtheentirebrief.”Threeofherkidshadbeenpulledintotheprincipal’soffice—proofthatbeingsubmissivedidn’tmeangoodbehavior.She’dspentthepasttwohoursgettingtothebottomofthings.“AnythingIneedtoknowaboutthisparticularanchororthelocation?”
“No,it’sstandard.”Apause.“Holdon.”TheSUVshudderedoveraholeintheroad.
Ignoringthejolt,Adriapulledoutherminidatapad.“Ibetterscanitanyway—I’dtelloffmytraineesiftheyskippedhomework.”Shefocused,managedtoabsorbthematerial,butwhenshetriedtocarryonandcatchuponthepack-wideseniorsoldiersbulletin,itprovedafailedeffort.Shecouldn’tturnoffherwolf’sawarenessofthemaleinthepassengerseat,theonewhodidnotbelongtoher,regardlessoftheunexpected,wonderfulbattlehewaswaging.
“IsawLisetteyesterday,”hesaidwithoutwarning.
Thewordsinfrontofherblurred.“Howisshe?”
“Notinlovewithme.”Thewordswerehard,makingitclearthatcourtshipornot,hisangerhadinnowaydimmed.
Itsomehowhitherdeeper,thateventhoughhewassomadather,hecontinuedtowanther,continuedtocourther.
“Whichisgreat,”headded,“becauseI’mnotinlovewithhereither.”
“Giveittime.”Loveandthematingbondwereinterlockedforeverymatedcoupleshe’devermet—shewasn’tgoingtofoolherselfbypretendingtheywouldbetheexceptionthatprovedtherule.
“Godyou’reobstinate.”Itwasasnarl.“MustmakemeamasochistthatIlikethataboutyou.”
Herwolfbareditscanines,charmedbuttryingnottoallowittomatter.“Ionlygetworsethemoreyouknowme.Consideritaluckyescape.”
ThesmileRiazshotherwasferal.“I’mnottheonethinkingofescape—andjustincaseyouhaven’tfigureditout,I’mnotabouttoletyousucceed.”
Withthatwarning,hebroughttheSUVtoastopinthedriveofasmallhometuckedneatlyinthePresidio,enoughlandarounditthattheplacemust’vecostasubstantialsum.
Steppingoutofthevehicle,shecircledaroundthefront.Riazmetherthere,curlinghisfingersaroundherupperarmwhenshewould’vemovedpast.Shejerked,thesparkofcontactexplosive.“I’mnotgoingtoleave,”hemurmured,hisbreathhotagainstherlips,“andI’mnotgoingtochangemymind,sogetusedtohavingtodealwithme.”
Hopewasatinylightinherheartshenolongerhadthewillpowertostampout.“Wehaveajobtodo.”Practicalwords,buthervoiceheldavulnerabilitythatterrifiedher—especiallywhenshesawRiaz’seyesturnnight-glowandknewhe’dheardit,too.
SIENNAstoppedonapromontory,lookingoutoverthelandbelow.Itwasherseconddayinarowontheroutinetaskofrunningperimetersecurity—thoughRileymadesureherroutesremainederratic—butshedidn’tmind.Asshe’dsaidtoHawke,thistimearound,itwashowshecouldhelpthepack.
“Anchorwatchisn’tmuchmoreexciting,”Riordanhadsaidtoherashelefttonighttoactasbackuptotwoseniorsoldiers,nonoviceshavingbeenpostedasmainguards.“Mostlytheyjustsitthereworkingorreading,orsleeping.”
“Mariasaidyouhadagoodstoryaboutyourfirstanchor.”
“Ohyeah,that’stheonewhokeptwatchingmeasifshewaswaitingformetogrowfangsandtrytoeather.Icouldn’thelpit—Iusedmyclawstoscratchmynose.Hereyesalmostpoppedoutoftheirsockets.”
Smilingatthememory,shewonderedifthoseinthePsyNetwouldhaveofferedanothergroupsuchhelp.Once,shewould’vesaidno.Butnow…ThoughNikitaDuncanandAnthonyKyriakusmighthavehelpeddefendSanFranciscooutoftheirownself-interest,storieshadcomein,intheaftermathofthebattle,thattoldofordinaryPsyhelpingtheirfellowman,regardlessofrace.
ADarkRiversoldierhadfallenincombat,beendraggedinsidebytwoelderlyPsywomenwhiletheyheldbackhisattackersusingtheircombinedtelepathicabilities.OneofthehumansDarkRiverknewwellhadtoldofhowhisson,acuriouslittleboy,hadsnuckoutsideanddownablocktopeekatthejet-choppersdroppingPurePsyoperativesfromthesky.
Outofhismindwithworry,hisfatherhadbeengettingreadytoheadoutintodangertosearchforthemissingchildwhenaPsyneighbor—oneofthreestudentssharinganapartment—calledtosayhewassafe.They’dsnatchedtheboyoffthestreetandhiddenhimintheirhome,protectinghismindfromthepsychicstrikestheoperativeshadthrustoutasadefensivemeasurewhiletheylanded.
Itwould’vebeensaferforthosestudents,theelderlytwosome,tostayinside.Afterall,neitheraninjuredsoldiernorasmallchildcouldofferthemanytacticaladvantage.Buttheyhadn’tremainedbehindcloseddoors,safe.They’dhelpedfornoreasonexceptthatitwastherightthingtodo.
Abrushoffuragainstherleg,thatofthewolfwho’dappearedoutofthetrees.
Hawkedidn’thavemuchtimewitheverythingthatwasgoingon,buthealwaysfoundherduringhershifts,evenifitwasonlyforafewminutesatatime.
Crouchingdownbesidehisproudhead,sheranherfingersthroughthesilver-goldofhisfur.“WhenIthinkofthestoriesthatcameoutofthebattle,itmakesmeproudtobePsy.”
Thewolfangledhishead,hiseyespiercinginthedark.Shelaughed,abletoreadtheaffrontedexpressiononhisfaceasifhe’dspoken.“Yes,I’maSnowDancer,”shesaid,becausethiswasherfamily,herpack,herhome,“butI’maPsySnowDancer.”
Thewolfconsideredthisbeforeturninghismuzzleandnippingvery,verycarefullyatherjaw,thoselethallysharpteethnotevenbruisingherskin.Laughingagain,sherubbedhernoseagainsthis.“Thankssomuch,YourWolfiness,”shesaid,knowingthathadbeenhiswayofsayingherdecisiontocallherselfaPsySnowDancerwasacceptable.
Agrowlrumbledoutofhischest,andsheimmediatelyrecognizedthatitwasn’ttheplayfuloneheusedwithherwhenhewasn’tserious.Thisonewasvery,very,veryserious.Everysenseonalert,sherosetoherfeet,telepathicallyscanningtheareaatthesametime.
“Intruders,”shesaidasecondlater,movingwithasmuchstealthaspossiblebesideherwolfashepaddedtowardtheirprey.“Psymentalshields.”
“Wait.”Crouchingagain,sheusedanothersub-vocalwhispertoconveywhatshe’dsensed.“They’rescanningthearea.TheyhavetoknowI’mhere.”Notherpersonally,butamindwithaPsyfingerprint.“I’mnotsureiftheyknowaboutyou.”Siennacouldsensethesubtlebutcriticaldifferencesbetweenthemindofaferalwolfandthatofachangeling,butshe’dbeeninSnowDancerforyears—mostofherracedidn’thavethatadvantage.
Thepaleeyesofahuskyorabirdofpreymethers,theglancebothprotectiveandadamant.They’dbeenmatedonlyashorttime,hadn’tyetlearnedallofeachother’ssubtleties,butsheunderstoodtheunspokenmessage.Andshedisagreed.“WhoeveritiswillknowIcandestroyhiminasplitsecondtheinstantheseesme.I’llgoinprepped.”
Hawke’slipsliftedtodisplayhiscanines.
“Thisismyareaofexpertise,”shesaid,holdinghisgaze,becausehewouldstareherdownandgethisownwayifshelethim.
Thistime,thebiteonherchinwasafractionharder,awarningnottogetherselfhurtorshe’dbeinahellofalotoftrouble.Runningherhandthroughhisfuroncemore,shewatchedhimbecomeashadowindistinguishablefromthetreesasshemadeherwaytothesmallclearingwherethreePsymindswaited.Theywereshielded,butsheknewdeepinhergutwhoitwasthathadcomeforherbeforesheeverglimpsedhimthroughthetrees.
Thebirthmarkontheleftsideofhisfacewasaredsplotch,apigmentationerrorhe’doncetoldherhisparentshadn’thadcorrectedbecausethey’dbelieveditwouldmakehimmoreresilientifhehadtoovercomesuchathinginasocietythatprizedperfection.Mingcould’vetakencareofitoncehewasnolongeraminor,buthehadn’t.Abadgeofpride,she’dalwaysthought;orperhapsawaytogainapsychologicaladvantageoverotherPsy,allofwhomweretakenabackthefirsttimetheymethimface-to-face.
ButSiennafeltnoshock.Shekneweverylineandporeofthatface,wasintimatelyacquaintedwiththeevilthatlivedwithinMingLeBon.
I’llburnhimupandwatchhimdie…
Herownwords,astruetodayaswhenshe’dspokenthemtoHawke.AwarethetwomenoneithersideofMing,theirhandstouchinghisshoulders,hadtobeteleporters,sheconsideredhowexactlytokillthemanshehatedbeyondallotherswithoutinjuringhisguards.Theyhaddonehernoharm,andshewouldnotjudgethemwhensheherselfhadbeenforcedtobeMing’sprotégée.
“Sienna,”Mingsaidintothesilence,hisvoicecalm,incontrol,coldenoughtoburn.“Iknowyou’reoutthere.”
No,shethought,hedidn’t.Hewassimplytakingacalculatedriskthatthemindhesensedwashers,havingnodoubtusedsatellitesurveillanceimagestonarrowdowntherangeshemightbepresentintonight.Fromthelinesofstrainonthefacesofhisteleporters,thiswasn’tthefirstspotthey’djumpedtointheirattempttopinpointherlocation.
Keepinghersilence,shecontinuedtoworkoutthemostefficientwaytokillhim.
“Theworldischanging,”hesaid,hismilitaryhaircutexposingthenarrowbonesofhisface.“WhiletherewasnoroomforanXofyourtoxiccapacityinthepreviousone,thereisnow.ThePsywillneedanewrulingcouncilafterthedustsettles,andyou’realreadyconsideredaherobymany.”
Siennawouldhavelaughedathisarrogance,butshehadnolaughterinherwhereMingwasconcerned.Eyesnarrowed,sheliftedherhandandlookedsidewaystomeetthegazeofthewolfwhohadshiftedoutoftheshadowssoshecouldseehim.Therewasnocensureinhisgaze,onlytheapprobationofafellowpredator.
Nodding,sheturned…andsetthecoldfirefree.
Mingteleportedouttheinstantbeforethefirewould’vehithim,anditsmashedintothetreeopposite,turningitintoashbetweenonebreathandthenext.“Bastard’smenwereprimedto’port.”Itmust’vebeenbrutal,holdingtheirmindsonthebrinkofateleportforthatlong.
Hawkeshiftedinsparksoflightandcolor,thewolftransformingintoamalewhotookherfaceinhishandsandsaid,“You’llgethimnexttime.”
Itwasexactlywhatsheneededtohear.“Yes,Iwill.”
Hermatewrappedherinhisarms,thesoftpeltofsilver-goldthatcoveredhischestasensorypleasureassheheldhimtight.
“HeactuallythoughtImightgowithhim,”shesaid,theinsultviolent.
“Ifyouhad,itwould’veendedhisproblems.”Hawke’svoicewasnotentirelyhuman.“Now,hehastofindawaytokillyou.”
Recallingherdarkemotionalresponsewhenshe’dseenHawkeindangeronthebattlefield,shestrokedhisback,hisskinhotsilk.“Ming,”sheremindedhim,“willhavetogetthroughyouandthepacktogettome.”
“He’llneversucceed.”Itwasagrowl.
“No,hewon’t.”Thewolvesmightnothavepsychicpower,butasHenryScotthadlearned,itwasn’tonlythemindthatmatteredwhenitcametowar.
Pushingawayfromhimjustafraction,shestoodontiptoetoreachhismouth.“Ididn’tgetakisstonight.”Heneededthecontactandsodidshe—towashMing’spoisonouswordsfromhermind,toremembershewassomuchmorethanhecouldeverimagine.
“Idon’tknowifyoudeserveakiss,”hermatesaid,hischestrumblingunderherspreadpalms.“SeeingasyouignoredmyordertogetthehellawayfromMing.”
Slidingherhandsupoverhisshoulderswhenhebenttomakeiteasierforher,shelinkedherfingersbehindhisneck.“Areyougoingtobitemeveryhard?”sheteased,usingwordsheryoungcousin,Marlee,hadapparentlyoncespoken.
“Smart-ass.”Movinghishandsdowntothatass,heslidthemintothebackpocketsofherjeans.
Hardanddominantthoughhemightbe,shethought,surrenderingtothehot,wetcaressofakisshelaidonher,hermanhadaveinoftendernessshewascertainnooneelse,exceptperhapsthepups,eversaw.
“Wehavetocontinuethewatch.”Itwasaroughmurmur.
“Iknow,”shesaid,thoughallshewantedwastohavehiminsideher,brandingher,lovingher.Inthelazy,possessivemoodhewasinrightnow,he’drockinsoslowandeasy,makeherfeeleverythickinch.“Iwishitwasafewhourslater.”
Hereacheduptopetandfondleoneofherbreastswithaproprietaryhand,nothelpingtogetherarousalundercontrol.“Patience.”Releasingherachingflesh,hesteppedawayacoupleofinches.“Youknowyoulikeitslow.”
“No,thatwouldbeyou.”Alreadykeenlymissingthewildheatofhimpressedupagainsther,shewatchedasheshifted,thebeautyofitstunningheranew.“Ilikeitfast.”
Thewolfhuffedwithlaughter,andthentheywererunningagain,thenightwindripplingthroughhisfurandkissingherface.Inspiteoftheenragingconfrontationjustpast,Siennahadneverfeltsocontent.Chapter65
DISMISSINGTHEM-PSYhe’dcalledtohisquarters,anolderfemalewhoknewthevalueofdiscretion,Mingwalkedtostandinfrontofthemirror.Theflesh-coloredthin-skinbandagethemedichadplacedonhischesthidthemajorityofthediagonalwound,buthecouldstillseetheblistered,rededges.
He’dbeenonlyminutelybrushedbythewhipofcoldfire,butithadsucceedinginfryingthroughhisskinandthinlayerofsubcutaneousfattomeltmuscleandscorebone.Asecond’sdelayandhewouldnolongerhaveinternalorgans,hisbodycavityfilledwithash.
Asitwas,henowboreascarthatmadeitappearasifsomeonehaddugafurrowthroughhisskinwithaviciouslysharpenedspoon.TheM-Psyassuredhimtheinjurycouldberepaired,filledin,butMinghadnointentionoftakingheruponit.
Notatleast,untilSiennaLaurenwasdead.
Thegirlhadjustprovenshewastoodangeroustokeepalive,evenonaleash.
STANDINGontheedgeofthepropertythathousedtheprimarytarget,VasquezlookedattheTkwhowas,atpresent,hismostprizedoperative,boththeirfacescoveredbyblackbalaclavas.Low-tech,buteffectiveasamethodtoobfuscateidentity.ThoughtheTkwouldnotwearitduringtheopitself—itcompromisedhisperipheralvision,andtherewereneveranywitnessestoworryaboutafterhewasdone.
Areyoucertainyoucanevadetheguards?Thechangelingshadprovenmorededicatedsentriesthanhe’danticipated,leavingnoobviousvulnerability.Theorganizationcan’taffordtoloseyou.However,theyhadtostrikesoon,beforetheimpactoftheirfirststrikedissipatedintonothing.
TheTktooktimetostudythehouse,themovementsoftheouterguard,thesecondguardhiddenfromviewinawindowlessinnerroom,alongwiththeirtarget.Thatlargelyunusedroomhadn’tbeenphotographedaspartofthesecurityfileontheanchor,soitwascleverofthechangelingstomovethetargetintoit—butVasquezwassmarter.HeandtheTkbesidehimhadrunreconnaissanceonthispropertybeforetheCapeDorsetoperation,takentheirownbackupimages.
Astheyhadofanumberofanchorhomesintheregion.
Thereasontheyhadn’tplantedatransmittingcamerainsidewasbecausetheanchor’shome,likethoseofherbrethren,underwentadeepsecurityscaneveryweek.Vasquezcouldn’triskthatthebugwouldbefound,thetransmissiontrackedbacktohim.
Ionlyneedasecondtodisabletheanimalinside,theTksaidatlast.Theoneoutsidewillnotmakeittotheroomintime.
Icanprovideadistraction.Hetookoutagun.Willthatbesufficient?
Anod.WaituntilIgivethesignal.Chapter66
RIAZHADPULLEDrankandtakentheinsidewatchontheanchor—sincetheyweredealingwithaTk,chanceswerehighAdriawouldbesaferontheoutsideperimeter.Ofcourse,hehadn’tbeenstupidenoughtoactuallysaythat.“Youlooklikeyouwanttobloodyme,”he’dmuttered,deliberatelyrufflingherfur.“Walkitoffbeforeyouscareourcharge.”
Narrowedeyes,theviolettingedwithamber.“Iknowwhatyou’reupto.StayinonepieceorIwillreallyhurtyou.”
Whenmultiplegunshotshitthesideofthehouse,hethoughthe’dbeenprovenhorriblywrong.
Adria!
Evenastherageofangerandterrifyingworryblazedinsidehismind,hecaughtaflickeroutofthecornerofhiseye.Clawsout,hewasmovingbeforetheassassinfullymaterialized.Heslammedintotheman’sbody,trustingtheanchortoreactasthey’dpracticedandduckunderherdesk,cellphoneandlaserscalpelinhand—itwasdeadlywhenusedasaweapon,especiallyinclosequarters,aswellasbeingtheonlyoffensiveoptionthatdidn’tmakethisparticularanchorturngreen.
“Identify!”heyelledattheinstantofimpact,becausetherewasaveryslightchancethiswasafriendnotfoe.
Inanswer,theintrudershovedRiazbackwithvicioustelekineticstrength,crashinghimintotheheavydeskhardenoughtofracturethewood,butRiazhadalreadydughisclawsintotheattacker’sabdomen.Theirviolentseparationhadtheeffectofrippingtheothermale’sstomachopen.Clampingonearmoverhistornfleshinanefforttokeephisintestinesinsidehisbody,theTkthrustoutabloodyhandandinvisiblefingersgrippedRiaz’sthroatinachokinghold.
Spotscoloredhisvision,hischestscreamingatthelackofairevenashisearsregisteredmoregunshotsoutside.Don’tyoudaregethurt,Empress.
Notbotheringtotrytopulloffhandshecouldn’tseeortouch,Riazwentfortheweaponinhispocket.Hisfingersclosedonthebarrel,spasmed,andforaninstant,hethoughthewasgoingtoshoothimself.God,thatwouldpissoffAdria.Spurredbythethought,hemanagedtogriptheweaponandpullitout.
“Uselessanimal.”TheTkusedhisabilitytosmashitoutofRiaz’shand.
Butthat,Riazthought,wasallright.Becauseeventhoughhehadnoair,hecouldscentcrushedberriesinice,embersofhiddenfire.
One.
Two…
Themurderousbastard’sbrainsexplodedinasprayofbloodandboneasAdriatookhimoutfrombehind,herweaponheldwithrocksteadyhands.
Coughingandgaspingintheairrushingbackintohislungs,hecrawledhiswayaroundthedesktoensuretheanchorwassafe.Sheswipedoutwiththelaserscalpel,justbarelymissinghisface.
Good,hethought,realizingatthesameinstantthatthespotsinfrontofhiseyesweremergingintopureblack.Shit.
ADRIAwasn’tfastenoughtocatchRiazbeforehisheadslammedtotheground.Ignoringthemessshe’dmadeoftheassassin,sherantocrouchbesideherwolf,herfingerssearchingforhispulse.“Sonja,you’resafe,”shetoldtheanchor.“Didyoumakethecall?”
“Y-yes.”Theyoungwomanpeeredoutfromunderthedentedandnowblood-splattereddesk.“Theysaidthey’d—”
Sensingtheairmoveatherback,Adriaswungaroundwithgunpointed…andrecognizedthetwomenwho’dteleportedinfromJudd’sdescriptions.“No,”shesaidwhentheywenttoexaminethedeadassassin.“CheckRiazfirst.Thebastardwastryingtochokehim.”Ugly,mottledbruiseshadalreadyformedonthedarktanofhisflesh.
ItwastheAsianmalewiththesharpcheekboneswhocametokneelbesideRiaz.“I’mnotachangelingmedic,”hesaidinavoicethatwasarcticinitslackofemotion,afterrunningaslim-linescanneroverRiaz.“Butheappearsunharmed.Heshouldrecoverconsciousnesssoon.”
Itwasn’twhatthePsymalesaidbutratherthefactshecouldfeelRiaz’sbackrisingandfallingunderherstrokinghands,hiscolorreturning,thathadherpressingarelievedkisstohistemple,hisfaceturnedtothesideashelayonhisfront.“Sorryyoudidn’tgetyourcaptive,”shesaid,knowingtheywould’vepreferredtointerrogatetheassassin.“Ihadtoshoottokill.”
“Understood.”Rising,theblack-cladmanwalkedtojoinhissimilarlyclothedpartner,atalldark-hairedmalewithgrayeyessohaunted,shewonderedwhathesawwhenheclosedthem.
Riazgroanedatthatinstant,puttingahandtohisforeheadashepushedhimselfupintoasittingpositionagainstthesideofthedesk.“Ihavetheheadachetoendallheadaches.”
Shewantednothingmorethantoyellathimforscaringher,thenpepperhisfacewithkisses.“You’realive,”shesaid,hergamefacealmostcrumblingwhenhegaveherasmilethatsaidhesawrightthroughhertoughact,“sodon’tcomplain.”Forcingherselftoleavehim,shehelpedtheanchoroutofherhidingplacebuttoldtheyoungwomantostayseatedonthefloorbehindthedesk.“Youdon’twanttoseewhat’sontheotherside.”
Theanchor’sgazewasstrangelyvacantwhenitmethers.“Okay.”
Shock,Adriarealized.Unlikethetwocold-eyedmenwhowereexaminingthefallenTk,andincontrastwithBjorn’squietlymutinousindependence,mostanchorswerecoddledandprotected,nevercamethisclosetoharshreality.“Aden,”shesaid,usingthenameshe’dbeengivenforthemedic.
Hisheadliftedandsherealizedhowhandsomehewas—ifyoulikedyourmenicyenoughtogiveyouhypothermia.“Yes?”
“Ithinkyouneedtoensureyouranchorisn’t…”abouttocrack.Bitingoffthewordsonthetipofhertongue,shejustsaid,“Checkher.”
Adenrosewithanalmostfelinegracetocirclethedeskandcrouchbesidetheanchor.Whofroze,hereyeslockedonhisuniform,onthesinglestarthatdecoratedhisleftshoulder.“ArrowSquad.Ithoughtyouwerejustastory.”
Adendidn’treply,checkingthewomanoverwithanefficiencythatsaidhesawheronlyasaliving,breathingmachine.Hedidn’tspeak,butAdriaknewheandtheotherArrowhadtobecommunicatingtelepathically.Finally,hetookoutapressureinjectorandpunchedthemedicineintotheanchor’sbodybypressingittoherneck.
Sonjaslumped.
Catchingher,Adenlaidherdownonthecarpet.“Wecan’taffordforhertodestabilizetheNet,”hesaidtoAdria.“Hermindwillcontinuetomaintainthingsastheyarewhileshesleeps.Whenshewakes,she’llhavetheappropriatemedicalsupport.”
Adriadidn’tlikethefacthe’dactedwithoutaskingtheanchor’spermission,butthen,shedidn’tknowifhe’dtelepathedtoSonja,andthePsyNetwasn’therfieldofexpertise.Moreimportant,Juddhadsaidthismanandhispartnerweretobetrusted,andAdriahadabsolutefaithinthelieutenant.“We’rechargedwithhersafety,”shesaidinresponse,checkingSonja’spulseherselftomakesureshewasokay.“Ican’treleasehertoanyoneotherthanyoutwo.”
“Vasicwillteleporthertoamedicalfacility.”Withthat,hereturnedtohispartner.
PrickingherearsasRiazrubbedathisfaceafootawayfromher,shetunedintotheirlow-voicedconversation.
“Yes,”Vasicsaid.“Confirmed.”
“You’recertain.”
“Yes.”
RealizingthetwoArrowswereeithercognizantoftheacutenatureofchangelinghearing,orsousedtocommunicatingtelepathicallythattheyweren’tgoingtoletanythingslip,shemetRiaz’sgaze.Hegaveasmallshrug,andsheknewhe’dbeenattemptingtolisten,too.Shiftingcloser,shesaid,“Letmecheckyoureyes.”Itwasaruse—sheneededtotouchhim,settlenervesthathadbeenshreddedwhenhecollapsed.
“Thanksfortherescue.”Hesatpatientlywhilesheusedthemini-torchinherpockettodeterminethathispupilswerereactingproperly.“Goodshot.”
Herwolfwould’vehappilyguttedthebastardwho’dhurthimifRiazhadn’talreadytakencareofthat,butshesaidonly,“You’remypartner.Nothanksrequired.”
“Thegunshots.”Eyesofpalestbrownscanningherbodywithprotectiveintent.“Areyouhurt?”
“Idon’tthinktheshooterhadevertargetedachangelingbefore—hewastooslow.”Tuckingthetorchbackintoherpocket,shekeptherfaceturnedawayfromthecarnage,buttherewasnowaytoavoidthefactthatherclothingwassplatteredwithflecksofthingsshedidn’twanttothinkabout.Herface,she’dwipedonthecleanT-shirtsheworeunderhersweatshirt,butshedesperatelywantedashower,thescentofdeathclogginghernostrils.“Here.”
RippingoffacleanpartofherT-shirt,shewipedoffthebloodthathadhitthesideofRiaz’sface,hisclothingrelativelyunscathedbecauseoftheangleoftheshot.
Hishandtouchedherhip,startlingherenoughthatshefroze.Holdinghergaze,hestrokedgently.Notasexualcaress,sherealized,simplycomfortfromonechangelingtoanother,onewolftoanother.Swallowingthelumpofemotioninherthroat,shethrewthetornfabricintoasmallmetaltrashcanprobablymeantforofficedetritus,andloweredhervoicetoasub-vocallevel.“Nothere,notyet.”Shecouldn’taffordtobreakdown,tocrawlintohisarmsandgiveintoherownripplingshock.
Cuttingthecontact,henodded,andtheybothpusheduptotheirfeet.Riazwasafractionunsteady,butitonlylastedacoupleofseconds.Infrontofthem,thetwoPsymalesgotupfromtheircrouchingpositionbesidethebody,thequietonewalkingacrosstothedesktopickupSonjaandteleportout.Hisspeedwasstunningtowitness,especiallywhenheteleportedbacklessthantensecondslater.
“TheTkwasn’tworkingalone,”shesaidtothemboth.“Hispartnershotatthehouse,thenatmewhenIrealizedithadtobeadistractionandheadedinside.”Bypassingthefrontdoor,she’dsmashedherwaythroughalower-floorwindow.“I’mprettysurehewasstandingintheshadowofthestandofeucalyptustreesoutfront.”
“Oneminute.”Vasicleftforthecorridorand—Adriaguessed—thewindowfromwhichhecouldseethetrees.Hereturnednotlongafterward,holdingseveralblackenedpiecesofgrass.“Yes,hewasthere.Aswaswhatappearstobeajet-poweredmotorcycle.Thescorchmarksonthegrassmakeitclearheleftinarush.”
Knowingtherewasnothingtheycoulddotohelptracktheshooterifhe’ddepartedonthehigh-speedvehicle,Adrianonethelessmadeanotetoseeifshecouldpickupascentbythetrees.Itmightcomeinusefullater,iftheyhadtoidentifyasuspect.Besideher,Riazsaid,“I’lltalktoDarkRiver,seeiftheshooterblewpastoneoftheirsecuritypatrols.Longshot,butworthatry.”
“Ananalysisoftheweapon’ssignaturemightprovidesomeclues,”Adriasaid,butknewthechancesweretheirquarrywastooclevertohaveusedaconspicuoustool.
Vasic’snextwordsprovedherright.“Genericprojectilegun,mass-produced,”hesaid,glancingattheblackscreenofthecomputronicgauntletthatcoveredhisleftforearm.
Riazshovedahandthroughhishair,messingupthealreadytumbledblackstrands.“Wecancontinuetowatchtheperimeterwhileyouwork.”
Adenshookhishead.“There’snotmuchtobedoneherebeyondthecleanup.We’lltakecareofthatandsecurethehouse.”Hesoundedasifthetaskwasasimplecaseofspilledmilk,notboneandbrainmatterdrenchedinblood.“Weappreciatetheassistance.”
Adriawonderedhowoftenoneofthesemensaidthattoanyone.
ADENstoodatthewindowinthecorridorandwatchedthetwoSnowDancersgetintotheirvehicleafterspendingseveralminutesbytheeucalyptustreeswheretheshooterhadstood.Hewasinterestedinwhetherthemalewouldinsistondriving,regardlessofthefacthe’dbeenunconsciousnotlongago.Predatorychangelingmaleshadareputationforirrationalbehavior.However,thisonebenthisheadtowardthetall,beautifulsoldierfemale—hereyesashadeAdenhadneverbeforeseen—beforelaughingandallowinghertotakethedriver’sseat.
Itmadehimwonderwhatthewomanhadsaidthatshe’dprovokedtheemotionalresponsefromamanwhohadwatchedAdenandVasicwithapredator’sstealthyfocussinceheregainedconsciousness.“Thisisn’tthefirsttimethechangelingshavehelpedPsy,”hesaid,watchingtheirtaillightsdisappearintothenight.“Andyetwehaveneverassistedthem.”
“Thepointismoot,”Vasicsaidfrominsidetheroomwherethebodylay.“Thechangelingsdonotaskforhelp.”
True—thepackswereveryinsular.“Itseemsallthreeraceshavefaults.”ThePsywerearroganttothepointofnotseeingtherealityinfrontofthem,andthehumans,theyhadallowedthemselvestobesubjugatedandtreatedasweakforfartoolong.
Leavingthewindow,hereturnedtothebody.“OneofHenry’s.ConfirmsthePurePsyconnection.”VisualidentificationmadeimpossiblebythefacttheSnowDancer’skillshothadobliteratedtheTk’sface,VasichadaccessedtheCouncil’smainTkdatabase,confirmedIDviaDNA.AnArrowwhohadinfiltratedPurePsyhadthenprovidedverificationofthedeadmale’scontinuedpoliticalallegiancetothegroup.
“HaveyouhadanysuccessintracingHenry?”Vasicasked.
“No.However,Ihavesomethinginprogressthatmaygivehimtousbeforethenightisout.”Itwasaboldprediction,butAdenknewhisownabilities,asheknewHenry’s.“Hecan’tbeshieldinghimself—hedoesn’thavetheskill.”Henrywashigh-Gradient,butitwasn’talwaysaboutpower,ashowthepowertheindividualhadwasused
“Vasquezmusthavearrangeditthroughamoregiftedtelepath.”ThesquadhadzeroedinonHenry’sgeneralevenbeforeKalebKrychekmadehimapriority,beenattemptingtoflushhimout.“Hecontinuestobeaproblem—I’vebeenunabletotrackdownanyimagesofhimsincehisofficialdeath.”ThemanhadscrubbedtheNetcleanofhispresence.
Vasicwalkedtheperimeteroftheroom,andAdenknewhewascalculatingtheworktobedone.“Didyoudiscoverwhyhewasremovedfromthetrainingprogramforthesquad?”theteleporteraskedasheturnedacorner.
“Hefailedthepsychologicalevaluation.”Itwasadifficulttesttofail—sociopathsmadetheperfectassassinsafterall.“Ahighlevelofinstability.”
“Thepsychevalmayhavebeenwronginthiscase.”Vasicreturnedtothecenteroftheroom.“HehasrunthingswithmilitaryprecisionforHenry.”
AdenwatchedVasiclowerhishead,flexhishands.“Heisalsoazealot.”
“SomewouldsaysoareArrows.”Blooddropletsbegantopeeloffwallsandoutofthecarpet,coalescingintoasingleredstainabovethedeadman’sbody.“Weverymuchwereatthestart,whenAdelajacreatedthesquad.”
AneliteunitformedtoprotectSilence,thathadbeentheirmissionstatement.Foroveracentury,theArrowshadensurednoonedaredraisehisorhervoiceagainsttheProtocol,believingitwasSilencethathadsavedtheirrace.NowtheyknewSilencehadconsequencesthatcouldleadtotheextinctionoftheirpeople,andthatwarwasinevitable.Afteritwasover,theywouldhavetofindanewreasonforbeing.
Thegiant“drop”ofbloodmixedwithsmearsofbrainandbonegrewbiggerandbiggerasVasiccollectedminutetracesfromthecarpet,thewalls,theairitself.Iftheanchordecidedtoreturntoherhomeoncethedangerwaspast,she’dfindnoevidenceofviolence.
“WhereshallItakeit?”Vasicasked,histoneindicatingnoemotionaldisturbanceatthegrimtask.
However,Adenhadknowntheothermannearlyhisentirelifetime,understoodhowcloseVasicwastothefinaledge.“BiohazardcontainerattheArrowmorgue,”hesaid,andwatchedas,insteadofteleportingthebiologicalmaterialout,Vasicteleportedoneofthecontainersin.Thebloodandbrainmatterpouredeasilyintothefloatingreceptacle,notadropspilled,andthenthecontainerwascappedandteleportedaway.
Vasicnextliftedthebodyoffthegroundandcleanedupthebloodtrappedbeneath,whileAdenrecheckedtheroomforanycovertsurveillancedevicestheTkmight’veplantedinadvanceofhisattack.HeknewNikitaandAnthony’speoplehadalreadydoneapass,ashadthechangelings,butanArrowtooknothingonfaith.
Hefoundnosignofabug.
Satisfied,heturnedoffthemobiledisrupterhe’dswitchedonwhenVasic’portedthemin.
“Theroom’sclean,”Vasicsaidintothesilence,thecorpsefloatingafewfeetinfrontofhim.“Themorgue?”
“Yes.”Chapter67
“IFI’MUNDERSTANDINGhowtheanchornetworkworks,”Adriasaid,asuddenchillinvadingherveinsastheydrovethroughthelightdrizzlethathadbeguntofall,“thenthefail-safesconnectedtothisanchorhavetobedead.”
BrutalcomprehensiondarkenedRiaz’sexpression.“Ihopetohellyou’rewrong.”
Thankfully,itturnedoutshewas.
“ItlookslikePurePsydecidedtoreversetheorder,”JuddtoldthemwhentheymettheformerArrowintheWhiteZoneontheirreturntotheden,hisjawtightwithcontainedfury,hishairdampfromthemistyrain.“Murdertheanchor,thenusetheensuingchaostoeliminatethebackups.Butthere’sasecond,worseoption—thattheyintendedtogodirectlyfromanchortoanchorinthestate.”
“Killenoughofthelinchpins,”Adriasaid,thesurfaceproximityofherwolfapparentintheambertingetohereyes,“andthesupportstructurewould’vestartedtocrumple.”
JuddtookinthebloodthatstainedthebottomofAdria’stornT-shirt,hersweatshirtbunchedupinherhand.Thesoldierhadtiltedherfacetowardtherain,andheknewshewantedonlytowashoffthestinkofbloodanddeath.“Thefail-safesarebackups,notanchors,”hesaid,confirmingherguess.“Theycan’tmaintainthePsyNetontheirownoveranextendedperiod,andevenifotheranchorsstretchtheirzonesofinfluencetocoverthegap,thefabricwouldeventuallystretchtoothin,begintotear.”
Riaz’sgazeconnectedwithJudd’s.“IthoughtIgotitearlier,”hesaid,“howbigthisis,butIdidn’t,notuntilnow.Anyonewhoknowsthelocationsofeveryanchoracrosstheworld,orinalargeenoughregion,canannihilatethePsyNet.”
“Yes.”ThereasonnootherracehadeverbeenabletousethatweaknesstowipeoutthePsywasalackofknowledge—onlyaPsyintheNet,onewithaccesstoclassifiedinformation,couldgatherdataontheidentitiesandphysicallocationsoftheanchorsandtheirfail-safes.
Adriablewoutabreath.“MyGod…thetrustthey’veputinus.”
“WhetherornototherPsydo,”Juddsaid,“NikitaandAnthonybothunderstandtherearecertainlinesDarkRiverandSnowDancerwillnotcross.”ThatcoreofhonorwasoneofthereasonsWalkerandJuddhadriskeddefectingintosuchdangerouschangelingterritory—theideaof“acceptablecollateraldamage”wasanathematothepacks.Childrenandinnocentswerenottobeharmed,andaNetcollapseendedliveswithpitilessimpartiality.“Regardless,it’sonlyatemporarytrust—soonastheanchorsaremoved,we’llnolongerhavethatinformation.”
“Whyarethesafehousestakingsolongtoorganize?”Riazasked,blinkingawaythewaterbeadingonhislashes.“Theseanchorsaresittingducksrightnow.”
Judd’sownfrustrationechoedtheotherlieutenant’s.“Theycan’tbemovedtoofar.”Itwasacriticallimitation.“Notifthey’llbestayinginthatlocationforawhile,andwehavetoassumethey’llbetherefortheduration.”Theanchorpopulationneededtoremainevenlydistributed—toomanyinonearea,oranchorsmovedtoofaroutsidetheregion,wouldwarpthefabricofthePsyNet.“Itmakesithardertofindsafeboltholes.”
Riazsworelowonhisbreath,grimunderstandinginhisexpression.“Becausetheassassinsknowtheyonlyhavetosearchalimitedarea.”
“Yes.”Anchorsalsohadahighneedforstability,sotheycouldn’tbeshiftedtoatemporarylocation,thenmovedagainwithoutnegativelyimpactingtheNetinthisregion.“However,thelatestupdatefromNikitaandAnthonygivesanestimateofforty-eighthoursbeforetherelocationsbegin.”
“Howbadisitgoingtoget?”AdriasaidafterJuddfinishedspeaking,fightingtheurgetowrapherselfaroundRiazandjustbreatheinthelivingheatofhisskinuntilthechillleftherbones.Shedidn’tregretkillingtheassassin,buttheviolencehadshakenhernonetheless—shewantedtokissawaytheuglybruisesonherlonewolf’sneck,tocuddleintohimandallowherguardtodrop.
“Bad,”Juddsaidinresponsetoherquestion.“PurePsymight’velostthisTk,butthey’llfindanother.”UnspokenwastherealitythatJudd’sdesignationwasoneofthemostunstableintheNet,vulnerablefodderforagroupthatpromisedpeace.“Thereisahighchancethey’llmoveontorandomtargets…topeoplewecan’tprotect.”
Bleakanddark,hiswordsmadeitclearjusthowmanyPsymightdieinthecomingdaysandweeks,perhapsmonths.“Theywon’twin,”shesaidfiercely.“Wewon’tletthem.”
Juddtouchedhisfingerstohercheekinanunexpectedcaressfromthismostremoteofmales,hisskincoolfromtherain.“Youhelpedsaveananchortoday,andindoingso,protectedthousandsofinnocents.It’sastart.”HenoddedtowardtheSUVthey’ddrivenupin.“I’mgoingtoseeifIcanfindoutanythingfurther.”
AsuddenshiverquakedAdria’sframeasthePsylieutenantgotinandstartedtheengine.“Ineedtoshower.”
“Comehere.”Eyesnight-glowinthemistturningtofog,Riazwenttotugherintohisarms.
“No.I’mall—”
Hehauledherclose,squeezinghernapeandbendingtorubhischeekoverhers.Stubbled,hisjawwaslikesandpaper,butshedidn’tcare,hisskinaninferno.Allshewantedwastocrawlintohimandnevercomeout.
“Idamnwellamnotlettingyoubealonerightnow,”hegrowled.“Sodon’tyoudaresendmeaway.”
Shehadto,ofcourseshehadto,butshewasweakenoughthatsheclungtothesolidstrengthofhimforlongminutesbeforeallowinghimtowalkherbacktoherroom.Butwhenhewould’vecomein,sheputherhandonhischestandheldhimatbay.“No.”Itwassohardtogetthesinglewordoutpasttheviolentneedchokingherup.
EyesofSpanishgoldslammedintohers,thefuryinthemtemperedbyatendernessthatkilledher.Ignoringherhandandherdeclarationboth,hewalkedinandclosedthedoorbehindhim.
“Riaz—”
ButhewasalreadyspinningheraroundandtuggingoffherdampT-shirt.Grippingitinonehand,hisothersplayedonherabdomenashestoodbehindher,hesaid,“Iwillneverforgiveyouifyoudon’tletmetakecareofyoutonight.”Itwasthevowofapredatorychangelingmaledriventothebrink.
Tohershame,shewasn’tstrongenoughtopushhimawayasecondtime.Instead,shelethimstripherwithgentlehands,lethimjoinherinthesteamywarmthoftheshowerandtendtoherwithawildaffectionthatbrokeherheart.Therewasnolongeranyangerinhim,onlyapossessivegentlenessthatbrandedherashis.
Snuggledinatowelafterward,shesatwhilehedriedherhair,thenheldontohimashepickedherupandcarriedhertothebed.Wherehecuddledhercloseandranhishanddownherspineuntilsheknewthatheldsafeinhisarms,thewoodsmokeandcitrusbiteofhisscentinhereverybreath,she’dhavenonightmares.
“Teamo.”
Shewasonthevergeofsleep,hereyesheavy,butsheheardthewordsoflovehespoke,herbeautifulblackwolf…andsheknewthisnightwouldbreakthelastremainingfragmentofherheart.Chapter68
VASICWASAkiller.Itwaswhathe’dbeenprogrammedtobesincehewasachildpulledintotheArrowSquad.He’dbeensoconfused,soscared.Becausehe’dstillfeltthen,hadknownevenasafour-year-oldthatthepeoplewho’dcomeforhimweren’tpeoplehewantedinhislife.
He’descapedthem,too.Multipletimes.NosecuritycouldcontainaTraveler.Thatwaswhyhe’dbeenplacedinthe“care”ofanotherArrow,theonlyotherTk-Vhe’dmetinhisentirelifetime—andtheonlyonewhohadunderstoodhowVasic’smindworkedwellenoughtotraphim.
“Don’tyoufeelanything?”Ithadbeenaninnocentquestionfromachildtothemanwhowouldbecomehisfather,trainer,andjailor.
“Emotionisaweakness.You’llbeSilentsoonenough,thenyou’llunderstand.”
Vasichadn’tsimplybecomeSilent,he’dbecomeevenmoreanArrowthanhismentor.PattonhadbeenonJax,thedrugusedtocontrolArrows,solongthathe’dbecomeaweaponthatwasaimed,pointed,andtoldwhotokill.Andwhenhisperformancebegantoslip,he’dbeenputdownlikeadog.
Vasichadn’tbeenonJaxanywherenearaslongasPatton,andso,inspiteofwhatmanybelieved,hecouldstillthinkforhimself.Jaxmightcreateperfectsoldiers,butitalsoeventuallynumbedthemindsofthosesoldiers.Vasic’smindremainedrazorsharp,hisabilitieshonedtoalethaledge—afterall,asaTraveler,hewaspartofDesignationTk,teleportationnothisonlyskill.
Now,VasicturnedfromtheviewofthePacificaffordedbythisremoteheadland,thegrassreachingthetopsofhiscombatboots,andsaid,“YouhaveHenry?”
“Yes.”Aden’sgazewasonthehorizon,theskyapalegraythatmergedintotheblacklickofthesea,sunriseatleastanhouraway.
“How?”
“Ididn’tlookforHenry,”Adenansweredinanapparentparadox.“Ilookedformedicstrainedintreatingsevereburninjurieswho’ddisappearedoffthegrid.”
Andthatwaswhy,Vasicthought,AdenledtheArrows.“Sendmethemarkersfortheteleportationlock.”
Aquietknockonhismind,arequestforentry.Whenheopenedthetelepathicchannel,AdensenthimdetailedimagesofthesterileglasschamberinwhichHenrylay,hisbodyscarredbyX-fire.ThemedicfromwhosemindItooktheimageswillnotsoundthealarm—hehasnoawarenessthatIinfiltratedhisshields.
“Henry,”Adenaddedaloud,“hasneverthoughtlongterm,sothefacthelefthismedicsunshieldedwasaforeseeableerror,butIexpectedbetterfromVasquez.”
VasicconsideredwhattheyknewofthemanwhowasHenry’sgeneral,weigheditagainsthisactstodate.“Nomatterwhathebelieves,reasonalonedoesn’tdrivehim.”Andsuchamanmademistakes.“WhataboutMing?”
TheybothknewHenryhadhadhelpinhismorerecentmilitaryactivities—theformerCouncilorwasn’tcreativeenoughtohavecomeupwithstrategiessuchasthesonicweaponthathadturnedthechangelings’sensitivehearingagainstthem.ItwasimpossibletoproveifMinghadalsohadahandintheevolutionoftheideatocrippletheNetbymurderinganchors,butthelikelihoodwashigh.
“WeriskafatalNetcascadeifweeliminatetwoformerCouncilorssoclosetogether,”Adensaid,hishairliftinginthesalt-lacedwindcomingoffthecrashingwaves.
NoteveryCouncildeath,Vasicknew,hadsuchanimpact.Itdependedonthesurroundingcircumstances.MarshallHyde’sassassinationhadcausedaminorrippleatmost.However,rightnow,thedevastationinCapeDorsethadthepopulacereeling.Anothershockcouldshatteranumberoffragileminds.However—“Henryisalreadydeadasfarasmostpeopleareconcerned.”
“Exactly.HisexecutionshouldleavetheNetrelativelyunscathed.”
“Whendoyouwantmetofinishthejob?”
Aden’seyesmethis,thedarkbrowniriseshavingasenseoflifeinthemthatVasicnolongersawinhisown.“I’mnotyourcontroller,Vasic.Ifwe’retodothis,we’lldoittogether.”
“That’snotrational.Itheightenstheriskofdiscovery.”
“Perhaps,”Adensaidquietly,“weshouldn’talwaysbesorational.Juddwasn’trationalwhenhegaveupeverythingontheslimchancethathisfamilywouldfindsanctuarywithSnowDancer,andhehasalife.”
Whiletheyexisted.
VasicknewhewouldneverhavealifelikeJudd,wastoodamaged,butAdenhadachance.“I’llgetitdone,”hesaid,andteleportedoutbeforetheothermancouldstophim.
Arrivingathisquarters,hepulledablackcloakaroundhisbody,thehoodandoverhishead,tuggingthecowlforwarduntilitshadedhisfacetodarkinvisibility.TherewasnoneedtogiveHenry’smen,Vasquezinparticular,aspecifictarget—themoreconfusion,thelesseffectivePurePsywouldbecome.
AheartbeatofconcentrationontheimagesAdenhadretractedfromthemindoftheburnsspecialist,andhewasstandingbesideHenry’ssleepingform,theteleportsoprecisetheairdidn’tstir,theproximityalarmsquiet.Shadowsfilledthemutedlightoftheroom,untilhewassimplyanotherpartofthedarkness.
Thetechnicianbeyondtheglasshadnoinklingofanintruder,hiseyesonamonitor.Teleportingbehindhim,Vasicdisabledtheoldermanwithasimple,painlessnervepinchthatwouldkeephimunderforapproximatelyanhour,beforereturningtotheglassroomfilledwiththehushedpumpofthemachinesthatkeptHenryScott’smangledbodyalive,hisbreathaharsh,repetitivewheeze.
X-firewasn’tlikenormalfire,thedamageitcausedsoextensiveanddeepitwasn’talwayspossibletototallyrepair.Henry,hesaw,hadlosthislegs,partofanarm.ThelimbsmusthavebeenbrushedbythecoldfireanddisintegratedbeforetheformerCouncilorwas’portedout.Partofhisstomachwasvisiblethroughthemedicalgown,theteakcolorofhisfleshappearingtobemergedwiththemeltedandbubbledblackofsomekindofplas.Hisfacewasrelativelyunscathed—exceptfortheburnacrosshischeekandmouththathadtakenhislips.Perhapsenoughofachangetostopateleporterwholockedontopeopleaswellasplaces,ifHenry’sshieldshadn’tbeensostrong
SeeingthiswoulddisturbSiennaLauren.
Itwasanabruptthought,aboutagirlhe’dmetonlyonce—whenhe’dreportedintoMingasaneighteen-year-oldnewlymintedArrow.She’dbeenachild,withalookinhereyeshe’drecognizedonaviscerallevel.Hisresponsetoherhadbeenoneofthefirstsignsthathewasn’tPattonandneverwouldbe,theknowledgeagiftthathadallowedhimtosurvivethislong.
Now,havingbeenwatchingtheheartmonitor,heglanceddown…toseetheformerCouncilor’seyesstaringupathim.
“No,”Henryrasped,hisvocalcordsclearlyscorched.
“Anychancethatwemayhaveletyoube,”Vasicsaid,“waslostwhenyouattemptedtodestroytheNetitself.”TheArrowswouldnotletanyoneshattertheNet.
Reachingoutwiththepartofhismindthatwasn’taselegantashisteleportationability,butworkedaswell,hesnappedHenry’sneckevenasheunpluggedthemachinesmonitoringtheotherPsy’sbrokenbody.TheuseofTkwasnegligible,theeffectcatastrophic.Henrydiedinthesilencehe’dwantedtocreateintheNet,andVasicstoodguarduntiltheformerCouncilor’sbodywascoldtothetouch,withnohopeofrevival.
HeteleportedtotheheadlandtofindAdenseatedonabenchsomeonehadplacedtheresolongago,ithadbecomepartofthelandscape.“It’sdone.”Shovingbackthehoodofhiscloak,hewalkedtotheveryedgeofthecliff,theshimmeringfireoftheskyspeakingofaluminoussunrise.“WemustfindandeliminateVasqueztocompletelydisablethePurePsymachinery.”
“VasquezissmarterthanHenry.”
“We’llfindhim.”Arrowsalwaysfoundthosetheyhunted.
“Iwon’tletyoudie,Vasic.”Aden’svoicewasquiet.
Vasicdidn’tanswer,buttheybothknewAdencouldn’tstophim.OnceVasichadpaidhisdebts,oncetheNetwassafe,allhewantedwaspeace.Forever.Chapter69
EMOTIONALLYBATTEREDBYatender,hauntingnightthathadbeenfollowedbythepossessivewildnessofherlonewolf’slovingwhenmorningbroke—alovingshehadn’tbeenabletoresist,evenknowingitwaswrong—thelastpersonAdriaanticipatedseeingwhensheopenedherdoortoaknockafewhourslater,wasMartin.
Toostunnedtospeak,shejuststaredatthesandy-hairedmanwhohadoncebeenherlover.Shedidn’tknowwhatshe’dexpectediftheydidevermeetagain,butitwasn’tthismutedsenseofloss,sliversofmemoryfloatingthroughhermind.Asifhe’dbeenpartofanotherlifetime.
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”shefinallyasked,searchingforbutnotfindingwhateveritwasthathaddrawnhertohimsolongago.Inspiteofthepainhe’dcausedher,sheknewthatinthefinalcalculation,hewasn’tabadperson—itwassimplythattherewasnostrengthinhim,andsheneededthatinherman.
“Iwantedtotalk,”hesaidinahesitantvoice,hishazeleyesuncertain.“Iwon’tblameyouifyousayno,butI’masking.”
Steppingout,sheclosedthedoorbehindherself,thecellphoneshe’dreturnedtotheroomtoretrieveinhand.“Let’swalkoutside.”Nomatterwhatthestatusofherrelationshipwiththeblackwolfwhorefusedtoallowhertosethimfree,shecouldn’t,wouldn’t,haveMartin’sscentinsideherroom.Itwouldbeabetrayal.
Martindidn’tsayanythinguntiltheywereinapartoftheforestthatoverlookedthelakeclosesttotheden,itswaterssmoothasglasstoday.Severalpackmateswalkedalongthewater’sedge,playedintheshallowsinwolfform,orsatonthepebbledshore,buttherewasnoonenearby,nochanceanyonewouldoverheartheirconversation.
Leaningupagainstasturdyyoungcedar,sheranhergazeoverMartin.Hewas…different,thechangessubtlebutpresent.Asifhe,too,hadbeenbrokenandputbacktogether,hisfaceholdingamaturityithadn’thadthedayshe’dslammedthedoorinhisface.Andhiseyes,theywereturbulentwithemotionwhentheymetherown.“IcametosaywhatIshouldhaveayearago.”
Stillunsureaboutwherethiswasgoing,shesimplywaited.
“I’msorry,Adria.”Starkwords,hisexpressiondevoidofpretence,ofthestiffdignitythathadalwaysbeenhisarmor.“SorryforbeingabastardandsorryfornothavingthegutstofaceuptowhatIwasdoingtous.”
Itwasn’tanythingshe’deverexpectedtohear,butshehadthewordstoanswerhim.“Thankyouforsayingthat.”Itmeantsomethingthathe’dmadetheefforttofindher,tospeakanapologysheknewcouldn’thavecomeeasily.“Butitwasn’tallyourfault—Iplayedmypart.”
“Don’t,”hewhispered.“Don’tabsolvemeofblameIfullwellknowIdeserve.”
“I’mnot,”shesaid,becausesheunderstoodthecourageittooktofaceyourownfailings,andshewouldnotbelittleMartin’s.
“But”—sheheldhisgaze,lethimseethetruthinhereyes—“it’sdonewith,nothingyouneedtocarrylikeamillstonearoundyourneck.”Herliferightnowmightbeaturbulentstorm,butthechapterwithMartin,she’dclosedlongago.Itwaspartofapastthathadshapedherbutnolongercagedher.“Ihopeyoufindhappiness.”Thewishwasagenuineone,foramanwhohadoncemadeherlaugh.
Closingthedistancebetweenthem,hetouchedahesitantfingertohercheek.“IneverknewwhatIhaduntilyouweregone.”Anunspokenquestion,hiseyesshadowedwithlossandatormentedguiltboth.
“We’reapieceofeachother’shistorynow,Martin,”shesaidgently,thestrengthtobekindcomingnotfromheraggressivesoldierinstinctsbutfromthepartofherthatunderstoodcompassiondidnothavetomeanweakness.“Inthepast.”
Hisgazebetrayedaregretthatsilveredthemostpoignantemotionthroughher,butfoundnotwin.AsRiazhadseenwhatseemedlikealifetimeago,shehadneverlovedMartinthewayapredatorychangelingfemaleshouldloveherman—untilitwasawildhowlinherblood,anear-painfulcravingandatendernessthatburned.Still,theyhadnotalwaysbeenadversaries,soshedidn’thurthimbyrejectinghisembracebeforeheleft.
“Good-bye,”Adriawhisperedashisbackdisappearedintothetrees,knowingshehadlaidthefinalghosttorest,evenifMartincontinuedtowrestlewiththem.Therewascalminmakingpeacewithherpast,butthatpeacewasoverwhelmedbyananguishthatwenttothesoul,asifachunkofherselfhadbeenrippedoutandthewoundwasn’thealing.
Becausethistime,she’dlovedtrue.
Until,inspiteofthesilentpromiseshe’dmadenottoaskhimforwhathecouldn’tgiveher,shecouldn’tbeartobewithRiazknowingshewasn’thisone,hisonly.Yet…thewayhelovedher,thewayhebrandedherwithhiskiss,theprimalpossessionintherough,beautifulwordshespoketoher—itmadeherwanttobelievehisheartborehername,notLisette’s.
Thetumultofheropposingthoughtshadherwolfclawingandsnarling,nolongersurewhichchoicewastherightone.
WHENRiazreturnedtodenterritorylatethatafternoonafterhandlingsomethinginthecity,hewasdeterminedtocontinueonwherehe’dleftoffwithAdria—todiscovershe’drequestedachangeinherdutiesthatsawherstationedupinthemountainsforthreedays,ononeofthehighperimeterwatchesnoonebutthelonewolvesmuchliked,theyweresoisolated.Thesoldiershe’dreplacedwasecstatic,andmorethanhappytotakeAdria’sshiftsonanchordetail.
Heknewtheonlyreasonshehadn’tvolunteeredforanevenlongerstretchwasthatshewastooloyaltohertraineestoleavethemscrambling.Asitwas,she’dorganizedtwospecialsessionsforthemwiththelonedominantwhohadthegiftofnotintimidatingeventhegentlestsubmissive—Drew—andtakenasatphonewithher,incasethekidsneededtogetintouch.Asatphoneshe’dapparentlypickupforeveryonebutRiaz.
Hiswolfsnarled,buthebidedhistime,becausewhenhewentafterher,hewasn’tcomingbackalone.First,hehadtotakecareofanothermatterhe’dbeenworkingoninthebackground—and,giventheshiftshewasdoingwiththeanchorprotectionsquad,aswellashisdutiesasthelieutenantinchargeofSnowDancer’sinternationalbusinessinterests,ittookhimuntiltheendofthefollowingdaytoputallthepiecesinplace.
ItwasonthemorningofthedayafterthathedrovedowntoSanFrancisco.
Lisettesmiledatseeinghimatthedoortoherhotelroom.“Thisisanicesurprise.”
“Wehavetotalk.”Itwaspasttime.“Aboutus.”
Hersmiledimmed.“Riaz,Isensedsomethingthefirsttimewemet,but—”
Hepressedafingertoherlips,feelinganaffectionatetendernesstowardher,suchashemightfeelforacherishedfriend.“Iknow.Idon’tloveyoueither.”Itwasassimpleasthat,regardlessofthepromiseofthematingbondthatexistedwithLisette.Hisheart,theheartofalonewolf,belongedabsolutelyandindeliblytoastubbornviolet-eyedwomanwhowasgoingtomakehimchaseherupintothemountains.NopotentialchimeraofafuturecouldholdacandletotheincandescenthappinessmanandwolfbothfeltsimplybeinginAdria’spresence.
“Ohgood.”Lisette’slaughwasabitteary.“BecauseI’mstupidinlovewithamanwhodoesn’twantme.”
Steppinginsidetheroom,heclosedthedoorandtuggedhertothewindowthatlookedoutovertheparkinglotbelowandthequietstreetbeyond.“You’reangry.”
Lisette’shandtightenedonhis.“Furiouswouldbethebetterword.IknowIleftEmil,buthewassupposedtofightforme!Howcouldhejustletmego?”
“Lookdown.”Hepushedasidethelacecurtain.
Lisette’sbreathreleasedinasoftwhisperwhenshesawtheslenderblondmanstandingbesideasilverrentalsedanintheparkinglot.“Youcalledhim?”
“He’sbeeninthecitysincethedayafteryouarrived.”Emilwasagoodman,onewholovedhiswifesomuch,he’dthoughttosetherfreewhenhe’dbeendiagnosedwithararegeneticdisorderthatwouldmeanyearsofarduoushospitalvisitstocure,therapythatmightleavehiminagony—somethingheknewwouldcauseLisettebrutalpain.Excepthecouldn’tbeartobewithouther,hadfollowedheracrosstheoceanandkeptawatchonher.“Helovesyou.”
“Hesentmedivorcepapers!”Clearlyoutraged,Lisettefistedbothhands…thoughhereyescontinuedtodrinkinthesightofherhusband.
“Cuthimalittleslack.Hewasthinkingcrazy.”RiazhadtrackedEmildownwiththeintentionofgettingtothebottomofthings,ofmakingtheothermanseehowbadlyhewashurtingLisette.However,itturnedoutEmilhadalreadymadeuphismindtoreclaimhiswifeandtrustinthestrengthoftheirlovetogetthemthroughthetesttocome.
“WhenIspoketohimtoday,”Riazcontinued,“hewasplanningtostormthedefenses,butheagreedtogivemeafewminuteswithyoufirst.”OnlybecauseRiazhadpromisedtotrytosoftenLisette’smood—thoughuntilrightthissecond,he’dhadnoideasheevenhadatemper.
“Hah!”Lisettekickedthewallwithafootcladinaflimsypeach-coloredheel,tryingtopushupthelocked-shutwindowatthesametime.“Hethinkshecangetmebackjustbyturningup?!”ArapidstormofindignantFrenchasshegaveuponthewindowandstalkedtothedoor.
Openingitsoharditslammedintothewall,sheheadedout.
Emilwasn’tlookingatthehotelwhenshestompedout,butheturnedasplitsecondlater.Expressionlightingup,hewenttotakeLisetteintohisarms.Atwhichpoint,hissweet,loving,culturedwifepunchedhimonthejaw,hardenoughthathisheadspun.Afterwhichshecradledhisfaceinherhandsandkissedthelifeoutofhim,beforesteppingbackandgesticulatinginunrestrainedfury.
Thenshereacheddown,tookoffhershoe,andthrewitathishead,oblivioustothesmallcrowdoffascinatedbystanders.Duckingthemissile,alaughingEmilgrabbedheraroundthewaist,pinningherarmstohersides.ButLisettehadenoughfreedomofmovementtotuguptheskirtofherknee-lengthshiftandattempttounmanherhusband.
Riazwinced,thengrinned,knowingtheothercouplewouldbeokay.ThesophisticatedandelegantLisettetherestoftheworldknewwouldnevercauseasceneofsuchfieryproportions—clearlyitwasonlywiththemanshelovedthatshelethershieldsfall.JustlikehisAdriawouldneverallowanymanbutRiaztoreducehertogigglingfitsasshewiggledacrossthebedinanattempttoescapehisticklingfingers…ortoholdherwhenshewasathermostvulnerable.“I’mcoming,amada.AndI’mnotleavingwithoutyou.”
ADRIAknewitwasbeneathherwolftohaverun,butshe’dneededspacetothink.SomethingRiazmadeitimpossibletodowhenhecontinuedtocourtherwithsuchunyieldingfocus.AfterhertalkwithMartin,she’dwalkedintoherofficetofindapottedplantwaitingforher,bigredbowaroundthepot.
QueenoftheNight.Formyempress.Let’splantitandseeifshebloomsforus
Adriastillhadthenoteinherpocket,wrinkledandsoftfromconstanthandling
Now,asthenightclosedinonthemountains,apurple-huedtwilight,sherantobasecampandshiftedintohumanform,thefirstwatchcomplete.Draggingonjeans,along-sleevedT-shirtinplainblack,andagraysweatshirt,shesettleddowninfrontofthelaz-fire.
Theotherwolfonwatchupherehadhisbasecampattheoppositeendoftheroute,wouldrunthesecondwatch,butAdriahadtoberestedforthethirdinafewhours.Evenknowingthat,shefeltnodesiretosleep,hermindachaosofneedandwantandimpossiblechoices.Shehadonlytonightbeforeshehadtoreturntotheden,andshehadnoanswerstothequestionsthattormentedher.
WhenshecaughtthedarkwoodsmokeandcitrusbiteofRiaz’sscentasshemoved,shemoaned,realizingitwascomingfromthesweatshirt.She’dthrownitintoherpackfromwhereithadbeenlyingontopofthedresser,forgettingshehadn’twornitsincethemorningafterthemidnightmeadow…thenightshehadgivenherselftohim.
Nowthemule-headedwolfwasholdinghertoherword,contrarytoeveryruleinthebookwhenitcametomating.Emotionsfluctuatingbetweenfrustratedfury,blackdespair,andapassionthatburned,shepulledthesleevesofthesweatshirtoverherfingersandhuggedherarmsaroundherself,evenknowingitwasnowaytoclearherhead.
Anotherwhisperofthatdark,hotlymasculinescent…toostrong,toofreshtocomefromthesweatshirt.Risingtoherfeet,herheartinherthroat,sheturnedtowardthetrees.Eithershewasgoingmad,orthestubbornlonewolfofamalehadcomeafterher.God,butshelovedhim.“Youhaveamate.”Itwasadesperateremindertobothofthem,becauseherwillpower…itwascrumblingtosomuchdust.
“Ihaveyou.”Rough,determinedwords.“AnaggravatingwomanwhoaskedthemanIallbutstoletheQueenoftheNightfromtobabysitit!I’llprobablyhavetotieFelixuptogetherback.”
Adriashookherhead,takingaphysicalstepbackward.“Don’tbecharming.”Everywallshetriedtoputupwasmelting,everyshieldcracking.“Iwon’tstealyourchanceatmating.”Itwouldpoisontheirrelationshiponecorrosivedropatatime.
Riazcontinuedtowalktowardher,slowandrelentless.“Igaveitawayofmyownfreewill,”hesaid,hiseyesflickeringdarkgoldinthelightfromthelaz-fire.“Iloveyoutodistraction,Empress.”
Herlowerlipquivered,hertraitorousheartslammingagainstherribs.Alonewolfdidn’tsaythosewordstojustanyone,hisdevotionagifthe’dgiveonlytothewomanhecalledhisown.“Riaz…”
Hegrippedherarmswhenshewould’vetakenanotherstepback,dragginghertohischesttoholdhertight.“Don’t.”Ahuskywhisperthatwasmorewolfthanman.“Don’twalkawayfrommeagain.Icouldn’tbearit.”
Herentirebodyshudderedasshefoughttheneedinsideofherandlost.“You’llhateme,”shesaid,herarmslockedaroundhimbecauseshecouldn’tnotholdhimwhenhewasclose.“Oneday,you’llhateme.”Itwasthethingshemostfeared.
Handfistinginherhair,hepressedhisforeheadtoherown,hiseyesnight-glowinthedark.“Iwillloveyouuntilthedaytheyputmeintheearth.”
Tearslodgedinherthroatatthefiercenessofhisvow.Shefeltsuddenlybrittle,asifshewasmadeofthesameglassasthetinyfigurinesRiazhadbroughtherfromVenice.Butwhenshepartedherlipstosaysomething—shedidn’tknowwhat—hecoveredthemwithhisown.Itwasnoravaging,possessivebrand,butaslow,sweetseduction,apersuasion.
Arrogance,force,dominance,shemight’vewithstood,butthistenderness…
“Adria.Adria.Adria.”Hisvoicearoughmurmur,hekissedapathdownherneck,backuptohermouth.“MyAdria.”
Shewasonlyawoman.Awomanwholovedthismanwiththeheartofthewolfwithin.She’dfoughtsohard,walkedawayevenwhenitthreatenedtoforeverbreakher,hadgivenhimachoice.Thathe’dchosenher…no,shewasn’tsuperhumanenoughtoresistthat,eventhoughdeepinside,sheknewthechoiceshewasabouttomakemightonedaysavageher.“Iloveyou,”shesaidagainsthismouth.
“Promisemeyouwon’teverwalkawayfrommeagain.”Ademand,hiscallusedhandcuppingherface,oneofhisthumbsbrushingpossessivelyoverherlips.
“Ipromise.”Shekissedhimwhenhewould’vereturnedthepromise,lovedhimuntilheforgotwhathe’dbeenabouttosay.Chapter70
SIENNASURVIVEDANOTHERmeetingofthematernalstocrawlintobedunderthefluffyskybluecomfortershe’dboughtonline.Patternedwithwhitesnowflakes,itfeltsosoftaroundherbodythatshefeltasifshewerefloatingonacloud.Untilitwastuggedawaysometimelater,tobereplacedbyafarheavier,hotterblanket.“You’relate,”shemurmuredsleepily.
Nuzzlingkissesalongherneck,stronghandscaressingthecurveofherwaist.“Accordingtomymanyspies,youwenttobedateightthirty.”Akisspressedtoherbreastbone.“Maternalsmakeyourheadhurt?”
“Afractionlessthistime.”Pushingherfingersthroughthethickgloryofhishair,shetuggedhimupforoneofthoselong,lazy,sexykissessheadoredfromherwolf.“WhatdidLucassay?”WithanchordetailhavingwounddownasNikitaandAnthonybegantoshifttheanchorsintopermanentsafehousesinearnest,HawkehadgonedowntoDarkRiverterritorywithRileyforameetingtofinalizetheinter-packdatingrules.
“Thatweshouldjustshootourselvesintheheadnow.”Partingherthighs,hesettledinbetween.“Ilikefindingyounakedinbed,allsleep-warmandsilky.”
Lipstuggingupwardatthesatisfiedstatement,shewrappedonelegaroundhiswaist.“Myfriendsgavemesomeveryprettylingerieasamatinggift.”Theintimatepresenthadcausedhertoblush—makingEvie,Maria,andtherestofherlunaticfriendshowlwithlaughter.“I’mscaredtowearanyofit,”shetoldthewolfinbedwithher,“incaseyoutearthesatinandlacetopieces.”
Nippingatherlowerlip,heranonehanduptopetandfondleherbreast.“Youcandoafashionparadelater—afterI’msuitablysated.”
“Arrogantman.”Shenibbledonhisjaw.“Youwokemeupfromaverynicedream.”
Agleaminthewolfblue.“I’llmakeituptoyou.”
Hedid.Twice.
Lyinghappilyexhaustedacrosshischest,shestrokedthemuscledheatofhimandspokeofsomethingthathadbeenonhermindsincetheconfrontationintheforest.“Ming’snotgoingtoletitgo.”
“Iknow.”Hawkedidn’tsoundworried—hisvoicewasthatofapredatorinhuntingmode.Cold.Focused.Withoutmercy.“WhichiswhyI’mgoingtokillhim.”
Pushinguponhischest,shelookeddownintohisface,herhaircreatingarubyredcurtainaroundthem.“Excuseme.Ithinkyoumust’veaccidentallyusedthewrongpronoun.”
Thegrowlthatrumbledupoutofhischestwasloudenoughtorattlethewaterglassonthebedsidetable.“Fine,youcanstandinthecornerandcheerwhileIkillhim.”
Sheburstoutlaughing,anditwasthelastthingshe’dhaveeverthoughtshe’ddowhiletalkingaboutCouncilorMingLeBon,telepathandamonsterwhohadturnedherchildhoodintoatorturechamber.Unlikethemaninbedwithher,theonewho’dtaughthertoplay,andwhotreatedherlikeshewasagifthe’dbeenwaitingalifetimetoopen.
“Ifyou’reimaginingmewithpom-poms,”shesaid,glimpsingtherenewedgleaminhiseye,“stoprightnow.”Theeffectofherorderwassomewhatdilutedbythelaughterthatcontinuedtodanceinherblood.
“Orwhat?”Unrepentant,hetumbledheroverontoherback,butinspiteofthewickednessinhisexpression,hisnextwordsweredeadlyserious.“He’sgoingtodie,Sienna.Noonethreatensmymateandgetsawaywithit.”
Minghadbeenherprivatenightmareforalongtime.Thatwasbeforeshe’dbeenclaimedbyanalphawolfwhohadaruthlesswillwhenitcametoprotectingthosewhowerehisown.Siennaunderstoodthatpartofhim—becauseitlivedinher,too.AnyonewhodaredhurtHawkewouldbegformercybythetimeSiennawasdonewiththem.
“Wehavetohaveaplan,”shesaid,speakingtothewintry-eyedpredatorthatwatchedheroutoftheman’sface.“Onesogood,Ming’sabilitieswon’tsavehim.”ThePsymalewasatelepathspecializinginmentalcombat,couldslicethroughmindsasifhehadbladesinhishands.“YouandIwillhavetoworkasateamandtrustcertainotherstoassist—themostcriticalproblemwehavetosolveishowtodisposeofhimwithoutimpactingtheinnocentintheNet.”
Hawke’shandclosedaroundherthroat,thepossessivenessofhisholdechoedbytherawdemandofhiskiss.“Youaresoperfectforme”—hotwordsagainstherlips—“I’dstealyouifyouweren’talreadymine.”
Surroundedbythestrengthandheatandwildnessofhim,shehadneverfeltsoreadytotakeonanightmare.“Ithinkweshouldcallit‘OperationMingIsaDeadManWalking.’”
Aferalgrinonhisface,Hawkeleaneddownuntilthenight-glowofhiseyeswasonlyacentimeteraway.“Hewon’tbewalkingforlong.We’llmakesureofit.”
RIAZknewhehadAdria’sheartandhercommitmentasheaccompaniedherdowntothedenthenextafternoon.Shewouldneveragaintrytoleavehim.Notthathe’dallowit,hethoughtwithaninwardgrowl.Buthealsoknewshehidwithinheradeepveinofwariness,andhehatedthatshewasunsureofhisloveonanylevelHatedit.
Patience,hecounseledhiswolf,butwhenitcametoAdria,hewasn’tpatient.Likeanylonewolfwhohadmadeuphismindabouthiswoman,hewaspitilessinhisdetermination.“Inevercanceledourrequestforcouplesquartersanditcamethroughtwodaysago,”hetoldher,feetsetapartandhandsonhiships,readyforthefightshewasnodoubtabouttogivehim.“We’removing.”
Astiffeningofherjaw.“Nicetobeasked.”
Hacklesparadoxicallyflatteningattheacerbicedgeinhervoice,hesnaggedheraroundthewaistandkissedheruntilshebitathisliptogetsomeair.Grinningatthestingthattoldhimhisempresswasback,hesaid,“I’llletyoupickthesheets.”
Shesnarledathim,lettinghimfeelherclaws,but,tohissurprise,cooperatedinthemove.Sincetheanchordetailwasnowatalowpitch,theyhadtimetodoitthatday.
ItwasaroundnineatnightthatAdriagaveaverywelcomelaughandsaid,“You’reamenace.”
Aslowgrinspreadacrosshisfaceashesawshe’dfoundthebearhe’dcarvedsleepingbelly-up,abigsmileonitsfaceandabottleofbeerinonepaw.“Hehadapartywiththeskunk.”
Adriaputthebearnexttothedrunkenskunkontheshelfhe’dputupforhertokeephermechanicalpuzzles.“Youhavemore,don’tyou?”
Hemadeanoncommittalsound…andfoundhimselfpouncedon,asshetriedtothreatentheansweroutofhim.Turningthetables,hehadheringiggles,andthenhehadhersighingandarchingunderneathhim,herbodymoltenwithwelcome.Afterward,shelaywithherhandonhisheart,histhighpushedbetweenherown.
Nippingatherear,hesaid,“Areyouevergoingtoadmittothefactyou’reamaternaldominant?”Ithappenedonceortwiceineverygeneration,amaternalfemalewithsuchaggressiveprotectivetendenciesthatshechosetotrainasasoldier.Butnothing,Riazthought,couldchangethesteelycoreofcompassionthatmadethematernalswhotheywere,thatinherentkindnessintertwinedwithstrengthreflectedinAdria’severyaction.
Herlaughwashusky.“Whatkindoflieutenantwouldyoubeifyoucouldn’tfigureitout,hmm?”Shewroteherinitialsoverhisheart,asifmarkinghim.“Nellwasfasterthananyoneelsetopegme—shewantsmeinthematernalcabal.”
Grinningatherdescriptionofthepowerattheheartofthepack,hetuckedherhairbehindherearsohecouldseeherface.“Interested?”
“Idunno—it’slikethemafia.Onceyou’rein,youcannevergetout.”Asmilethatdancedwithmischief,buthernextwordswerethoughtful.“Ichosetotrainasasoldierbecauseitsuitsmywolf—I’mtooaggressivetobeafull-timematernal.”
“You’regreatwiththesubmissives.”Ensuringthehealthoftheiryoungwasonlyoneaspectofthecomplexdutiesundertakenbythematernalfemales,butitwasanimportantone.
“Yes.”Anotherdesignonhischest,thisonemoreaimless.“Workingwithpupsandjuvenilesfulfillstheothersideofmynature.SothesetupIcurrentlyhaveisaboutperfect…though,Imightopenachannelwiththecabal.”Anotherwickedgrin.“It’dbenicetogettheirinputonsomethings,plussinceI’llhaveafootinbothcamps,it’llbeawaytomakesurenothingslipsbetweenthecrackswhenitcomestothechildren.”
“DoyouthinkRileyhadthatinmindallalong?”
“Itwouldn’tsurpriseme—evendopeyoverMercy,hethinkstenstepsahead.”Stealingasmilingkiss,shesettledherselfmorecloselyagainsthimandclosedhereyes.“Gotosleep.Wehavetogetupearly.”
“Goodnight,Empress.”
“Goodnight,GoldenEyes.”
Hesmiled,nibbledatherearagain.“Saythatinpublicandyou’llbesorry.”
“Nowyou’vegoneanddaredme.Don’tyouknownevertodothatwithamaternalfemale?”
Riazgrowledplayfullyather.Hewashappydeepinhisheart…butnotcontent,becausethislaughingwomanwhohadhiswolf’sdevotion,awomanheadoredbeyondlifeitself,expectedhimtoleaveher,maybenottodayortomorrow,butoneday.Itwasahiddenshadowintheviolet-blue,adarknessheonlyglimpsedwhenshethoughthewasn’twatching.…anditevisceratedhim.
Herefusedtoallowhertohurtthatway.Fuckingrefused.
JUDDwasunsurprisedtoseeAdenonthebackstepsofXavier’schurchaweekaftertheattackonSonja.“Theanchorsinthisregionaresafe,”hetoldtheArrow.Eachandeveryonehadbeenmoved,theirlocationsknownonlytoNikitaandAnthony,nobackupfileskepteitherontheNetoroutside.Buttoeveryone’ssurprise,thetelepathicfilecontainingimagesthatcouldbeusedforateleportlockinanemergency,hadalsobeensenttoSascha.
“Mydaughter’sflaw,”Nikitahadsaidduringthemeeting,staringrightacrossatthatdaughter,“makeshertheloneindividualwecantrustabsolutelynottousetheinformationtocauseharm.”
Sascha’sreplyhadbeenasfrank.“I’llshareitwithJudd—he’stheonlypersonwho’dbeabletogettotheanchorsinanemergency.”
“Thedecisionisyours,”Nikitahadsaid.“AsanE,youhavethecapabilitytojudgewhetherornotaformerArrowwillusetheinformationtokill.”
Itwas,Juddknew,thefirsttimeNikitahadeveracknowledgedthatSaschawasn’tafailedcardinal,butapowerfulone.Andbecausehe,Sascha,Lucas,andHawkeallknewthatevenifthecivilwarintheNetturnedbrutalandthreatenedtoengulfthepacks,noneofthemwouldseektocollapsetheNet,tomurderindiscriminately,heheldthefileinsidehismind,tuckedawayinasectionthatwouldimmediatelyandautomaticallydegradeifhisshieldswereeverbreached.
Onlythepeoplewhohadbeenatthatmeeting,aswellasWalkerandSienna,knewthatheandSaschacarriedthefiles.Theinformationwastooexplosive,toodangerous,couldmakethembothtargetsifitgotout.Unlessananchorintherelevantareasentoutanemergencydistresscall,noonewouldeverknow.
“Thesameisbeingattemptedineveryregionacrosstheworld,”Adennowsaid,“butthetaskismassive,andthemajorityofcitiesdon’thavetheresourcesoftwoCouncilors.Forthetimebeing,we’rerecommendingtheanchorsmovetheirfurniturearoundinunexpectedwaysandnevergounarmed.”
NoTkeverusedthelayoutoffurnitureasalock—itwastootransient.Andallteleport-capableTkshadaninbuiltspace-sensingabilitythatmeanttheywouldnevermaterializeinsolidmatter.Unlesstherewasapsychicfailure,theteleportwouldabortattheobstruction.However,ifaTkdid’portin,theunfamiliarlayoutcouldgranttheanchoranextrafewsecondsinwhichtorunoruseaweapon.“It’sasmartmove.”
“Henryisdead.”
“You?”
“Vasic.”Apause.“Wecan’ttrusthim,notafterthisisdone.”
Judddidn’tmisunderstandthewarning.“ThechildrenintheArrowschools,”hesaid,insteadofrespondingdirectlytothestatement,“who’swatchingoutforthem?”EvenwiththedarknessswallowingtheNetandtheArrows’attention,Adenwouldnothaveforgottentheiryoungestbrethren.
“Themoststableofuseachhaveagroupwemonitor.”AdenpassedJuddasmallblackdatacrystal.“Thenamesandaddressesofthechildren.Ifanythinghappenstous,theyaretheonesyoumustprotect.”Apause.“TrustittoWalker—he’llunderstandandbeabletohelpthembetterthanyouorI.”
Juddputthecrystalintotheinsidepocketofhisleather-synthjacket,theactanunspokenpromise.“DoesVasicmonitoragroup?”Vasicmightnotfeel,buthehadaconscience,wouldneverdamageachildbyabandoninghim.ThatconsciencewaswhytheTk-Vhatedhimself,thoughhewouldnotputitinthoseterms.
“No.”Adenlookedoutintothenight.“Hedoesn’ttrusthimselfnottokillifheseesateacherhurtingachild—wecan’tyetintervene.Itrisksgivingeverythingawaybeforewe’reinapositiontotaketotalcontrolofthetrainingsystem.”
“Howcloseareyou?”
“Ontheverge.UnlikeMing,Kalebappearstohavenoinclinationtotakeadirecthandintheschools.”Alongpause.“Evenwhenweseizethereins,totalliberationwillbeimpossible.”
“Iknow.”WithoutthementaldisciplineforgedbyhisrigidArrowtraining,Judd’sabilitiesmighthaveself-destructedlongago.“Buttheprocessdoesn’thavetobecruel.”Ayoungboy’sarmdidn’thavetobebrokenoverandoveragainuntilhestoppedscreaming.
“Somewouldsaysuchastancewilldestroythefoundationoftheprogram.”
Thatpainwasastateofmind,tobeovercome.“Andperhapswe’lldiscoveritmakesusstronger.”
Adendidn’tsayanythingforalongtime.“Ihavetogo.TherehasbeenanexplosionataPsyresearchfacilityinBelgrade.”
JuddwatchedtheotherArrowdisappearintothedarknessbeforerisingandenteringthechurchtotakethesecondpewfromtheback.HefelttheslightestbrushofairastheGhostslidintothepewbehindhimaminutelater.“DoyouknowaboutBelgrade?”JuddaskedwhiletheywaitedforFatherXavierPerez,thethirdpartoftheirunexpectedtriumvirate,tofinishspeakingwithaparishionerinhisoffice.
“Ofcourse.”Noarrogance,simplefact.“Itwassmallandisbeingcontained,nofatalities.”
“Luckoralackofplanningonthepartoftheattackers?”
“Thelatter.Thefacilityisprivatelyfunded,andabouttobeginacriticalassessmentoftheSilenceProtocol—somehow,theirmissionstatementleakedintotheNettwenty-fourhoursago.”
Thefactthatanygrouphadgainedpermissiontoconductsuchastudywasmomentous,thoughJuddhadaverygoodideaofhowithadbeendone.Ashehadabouttheleak.“PurePsyactedintheheatofthemoment.”JuddknewwhattheGhostknewaboutVasquez,andsoheknewthisactwasoutofcharacter.“Henry’sdeathmayhaveseveredtheleashthatkeptVasquezrational.”Hehadnodoubthisfellowrebelwasawareoftheex-Councilor’sdemise.
“Perhaps.”Noconcern.“It’stime,Judd.”
Yes,thedominoeshadbeguntofall,unstoppableandinexorable.“Istheviolencenecessary?”
“Somethingsneedtobebrokentobecomestronger.”
TheGhostleftthirtysecondslater,calledawaybysomethingurgent.
Sittingaloneinthepeaceofthechurch,JuddthoughtofthemurdersperpetratedbyPurePsy,theviolencedonetonight,thebloodthatwouldbespilledinthefuture.InsteadofremindingthepopulaceofthevalueofSilence,theaggressionwasnudgingawakelong-buriedemotions,fearsodarkandfromsodeepinthepsychethatnoteventhemostpainfulconditioningcouldkeepitimprisoned.
Silencewasonecrackawayfromtotalfailure.
Somethingsneedtobebrokentobecomestronger.
“Hedoesnotunderstandfriendship,”JuddsaidtoXavierlater,“butIdo.”
Thepriest’sdarkskinglowedinthelightfromthecandlesthatwerethesoleilluminationnowthathe’dturnedoffthelights.“Isitmercytoendthelifeofafriendsavagedbytorment,orisitasin?”
“Thoseareyourquestions,Xavier.Mineisonlythis:ifheprovestoounstable”—willingtoextinguishtheNetinaripplingwaveofendlessdeath—“willIhavethestrengthtoexecuteamanwhoisamirrorofwhoImight’vebeeninanotherlife?”Chapter71
TWOWEEKSAFTERtheattemptedassassinationoftheSanFranciscoanchor,andaweekaftertheflurryofbombingsonanumberofPsyresearchcentersandinstitutionsoflearning,itfelttoAdriaasiftheentireworldwasholdingitsbreath.Sevendayshadpassedwithnomoresignsofacivilwarthatcoulddevastatetheplanet,butwithJuddLaurenhavingsharedwhatheknewwiththeseniormembersofthepack,Adriaknewthelullwasnothingbutthecalmintheeyeofthestorm.
Itwasallgoingtocomecrashingdown,soonerratherthanlater.
Asasoldier,sheworkedwithherpackmatesandtheiralliestopreparethepackandtheregion—andtosomeextent,otherpartsoftheworld.Throughtheirallies’connections,andtheirlinkswiththeHumanAlliance,theBlackEdgeWolves,thewater-basedchangelings,andlessformalrelationshipswithothergroups,SnowDancerhadaworldwidenetworkthatdisseminatedandsharedinformationinanefforttoprovidepeoplewiththemeanstoprotectthemselveswhenthestormblewin.
However,withinherself,wherenoonecouldsee,shefoughtafarmoreheartbreakingwar.HerloveforRiazhadcometodefineher.Sheknewthatnomatterwhatthefuturebrought,shewouldneveragainfeelthisglory,neveragainburnwithsuchvibrantpassionandwildtenderness.Itbroughtherincrediblejoytolivewithhim,tolaughwithhim,tofallasleepinhisarms…andeveryday,shewokeupandforasinglepainfulsecond,wonderedifthiswasthedayhe’dlookatherandrealizewhathe’dgivenup.
She’dlearnedtohidethatinstinctivedartofpain,andtoday,astheysatonabenchinGoldenGatePark,watchingthepeopleoutforastrollamongtheflowerbedsonthispiercinglybrightfallday,shecouldalmostbelievethateverythingwasasitshouldbe,thatshewaswithamanwhowasmeanttobeherownandnooneelse’s.
“Areyouevergoingtotalktomeagain?”Riazdemanded,histonethatofamanattheendofhispatience.
Itpuzzledher.“Didn’twejusthaveaconversationaboutthetoydogwesawinthatwoman’spurse?”Thelittleyappingthinghadgonesilentwhenthewomanwalkedpastthem,itsbigeyeswatchingRiazandAdriaasifitexpectedtobeeaten.
Ithadmadethembothlaugh.
ButnolaughtercoloredRiaz’svoicewhenhespokeagain.“Wetalkabouteverydaythings,inconsequentialthings.”Eyesofpalestbrownmethers,shimmeringwithafilmofheatedanger…buthiswords,theyheldrawpain.“You’veshutmeoutofyourheart,amada,andit’sshreddingmetopieces.”
Itmadeherbloodturntoice,herbreathcatchuntilshehadtogetup,towalk,soshecouldfindairagain.Hedidn’ttrytohemherin,herblackwolf,didn’tdoanythingbutwatch.Whenshecamebackdowntositbesidehim,shegrippedtheedgesofthebench.“Ididn’tmeanto.”Itwasinstinctive,thiswithdrawingintoherself,adefensivemeasureshe’dlearnedintheyearsshe’dbeenwithMartin.“Ididn’tevenrealizeIwasdoingit.”Hurtinghiminthesamehorriblewayshe’doncebeenhurt,somethingshe’dvowednevertodotoanyone.
Devastated,shewilledhimtobelieveher.“Inevermeantto—”
“Iknow.”Hereachedouttotuckaflyawaystrandofherunboundhairbehindherearinasweet,familiarintimacy.“AndI’mtryingsogoddamnhardnottopushyou,butIneedyoutobemine.BecauseI’myours.”
Simple.Unguarded.Alonewolf’sheartinherhands.
Herchestached.“I’msoafraid,”shewhispered,tearinghersoulopenbecausehishonestydemandedherown.“Itrynottobe,butI’msoscaredyou’llregretlettinghergo.Thefearchokesmeupsometimes.”
Riazdidn’tdoanythingshewould’veexpectedfromadominantmale.Hedidn’ttakeherintohisarmsandtrytoconvinceheritwouldbeallright,didn’tgrowlorsnarluntilsherelented.Instead,hesaid,“Lookoverthere.”
Followinghisgaze,shefoundherselflookingacrossthelargeflowerbedinfronttofocusonanelderlycouplewho’dbeensittingonthebenchoppositethemforsometime.Adriahadwatchedthemtakesnacksoutofasmalllunchbox,passeachothercoffeefromasilverthermos,andholdhands.Astheyweredoingnow.“They’rebeautifultogether.”Theirlovewasagewornandfamiliar,agroovewornintotheirlivesandhearts.“Youcantellthey’reaunit.”Likeamatedpair,onewouldn’tlongsurvivetheother.
“They’renotchangeling.”
“Human,”shesaid.“Mustbeahundredandtwenty-fiveatleast.”Fitandhealthy,thoughthey’dallowedtheirhairtoturnsnowwhite,theirbodiestosoften.Agesatonthemwiththewarmestelegance.
“It’stheirhundredthanniversarytoday,”Riazsaidtohersurprise.“Sotheydecidedtorecreatetheirfirstdate.”
Wonderbloomedwithinher.“Howdoyouknow?”
Asmallsmilecurvedhislips,broughtthatlightintohiseyesshesoadored.“Iwaseavesdroppingwhentheparkwasalittlequieter.Thewindcarriedtheirwords.”
“That’ssoromantic,”shesaid,herfacestretchingfromthedepthofhersmile.Maybeoneday,itwouldbeherandRiazonthisbench,ahundredyearsfromnow.
Thedreamwasoneshewantedwithhereverybreath…andone,sheunderstoodinamomentofcrystalclarity,thatshehadthepowertomakecometrue.Asshehadthepowertodestroyit,buryingitunderthecolddarknessoffearuntilnothingremained.
Therealizationwipedeverythingelseasidetoleaveherwithasingleblindingtruth:theirfuturehadneverbeen,andwasnevergoingtobe,Riaz’schoicealone.He’dfoughtsohardforher,herlonewolf,andshewouldfightforhim,too,tothelastbeatofherheart.Neveragainwouldshestepgracefullyaside.Forgetaboutsettingsomethingfreeifyoulovedit—shewouldgoddamnholdontoherman.Herwolfgrowledinagreement,itsbruisedspiritinfusedwithsteel,adoorcrashingopeninsideherthatshehadn’tevenbeenawarewaslockedshut.
“They’renotchangeling,Adria.”
Herdeterminationahotpulseinherskin,sheturnedtolookathim,hisprofilestrong.“Iknow.”Itwasafrustratedstatement,becauseallshewantedtodowastouchherblackwolf,holdhim,makeituptohimforhavingbeensuchanidiotforsolong.
“Whatdoesthatmean?”
“Riaz.”
Heslippedhishandtohernape,squeezed.“Look.”
Stillscowling,sheglanceduptoseethemanleanovertokisshiswifebeforeheturnedonthetinymusicplayerhe’dputonthebench.Heheldouthishandandsheflowedintohisarms.Thesongwasanoldone,fromthetimeoftheiryouth,andwhiletheirfeetmovedalittleslowerthantheymighthaveonthatlong-agofirstdate,thelovebetweenthemwassoluminous,itmadeeverysinglepersonaroundthemhalt,stopbreathing.
Adria,too,didn’ttakehereyesoffthecoupleuntiltheyfinisheddancingandpackeduptheirthingstowalkaway,handinhand.“That’s…”Shehadnowordsforthesheerbeautyofwhatshe’dseen.
“They’renotchangeling,”Riazsaidagain.“Theydon’thavethematingbond.Whatevertheyfeelforoneanothercan’tbewhatonemate-bondedchangelingfeelsforanother.”
“Howcanyousaythat?”Sheswiveledtofacehim,incensedthathe’dtrytolessenthewonderofwhatthey’djustwitnessed.“Idareanyoneprythemapart.”
Riazsaidnothing,hiseyesabrilliantdarkgoldthatglowed.
Andsheheardwhatshe’dsaid,whathe’dsaid.“We’renothuman,”shewhispered,hopeanincandescentburstofsunshineinherblood.
Thistime,hedidtakeherintohisarms,intohislap,uncaringofwhomightbewatching.“Doesthatmeanweloveanyless?”Roughwordsfromtheheartofthewolf.
Shakingherhead,shewrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandheldhimtight.“Iloveyoutomadness.”Shepulledback,hisfacecuppedinherhands,givinghimthewords,thecourtship,he’dgivenher.“UntilIwakeupearlysomedaysjusttowatchyousleep,untilithurtstobeseparatedfromyouforevenaday,untilIstealyoursweatshirtssoIcanrubmyfaceagainstyourscent.”
Hisarmssqueezedhertillsheknewshe’dcarrybruises,butshedidn’tcare.Whenhewould’vespoken,shestoppedhimwithakiss,fistingherhandinhishair.“Nomorechances,GoldenEyes.You’remineandI’lldrawbloodtoenforcemyclaim.”Shedidn’tcareifahundredwomenclaimedrights—RiazbelongedtoAdriaandshewaskeepinghim.“I’mthroughwithbeingreasonableandaccommodatingandstupidenoughtoeverletyougo.Sogetreadytotanglewithaverypossessivedominantfemalewhoconsidersyouhers.”
Aslowsmile,theeyesofthewolflookingoutather.“Ithoughtyou’dneversaythat.”Henippedatherjaw,hiswolfrubbingupagainstherownwithanaffectionthatmadeherwanttoshiftandplaywithhimthroughtheflowerbeds.“You’remyoneandonly,too,butyoualreadyknowthat.”
Yes,shethoughtwithajoyfullaugh,shedid.Itwasinhiseverytouch,everyglance,everycaress,thepulseofitarcingthroughherbloodstream.Theymightneverhavethematingbond,butthey’dcreatedtheirownbond,andshedaredanyonetobreakthewildbeautyofit.
Thenhespokeagainandthejoysplinteredintoanear-unbearabletenderness.“Heartofmyheart,that’swhoyouare,AdriaMorgan.Chosenandforever.”Pickingherhandoffhischeek,hepressedalingeringkisstothepalmbeforeplacingitoverthestrong,steadyrhythmofthatveryorgan.“Wolfandman,youowneverypartofme.”
Turningherhandtocurlherfingersaroundhisown,thislonewolfwhoworehislovewithsuchpride,unafraidtoshowhisvulnerability,shewhispered,“Heartofmyheart…myRiaz.Chosenandforever.”Smiletremulous,shetracedhislipswithherfingertipsandsurrenderedthefinalvestigesofherowndefenses.“Andwe’reeven…becauseyouowneverypartofme,too.”
Hismouthmovedunderhertouch,hissmilecreasinghischeeks.“Iguesswe’llhavetotakegoodcareofourgifts.”
“Thebest.”Laughterbubbledinsideher,thesheerdepthofherhappinessseekinganoutlet.“Weneedtodance.”
Araisedeyebrow.
Passionmeldingwithtenderness,shekissedhimuntilhisheartthundered,untilhegrinnedinwolfishdelightandaskedhertodoitagain.“So,”shesaidaftergrantinghiswish,“wecandoitonourhundredthanniversary.”
Herblackwolfsmiled,rose…andspunheroutinanoutrageouscurvebeforespinningherintohisarmsagain,herbacktohischest.“Whereyoubelong,”hesaid,pressingakisstoherpulse.
Yes.Retrieval
KALEBHADFOUNDthefirstclueeightmonthsago,apsychictrackerhe’dconstructedandreleasedintotheNet.Ofthethousandshe’dsentout,onlyonehadreturnedtohim.Ithadbeenoldandcrumbling,butithadcarriedaviableinformationpayload.
Aname.
Adirection.
IthadtakenhimmonthsofpainstakingtrackingthroughtheNettopickupthetrail.Thelastweekshadrequiredhoursofintenseconcentrationeverysingleday,theblindalleysandshieldsformedtoconfuseapursuerhavinghadyearstomatureandmorphuntiltheycreatedatwistedpsychicjungle.Enoughtohalteventhemosthighlytrainedoperative.But…noonehadexpectedKalebtocomehunting.
Nooneknewtheyhadtakenwhatbelongedtohim.
Noonealiveanyway.
Becausehe’dmadeitthrough,andnowstoodsilentandmotionless,certainhewassoclosetohistargetthathewasindangerofsettingoffmultiplepsychictripwires.
TouchingtheNetMindandtheDarkMind,thelatteridentitystillstrongerthantheformer,heaskedthemtotellhimwhattheysaw.Hismindfilledwithanoverlayoffinelinesacrossthestar-studdedskiesoftheNet.Thosewerethe“bloodvessels”ofthenetwork,conduitsfortherapidtransferofinformation.Hedisregardedthemtofocusonthefinerredlinesbelow—psychicalertssomeonehadriggedinasectionoftheNetthatappeareduninhabited.
Skirtingthetripwireswiththeflawlessmentalgraceofacardinalwithlethalcombattraining,hecontinuedtowardhistarget.Thereweremoretripwires,moretraps,untilheglimpsedthemindsoftheguardsatlast.Buttheydidn’tseehim.Cloakedinpsychicinvisibility,hisshieldsimpenetrable,hepassedrightbythem.Tofindhimselfinfrontofthedoorsofalockedpsychicvaultdisguisedasdeadspace.Ithadbeenconstructedbyatelepathofconsiderableskill,itseffecttocreateaprisonaroundaparticularmind,ensuringnotraceofthatmindleakedoutintotheNet.
Kalebhadwaitedtoolongtomakeamistakenow.Hecircledaroundthevaulttocheckforhiddenalarmsthatwouldalerttheoneswhomonitoredit.Hefoundfive.Dismantlingthemtookfourhoursofunremittingconcentration.Onlywhenhewascertainnootheralarmsremained,didhe“break”thepsychicsealofthevaultandstepinside.Hestayedtwoseconds,justlongenoughtotakeatelepathicimprintofthemindwithin.
DroppingoutoftheNetafterleavingtheguardedandriggedareawiththecarefulstealthhe’dusedtoenterit,heteleportedatalmostthesameinstant,usingtheimprintofthatimprisonedmindasatelekineticlock.Thiswastherarestpossiblemethodofgettingalock,becausetogetit,youhadtoripaparttheshieldsofthemindbeingusedasalock,effectivelylayingthebrainopen—butthemindhe’dseeninthevaulthadalreadybeenstripped,itsshieldsdestroyed.
Completingtheteleport,hefoundhimselfinasmallwhitecell,thewallspadded,theglarefromthesingleceilinglampcutting.Nowindows.Nonaturallight.
Heignoredtheirrelevantfactors.Onlyonethingmattered.
He’dfoundher.