TableofContents
TitlePage
CopyrightPage
Dedication
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
EPILOGUE
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http://us.penguingroup.comTomyownpersonalbraintrust—youknowwhoyouare.:)CHAPTER1
Mercykickedadrybranchoutofherwayandglared.“Stupidstick.”Ofcourse,itwasn’tthedefenselessstickshewasmadat—itjusthadthebadlucktobeinherpathas,shouldershunched,shemadeherescapefromthePackCircleandthecontinuingrevelryofDorian’smatingceremony.
Itwassickeninghowmuchherbestfriendwasinlovewithhismate.Infact,alltheothersentinelswerestartingtomakehergag.“Claymakinggoo-gooeyesatTally,anddon’tgetmestartedonLucandSascha.”
Thenthereweretheworstoffendersofall—NateandTamsyn.Howdaretheystillbesocrazyforeachotherafteralltheseyears!“Shouldbeagainstthelaw,”shesnarled.Shewasn’tevengoingtothinkaboutVaughnandFaith.
Shedecidedtogoforaruninstead.
Anhourlater,anddeepenoughinthepack’sheavilyforestedterritorythatshecouldn’thearanythingbeyondthecautiouswhispersofnocturnalcreaturesmovingaboutinthedark,shesatdownonthesmoothtrunkofafallentreeandblewoutherbreath.Thetruthwas,shewasn’tmadatanyofthesentinelsortheirmates.Damn,shewassocrazy-happyforthemithurt.Butshewasjealous,too.Everyonewaspairedupnow.Excepther.
“There,”shemuttered.“Iadmittedit.I’mabigol’jealousbaby.”
Beingadominantfemalewasn’tabadthinginchangelingsociety.Femalealphaswereascommonasmaleones.Butbeingadominantfemaleinaleopardpackwherenoneofthedominantmalespushedherbuttons,thatwasbad.Andbeingadominantfemaleinastatecontrolledbyleopardsandwolves—whereonlythewrongonepushedherbuttons—thatwasextracherry-on-topbad.
Notthatshewaslimitedtotheirterritory—Dorianhadbeennudgingathertogooutofstate,seeifshecouldn’tfindsomeoneinoneoftheotherpacks,butshecouldn’tbringherselftoleaveDarkRiver,notwhenthingsweresodicey.Sure,lifehadcalmeddownalittlesincethefailedkidnappingattemptonDorian’smate,Ashaya,butitwasanedgysortofcalm.Everyonewaswaitingforthenextrippleinthepond—whetheritwouldcomefromthesuspiciouslyquietPsyCouncilorthenewlyviolentHumanAlliancewasanyone’sguess.
Thatitwould,wascertain.
AsaDarkRiversentinel,sheshould’vebeenconsideringtheirdefensestrategy,workingoutpossiblescenarios.Instead,shewasgoingsoinsanewithneedshecouldn’tthinkofanythingbutthefeverinherbody,thehungerinherthroat,theclawingwantineverycell,everybreath.Intimatetouchwasasnecessarytoherpredator’ssoulastheforestshecalledhome,butthingsmightnothavebeensobadifshehadn’talsobeentryingtocopewiththeimpactofaconversationshe’dhadwiththepackhealer,Tamsyn,afewdaysearlier.
Mercywastheonewho’dsaidit.“There’sastrongpossibilityI’llremainunmated.”
“Youdon’tknowthat,”Tammyhadbegun,frownlinesonherbrow.“Youcouldmee—”
“It’snotthat.Imightnotbeabletobewithanyone.Youknowthathappens.”
Tammyhadbentherheadinareluctantnod.“Thechancesarehigherwithdominantfemalesthanmales.It’saninabilitytogivein…tosurrender.Eventoyourmate.”
Andthatwasthehellofit,Mercythought.Shemightwantamatewitheverythinginher,butifheappeared,andhewasthestrong,take-no-shitpartnersheknewsheneeded,shemightrefusetoacknowledgehimonthelevelnecessaryforatruematingbond.Oh,thematingurgewouldprobablyoverpowerherintotakinghimforalover,perhapsmore…butiftheleopardinherdidn’ttrulyaccepthisrighttoher,thenshemightgoroamingformonthsatatime,comingbacktohimonlywhenshecouldnolongerfighttheneed.
Itwasaspecialkindoftorturereservedforthosefemaleleopardswhogotstrangledupatthemereideaofgivingamaleanykindofcontroloverthem.Andputitanywayyouwould,unlesshermateturnedouttobeaweaksubmissive—andshe’dneverbeattractedtosomeonelikethat,sothatwasano-brainer—hewasgoingtotrytodominateher.
“Idon’tneedamate,”shemuttered,staringupatthebrightcircleoftheearlyautumnmoon.“Butcan’tyousendmeanice,sexy,strongmaletodancewith?Prettyplease?”Shehadn’thadaloverforclosetoeightmonthsnow,anditwasstartingtohurtoneverylevel.“Hedoesn’tevenhavetobesmart,justgoodbetweenthesheets.”Goodenoughtounsnapthetensioninherbody,allowhertofunctionagain.
Becausesexwasn’tsimplyaboutpleasureforacatlikeher—itwasaboutaffection,abouttrust,abouteverythinggood.“Thoughrightthissecond,I’dtakeplainoldhotsex.”
ThatwaswhenRileywalkedoutoftheshadows.“Gotanitch,kitty?”
Snappingtoherfeet,shenarrowedhereyes,knowinghehadtohavedeliberatelystayeddownwindinordertosneakuponher.“Spying?”
“Whenyou’retalkingloudenoughtowakethedead?”
Shesworeshecouldfeelsteamcomingoutherears.EveryonethoughtRileywasquiet,practical,grounded.Onlysheknewhehadameanstreakthatdelightedinannoyingherasmuchaspossible.“Whatdoyouwant?”Itwasagrowlfromtheheartoftheleopardandwomanboth.
“IwasinvitedtoDorian’smatingceremony.”Aslowsmilethattauntedhertoretaliate.“Prettyhardtomissyouburninguptheplace.AndI’mnottalkingaboutyourhair.”Hiseyeslingeredonthelongredstrandsstrokingoverherbreasts.
Mercydidn’tgetembarrassedeasily,buthercheeksflamednow.BecauseifRileyknewshewasinheat—likeafreakingwildcat!—thensodidtherestofherownpack.“Sowhat,youfollowedmehopingI’dlowermystandardsandsleepwithawolf?”Sheintentionallymade“wolf”soundaboutasappetizingas“reptile.”
Riley’sjawtightenedunderashadowofstubbleashadedarkerthanthedeepchestnutofhishair.“Youwanttoclawatme,kitty-cat?Comeon.”
Herhandsclenched.Shereallywasn’tthismuchofabitch.ButgoddamnRileyhadawayoflightingherfuse.“Sorry,Idon’tbeatdefenselesspuppies.”
Helaughed.Heactuallylaughed.Shehissedathim.“What’ssofunny?”
“Webothknowwho’sthedominanthere…andyou’renotit.”
Thatdidit.Shewasasentinel.Sowhatifhe’dbeenalieutenantlonger?Thatdidn’tchangethefactthatsheoccupiedthesameplaceinDarkRiverthathedidinSnowDancer.Thewolfhadcrossedaverydefinedline—andsinceshecouldn’thavesex,she’dsettleforviolence.
Feelingmorethanalittleferal,shepounced.
Rileywasreadyforher.Hetookthekickonthethighwithoutflinching,butstoppedherpunchwithasinglehand.Shewasalreadyshifting,slidingintothenextposition,readytotakeadvantageofanyvulnerability.Heblockedeveryoneofhermoves,butmadenoneofhisown.“Fight!”sheyelled.Sheneededagood,sweatyworkout—itwouldtakesomeoftheedgeoffthegut-wrenchingfuryofherneed.Herbootedfootconnectedwithhisribs.
Sheheardagruntandgrinned.“Notsofastarewe,wolfie?”
“Iwastrying,”hesaid,blockinghernextsetofblowswithhisarms,“nottohurtyou.”
“I’mnotafrickin’princess,”shemuttered,aimingforthemostvulnerablepartofaman’sbody—yeah,yeah,itwasn’tfair.ButRileyhadaskedforit.Oh,man,hadheaskedforit.“‘Kitty’this,Kincaid.”
“Damnit,Mercy!”Hegrabbedthefootthathadbeenabouttoconnectwithhiscrotchandflippedher.Effortlessly.Gaspingassherealizedexactlyhowmuchhe’dbeenholdingback,shetwistedinmidairandcametoaneasylandingonherfeet.
“I’llgiveyouonething,”hesaid,crouchingoppositeherastheycircledeachother.“Youknowhowtomove…kitty.”
Adrenalineshotthroughher,ahot,liquidfire.“Betterthanajumped-upsheepdoganyway.”Shekepthertoneeven,butshewassweatingundertheslinkyblackteeshe’dchangedintoforthedancing,herheartbeatingatarapidpace.“Clawsout,”shesaidandthatwastheonlywarningshegaveasshewentforhim.
Shedidn’tevenseeitcoming.Onemomentshewasabouttoslashhisface—okay,soshewould’vejustscratchedhim,itwasn’tlikethiswasafighttothedeath—andthenext,shewasflatonherbackwithherwristsslammedtotheearth,grippedinonestrongfist.“Ooomph.”AlltheairrushedoutofherasRiley’slowerbodycrushedherstotheground.Thebastardwasheavy,puremuscleoversolidbone.
“Yield.”Hisnosewasalmosttouchinghers.
“Youwish.”Shesmirkedintochocolate-darkeyes.“Comecloser.”
“Soyoucanbiteme?”Aflashofteeth.“Firstyouyield.ThenI’llcomecloser.”
“Notonyourlife.”Ifsheyielded,she’dbeacknowledginghisdominance,atleastfortonight.
“ThenIguessI’vehavetomakeyou.”
“Tryit.”Smiling,shewentforhisthroatandalmosthadhim,when—usingamovethatwasallsortsofillegal—heflippedheragainsoherfrontpressedintotheleaf-ladenground,herwristsstilllockedinhisirongripandpinnedaboveherhead.“Cheater.”
“Sosaysthewomanwhotriedtokickmyballsintomythroat,”hepointedout,evenashelickedthesaltofftheskinofherneckinalazyandhighlyprovocativemove.
“I’mgoingtokillyou.”Itwasmorehissthansound.
Hebither.
Inthesoft,sensitiveplacebetweenneckandshoulder.
Shefeltherentirebodyshiverfromtheinsideoutattheblatantshowofdominance.“Stopit.”Itcameouthusky,nothingliketherejectionshewantedittobe.
Hetookhismouthfromher.“I’vepinnedyou.”
“That’swolfshit.I’macat.”
“You’restilltrappedunderme.”Henuzzledatherthroat.“Andyousmellallhotandwetandready.”Hisvoicewasdropping,goingwolfonher.
Andtheheatbetweenherthighswasturningintoapulsingdrumbeat.Herstomachtwistedinaviciouswaveofneed.Godshewashungry,sosensuallyhungry.AndRileyhadtakenher,hisholdunbreakable.Atthatmoment,theleoparddidn’tcarethathewasn’tacat.Itjustcaredthathewasstrong,sexy,andaroused.
Shefoundherselfraisingherbodyagainsthimwithoutrealizingit,herbottomrubbing,enticing,inviting.“Youtellanyone,I’llcarveoutyourheart.”
“Talking’snotwhatI’minterestedinrightnow.”Releasingherhands,helethertwistontoherback…onlytopushapartherthighsandsettlehiserectionsnuglyagainsther.Itwasallshecoulddonottomoanoutloud.
Heraisedhimselfuponhisarms,lookingdownwitheyesgonewolf—theblackpupilscircledbyaringofamberthatechoedthroughtherichbrownoftheirisestoturnhisgazenight-glow.“Howrough?”Hissexualitywasaprimalforcecrashingagainstherskin.
“Hard.”Shewantedtobemarkedup,useduntilshewaswrungoutandcomatosefrompleasure.Andshewantedtodothesametohim.Fistingahandinthatthick,silkyhairsheitchedtofeelagainstherbreasts,shepulleddownhisheadandkissedhim,snarlinginthebackofherthroat.Hegrippedthatthroatwithonehand,squeezinglightly.“Behave.”
Shebithimthistime.
Afullgrowlpouredintohermouthasstick-in-the-mudRileyKincaidgaveintohiswolfandshowedherexactlywhyhewasSnowDancer’smostseniorlieutenant.Herteewasinshredsbeforeshecouldblink,herbragonetheinstantafterthat.Hishandsqueezedtheroundedcurvesofherbaredflesh,andwhenhetorehislipsfromherstomovedown,sheknewshewasgoingtofeelteeth.
Whatshedidn’tknowwasthatRileywouldsuckonhernipplelikeitwashisfavoritetreatbeforehesankthosestrongteethintoherdelicateflesh.Herbackarchedupofftheforestfloorandshegrippedtheslickheatofhisshoulders.Wherehadhisownshirtgone?Shedidn’tcare.Allsheknewwasthatshehadgorgeousmalefleshunderherhandsandohitfeltgood.
Ignoringhisgrowl,shetuggeduphisheadfromherbreastandbitathislipagain.Forawolf,Rileyhadabeautifulmouth.She’dbeenwantingtotakeanipoutofitformonths.Soshedid.Thensheslidherlipsalonghisjawandoverthecordsofhisneck.Saltandmanandwolf.
Wolf.Enemy.
Hercatsnarledagain.
Butthesnarlwasburiedinpureheat.Hetastedgood.
Whenhewoundhishandinherwaist-lengthhairanddraggedherheadbackforanotherkiss,shedidn’tprotest.Itwasaswildasthefirst,wetanddeepandcoatedwiththepromiseofrawsexualpleasure,noholdsbarred.“Now,”sheorderedastheybrokeapart,herbodyclosetovibratingwithever-tighteningneed.
“No.”Hesliddownherbodyandsuddenlyherdresspantsandpantiesweregone.Shefeltthekissofclawsagainsttheinsidesofherthighsandknewithadbeenonpurpose.Nopain,notevenarealtouch.Justahint.
Justenoughtoremindhercatthathecouldtakeher.
Morethanenoughtoshoveherarousalintothestratosphere.
“Goddamnwolf.”Achoked-outimprecation.
Spreadingherthighswithstrong,callusedhands,heputhismouthonher.Shescreamed.Rileywasapparentlyinnomoodtogoslowandeasy.Helickedatherinhard,firmstrokes,suckedthennipped.Theorgasmtorethroughhersoferociouslythatsheknewhermuscleswouldprotesttomorrow.
Hecontinuedusingthatmouth,thoseteethonheruntilshecouldfeelherbodytighteningagainafteraridiculouslyshortinterval.Butshewantedmorethananotherburstofpleasure.Grabbinghisshoulders,shepulledhimup,knowingshewouldn’thavebeenabletodoitifhehadn’tcooperated.Itwould’vebeenannoying…inanyothersituation.“Doit,wolf.”
Ahandinherhair,wrenchingbackherhead.“What’smyname?”
Shescratchedtrailsdownhisback.Hedidn’tevenwince.“Myname,kitty.Saymyname.”
“Mr.MudStick,Muddieforshort,”shesaid,evenassherubbedherselfagainstthehardthrustofhisdenim-coverederection,theroughnessofthefabricanexquisitesensation.Shewould’velikednakedskinevenmore,buthewasn’tbudging.
“Sayit,ornocockforyoutoday.”
Hermouthfellopen.“Fuckyou.”
“You’llbedoingthatshortly.”Hekissedheragain,atanglingoftongueandteethanduntamedmalepower.“Now”—hethrustagainsther,lettingherfeeltheheavy,darkheatthatshecouldhave—“what’smyfuckingname?”
Itwastemptingtocontinuetosnarlathim,butherskinwasslickwithsweatandhewasbigandwildanddeliciousoverher.Andshewantedhiminher.Now.“Menandtheiregos,”shemuttered,justtopisshimoffalittle.“Nowdoit,Riley.OrI’llfindsomeoneelse.”
Heheldherheadwhereitwasforanotherlongsecondbeforeloweringhisfacetohers,thoseambereyestellingherexactlywhowasinchargeinsidehimatthatmoment.“Whatdidyousay?”Quiet,quietwords.
Sheclawedhisbackagain.Thistime,thewolfgrowledatherandthenextfewminutespassedinafuryoftornclothingandravagingkisses,criesofpleasureintermingledwithmoans.Andsuddenlyhewasnakedaboveher.Strong,hot,beautiful.Sheroseupagainsthim,feelinghereyesgoleopardasheputonehandonherthightoholdherdownandnudgedatherwiththearousedlengthofhim.
Shewenttoreachdown,buthegrowledather.Normallyshe’dhavegrowledback,buthewasmakingherfeelso-damn-good.Soshewrappedherotherlegaroundhimandthrustherhandsintohishair,rockingherbodyupward.“Iwantyouinme.”
Hebegantopushin.Shesuckedinabreath.Themanwashardasrockandthickenoughtomakehermusclesstretchtotheedgeofpain.Sheshuddered.“More.”
Hetookheratherword,thrustingintoherwithaslow,intenselyeroticfocusthathadherinnermusclesstartingtospasminecstasyevenbeforehewasfullyinside.Thenhewasandshe’dneverfeltsotakeninherlife.Buthegaveheronlyafewsecondstogetusedtohimbeforehislipstookhersonceagain,evenashisbodyslammedinandoutofherwithapowerherleopardgloriedin.Wolfornot,thismanwasworthdancingwith.
Shemovedwithhim,kissinghimback,runningherhandsoverhisbodyandnippingathimjustbecause.Hekeptherpinnedtotheearthashetookher,asifheknewjusthowdamnmuchsheneededagood,hardride.Whensheorgasmed,itwaswithasharpcry,alushclenchingaroundthethickheatofhim,andaburstofstarlightbehindhereyes.
Lightsthatcontinuedtoflickerevenaftershecamebackdowntoearth.Rileywasstillhotandarousedinher,movingwithunapologeticallypowerfulthruststhatpushedhertoanotherpeakinmoments.Shebithisneckinthewolfwaythistime,anditfinallypushedhimovertheedgewithher.CHAPTER2
Earlythenextmorning,awillowyPsyfemalewalkedintoabreakfastanddinner—nolunch—restaurantjustsouthofSanDiego,andsatdown,placingherbriefcasebesideher.Shewasdressedinadarkgraysuit,withajacketthatcinchedatthewaist,andtailoredpantsinthesamematerial.Hershirtcollarwascrispandwhite,hernailsmanicuredsotheywereshortandclean.
Thewaitresssmiled,butdidn’texpectaresponse.AllPsy—well,excepttheoneswhohaddefectedrecently—wereemotionlessrobots.She’dheardrumorsthattheyweren’tbornthatway,thattheytrainedtheemotionoutofthemselves.Damnfoolthingifyouaskedher.Whatwaslifewithoutlove,withoutlaughter?Yeah,therewereafewtearsalongtheway,buthey,thatwaslife.Tobelived.
Butshesaidnoneofwhatwasonhermind—Psywereemotionless,buttheytippedexactlyonthecorrectpercentage.Whichwasbetterthansomecheapskateswhoranheroffherfeetthenleftaquarterbehind.She’dserveaPsyaheadofthemanyday.“What’llitbe?”sheasked,holdinguptheold-fashionedorderpad.Thatwashowthisplacestayedinbusiness—folkscameforthe“ambience,”asthebosscalledit.
Shelaughedathim—theoldflirtwasherhusband,shehadtokeephimonhistoes—buthewasright.Peoplelikedthecheckeredtableclothsoverwoodentables,thereal-peopleserviceasopposedtoorderpadsbuiltintotables,eventhecracklingoldjukeboxtheycrankedupatnight.That’swhytheygotalotofhumanandchangelingtraffic.
ThefewPsywhocameinweremostlystraysontheirwaytoameetinginthecity.Thisonelookedthetype.Pretty,too,withthosebrightgreeneyesagainstskinthatwasanice,palebronze.Psyreallywerestrikingalotofthetime—probablymessedwiththeirgenesinthewomb,thewaitressthought.“Honey?”shepromptedwhenthewomandidn’trespond.
ThePsyfemaleblinked,staringather.
Andthewaitresscould’veswornshesawdesperationinthoseeyes.
Thenthebriefcaseexploded.CHAPTER3
Rileywoketofindhisbrother,Andrew,sittingatthefootofhisbed,mugofcoffeeinhandandashit-eatinggrinonhisface.“Nicetrick,bro,”hesaid.“Showeringbeforeyouwenttobed.Probablydunkedyourselfinastreambeforeyoucamehome,too.”
Rileyjustwaited.Drewwasreallygoodatgettingpeopletospilltheirgutswithslyhintsthathekneweverythinganyway.Heblameditonbeingthemiddlechild.Rileyblameditonhimbeingasmart-ass.
“Butyouforgottoemptythelaundryhamper.”
“Sniffingthelaundrynow?”Heraisedaneyebrow,knowingDrewhadnothing.Hisclotheshadbeendestroyed—he’dcomehomeinwolfform.Andhehaddunkedhisassinafreezinglakebeforehereturned.“Youreallyneedtogetlaid.”
“Oh,we’renottalkingaboutmysexlife.”Anothersmugsmile.“Yoursismuchmoreinteresting.”
Rileyremainedonhisback,feelingasoftacheinhisshoulder.“Whyareyouhere?You’resupposedtobeinLosAngelesthisweek.”Drewhadrecentlybeenpromoted—toarolethatnecessitatedhimrovingaroundallthedifferentcitiesunderSnowDancercontrolandreportingbackdirectlytotheSnowDanceralpha,Hawke.
Itwasaneededresponsibility.
BecauseasSnowDancerhadlearnedinthesnow-whitechillofthepreviouswinter,noteverywolfwasgood.Noteverywolfprotected.Thelessonhadstruckthepackdeepintheheart,andtheywerestillbleedingfromit.Butthatpainhadn’tstoppedthemfromfixingitsoitcouldn’thappenagain.
Hence,Andrew’snewpositionasHawke’seyesandearsamongthosewhomightotherwisebeoverlooked.HeledasmallteamofmenandwomenwhowereknowntobeabsolutelyloyaltoSnowDancer,peoplewhowouldcutouttheirheartsratherthanharmtheinnocent.Theywereallalsoquicktosmile,easilymadefriends.
Drew,inparticular,couldgetanyonetotalktohimaboutanything.WhichwaswhyRileyhadlearnedtobeverywaryofhisyoungerbrother’sapparentlyguilelessquestions.
“IswappedwithKieran,”Drewnowsaid.“Hewantedtoavoidsomebodyintheden.”
Rileyknewpreciselywhotheothersoldierwantedtoavoid.“Hebrokeupwithhislatestgirlfriend.”ThefactthatKieranwastechnicallyhuman,havingbeenadoptedintoSnowDancerasachild,didn’tseemtostophimfromactingthepartofawolfontheprowl.“Woman’soutforblood,fromwhatIhear.”
“Ifigured.”Theglintreturnedtohiseye.“So,whowasshe?”
“Ithoughtyouknew?”
Drewscowled.“Iknowyougotlaid.It’sonlyamatteroftimebeforeIsniffoutthetruth.”
“Knockyourselfout.”Hebegantogetup,thenrealizedwhyhisshoulderached.Mercyhadscratchedhimhard.Itmight’vegivenahumanmalepause.ItmadeRiley’swolfsmile.Wearingherclawmarkswasabadgeofhonor—becauseitmeanthe’ddrivenhertosuchpleasurethatshe’dforgottenherself.Ifshe’dbeenhisloverintruth,he’dbeshowingthemoff.
Buthedidn’tknowwhatshewastohim.Exceptthewomanwhomadehimhotterandangrierfasterthananyother.Soheremainedonhisback,brutallyawarethatoncewouldneverbeenough.Notevenclose.Hisguttightened.“Goaway,Drew.I’llgetupinalittlewhile.”
“Hmm,hewantsmetoleave.Why?”Drewsippedhiscoffee.“Coulditbebecausethelittleshe-catmarkedouresteemedlieutenant?”
Rileybarelykepthimselffromreactingtothe“she-cat”comment.HehadnointentionofhidinghisentanglementwithMercy—shemightbefrustratingashell,aroyalpaininhisass,butshewasalsoanincrediblystrong,sexywoman,someoneanymalewouldbeproudtocallhislover.Butheneededtimetofigureouthowhewasgoingtodealwithit.Theinstantthatthoughtformed,heheardMercy’svoiceinhishead,afragmentofmemoryfromtheirmanyscuffles.
“Jesus,Riley,doyoueverjustreact?”
“Whennecessary.”
“Whennecessary.”Shemimickedhisvoiceperfectly.“I’dcallyouPsybutIthinkthatwouldbeaninsulttothePsy.”
“Ifeel.”
“Butyourfeelingsgothroughabouttendifferentfiltersbeforeyouletthemout.”Sheflippedherhair,tiedinahightail,overashoulder.“Doesn’tbotherme—exceptwhenyoudrivemeinsanewiththeseplans.”Theword“plan”wasaboutsevensyllableslong.“We’lldealwithsomesituationsastheyarise.Wedon’tneedacolor-codedflowchart.”
Hehadn’thadaflowchart,ofcourse.Mercysimplylikedtojerkhischainasfaraspossible.“IthinkyouneedtogoseeBrenna,”hesaidtoAndrewwhenhisbrotherremainedseated.“Wordis,sheandJuddhadafight.”RileylikedJudd,butthemanwasmatedtohisbabysister—Rileyreservedtherighttohasslehimperiodically.AndusehimasfoddertodistractDrew.“Shewon’ttalktome—gomakesurehedidn’tpushheraround.”
Drewleftsofast,hecreatedabreezeinhiswake.RileywonderedifJuddwouldpunchDrewforhisunwanted—andentirelyunnecessary—interference.“Serveshimright,”hemuttered,risingandstealingthecoffeehisbrotherhadleftbehind.JuddwouldcutoffhisarmbeforehurtingBrenna.Thatwaswhyhewasstillalive.BecausewhileRileywasn’tMercy,withherbreathtakinglyvividnature,hefeltdeeply.
Andhelovedhissisterwithastrengththatmadehercallhimanoverprotectivebearonaregularbasis.Hedidn’tcare.Thepackhadhelped—somuch—butitwasRileyBrennahadlookedtoaftertheirparents’deaths,Rileywho’dkissedherscrapesandsoothedhernightmares.Thefactthatshewasmateddidn’tchangehisrighttolookafterher.
Aknotofguiltandfurytwistedaroundhisheartontheheelsofthatthought.Hehadn’tdreamedlastnight,buttheachewasthere,asalways.Becausethetruthwas,he’dfailedBrennawhensheneededhimmost.ThatPsybastardSantanoEnriquehadhurthissister,hurthersomuchthatshe’dalmostbroken.
“Butshedidn’tbreak.Shefuckingsurvived,andthelastthingsheneedsnowisanidiotbrotherwhofeelssorryforhimself.”Mercy’svoiceagain,wordsshe’dthrownathimwhenhe’dsnarledatheronetimetoomanyafterBrenna’srescue.
Whatwouldshesayifshecouldhearhisthoughtsrightnow?
Hereachedbacktotouchhisshoulder,areluctantsmiletuggingathislipsasoldrageretreatedunderawaveofthemostprimaldesire.Ifhe’dknownitwouldbethisgoodbetweenthem,he’dhavesaidtohellwithself-controlandgoneafterhermonthsago.That,hethoughtashewalkedintothebathroom,wasonemistakehewouldn’tberepeating
BythetimeDrewdraggedhissorryassbackthroughthedoor,Rileywasdressedandeatingscrambledeggs.“Novisiblebruises,”hesaid,eyesgoingtoDrew’schest.Hisbrotherhadbeenshotthroughtheheartlastwinter,hisbloodascarletfloweracrossthesnow—Riley’swolfcouldn’thelpthenear-automaticcheck.“EitherJuddwasinagoodmood,oryourribsmusthurtlikehell.”
“Laughifyouwill,”Drewsaid,anevilgrincrackinghisface.“ButnowBrennaknowssomething’sup,too.”
Great.IfDrewwasnosy,thenBrenwasrelentless.“Youhavenolife,Drew.”
“Thenyouwon’tmindifIstickmynoseintoyours.”
Mercylayinbedwaypastherusualwake-uptime,staringattheceilingofhercabin.Shewassoreasheck,markedupwithbites,scratches,andbruises,andshefeltlikepurring.Notthatshe’dtellhim—ever—butRileyknewwhathewasdoinginbed.Orontheforestfloor.
Thewolfhadnotonlyriddenherintodamnnearunconsciousness,he’dgivenherthebestorgasmsofherlife.Andthatwasplainembarrassing.Herbestsexhadbeenwithawolf.Pathetic.Exceptherbodywastellinghertoshutupandwallow.’Causethisfeltgooooood.Goodenoughthatshemightevenwanttorepeatit.
“No,”shetoldherselftheinstantthethoughtreareditshead.“Once—andmostofthenightdefinitelycountsasonce—youcanwriteoffasamistake.Butyoudothisagainandhe’sgoingtostartthinkinghehasrightsoveryou.”Sheknewpredatorychangelingmen.Theylikedcontrol.Theyparticularlylikedtheirwomentosubmit.AndRileywasonebiggianthunkoftestosterone-fueledNeanderthalwolf—heprobablythoughthersubmissionwashisright.Shesnorted.“Notinthislifetime.”
Groaningashermusclesprotested,sheturned.She’dhadashowerlastnight,butahotbathwasunquestionablyinorder.Andamassage.Oneofherpackmateswouldbehappytogiveherthelatteroutofsimplefriendship,butiftheydid,they’dseethemarksonherbody.
Shecouldimaginetheirreactionwhentheyfoundoutshe’dbeengettingdownanddirtywithawolf.TheSnowDancersweretheirallies,butleopardandwolfdidn’teasilymix.Truefriendshipwouldtakeoneheckofalongtime.And,thoughshe’dhadgreatsexwithRiley—okay,hot,monkey,freakin’wonderfulsex—hewasn’therfriend,either.
Mostofthetime,heirritatedthehelloutofherjustbybreathing.
Shejumpedasthecommpanelbeeped.Itwasanefforttostretchoutahandfromthewarmcocoonofherbedandpickuptheportablehandset.“Yeah?”
“Turnonthevisual,Mercy.”
Alllazinessfled.“Gran?”
“Ofcourseit’sme.Now,thevisual.Hurryup,girl.Yourgrandfather’swaitingsowecansqueezeinsomehorizontaltangotimebeforeameeting.”
Mercyblushed.“Isodidn’tneedthatimageinmyhead.Andnovisual—I’mnaked.”Whatshewas,wasworriedthathereagle-eyedgrandmotherwouldspotthebitemarkRileyhadleftonherneck.
“Youhaven’tgotanythingIhaven’t,”hergrandmothersaid.
“Gran.”Shesmileddespiteherself.“I’mnotoneofyourpack,sodon’tactthealphawithme.”HermaternalgrandmotherledtheAzureSunpackdowninBrazil.Isabella’ssentinelshadstoodbyherassheaged,becauseitwasn’talwaysaboutstrengthwithchangelings—ageandexperiencecountedjustasmuch.Notthathergrandmotherwasn’talsoinphenomenallygoodshape.
“Idon’tactthealpha,Mercygirl.Iamalpha.”Itwassaidwiththecalmconfidenceofawomanwhoknewexactlywhoshewasanddidn’tgiveadamnwhatanyoneelsethought.“Andthisalphahasapresentforyou.”
EverysinglecellinMercy’sbodywentonhighalert.“Gran?Whatdidyoudo?”
“Don’tsoundsoworried,darling.Iknowyousaidyoucouldn’tleaveyourpacktocomeseeifoneofmysentinelsmightworkasamate,butwe’reprettycalmdownheresoI’msendingEduardoandJoaquinuptoyou.”
Oh.Dear.God.“Gran,youdon’tneedtoplaymatchmaker.Ialreadyfoundsomeone.”Tohavewildsexwith,butshedidn’tthinkhergrandmotherneededtohearthatpart.
“Really?”Asharpsound.“Lessdominant?”
Saymyname,kitty.
Herclawsslicedout,threateningtodestroythesheets.“No.”
“Isheyourmate?”
Theleopardsnarledattheidea.“We’veonlyjust—”
“Thenthere’snoharminhavingawiderfieldtochoosefrom.”
Mercywasallbutstranglingthehandset.“Gran,Iseriouslydon’tneedanyhelp.Don’tsendyoursentinelsuphere.”Dodgingtwoundoubtedlydeterminedmaleswasnotherideaofagoodtime.Especiallynotwhentheonlymanherbodyseemedtocravewasawolfshe’dthreatenedtokillmorethanonce.
“Toolate,”Isabellasaid.“IcleareditwithLucasdaysago—mymenareprobablyalreadyinyourterritory.Andiftheydon’tworkout,Ihaveseveralotherunmatedsentinelswhoallthinkyou’dmakeanexcellentmate.”
Mercythumpedherforeheadwithafist.“I’msendingthemstraightback.Idon’tneedthecomplication.”
“Ofcourseyoudo,dear.Andifthemanyou’reseeingcan’thandlealittlecompetition,heshouldgetoutofthegame.”Hervoicechanged,becamepurealpha.“Youneedatoughman,Mercy.Otherwise,you’llstomponhisheartandeatitforbreakfast.”
“Thanks.”
“Factoflife,kitten.”Amuffledwhisper.“Speakingoftoughmen,yourgrandfatherisoutofpatience.I’lltalktoyouafteryoumeetEduardoandJoaquin.”
Shewasabouttoputthehandsetonthebedstandwhenitcamebacktolifeinherhand.Thistime,shecheckedthecallerID.“Lucas?What’sup?”
“IneedyoutorunacheckoutbytheGrove.Something’stherethatshouldn’tbe.”
Hermindshiftedintosentinelmode.“Likelasttime?”Then,ithadbeenawoundedPsydefectorthey’dfound.TheaftermathhadalmostgottenbothDorianandAshayakilled.
“No”—Lucas’svoicewasgrim—“tipwas,there’sadeadsmellintheair.”CHAPTER4
Icewaterinherveins.“Psy,human,orchangeling?”
“Noconfirmation—callmethesecondyouknow,”hesaid.“OneoftheSnowDancersisalreadyonthewaytojoinyou.”
“Why?”Herleopardbristled.“TheGrove’sinourterritory.”
“Itwasoneoftheirjuvenileswhosensedsomethingoffwhenhepassedthrough—”
“Hah,”Mercysaid.“Heprobablycamedowntodomischief.”AsDarkRiver’sofficialliaisontoSnowDancer,therewasn’tmuchshedidn’tknowaboutthelittleturfwarthecatandwolfjuveniles—andyoungadults—werehaving.Anythingthatinvolvedbothpacksanddidn’tneedanalpha’sattentionwentthroughher…andRiley.Thebitemarkonhernecktingledinsensorymemory—shecouldallbutfeelhislips,histeethagainsthersensitizedflesh.
“AnythingseriousIneedtoworryabout?”
Snappingbacktothepresent,sheshookherhead.“No,they’rejustblowingoffsteam,tryingtofigureoutthehierarchybetweenthemselves.”BothDarkRiverandSnowDancerrandisciplinedpacks—theyoungermembersknewexactlyhowfartheycouldgo.“MaybeIcanbeattheSnowDancertotheGrove.”
“We’reallies.”Lucassoundedverypatient.“Benice.”
SheknewhetradedbarbswithHawke,theSnowDanceralpha,everytimetheymet.“Iwillifyouwill.”
“Shutup.I’myouralpha.Golookandseewhat’sup.”
Hangingupwithagrinthatquicklyfadedassheconsideredwhatshemightfind,shehurriedtothrowsomewateronherface—thebathwouldhavetowaituntilshehadafewhourstorelax.Thoughhermuscleswerestillalittlesore,itwasnothingthatwouldholdherback.Shewasasentinelforareason—shewasfit,lethal,andwellabletotakedownmostmentwicehersize.
NotincludingRiley.
Herteethbaredatthewayhe’dpinnedher—maybeshe’denjoyeditlastnight,butifthewolftriedtousethattochangethebalanceofpowerinthesentinel-lieutenantrelationshipbetweenthem,thingswouldgetseriouslyugly.
Hermindfilledwithimagesofhimblockingherpunches,tryingnottohurther.Shesquelchedthetinytendrilofwarmththatthreatenedtorisetothesurface.Becauseiftherewasonethingsheknewaboutpredatorychangelingmen,itwasthattheyweren’tgoodwithboundaries—ifshegaveaninch,he’dtakeawholecountrymile,starttryingtoprotectherinthefield.
Scowlingatthethought,shewipedoffherface,tookasecondtocoverupacertainmark,thenscrapedherhairbackintoahigh,tightponytailbeforedressinginjeans,aplainwhitetee,andboots.Hercellphonewasonthenighttableandshegrabbeditonthewayout,stickingitinherbackpocket.Theautumnairtastedcrisp,sweet,almosttoocold.Shedrewitintoherlungsassheran,cedingcontroltotheleopardthoughsheremainedinhumanform.Itknewinstinctivelywheretoputitsfeet,whentoduck,whentoswitchdirectionbecauseaneasierpathlayalittlebittotheleftorright.
Itjustfeltlikebeing
Despitethebleaknatureofwhatlayahead,shewassmilingwhenthefirsthintofscenthithernose.HerstridefalteredasshecrossedintothelargetractoflandknownastheGrove.“Godwouldnotbethatcruel.”Buthewas.
BecausetherewasRiley,runningtomeetherfromtheoppositedirection.Hisexpressionwastheby-now-familiarimpassiveone—theonethatmadeherwanttoneedlehimsimplytogetareaction.Ifshehadn’tseenthatsamefaceviolentwithpassion,she’dhavethoughthimanandroid.Andforapredatorymalechangeling,especiallyoneasdominantasRiley,thatwassomeacttopulloff.
“Coincidence?”sheaskedwithsaccharinesweetness.
Hiseyes—dark,intense,extraordinarilyfocused—wenttoherneck.“Youcan’thealabitethatfast.”Coolwords,buthisjawwasabrutallyhardline.
“MaybeIcan.”Andmaybeshehadreallygoodconcealer.“Let’sdothis.”Shesweptleftashewentright.“Anything?”sheaskedastheymetontheothersideoftheroughcircle.
“No.Anothersweep.”
Shegrowledathim.“IknowwhatI’mdoing.Don’tgivemeorders.”
Thoseoh-so-calmeyesdidn’tsomuchasnarrow.“Fine.”Andhewasgone.
Thatpissedheroff.Which,sherealized,waspreciselytheresulthe’dintended.Rileyknewexactlyhowtopushherbuttons.Likehetookadamndegreeinantagonizing—Shefroze,sniffedtheair,andpickedupascentthattiedherstomachinknots.“Damn.”Puttingtwofingerstohermouth,shewhistled.
Rileyarrivedaminutelater.“Somekindofcat,”hesaidtheinstanthegotclose.
“Changelinglynx.”Crouchingtoconfirmthescent,sheshookherhead…andcaughtavaguewhiffofthe“dead”smellthathadfreakedoutthejuvenile.Hersoulchilled,evenastheleopardwhisperedthatthatscenthadneverbelongedtoaperson.“She’sherebecausethere’sawildlynxpopulationinthearea.”
Riley’sshoulderslocked,hishandsfisting.“She’sgonerogue.”
“Ihopeit’snottoolate.”Mercyswallowedandrosetoherfeet.Rogueswerechangelingswho’dsurrenderedabsolutelytothebeast,submergingtheirhumanhalf.Ifthey’dturnedintopureanimals,itwouldn’thavematteredsomuch—yes,itwould’vebrokenhearts,butthelostoneswould’vebeenallowedtoliveouttheirlivesinpeace.Butroguesweresmarter,faster,quicker.Andtheylikedhuntingthosetheyhadoncecalledfamily.Butthisone…“It’sakid,Riley.”
ThewolflookedatheroutofRiley’seyes.“Youknowher?”
“Willow’sfamilyhadtogettheokaytobeinourterritory.”Predatorychangelingshadverystrictrules.Itkeptthepeace.Andthemostbasicrulewas—nogoingintoanotherpredator’sterritorywithoutpermission.“HerparentsworkforacompanythatrelocatedtoTahoe.”
“HowoldisWillow?”
“Eight,Ithink.”Shedrewinadeepbreath,attemptingtolocatethesourceofthefadingsprayofbloodanddeath.“Somethinghastohavehappenedtoherparents.”ShepulledouthercellandcodedinacalltoLucasastheystartedfollowingWillow’strail.
“Mercy,youfound—”
“It’sWillow,”shetoldhim.“YouneedtogetsomeonetocheckouttheBakerhouse.”
Lucassworeunderhisbreath.“Nathandroveoutthatwayearlythismorning.I’llgethimtogoin.”
ShehungupasRileymotionedhewasgoingleft.Nodding,shewentleopard-quietasshecircledright,sensingWillowwasclose.Butitwasn’tthegirlshefound.Itwasthebodyofwhathadbeenasmallwilddog.Small,butmuscled.“She’sveryclosetothepointofnoreturnifshedidthis.”ThankGoditwasatrueanimal,notachangeling.Ifthegirlhadkilledaperson…Therewasnocomingbackfromthat.
Rileycroucheddownbesideher.“Girldidn’teattheflesh.Thiswaspurerage.”
“Poorbaby.”Herheartclenched—whatcould’vedrivenalittlegirltothis?“Shecan’tbefar.Thescent’stoostrong.”Makingaquickdecision,Mercybegantopulloffherboots.“I’llhaveaneasiertimewithherifIshift.”
Rileynodded.“I’llstaydownwind.”
“Goodidea.”Awolfwouldeitherterrifyorantagonizethegirlinhercurrentstateofmind.“Turnaround.”Changelingsweren’tprudesaboutnudity,butnowthatRileyhadseenhernakedinveryintimatecircumstances…well,thingsweredifferent.Andthatirritatedher.“Isaid,turnaround.”
Hefoldedhisarmsandleanedagainstatree,thosechocolate-darkeyeswatchingherwithunblinkingfocus.
Ohyeah,Rileyknewjustwhatbuttonstopush.Butshewasn’tacatfornothing.“Fine.”Shrugging,sheignoredhimtostripwithchangelingefficiency,ballingupherclothesandshoestocacheinthetree.
“I’lldothat.”Riley’svoicesoundedfrombehindher.Thenheputhishandonhershoulder.
Sizzle.
Theelectricitygeneratedbythatsimplecontactcontinuedtorockthroughher,evenasshewhackedoffhishand.“Notouching.”Thecatswipedather,wantingmore,butshegrittedherteethandheldon,knowingifshedidn’tsetthegroundrulesnow,Rileywouldpushandpushuntilsomethingsnapped.Themandidobsessionbetterthanseveraloftheleopardssheknew.
“Givemetheclothes.”Hisangerwasquiet,agatheringstormbeneaththesmoothsurfaceheshowedtotheworld.
Figuringhe’dhadanunwelcomesurpriseinherrefusaltoallowskinprivileges,shethrustherthingsintohishands—“Fine,knockyourselfout”—andshifted.Agonyandecstasy,purepleasureandexcruciatingpain.Alloverinaninstant.
Rileykneltdown,claspingthefuratthebackofherneck.“You’refuckingbruisedalldownyourback.Whythehelldidn’tyoutellmeithurt?”
Becauseitdidn’tatthetime,genius.Snappingherteethathim,shepulledawayandheadedtowardthelynx.ShewasawareofRileyfallingslightlybehindashetookcareofcachingherclothes,andthenhisscentfadedaltogether.Whichremindedher.ThegirlwouldhardlyappreciatesensingRileyinherfur.Shepausedtorollaroundinsomefreshleaves,crushingthemtooverlayhisscentwiththemingledechoesoftheforest.
Thatdone,shemadeherwayvery,verycarefullytothelittlegrovethatappearedtobetheendofthescenttrail.
Thewildlynxsawherfirst.Theygreetedherwithsoftgrowlsandwentabouttheirbusinesswhenshemadeno“goaway”sounds.Willowwassittinginthemiddleofagroupoflynxcubs.Exceptshewasbigger,hereyesdifferent,unique.Thewaysheheldherself,thewayshesmelled,itallmarkedheraschangeling.Walkingover,Mercybattedawaytheothercubs,carefulnottodoharm.
Theypaddedoff,thoughanimpishfewtriedtonipatherlegs.Onegrowlandtheyscattered.Willowdidn’tmove.Thatalonesetherapart.Insteadofchallengingthegirl,Mercysatdownbesideher,crowdingheragainstatree.Willow’slittleframewascoolagainstMercy’sside,herheartbeatnotasraggedasitshould’vebeen.
Thepoorcubwasinshock.
Mercyjustsatthere,letWillowknowshewassafe,protectedbysomeonebiggerandstrongerwhowouldn’thurther.Ittooktimebutthatshockylittlebodyeventuallyrelaxedafraction.Thenanother.Shefeltthegirlsnuggleintoherandbreathedasighofrelief—ifWillowrecognizedandsawcomfortinher,thenshewasn’tbeyondsaving.
Halfanhourlater,Mercydecideditwastimeforthenextstep.Gettingup,sheturnedandnippedatWillow’sear.Thelynxcubmadeastartledsoundandscrambleduponallfourfeet,eyeswide.Holdingthatwarygaze,Mercyshifted.
WillowwasstillinlynxformwhenMercyhunkeredbackdown,herhaircascadingoverhershoulders.Damn,she’dforgottentotakeoutthehairtie.Notonlythat,theconcealerwasgone.Everythingdisintegratedduringtheshift.Eventattooshadtobedonewithspecialinkthatbondedtotheircellsinsomeweirdwayshedidn’tparticularlywanttoexplore—itwasenoughthatthetwosheboredidn’thavetoberedoneaftereachshift.
“Hey,baby.”ShestrokedherhandoverWillow’shead,flatteningthoseadorabletuftedears.
Thegirlbuttedupagainstherbutresistedshifting.
“Iknowyou’rescared,”shesaid,kneelingsoshecouldpullWillowintoherlap.“ButI’mherenowandIwon’tletanyonehurtyou.”
Thegirllaymotionlessagainstherheartbeat.
Mercy’sthroatthreatenedtocloseatthevulnerabilityofthechildinherarms.“Comeon,Willow.IneedtoknowwhohurtyousoIcanhelp.”Strokesthroughbaby-softfur,kissesonacoldlittlenose.“You’resafe.”Sheputallherdominanceintohervoice.Itwasconsiderable.Shewasoneofthehighest-rankingmembersofeitherDarkRiverorSnowDancer.Forthislynxgirl,thatmadehercommandsclosetoimpossibletodisobey.“Shift.”
AndWillowdid.
Mercydidn’tmoveamuscleasthecubdisappearedintothemagicoftheshift,thesparklesofcolorbrightandjoyful.Aninstantlater,alittlegirlscrambledoffherlap,crouchingdownoppositeher.Hereyeswerehugewithhurt.“TheytookNash.”
“Yourbrother?”Nash,sheknew,wasastudentatMITbuthehadvisitingprivilegestoDarkRiverland.
Aswiftnod.“TheycameandtheyhurtMommyandDaddyandtheytookhim.”Willowswallowedhard,anditwasclearshewastryingdesperatelynottocry.“Mymommyanddaddywouldn’twakeup.”
Oh,hell.
“Willow,sweetheart.”Shestrokedahandoverthegirl’sashblondehair,carefulwithtouchnow.Changelingswerefunnyaboutsomethings.Andwhilethecubmayhavehadnoproblemwithcuddling,alittlegirlwouldn’tallowtotalfamilialskinprivilegestosomeonewhowasalmostastranger.“I’mgoingtocallafriendnow.He’sawolf.”
Willowstaredather,hurtandterrormomentarilytrumpedbyastonishment.“Awolf?”
“Yeah.”Sheshrugged.“Iknow.Buthedoesn’tbite”—lie—“sodon’tworry.”
Willowdidn’tlookparticularlyconvinced,butshestayedinpositionasMercywhistled.Rileyappearedwithinaminute—withherclothes,boots,andphone.Grateful,shegotdressed.WhenRileyshruggedoffhisT-shirtandofferedittoWillow,thelynxhesitated.
“Don’tworry,”Mercysaid,unabletostopstaringattheclawmarksonhisback,“wolfgermswashoffrealeasy.”Damn,she’dscratchedhimhard.Itmadehercheeksburntorealizehowfargoneshe’dbeen.
WillowtooktheT-shirtafterafewmoresecondsandpullediton.Itcoveredprettymucheverything.Andtheymightbechangeling,butsometimes,withstrangers,theywerehuman,too.ThegirlstoodupandmetRiley’sgaze,showingacouragethatmadeMercy’scatgrowlinsilentapproval.“Thankyou.”
“You’rewelcome.”HeglancedatMercy,aquestioninhiseyes.
Shegaveaslightnod.“Youtired,kitten?”
Willowshookherhead.“Irestedalot.”
Butshe’drunahellofalongdistancefromhome.Still,thegirlwasapredatorychangeling.Smallerthanaleopard,butapredatornonetheless.Theyhadprideinspades.Andthisonehadearnedherrighttothatpride.“Allright.Givemeasecandwe’llbeoff.”ShecodedinLucas’snumber.
“Mercy,”heanswered.“WehaveWillow’sparents.Alive.”
“How?”
“Tranqs.Heavy-duty.”Apauseasifhewasdiscussingsomethingwithanotherperson.“Coupleofpackmedicslivingnearbyaregivingthemtheonce-over,buttheyshouldbeontheroadsoon.BringthecubtoTammy’s.”
Hangingup,shesmiledatWillow.“Yourmomanddadareokay.”
Aflashofhopefollowedbydistrust.“Theywouldn’twakeup,andtheysmelledreallybad.”
Onoccasionslikethis,agreatsenseofsmellcouldscrewthingsup.Especiallyforthelittleones.“Someonedruggedthem—itmadethemverysleepy.”
Willowbitherlip.
“Thisisawasteoftime,”Rileysaid.“Shecanseeforherselfwhenwegetthere.”
Willownoddedlikealittlemachine.
“Comeonthen,”shesaid,wonderingifthekidrealizedshe’djustsidedwithawolf,“timetorun.”Shewentinfront,Willowinbetween,Rileyattheback.
Whenthekidbegantoflag,Rileysimplypickedherup,swungherontohisback,andkeptrunning.Willowheldontight.TheleopardinMercygrowledinapproval—whateverhisfaults(andtheyweremanyandlegend),Rileyknewhowtotakecareoftheinnocent.CHAPTER5
InthePsyNet,therewasarippleofreactiontothe…whathaditbeen?Abombing?Anaccident?Whateveritwas,itmadenewsuploadsacrossthecountry.Peopleaskedformoreinformation,andthoseclosesttotherestauranttunedintothelocalstations,hopingtosupplyit.
ThepublicdatawassparseasEnforcementandRescuehadreactedwithinminutes.However,ahumanstudenthadmanagedtograbsomecamera-phonefootage.ItwasobviousthePsyfemalehadbeenattheepicenter.
Therewasaflurryofspeculation—notunpredictable,especiallyafterAshayaAleine’sviolentdefectionfromtheNet—buttherippleeventuallycalmed.Itwasanisolatedepisode,peoplesaid,mostlikelyanaccidentcausedbychemicalsinthewoman’sbriefcase.She’dbeenaresearchscientist—fromtheevidence,itappearedshe’dmadeanerrorofjudgmentandputtwovolatilesubstancestogether.
Therewasnocausetoconsideritanythingelse.CHAPTER6
MercyledRileyandWillowtohervehicle,parkedalittlewayfromthecabin.“Buckleup,”shesaid,startingtheengine.
“Done.”Brighteyesmethersintherearviewmirror.“See?”
EvenasMercynodded,sheglimpsedRileytwistaroundtolookoverhisshoulder.“Goodgirl.”
ThatlightexchangesetthetoneforthedrivetoTammyandNate’splace—butWillowgotrealquiettheinstanttheyopenedthedoorsandshesteppedout.“Ican’tsmellmymomanddad.”HerhandclenchedonMercy’s.
“Theyhadalongerwaytotravel,”Rileytoldthegirlwithablunthonestypredatorychangelingchildrenappreciated.Mostofthemwereverygoodatsniffingoutlies.“Probablybehereinthenexthalfhour.Gooninandgrabsomethingtoeat.”Itwaswellafterthebreakfasthour.
“I’mnothungry.”Willowkickedatthegrass.
Mercytuggedatherhand,makingherlookup.“Yourmomletyouskipmeals?”
Ashakeofthehead.
“So?”
Asigh.“I’llgoeat.”Butshedraggedherfeetallthewaytothehouse…atleastuntilTammy’stwinscamerunningoutinhumanform,jumpingupanddownattheideaofaBigGirltoplaywith.Theirnewpet,akittennamedFerocious,ranupontheirheels,determinednottobeleftbehind.TakingadvantageofWillow’sfascinationwiththegorgeousgraything,thetwinsbasicallykidnappedtheirnewfriendwithpromisesoflettinghercuddleFerocious.
“Akittenforapairofleopardcubs?”Rileymurmured.
Mercygrinned.“Thatkittenthinksit’sthemasteroftheuniverse—JulesandRomegrowlatanyothercatthatdaresswipeather.”Laughingathisexpression,shenoddedatthehouse.“LetmemakesureWillow’sokay.”Whenshearrivedinthekitchen,itwastofindFerociouspurringloudlyinthelynxgirl’slap,whileJulianandRomanstoodoneithersideofher,theirlittlehandsonherbarearmsastheytoldherallthe“amazing”thingstheirpetcoulddo.
“Yourboysarewonderful,”MercysaidtoTammy.They’dunderstoodinstinctivelythatWillowneededcaring,sotheyweredoingthejob.
Thehealersmiledinmaternalpride.“Haveyoueaten?”
MercywasshakingherheadwhenLucas’smate,Sascha,walkedintothekitchen.“Morning,Mercy.Lucassaidtoletyouknowhe’soutfront.”
SatisfiedWillowwouldbewelllookedafter—andinallprobability,pettedandspoiled—MercyheadedouttofindLucasgivingRiley’sbackaconsideringglanceasthedamnwolfturnedtoretrievesomethingfromthecar.Fuck.
Lucas,Mercywaswellaware,wouldknowforcertainthatthosemarkshadbeenmadewithleopardclaws.Buthedidn’tsayanythingwhenRileyturnedback,cellphoneinhand.“Must’veslippedoutofmypocket.I’mgoingtoletHawkeknowwhat’sgoingon.”
LucasnoddedandmovedalittledistancetowardthehousetogiveRileyprivacy.Changelinghearingwasincrediblyacute.Butitwasheralpha’seyesthatworriedMercyasshefollowedhimover.“Anyideawhathappened?”
“Natesaidthehousehadobviouslybeeninvaded.Thesonismissing,signsofastruggle.”Eyesnarrowing,helookedherupanddown.Thendrewinadeepbreath.“Good,youtookcareofit.”
Shecategoricallydidnotwanttobehavingthisconversation.“Yeah.Canwemoveonnow?”
“No.”Aglintlitthoseintelligentgreeneyesfromwithin.“Riley’sgotsomeinterestingmarksonhisback,andyou’renottouch-hungryallofasudden.AndisthatabiteIseeonyourneck?”
“What’sonegottodowiththeother?”Shetriedtobrazenitout,butcouldn’tstopherselffromsweepingherhairaroundtohidetheincriminatingmark.OfcourseRileyhadtobitehersomewhereobvious—itwasexactlythesortofthingdominantmaleslovedtodo,thefirststageinclaimingafemalefortheirown.
Lucas’slipscurved,thesavagemarkingsonhisface—fourjaggedlines,liketheclawmarksofsomegreatbeast—standingoutinstarkrelief.“Dorian’sgoingtolovethis.”
Sheglared.“IsweartoGod,youtellhim,andI’ll”—whatthehellcouldyouthreatenanalphawith?—“I’lltellHawkeyouwanttogoondailybondingrunswithhim.”
Lucasdidn’tstopgrinning,butsaid,“That’sjustmean,Mercy.”Heglancedoverhershoulder.“Butifyoudon’twantanyoneelsetoknow,getRileyaT-shirt.”
“Thisisnotanadmissionofanything,”shesaidassheranintothehouseandgrabbedaspareteefromthestashthesentinelskeptthere.ItmadesensesinceTammywastheirhealerandtheyoftencametoherbleedingorworse.TheteewasaplaingraybutwhenshethrewitatRileyandheputiton,itabruptlybecamemuchmoreinteresting—themanmightmakeherhacklesriseninety-ninepercentofthetime,buthewasbuiltdelicious,allhardmuscleandcontainedmasculinepower.
Feelingheatbloominthepitofherstomachinspiteofherteeth-grittingcontrol,sheturnedawayjustintimetocatchLucas’ssmirk.“Luc.”
“I’masphinx,”hepromised.“Bytheway,youhavevisitors.Cameinlastnight—stayinginacabinnotfarfromyourplace.”
Angerflared,eclipsingeverythingelse.“Whydidn’tyoutellmemygrandmotherwasdoingthis?”SheknewLucasandIsabellahadastrongalpha-to-alphabond.Overfifteenyearsago,whenDarkRiverhadbeenunderattackbytheShadowWalkers,Isabellahadofferedherhelp,thoughshe’dbeendealingwithseriousterritorialproblemsofherownatthetime.Intheend,thehelphadn’tbeenneeded,buttheofferhadneverbeenforgotten.
Now,Lucasfoldedhisarms.“Ithoughtyouweredrowning.Yourgrandmotherwasofferingtothrowyoualifejacket.”Bluntwords.“Andmightbeoneofthemturnsouttobeyourmate.”HeswitchedhisattentionasRileyjoggedover.“Hawkeup-to-date?”
Rileynodded.“SinceI’mdownhere,I’llstayonthis.WhatdidNatefind?”
Lucasgavehimthesamerundownhe’dgivenMercy.“Willowsayanything?”
“OnlythattheytookNash,”Mercysaid,puttingeverythingelseoutofhermind.“Whywouldanyonerunthisbiganoptograbacollegestudent?”
“BrennawasacollegestudentwhenEnriquetookher.”ThewithheldrageinRileywasanalmostphysicalthing.
Mercyunderstood—SantanoEnrique,acardinaltelekinetic,hadkilledDorian’ssister,Kylie,andviciouslytorturedRiley’ssister,Brenna.Brennahadsurvived,butshe’dbeenhurtinwaysnowomanshouldhavetosuffer.“Riley’sright,”shesaid,andtheskydidn’tfallin.“Thiscouldbeanothercrazy,oritcouldbesomethingspecifictoNash.”
Lucasnodded.“Parentsshouldbeabletotellusmore,butdon’tcountonscent—someonesprayedaheavyperfumethroughoutthehouse.”
Riley’seyesgrewflinthard.“Couldbechangeling.”
Mercyhopedthatwasn’ttrue.Betrayalamongthetightstructureofthepackwasrare,butwhenithappeneditshovedanicepickofthecruelestpainthroughthemall.“WeneedtogobacktothesceneafterwehearwhatIainandEnidhavetosay.”ShemetLucas’seyes.“Iwanttostayonthis.”
“Works.”Lucasnodded.“Nate’shelpingEmmettrunsomeimportanttrainingforKitandtheothernovicesoldiers.It’dbebetterifhecouldcontinuewiththat.”
Aninstantlater,theyfeltthevibrationofavehiclegettingcloser.Nate’sSUVrolledinnotlongafter.Twopeoplewholookedlikethey’dbeendraggedthroughhellitselfgotoutthebackasNatesteppedoutfromthedriver’sside.
MercyheardthesoundofrunningfeetsecondsbeforeWillowscreamed,“Mommy!Daddy!”andlaunchedherselfofftheporch.Catchingherinabone-crushingembrace,herfatherwrappedonearmaroundhismateandpulledherintothehugaswell.Mercylookedawayfromtheprivatemoment,hereyeslockingwithRiley’s
Pure,electricheat.
Sheheldthatwolfgaze,daringhimtosaysomething.Hekepthissilence,butthoseeyes…theintensityinthemmadeherthighsclenchininstinctivefemalereaction.Shecalledhimastick-in-the-mudbecausehewassodamncalm,sopractical,andinnowayhotheaded.Butasshe’dlearnedlastnight,whenthatintensityfocusedonawoman,itfocused.Hungertorethroughher,potent,rough,primalinitssensuality.
“Canyoutwokeepfromtearingeachother’sthroatsoutduringhoweverlongittakestofindNash?”Lucas’sdrytonedidnothingtohidethefelineamusementinhiseyesashebrokeintoherlineofsight.“OrmaybeIshouldbeworryingaboutclothesinstead?”
Rileygrowledlowinhisthroat.“Notyourbusiness.”Hisvoicewasmorewolfthanhuman,heavywiththesameneedthathadMercyinitsclaws.
“What?”LucasaskeddisingenuouslyasNathanbegantoherdthesobbingfamilyinside.“Comeon.Playtime’sover.”
MercyhungbackalittleasLucaswentin.“Keepyourshirtonnexttime,”shemutteredtoRiley,realizingtheimplicationofherstatementaninstanttoolate.
“Keepyourclawsin…no,don’t.Ilikedit.”Apause.“Kitty.”
Shefeltthosesameclawsrelease.Ittookseriouseffortofwilltoputthembackin.“WhatamIworriedabout?”shesaidinstead,drawingbloodinamuchmoreeffectiveway.IfRileywantedtomesswithacat,he’dbetterinvestinarmor.“I’mneveragaingoingtoletmyselfgetthatdesperate—Imean,awolf?Doyouknowhowmanyyearsit’lltakemetolivethatdown?”Thewordswerealmostsubvocal,designedtocarrytohisearsalone.Shefelthimbristle,butallamusementdiedtheinstantshesawthewayWillow’smomwasclutchingher.
“Mybaby,”shewassaying,kissingWillow’scheek,“mybaby.”Anotherkiss.Willowclungtoherlikealittlemonkey.Herfatherwassittingbesidethem,touchinghischildandhismateanywherehecouldreach.Thelove,theconnectionbetweenthethreewasaphysicalthing.Herchestgrewtightwiththeforceofit.
ThenshefeltRileyenterbehindher,andtheheatofhimwasawashofwildfireonherback.“Iain,”shesaid,feelingthatfiresnakeintoherveryveins,“weneedtotalktoyou.”Thesooner,thebetter.“AndEnid,too.”
Saschacameintotheroomfromthekitchenrightthen.“Willow,whydon’tyoucomeplaywithRomeandJulesforawhile.They’restartingtodrivetheirmothercrazy.”Asmile,buttheeyes—thewhitestarsonblackvelvetofacardinal,themostpowerfulgradeofPsy—weredirectedatthelynxgirl’sparents.
Mercyfeltasenseofcalm,ofwarmth,softenthestarkedgeoffearanddesperationinIain’sandEnid’sscent.Itwasnosurprise—Saschawasanempath,awomanbornwiththeabilitytosootheemotionalwounds.Nowshe’dtakenapieceoftheBakers’pain,absorbingitintoherself.MercywonderedifdoingthathurtSascha,butknewheralpha’smatewouldneverbackoff,nomatterifitdid.
IainandEnidfinallyletWillowgowithSaschafiveminuteslater.“She’llbefine,”Mercyreassuredthem,takingaseatinfrontofthecouplewhileLucasandNathanremainedstandingagainstthewalls.
Riley,however,cametositbesideher,swingingaroundachairtoputhisarmsontheback.“She’sastrongkid,”hetoldtheminhisdirect,no-nonsenseway.“Escapedandhidoutwithagroupofwildlynx.”
Iainsmiled,hisprideopen.“Wethoughtthey’dtakenher,too.”
“Didyouseewhocameintoyourhome?”Mercyasked,tryingtoignorethefactthatRiley’sthighwaspressingagainsthers,theroughmasculineheatburningthroughherjeanstoinciteherleopardtovoracioussexualwant.Itwasonpurpose.Definitelyonpurpose.Thewolfwasgettingbackatherforimplyinghe’dbeennothingbutaconvenience.“Evenahintwouldhelp.”
TheBakersshooktheirheads.“Wewereasleep,”Enidsaid,voicehuskyfromcrying.“Butusually,we’dwakeuptheinstantanintruderevenenteredtheyard.Butthistime…itwaslikeweweredruggedrightfromthestart.”
“Enid’sright.”Iainfrowned.“Irememberfightingtowakeup,suresomethingwaswrong,butIcouldn’t.Isawablackshadowbendoverme,feltapushinmy…”Heshoveduphissleeveasifsearchingforsomething.“Ifeltitrighthere.”Hepressedaspotonhisforearm.“Likeapressureinjector.NextthingIknow,I’mwakingupandthehousesmellswrong,andIknowthechildrenaregone.”
“Could’vebeensomekindofgas,”Natesuggested.“We’llhavetochecktoseehowtheygotitintothehouse.”
Enidsatup,eyesdistraught.“Wehadsomeworkdoneunderthehouseafewdaysago—Iwasbeingparanoid,wantingtomakesureeverythingwassolidbecauseWillow’salwayscrawlingunderthere.Buttheycould’vesetsomethingupthen.IfIhadn’t—”
“Shh.”Iainbussedthetopofherhead.“Theonlyonesatfaultarethebastardswhodidthis.”
MercywishedshecouldgivetheBakersmoretimetocometotermswitheverythingthathadhappened,butfindingNashhadtobethepriority.“Ifitwasagas,howdidWillowescape?”
Enidlaughed,achoked-upsound.“She’sbeenmisbehavinglately.Sneakingouttogoplayinthewoodsatnight.Drivesmecrazy.Probablysavedherlife.”Sheclappedahandoverhermouth.“Ididn’tmeantosaythat.Nash’sfine.Hehastobefine.”
“I’msureheis.”Iain’stonewassocertain,everyonelookedathim.“It’shiswork,”hetoldthem.“Somebodywantedhimforhisskills—myson’smind,it’sbrilliant.”
Mercy’scatcametoattention,seeingaparallelthatmightsimplybeanillusion.Butifitwasn’t…“Ithoughthewasastudent.”
“Notanordinaryone—hestartedtakingcollegeclassesatthirteen.”Iain’spridewasapparenteventhroughhisworry.“He’sbeenworkingonhisownprojectsforyearsnow.”
“Alltodowithnanotech,”Enidsaid,andabellrangloudandclearinMercy’shead.Besideher,Riley’sthighturnedrockhard,andsheknewtheirthoughtswererunningonidenticaltracks—threemonthsback,Dorian’smatehadbeenthesubjectofakidnappingattemptbytheHumanAlliance.ThoughnoneofAshaya’sattackershadsurvivedtoconfirmit,ithadbeenclearthey’dwantedherforherknowledgeofalethalvirus.DependingonthenatureofNash’swork,thisseemedverymuchlikethekindofoperationtheAlliancewouldrun.
“Doyouhavedetailsofyourson’sresearch?”Mercyasked,knowingthepayoffhadtobemajorforthekidnapperstochancereprisalbyDarkRiver—becausewhileintheirterritory,theBakerswerePack.AndDarkRiverneverforgotitsown.
BothEnidandIainshooktheirheads.“It’sallhush-hush,”Iainsaid.“Theuniversitygotagrantfromsomebigcompanyandthatcompanyhasfirstrightstotheresults.”
“Buthisprofessorwouldknow,”Enidadded.“I’msurehe’dhelpyou.”
“Merce,”Lucassaid,“whydon’tyouandRileyheadouttothehouse.I’llorganizethedatacollectiononNash.EnidandIaincanseeifWillowremembersanything.”
Theshiftofmuscleagainstherown,aslightraspoffabricagainstfabricthatmadeeveryhaironherbodystandupinattention.Butthistime,thewolfhadn’tdoneitonpurpose,hisattentionelsewhere.
“Wehavetoguardagainsttunnelvision,”hewarned,hisfuryapparentintheviciouscontrolwithwhichhespoke.Riley,Mercyknew,despisedthemonsterswhopreyedonthoseweakerandlessabletodefendthemselves.Itwasoneofthefewthingstheyagreedon.“Couldbeaprofessionalrelationshipgonebad,acompetitor,anything.Weneedtoexploreallanglesuntilwehavemoreintel.”
Theothersmadesoundsofagreement,andMercyandRileydroveoffaftergrabbingaquickmeal.DespiteRiley’sattemptatwrestingcontrol—eventhoughitwashercar—Mercywasinthedriver’sseat.ItwasobviousRileyhatedthatfactwithaferalkindofpassion.
“Ifyoudon’tstopclenchingyourfists,”shesaidsweetly,“yourveinsmightexplode.”
“I’lltakethatunderadvisement,Mélisande.”
Shebarelystoppedherselffromslammingonthebrakes.“Whotoldyouthat?”Sheneededtoknowwhotodismember.
Hesnorted.“Iranthebackgroundcheckonyou.”
“What?”
“DidyouthinkSnowDancerwassittingonitsasswhileyoucatssetupyourterritoryhere?”
Giventhatshe’ddonesomespyingofherown,shecouldn’texactlyarguewiththat.But—“Thatnameisoff-limits.Onpainofdeath.”
“I’mquakinginmyboots,pussycat.”
Shescreamed.“Whydoyoulivetoaggravateme?Why?”
Asmilethattoldhernothing.“OnethingI’vealwayswondered—whydidyouenterthatbikinicontestwhenyouwereateenager?”
Herfaceflushedwithamixtureofangerandembarrassment.“Howfarbackdidyoutraceme?”
“Farenough.”Apause.“Youdidn’tanswermyquestion.”
“Andyoudidn’tturnintoapuffofsmokeanddisappear.Theworldisfullofdisappointments.”
Alowgrowlfilledthevehicle.CHAPTER7
CouncilorKalebKrycheksiftedthroughthereportsflowinginviahisconstantconnectiontothePsyNet,thevastmentalnetworkcreatedbythemindsofmillionsofPsy,andpaused.
Living“jackedin”totheNet,withoutfirewallsorshields,wasnotrecommended,andsuchcompleteimmersion,suchobsceneopennesstoothers,wasnotsomethinghe’deverpractice.ButasaCouncilor,hehadtobeawareofeverythingtheinstantithappened.And,giventhatmostPsyuploadeddataalmostwithoutthought,theNetwasthequickestandmostefficientinformationhighwayintheworld.
Hencehisvery,verywell-guardedlink.
“Silver,”hesaid,asanotherreport“pinged”inhismind,alertinghimtonewsthathadsetoffoneofhiskeywords.
Hismostsenioraidewalkedintotheroom,smartandcoollyelegantdespitethefactthatbeyondthewindows,Moscowlayswathedindarkness.“Sir?”
“I’vecaughtthreereportsofpublicviolencebyPsyinthepasttwelvehours,”hesaid,anditwastheword“public”thatwasimportant—becauseSilencehadbeenmeanttowipeoutviolenceamongtheirrace.“Findoutwhat’shappening.”
“Yes,sir.”Shepaused,andwaiteduntilhe’draisedhisheadfromhisdeskbeforespeaking.“ThereisaslightpossibilitythatPurePsymightbebehindthis.”
Kalebhadconsideredthat—thepro-Silencevigilantegrouphadthepotentialtospinoutofcontrol.AndKalebdidnotcountenanceanythingoutsidehiscontrol.“Doyouhaveanyevidencetobackthatup?”BecauseSilver’sfamilywerespies,betrayingPurePsywithoutablinkbecauseKalebwasmorepowerful,andthereforehadthepotentialtoofferthemabettergain—loyaltytoanyoneoutsidetheirownfamilywasacost-benefitcalculationfortheMercants.
“No,”Silversaid.“However,I’llaskmembersofmyfamilyifthey’veheardanything.There’salsoachanceit’sacluster.”
Hedidn’taskhowsheknewaboutclusters—hehadn’tchosenSilverashisaidebecauseshewasstupid.“Makealistofallrecenteventsthatfittheparameters.Gobackamonth.”Clustersofviolence—whenarippleinSilencebrokecertainfragileminds—onlytookplaceoveralimitedperiodoftime.Twoweekswasthemaximum.Ifthishadbeengoingonanylonger,theyhadtostartlookingforanotherexplanation.
EvenasKalebspoketoSilver,anotherman,oneknownonlyastheInformationMerchant,receivedarequestthroughane-mailaddressavailabletothosewhoknewwheretolook.
Therequestwas…unexpected.
Itmighteven,hethought,beimpossibletofulfill.ButtheInformationMerchantwasthebestinthebusiness.Hedidnotacceptfailure.
Decisionmade,hetappedoutareplyusingthewirelesskeyboardbeamedontohisdesk.
Requestreceived.Transferonemilliondollarstotheaccountspecifiedbelow.Workwillbeginassoonasthetransferhasbeenverified.Furtherpaymentswilldependonhoursofwork,and,inthiscase,thelevelofthreat.CHAPTER8
TheechoesofRiley’sgrowlreverberatedinsidethevehicle.
Satisfiedshe’dfinallygottentohim,Mercyrelaxedherholdonthesteeringwheelandliterallyshovedhermindintoworkmode.“So,the‘explorealloptions’stuffaside,what’syourgutsayonthis?Alliance?”
“Hastheirtrademark—orwhatweknowofit.”Hestaredoutthewindshield,hiswolfveryapparentinthetoneofhisvoice.Andthistime,theedgewaslethal.“Plannedlikeclockwork,”hecontinued.“OnlymistakewasWillow,andeventhat’snotabiggie.She’sacub,wasprobablytooscaredtotakemuchin.”
“ButifitistheAlliance,whywouldtheybesostupid?”That,shedidn’tunderstand.“Theyhavetoknowwe’llcomedownhard—wetookouttheirentireteamlasttime.”
Rileywassilentforafewminutes.“WhatdoweknowabouttheAlliance?”
“We’vehadKeelydoingsomeresearch,”shesaid,referringtothePackhistorian.“Fromwhatshefound,itlookslikeit’satwo-facedorganization,butthatsecondface—theparamilitaryarm—ishiddensodeep,mostoftheirownmembersdon’tknowaboutit,eventhoughthey’reeffectivelyfundingit.”
“Thattrackswithourintelligence.”
“Wedon’tknowhowlongthemilitantarm’sexisted.”SheovertookalargetruckwithspeedthatmadeRiley’sknuckleswhiten…andtheleopardsmirkinunholyglee.“Butobviously,they’rebeginningtogetmoreopenintheiractivities.”PartofMercycouldunderstandwhythehumanswerestartingtoactwithsuchviolence.Beingconsideredtheweakestraceontheplanethadtohurt.“WhatIdon’tget,”shemurmured,“ishowtheAlliancecouldsinksolowastoattackwomenandchildren,families?Theirbusinessarmhasalwayshadacoreofintegrity.”
“Beenaroundalongtime,too.”RileyslammedahandonthedashassheswungaroundaPorschethatwasalreadygoingwelloverthespeedlimit.“Mercy.”Thedominancewasback,darkandpotentandthickintheconfinesofthecar.
Itwashardtobreathe,butshekepthertonesweet,herleopardtightlyheld.“Yes,Riley?”
“I’mdrivingonthetripback.”
“Nope.”
“Itwasn’tarequest.”
“AndI’mnotasubmissive.”Shebaredherteethathim,herownpowerflaringoutinascaldingwave.“Suckitup.”
Theairfilledwithaggression.Itskatedoverherbody,alongherspine,overherthroat.Andthatquickly,shewantedhim.Heknewalmosttheinstantshedid,hisindrawnbreathharshinawaythatwasutterly,eroticallymale.Aninstantlater,hisarousalmirroredhers.
“Wearesonotdoingthis,”shesaid,havingtoforcethewordsoutpasttheconstrictioninherthroat.
Ambereyesglintedattheperipheryofhervision.“Wealreadydid.”
Shefeltlikeshewasdrowningintheindeliblemalenessofhim.“Once.”Enoughtotaketheedgeoffherneed,togiveherbackcontroloverherownbody.“Andit’sgoingtoremainthatway.”Shepushedthebuttonthatloweredallthewindows.
Hetookanotherdeepbreath,asifsavoringthemuskofherdampheat,andherhandsclenchedonthemanualsteeringwheel.Ifshehadn’tbeenabletosensehisownarousal,she’dhavethoughthewasjustmessingwithher.Butheverydefinitelywantedher—thebrutalhungerofhimwasapulseagainstherbody,powerfulandboldlymasculine.
“Stopthecar.”
Shemadeanundignifiedsqueakingsoundinthebackofherthroat.“Nowayinhell.”Theinstantshedidthat,sheknewfullwellshe’dendupontopofRiley,ridinghimtoeroticoblivion.
Silencefromthepassengerseat.
Theleopardclawedather,morethanreadytosateitshunger.“YouknowI’mright.”
“IsitthefactthatI’mawolf,orthefactthatImadeyouwhimper?”Controlledwords,sodamncontrolled.Exceptforthepulseofheatthatkeptslappingintoherbodyoverandover.
“It’sthefactthatyouaggravatetheshitoutofme.”Shesetherjaw.“I’mnotaslavetomyhormones.”Itwasaremindertoherself.
Abarkoflaughterfromthewolfnexttoher.Close,soclose.Hisbreath—hot,harsh,male—whisperedoverherearashesaid,“Idon’tknowanywomanmoreincommandofherselfthanyou.”
Sheshothimanarrow-eyedglance.“Andthatgetsyourpantiesinatwist,doesn’tit?”
“Yeah.”
Okay,shehadn’texpectedthatanswer.Sweatbeadedalongherspineasherbodyfoughttheurgetogiveintothesexualflameslickingateveryinchofherskin.God,butshewantedtocrawlintohislapandjusttaste.“Letmeguess,”shesaid,thrustingasidethedisturbingdepthofherresponse,“youdreamofasubmissivelittlewolfieathome,barefootandpregnant?”
“What’swrongwiththat?Yousayingyoursubmissivemembershavenovalue?”
Oh,hewasannoyingheronpurpose.“Ididn’tsaythat.Thisisaboutyounotbeingabletohandleawomanwho’syourequal.”
Averydeliberatepause.“Idon’tseeonenearby.”
Shewasclosetobreakingthesteeringwheel.“I’mgoingtoignoreyounow.”
Tohersurprise,hedidn’tsayanythinginreturn.Whensheglancedover,hehadhisheadturnedtowardtheopenwindow.Strongjaw—stubbornjaw—atouchofdarkstubble,lipsthatsheknewfullwellcouldturnsoftwhentheywanted,hairthatliftedeasilyinthebreeze,butwasshorterthanthatofmostchangelings.
Sincewhendidshefindthatsexy?
Blinking,shestaredthroughthewindshield.Itwasjustaweirdchemicalattraction,shetoldherself.She’dbeentoolongwithoutsexand,judgingfromtheferocitywithwhichhe’dtakenher,sohadRiley.They’dscratchedeachother’sitchandthatwasthat.Done.Finito.Over.
Protestingwaytoomuch,babygirl.
Itwashermother’svoice.Forsomereason,whenevershegotstupid,hermentalvoiceturnedintohermother’s.Goodthinghermomdidn’tknowaboutRiley—she’dprobablyhaveacoronary.
Wolfandleopard?
Yeah,right.
HavingsomehowsurvivedMercy’sdriving,RileynoddedhellosattheDarkRiversoldiersNatehadpulledtowatchtheBakerhomeandaskedoneofthemtocheckunderthehouse.“Seeifyoucanspotanythingthatcould’vebeenusedtopipegasintothehouse.Don’ttouchit.Justcheck.”
Theman’seyesflickedtoMercy.Shegavehimanodandheheadedoff.ItirritatedRileythatthemalehadn’timmediatelyfollowedhisorder,butthelieutenantinhimwasimpressed.Thesemendidn’tyetknowthatRileyandMercywereheadingthistogether—ifthesoldierhadobeyedhim,itwould’vebetrayedalackofdiscipline.
“Owen,”Mercysaidtotheremainingsoldiernow,“Riley’sonthiswithme.”
Owengaveamilitary-perfectnod,butasMercyturnedaway,Rileyglimpseddisappointment.Why?ThenOwen’snostrilsflaredandheknew.BoyhadbeenhopingtobetheoneMercywouldchoosetobreakhersexualfast.Insidehim,thewolf’slipscurleduptodisplayrazor-sharpcanines,andhisnextwordscamefromapartofhimMercyaloneseemedtoawaken.“Ready,kitty?”Hekepthistonelow…private.
Hereyesdippedtohiscrotch.Shelickedherlips.Andhecametoraging,painfulhardnessinasecond.“Why,yes,Riley.Let’sgoinside.”Shewalkedoffaheadofhim,herhipsswayinginawaythatwasallsortsofprovocation.
Thewolfcouldn’tdecidewhethertosnarloropenitsmouthinasavagesmile,thesmileofapredatorthatknewithadbeenbested.Decidingtothinkonit,hefollowedherintothehouse,thenoxioussmelloftheperfumetheabductorshadsprayedheavyinhisnose.
Itshould’vedrownedoutthesweetmuskofMercy’sarousal.
Ofcourseitdidn’t.BecauseMercywasashe-devilwhodelightedinirritatinghim.Alright,heallowedreluctantly,perhapsthescentwasn’tonpurpose,butChristAlmighty,didshehavetosmellsodamngood?Hewantedtodowhathe’ddonelastnight—buryhisfaceinherneckfrombehindandtakealong,deeptaste.
Hismindtauntedhimwiththeimageofherpantingandangrybelowhim,wildfirebarelycontained.Todealwithher,tobewithher,he’dhadtounleashthewolf.Hedidn’tlikebeingoutofcontrol.ButneitherdidheplanonlettingMercyignoretheinfernobetweenthem.
Theobjectofhisthoughtsmethiminthemiddleofthehouse,havingapparentlygonestraightthroughtothebackandworkedherwayforward.“Youpickupanything?”Shewasallbusinessnow.
Heshookhishead,tellinghimselftogetagrip.Teasingwasfine—she’dplaywithhim,catthatshewas.Butifshegotevenahintofjusthowbadlyhewantedher,shewouldn’tlethimwithintouchingdistance—justonprinciple.Sohe’dhavetoplaythiscat-and-wolfgameuntilshegaveintothehungerbetweenthem.
Thenhe’dgorgeonher.Untilshewasoutofhisfuckingsystem.
BecausenowayinhellwasRileyKincaidabouttobeenslavedbyalustthatseemedtoknownoboundaries—exactlylikethewomanwhoinspiredthatlust.
“Riley,”shesnapped.“Stopcheckingoutmyboobsandpayattention.”
“I’veseenthemalready,”hesaid,reactinginawayheonlyeverdidwiththiscat.“They’renothingtomoonover.”Whattheywere,wereripe,succulent,perfectforbiting.Herskinwastherichcreamofatrueredhead,dustedwithaluscioushintofgold.Itshowedeverykiss,everybitemark.Hecouldstillseetheonehe’dmadelastnight—ittookeverythinghehadnottoleanin,placehismouthoverthatmark,andsuck.
“Yeah,same.”Hereyesdroppedmeaningfullybeforelifting.“Nowthatwe’vebothgotthatoutofoursystems,canwegettowork?”Sarcasticwords,butherscentwasastrokeagainsthissenses,cuttingthroughtheperfumeasifitdidn’texist.
Hisskinstretchedtightoverhisbody.Buthewasalieutenant—andlittleWillowwasrelyingonthemtofindherbrother.“Youtakethatside,I’lldothisone.”
Withanod,shewalkedaway.Hewatchedhermoveforasecondbeforeheadingtodohisownpartofthejob.Hewasusedtoworkingwithastrongfemale—Indigowashisrighthandinthepack.ButwhereIndigowascalmandcollected,aperfectcomplementtohispracticalpersonality,Mercywasred-hotpassion.
HeneverarguedwithIndigo,notaboutanythingpersonal.SothefactthatMercywasapowerful,dominantfemalehadnothingtodowithwhyhecouldn’tbearoundherformorethantwominuteswithoutlosingthecoolthatwasasmuchapartofhimashisstatusasHawke’smostseniorlieutenant.
Somethingscratchedacrosshissenses.Crouchingdown,hetriedtofollowthescenthiddeninthemiasmaoffadingperfume.Itwasthere,ashinythreadbutwornthrough,thin,sovery,verythin.There,hecaughtit.
Metal.
HisfirstthoughtwasofthePsy.AlotoftheonesinthePsyNethadametallicedgetotheirnaturalscentthatrepelledchangelings.Thiswassimilarbut.toometallic.Therewasnolifetoit.AndthePsy,foralltheircoldness,werestillsentient,livingbeings.Followingitacrosstheroom,hesawsomethinglyingonthefloorbelowanendtable.“Mercy,”hesaidsoftly,knowingshe’dhearhim.
“Yougotsomething.”Shewasbesidehimmomentslater.
“There.”
Shecrawledlower,herbodybrushingalonghisside.Thewolfgrowled.Anditwasn’tinrejection.Thenshewhistled.“I’veseenoneofthosebefore.It’sthesameasthatchipthingtheAlliancesoldiershadinthebacksoftheirneckswhentheytriedtokidnapAshaya.”
“Ifiguredasmuch—Ihaven’tseenonebutBrendescribedittome.”Hissisterwasahighlyqualifiedtech,partoftheteamworkingwithAshayaAleinetofigureoutthechips.Thisone,hesaw,wasstillattachedtoabloodyhunkofflesh.“Rippedout.Nash?”
“I’mguessing.”Shepaused.“Iknowwhenmybrothersusedtosneakoutwhenwewereyoung,Ialwaysknewbeforemyparents.Oldestsiblingintuition.MaybeNashwasoutsidetrackingWillowwhentheygassedtheplace?”
HehadseenMercy’sbrothersaroundbutnowwonderedwhattheywerelike.Redheadedhellionsprobably.“Makessense.Hestepsout,escapesthegassing,comesbackinbecausehehearssomething,andthat’swhentheyattempttograbhim,notrealizingthere’sanotherkidoutinthewoods.”
Nodding,Mercytouchedthefloorandcameawaywithathinlayerofdust.“Heshifted.Thisisfromhisclothesdisintegrating.”
Rileysniffedatthefingersheheldup.“Icanscentdenim.”
“Youcan?”Sheraisedittoherownnose.“Ican’t.”
Hecouldn’thelpit—shebroughtoutthewolf’smostwickededge.“That’sbecauseI’molderandstronger.”
Sheshothimanevillook.“AsIwassaying,Nashshifted.Mostlikelyafterherippedthatchipoff.”
“Could’vedoneitinanimalform,too.Lynxaresmallandagile,especiallywhenthey’repissed.”Hebarelyresistedtheurgetostrokehishanddownthesweepofherbackandoverherbottom.Mercywasbeautifullybuilt,allsmoothcurvesandmuscledgrace.Whatwoulditbelike,hewondered,tohavetherighttocaressherashepleased?Thewolfwasoddlyintriguedbytheidea.
“Hmm.”Shesatbackuponherhaunches.“Buttheystillgothim.Hadtobemorethanone—theAlliance’smodusoperandiseemstobetooverprepareratherthanunder.”
“We’vegotenoughfleshtogetDNAiftheattacker’sinanydatabase.”TherewasnoquestionofgoingtoEnforcement.Thiswaschangelingterritory,changelingvictims,thereforechangelinglawapplied.
Notonlythat,butEnforcementhadsomanyPsystooges,nothingeverstayedsecret.Untiltheyknewwhatwashappening,theycouldn’taffordtotipofftheCouncil.HavinglosttwohighlytrainedscientificmindswhenAshayaandhertwin,Amara,defected,chancesweretheCouncilorswouldtrytocommandeertheAlliancechipandNashboth.
Asfortheassailants…toofuckingbad.“Don’tmovethechip.Theremightbetracearoundit.”
“Really?”DoinganatrociousvocalimpersonationofaSouthernbelle,Mercyflutteredhereyelashes.“Why,I’msogladyou’reheretotellme,Mr.Kincaid—Imightnothavefiguredthatoutallbymylonesome.”
Hefelthislipstwitch.“Ithinkyouhavesomethinginyoureye.”
Hewascertainhesawaflashofamusementbutthensheshookherheadandhervoiceshiftedtoworkmode,anyhintofplayburieddeep.“Thetechsshoulddothewholehouseincasetheyleftanyothercallingcards.MightaswellcallAshaya,too,havehercomeoutwithherteam.”
AsMercyspoketotheM-Psywho’dmatedwithDorian,Rileyshiftedcloser—smilinginwardlyatherslightresponsivejerk—andbenttolookatthechip.Itwasn’ttiny.Maybeonesquarecentimeter.Butevenwithoutamicroscope,hecouldseethatitwasacomplexpieceofwork.Somekindofneuroinhibitor,wasthecurrenttheory.
Butwhatexactlydiditinhibit?
“She’sonherway,”Mercysaid,foldingupthephoneand—surprisingly—notpullingaway.Insteadshepressedcloser,theirheadssidebyside.“It’sahellofapieceofwork.”
Herhairbrushedhisarm,andherememberedhowthestrandshadfeltslidingoverhisskinasshekissedherwaydownhisbodythatlasttime.“Yeah.”Hisvoicewashalfgrowl,thewolf’sfrustrationrisingtothesurface.“Let’sleavethisforAshayaanddoasweeparoundthehouse—theymight’veleftatrailattheirentrypoint.”
“Natehadthementaketurnsdoingthatalready—nothing.”
“Noneofthemisalieutenantorasentinel.”
Aslantedglance.“Isthatacompliment?”
“No,it’safact.”Hewatchedherrisetoherfeetinafluidmovethatwasintrinsicallyfeline.“I’mgoingtogiveJuddacall—he’sgotcontactsintheNet,cangetafeelforwhetherthiswasaPsything.”
Mercynodded.“I’llutilizeourowncontacts,too.ButmygutsaysthePsyaren’tinvolved,atleastnotdirectly.”Hereyesmethis,theleopardapparentinthesheenofgoldthatoverlaidhergazeforafleetinginstant.“Timetomove,wolf.”
Adrenalinespearedthroughhisveinsasherealizedshewasbeginningtolosethebattletoreininherownhunger.“Leadtheway,cat.”CHAPTER9
MercyfinishedthefirstpassaroundtheBakerhomeandshookherhead.Nothing.Nada.Zip.Thescenttrailhadhadhourstodissipate.Rileysilentlyindicatedthenextpassandofftheywent,havingdecidedtodothisinanimalform.Assheleft,Mercywonderedwhatanyonewouldthinkiftheysawaleopardstandingface-to-facewithaheavilymuscledwolf.
Changelinganimalswereusuallybiggerthanwildanimals,buttheshiftdidstrangethingstobodymassandsize.Itwasneverazero-sumequation.Thoughshewasonthetallsideofaverageinhumanform,shewassmackinthemiddleinleopardform.Riley,however,wasbig—andunlikemostofhisbrethren,hewasn’tbuiltgraceful.No,hewasbuiltforstubbornendurance—apparently,hisnicknamewastheWall.
Noone,shethought,wouldevermistakehimforanythingbutachangeling.
Somethingcrunchedunderherpaw.Backingup,shebrushedasidetheleaveswithgentlecare.Itwasnothing.Anoldtoy.ProbablyWillow’s,fromtheproximitytothehouse.Theydidn’tfindanythinginthethirdorfourthpass.Thefifthhadtobethefinal—theyweregoingintomoreheavilypopulatedareas.
Itwasonthatlastpass,astheywereheadingtowardeachother,thatMercysawit.Aglintofsilverinthegrassbesideacurbonadead-endstreet—onethatbackedontothewoodsthatseparatedtheBakerhomefromthisneatsubdivision.Slowingherpace,shecametoastandstillbyit.Withotherhousessoclose,itcould’vebeenanyofathousandthings.Butshelookedcloser.
Achain.No,anidentitybracelet,thesilverbarmarkedwiththenameBowen.Shecouldn’tpickitupwithherteeth.Shetriedaclawvery,verycarefully.Itcame.Rileybenthisdarkgrayheadandtookitinhisteeth,holdingitastheywalkedaroundtheareawherethey’dfoundit.Nothingelsejumpedout.
Noddingateachother,theyranbackandshiftedinthepatchofwoodswherethey’dlefttheirclothes.Mercytookthebracelettheinstantshewashuman,andturneditover.HappyBirthday,Bo.FromLily.
Disappointmentsatlikeleadinherstomach.“Couldbelongtoanyone.”
“Wemightaswelldoadoor-to-door—thatstreet’stheclosestlogicalplaceforavehicletohavewaited.”
“Yeah,thewoodswould’veprovidedcoverage.”Gutclenchingwithafuriousmixofworryandanger,sheputthebracelettothesideandgrabbedherclothing.“Wonderifwecangetsatelliteimages.”
Rileypulledonhisjeansandshealmostmoaned.Focus,Mercy.
“I’llcheck,”hesaid,zippingupthosedamnjeansassheslidonherown.“Butwemightgetluckywithaninsomniac.”Whenheturned,shesawthemarksonhisbackwerealmosthealed.
Fast,evenforachangeling.WhichmeantRileywasmorepowerfulthanshe’dguessed,morethanheleton.Therewasnothingflashyabouthim.Just—“Whatthe—”Hishandswereonherwaistandhismouthonhersbeforeshecoulddomorethangasp.
Lightning.Bright.Sizzling.Perfect.
Thistimeshedidmoan,wrappingherarmsaroundhimandluxuriatinginhisstrength,inthesheerspeedwithwhichhe’dcomeather.Withbothofthemonlywearingjeans,herbreastswerepressedagainsttheexquisiteroughnessofthehairsonhischest.Sherubbedagainsthim,givingintotheleopard’sinnatesensuality.
Hetoreawayhislipsbuttheyremainedlessthanamillimeterapart.“Thisisyourfault.”
“Hell,no.”Shesuckedonhisneck,bitinghimalittletoohardforemphasis.“Youjumpedmybones.”
Tuggingbackherheadwithahandfistedinherhair,heglareddownather.“Youwereallbutlickingmethewayyouwerelooking.”
“Looking’snotthesameastouching.”Hermouthwateredattheideaoflickinghim.They’dbeenintoomuchofarushlastnight.Eventhesecondandthirdtime.Asifthey’dbothbeenhungrysolong,they’dneededtogorge.But—“Wedon’thavetimeforthis.”
Heheldherforanothercoupleofseconds,puremalemuscleandheatedskin.“Weneedtomaketime.”
Itwasanorder.
Thecathissed.Thewomannarrowedhereyes.“WhatyouneedtodoisletgoofmebeforeIgiveyousomescarsthatwon’thealoverasquick.”
Onebighandskateddownherbacktoteasethetopedgeofherjeans.“IbetifItouchedyounow,I’dfindyousilkyandhotanddamp.”
Herstomachgrewtautashisfingersslidinpastthedenim,alittlerough,alldetermined.Pushing.Hewaspushingher.Butshewasnotabbycat.Shewasaleopard.Bitingthosesensuouswolflipsjusthardenoughtosting,sheshovedawayusingamovethatsnakedheroutofhishold.“ImeantwhatIsaid,Riley.Oncewasenough.”Liar,liar.
Hedidn’tattempttograbheragain,watchingherdresswitheyesgoneamberashefinishedpullingonhisownclothes.“That’snotwhatyourbodysays.”
“Yeah,well,it’snotthebestjudgeofcharacter.”Ignoringtheweightofhisgaze,shescrapedherhairintoatightponytail,havingfinallyrememberedstuffingathickrubberbandintoherjeansassheleftworkacoupleofdaysearlier.“I’vegotnoroominmylifeforamalewho’sgoingtotellmewhattodo.”
“Thisisjustsex.”
Hewastryingtomakehermad.Asifshe’dfallforthat.“Oh,puhleeze.”Snorting,shewenttograbherboots.“Nothing’sjustsexwithmenlikeyou—theinstantyoutakealover,youbecomeall‘Iman,youwoman.YoudoasIsay.’”Andnomatterhowmuchshewantedamate,Mercycouldn’tsubmit.Notthatway.Nottoamanwhowantedhertobesomethingdifferent.Itwouldbreakher.“Thenyoubeatyourchestsandhowlatthemoon.”
Rileywasn’tamused.“Youdon’tthinkyoucanhandleme?”
Okay,somaybehewasreallygoodatpushingherbuttons.“IsaidIdon’thavethetime.”Hoppingononefoot,sheputonherboot.
Fightingtheurgetotrapheragainstthetreeandbringthisconversationdowntothebasics,Rileyfistedhishands.Mercysuckedinabreathatalmostthesameinstant.Hefroze.“What?”
“Nothing.”
Butherteethweregrittedinobviouspain.Lookingdownatthebarefootshewasnowholdingofftheground,hequicklymadetheconnection.“Whatdidyoustepon?”Hiswolfrosetothesurface,protectiveandmorethanalittlepossessive.
“Nothing.”
Stubborncat.
Heheadedoverandkneltdowninfrontofher,liftingherfoothighersohecouldlookatthesole.“Thisnothingsurelookslikeabig,fatthorn.”Itangeredhimtoseeherfleshmarredbythespikethathadalreadydrawnblood.
Herhandlandedonhisshoulderasshebalancedherself.“Icantakecareofit.”
Insteadofdroppingherfoot,heheldontighter.“Haveyouhadyourshots?”heasked,knowingshe’dhateanykindofsympathy.Mercywasasproudastheycame.Andforsomereason,itwasimportanttohimthatthatprideneverbecrushed.“Idon’twanttocatchrabies.”
“Ha-ha,”shemuttered,buthervoicewasstrained.“Sinceyouwon’tletgo,canyougetitout?”
Hecheckedthegroundtomakesuretherewerenootherdangers.Mercy’sopinionsonthematternotwithstanding,hewasaprotector.Takingcareofthewomanhewasrapidlycomingtoconsiderhisownwasasnaturaltohimasbreathing.“It’llbeeasierifyousit.”Hedidn’toffertohelpherdown,justwatchedtomakesureshedidn’thurtherselfanymore.
Onceshehadherbacktothetrunk,heputherfootonhislapandgrimaced.“Itwon’tbepretty—Ithinkyourskin’sstartedtohealaroundit.”Thatwastheproblemwithchangelings—theyhealedquickly,especiallywhenitcametominorfleshwounds.Butifthishealedover,thethornwouldremainembeddedinherheel.
“Doit.”Shesetherjaw.
Shiftingsohisbackwastoher,hepressedthefleshoneithersideofthethornwithenoughforcetosenditthroughthesurface.HeheardMercysuckinanotherbreath,knewshewashurting.Thedamnthornhadbarbs.Hiswolfsweptoverhisskin,hacklesraised.Everymaleinstinctinhimwantedtogivecomfort,butheknewMercywouldhatethatwithacapitalH.“Youknow,”hesaid,fightingtokeephistoneeven,“IthinkIseeafamilyresemblance.Maybethat’swhyitwasdrawntoyou.”
“Youthinkyou’rehilarious,don’tyou?”Itwasalittlebreathless.
Anotherhardpressgotthethornmostofthewayout.“Sayahhhh.”Onefinalapplicationofpressureandtheuglythingwasout.Hemadesuretocrushitusingaclawbeforedroppingittotheground.
Mercydidn’tsayawordashecheckedthealreadyhealingwound.Hewasfastaboutit,butthorough.“Idon’tthinkitleftanytraces.GetTammytohavealookanyway.”
“It’llbefullyhealedinanotherhour.”
Heshotheranarrow-eyedlook,notingherstrainedexpression.“Doyouwantmetoreportyoutoyourhealer?”
Sheglareddaggersathim,colorrapidlyreturning.“Iwantyoutoletgoofmyfoot.”
Hekepthold,gentlymassagingtheareaaroundthewound,ensuringgoodbloodflow.Itwouldhelpherhealevenfaster.“WillyouseeTammy?”
“Yes!Fine!Canwegonow?”
“Inasecond.”Hecheckedthewoundagain.“It’llbeabittendertowalkonuntilitheals.Becareful.”
Itlookedlikeshewasgoingtosnapsomethingathimbutsheclampedhermouthshutandputonherremainingsockandboot.Standing,shetestedthefoot.“It’sfine.Thesuckerjusthurtlikehellwhileitwasinthere.”
Rileynodded,butkepthiseyeonherbalance.Itwasgood.Hiswolfretreated.“Let’sheadin.”Grabbingtheidentitybracelet,hesliditintoapocket.
Mercyfoldedherarms.“Thanks.”Itwasagrumpyacknowledgment.
“Sogracious.”
Assheclosedhereyesasiftocounttoten,hefeltthewolfriseagain,thistimewithpuremischiefasitsaim.“Youneveransweredmyquestion.”
“What?”
“Whetheryou’rerunningfromusbecauseyoudon’tthinkyoucanhandleme.”
“Ididanswerit.IsaidIdidn’thavetime.”
“Chicken.”Saidastheycamewithinhearingdistanceofthemenandwomenguardingthehouse.
Mercy’smouthfellopen.Surelyshe’dheardwrong.Surelysolid,staid,stick-in-the-mudRileyAedanKincaidhadnotdaredherbycallingherachicken?!“Whatdidyousay?”
“Youheard.”Hegreetedthefourotherswho’djoinedMonroeandOwen.Twoofthemwerewolves.
Monroewalkedover.“Isawnothingunderthehousethatcould’vebeenusedtopipegasintothehome,butI’llmakesurethetechsrecheck,”hetoldthem.“Thingis,Owendoessomesharpshooting—hesaysifyouweregoodenough,youmightbeabletogetsomesortofgaspelletthroughthelittleventinthebathroom.”
“Thatventistiny,”Mercymuttered.
Rileymadeasoundofdisagreement.“Iknowtwomenwhocoulddoit.”
DorianandJudd.Nodding,sheglancedatMonroe.“Tellthetechstopayextraattentiontothatareawhentheyarrive.”Raisinghervoice,sheheldupahand.“OwenandMonroe,stayonthehouse.Restofyou—withus.”
Mercyhitpaydirtbarelyfiveminutesintothesearch.Sheknockedonthedoorofasmallcottagewithfrillycurtainsandagardensoneatthatnoweedwoulddareshowitshead,andfoundherselfbeingscrutinizedbyatinywomanwithsuchstrengthofwillinherthatitfairlypulsedintheair.BrightbrowneyeslookedMercyupanddown.“So,youtumbledthatwolfyouwerewith?”
Mercywastoomuchapackanimaltotakeoffenseatthepersonalquestion.Shegrinned.“Howdidyouknowitwasme?”
“DoIlookseniletoyou?”Notwaitingforaresponse,shecontinued.“Iwascomingouttoyou,butyoutookofftoofast.”
Everysentinelinstinctcameonalert.“Yousawsomething?”
Forananswer,thewomanpickedupapieceofpaperfromatablebesidethedoorandshoveditatMercy.“Registrationnumberofthevanthatwasparkedhereformuchtoolong—Iknewtheywereuptomischief.”
“DidyoucallEnforcement?”
“’CourseIdid.”Apause.“Gotanephewinthere.Goodkid.Hesaysitwasoffastolenvehicle.ButIwrotedownthedescriptionofthevan,too.”
MercywasalreadypullingouthercelltogettheDarkRivertechsontosurveillance.
“So?”herinformantpromptedbeforeshecouldcodeinthecall.
“Yes,”Mercysaid.“AndI’mnotdoingitagain.”Ifshekepttellingherselfthat,maybehertraitorousbodywouldactuallynoticeandshutupwithitsdemands.
Theolderwomangaveherasourlook.“Damnshame.What,youlikethemprettier?”Asnort.“Inmyday,welikedmenwholookedlikemen.”
Mercyhadnochancetoreply,findingthedoorshutinherface.Everyonewasacritictoday.AndcomingontopofRiley’s“chicken”taunt,itdidn’tputherinthebestofmoods.Butthetechansweredthenandshegavehimtheinfo.Hepromisedtogetbacktoherthesecondtheyhadanything.
Rileywaswaitingforherbythecurb,explaininghowtheoldladyknewwhathelookedlike.“Getanything?”
Thewoman’swordsinhermind,sheranhereyesoverhimasshesharedtheintel.Hedefinitelylookedlikeaman,shethought,allhardandsolidandrough.Strength,therewasincrediblestrengthinRiley.Whichmadethegentlenessofhisholdashe’dgottenthatthornoutofherfootallthemoreextraordinary.
Sheknewwhathe’dbeenuptowiththosecracksofhis.Damnwolfhadbeenlookingafterher.Andhe’ddoneitright.Evennow,theleoparddidn’tknowquitewhattomakeofit,sosheconcentratedonthehunt.“It’sagoodlead.”
“There’ssomethingwrongwiththis,”Rileymuttered,rubbingatajawthatalreadyborethefaintshadowofafternoonstubble.“ThatchiptellsusthiswasaneliteAllianceforce,butwhywouldtheyleavetheevidencebehindifthey’resoorganized?Andbeingsocarelesswiththevan?”
“Youthinkingthechipcouldbeaplant?”
Helookeddownthestreet,asifseeingwhathadhappenedthenightbefore.“IhadacallfromLucaswhileyouweretalkingwithyourinformant—Nash’sprofessorsayshe’sbeingcourtedbyseveralPsyfirms.”
Mercyblinked.“Psyarevery,veryinsular.EspeciallywithR&D.Whywouldtheywantachangeling?”
“Agiftedchangeling.Nash’sapparentlyageniusinnanotech.AndwebothknowtheCouncilismissingtwoofitstoptechnicalscientists.”
Mercyblewoutabreathbetweenherteeth.“TheImplantProtocolcrashedandburnedwithAshaya’sbroadcasts.”ThatprotocolhadbeenmeanttoturntheindividualsofthePsyNetintoatruehivemind,interconnectedandseamless.
“Yeah,butwhatifsomeone’sgottheideatokeepitonthebackburnerforthefuture?”Heshrugged.“It’satheory.”
“Butifyou’reright,eitherthePsytookNashandpinnedtheblameontheHumanAlliance,or—”
“TheAlliancetookhimanddidasloppyjob.”
Mercyrubbedherforehead.“Orwecouldbescrewingourselvesupbymakingthistoocomplicated.”
“Iguesswe’llfindoutwhenwefindNash.”
Shejerkedupherhead,hearingaverydangerousthreadinhisvoice.“Hey,cutthatout.We’reinahumanneighborhood.”
Theeyesthatlookedatherweren’tbrownanymore.“Andthisiswolfterritory.”
“Leopardandwolf.”Sherefusedtobackdownunderthatpredatorygaze,thoughitchilledhertothesoul.She’dneverseenRileyloseitlikethat.Andsorapidly.“Whatflippedyourlid?”
“IfNashishurt,Willow’sgoingtoblameherselffornotbeingabletohelpherbrother.”
Oh.“Hewon’tbe—he’sapredatorychangeling.We’renoteasytokill.”Shemadehervoiceasarrogantasshecould.“Now,pullyourselfoutofthatslobberingmessofself-pityandgetwiththeprogram.Thisisn’taboutyou.”
Rileystaredatherwiththosecoldwolfeyes,arichamberthatheldpuremenace.“Oneday,”hesaidcalmly,“yourmouthisgoingtogetyouintomoretroublethanyoucanhandle.”CHAPTER10
Mercyfeltawhisperofreliefbrushacrossherface.ShewasconfidentshecouldholdoffRileyinarealfightlongenoughforhelptoarrive,butifhetrulywentwolfonher,therewasahighchancehe’dkillher.Unlessshecheated.Which,inafighttothedeath,sheabsolutelywould.Sometimes,itwasn’taboutstrength,itwasaboutintelligence.“Oh?”shesaid,andverydeliberatelyranthetipofhertongueoverherupperlip.
Rileysuckedinabreathandthewolfwasgonebetweenoneheartbeatandthenext.“Usingsextodistractme?”
“Whateverworks.”Oddlyenough,muchasshelikedtopisshimoff,shedidn’tliketoseeRileyhurting.Notoverthis.He’dgonethroughhellwhenBrennahadbeenabducted.Sonow,shegrinnedandsaid,“Plus,Iknowyou’regoingtobetormentedbythatimagetherestoftheday.”
Tohersurprise,Riley’slipscurved.Justalittle.Justenoughtomakeherstomachdive.“So,youwanttoplay,kittycat?”
“Men.”Adisdainfulsnort,butRileysawtheflashofsomethingricher,hotter,farmoreenticinginthosechangeableleopardeyes.Good.Becausethiswasn’tover.Notbyalongshot.
“Canwegetbacktoworknow?”Anarchquestion.
NooneevertalkedtohimlikeMercy.Ifhehadn’thadherallbutpurringforhimonlyanightago,he’dhaveimaginedshedidn’tknowhow.“There’snotmuchmorewecandoatthisstage.”Hethoughtovertheiroptions.“LucasandHawkehavetakencareofgettingthewordouttoourinformants,andlooksliketheBakersweren’tabletogiveusanyotherpossibilitiestoinvestigate.Havethecommlinesbeentapped?”
Shenodded.“Nateorganizedit.Techsknowtocheckallothercellphonesandcomputersinthehouse—data’llgothroughtoDorianautomatically.”Theblondsentinelwasageniusatcomputers.“He’llalertusifanythingjumpsout.”
“I’llgetBrennatoworkonthesatelliteendofthings.”
MercyknewSnowDancerhadfullcontrolofatleastonesatellitesothatmadesense.“Ialsotaggedsomeout-of-statepackmateswhilewewerebackatTammy’s.They’regoingtogochatwithNash’sfriendsatMIT.”
“Then,untilwegetatipaboutthevan,orthesceneprocessingteamcomesupwithsomething,wewait.Couldbetheabductorscontactus.”
Mercymadeasoundoffrustration.“Ihatewaiting.”
“Leopardsaregoodstalkers.”
“Thehumanhalfofmeprefersaction.”Kickingatthegrass,shenodded.“Okay,you’reright.Areyougoingtoheadbacktothedenorstaydownhere?”
Heglancedathiswatch.Itwasfiveafterfour.Therewasachancesomethingwouldbreaktoday.“Wemightaswellgooverthenewtrainingschedule.”
“I’drathereatneedles.”Butshestartedwalkingbacktotheirvehicle.“Whydidwethinkitwasagoodideaforthecatandwolfjuvenilestomix?”
“Sothealliancewouldbecomestronger.”Rileywasn’tsureanyonehadrealizedhowvolatilethecombinationwouldbe.Leopardsandwolveswerebothpredatorsusedtobeingatthetopofthefoodchain.Addteenagehormonestothepotandyouhadarecipefortrouble.“Itneedstobedone.”
Mercy’scellphonerangbeforeshecouldrespond.“Yeah?”
“Merce,”cameRina’svoice,“I’mtrackingtwogorgeousmenheadingtoyourplace.DoIletthemgo?”
“They’vegotsafepassage,”Mercymuttered,rubbingathertemples.Shelovedhergrandmothertopieces,butshewasgoingtostrangleherforthis.“AndIdon’tplantobehomeanytimethiscentury.”
“Youneedtomaketime,becausewow.Hot.Beautifully,lickablyhot.”
“You’rewelcometothem.”
“Oh,no,Ithinktheymostdefinitelywantyou.”
Mercyhunguptothesoundoftheyoungerwoman’slaughter…andrealizedRiley’swolfwasinhiseyes.“Don’tgothere.”Sheimmediatelyturneddownthevolumeofherphone.
“Whoarethey?”
“Nooneyouneedtoconcernyourselfabout.”Shovingthephoneintoapocket,sheraisedaneyebrow.“Youhungry?”Neitherofthemhadeatensincebeforelunch.
Ittookhimalongtimetorespond,buthefinallynodded.“Yeah.”
Theyendedupparkinginfrontofafast-foodplacealongasmallsuburbanshoppingstrip.“Meatandgrease.Yum.”Shelickedherlips,stomachrumbling.“Iluuuuuuveburgers.”
“It’scrowded,”wasRiley’sonlycomment.
“Youcansitinthecar.I’llbringyousomethingafterIfinisheating.”Asmirk.“It’llbecoldandcongealedbuthey,wolveshavenotastebudsanyway,right?”
Hegotoutandfollowedhertotherestaurant.Whenhepaidforherorder,sheshruggedanddecidedthatwasonebattleshedidn’tcaretofight.Withpredatorychangelingmen,youhadtomakesomeallowances,oryou’dgiveyourselfaconcussion.Theywerethatbloodyhardheaded.Andsinceshestillwasn’tlettingRileydrive,thiswasagoodenoughcompromise.
NotthatRileythoughtso.Hisexpressionwassoirritatedwhentheytooktheirseatsthattheteenagerssittingatthenexttable—agroupofnonpredatorychangelingkids—gavethemwarylooks.
“Relax,”shetoldthekids.“He’sjustgrumpybecausetheydidn’thavesweet-and-soursauce.”
Oneofthegirlsventuredanervoussmile,butthekidswentbacktotheirmeal.
Rileythrustaburgerather.“Putthatinyourmouth.”
“Areyoutellingmetoshutmypiehole?”Shebitdownonherburgerandmadealowpurringsoundinthebackofherthroat.“Nice.”Itcameout“Niishe.”
Rileyatehalfaburgerwithonebite,thenstartedonthebiscuitsthey’dbothaddedtotheirorders.Whenshestolehisfries,hedidn’tevengrowl.Thecatdecidedtobenicetohimduringthemeal,giventhatthefoodwasclearlymellowinghimout.Shewasonherthirdburger—hey,shewashungry—andhewasonhisfourthwhenthehairsonthebackofherneckroseinwarning,evenasRileywentpredator-still.
Bothofthemlookedverycarefullytowardthedoor.Amanhadcomein.APsy,fromthewayhewasdressedandthescentofhim.Hedidn’thavetheuglymetallicsmellofthosewhohadbecomeutterlylostinSilence,buttheechoofitwasthere.Tainted,Mercy’sleopardgrowled,themanwastainted.
Shewasmovingbeforeshestoppedtothink,awareofRileybesideher.Themanatthedoorlookedaroundasifconfused,thenreachedintothepaperbaginhishand.Mercykeptmovingwithsilent,leopardgrace,peripherallyawarethateveryoneintherestauranthadgonevery,veryquiet.Changelingornot,alllivingbeingshadaprimitivecoreintheirbrainthattoldthemwhendangerneared.
Theman’shandbegantocomeoutofthebag.
“Now!”Shedidn’tknowwhichoneofthemspoke,butbythetimetheman’sgunclearedhisbag,wolfandleopardbothweremovingatlethalspeed.Theyslammedintohimandtookhimstraightthroughtheglassdoorsandontothepavementoutside.
Hecriedoutashecrashedontothecement,pedestriansscatteringinarushofdroppedbagsandshortscreams.Glassglitteredunderthesunlight,butMercyhadeyesonlyforthegun.
“I’vegothim,”Rileysaid.
LettinggoofthePsymale,shegrabbedtheweaponandunloadeditwithcautiousbutquickhands.“Jesus.It’samachinegun—hecould’vetakenouttheentireplace.”Herheartgrewcoldasshethoughtofthoseinnocentkids,themothershe’dseenwithababycarriage,theelderlycouplebythedoor.
“CallEnforcement,”Rileysaid,ignoringtheglassstickingtohisskin.“Andanambulance.He’shurt.”
Thewould-beshooterwasmoaningashelaythere,buthiseyeswereunexpectedlyclear.“Idon’tremember,”hewhispered.“Idon’tremember.”
“Icalledthemalready,”ashakyvoicesaid.
Mercylookeduptomeetthegazeofthenonpredatorygirlwho’dsmiledather—abirdofsomekind,herhairassoftandfeatheryasherwingswouldbeinchangelingform.“Goodgirl.CanIhaveyoursweatshirt?”
Nodding,thegirlpulledoffthethinsweatshirttorevealapinkbaby-tee.“Here.”
MercyusedthematerialtocushionthePsymale’shead.Theglasshadbeensafetyglass,soithadn’tcut,butthey’dhitthepavementhard.Themanwasbleeding.“Ithinkhe’sconcussed.”
“Good.”ASnowDancerlieutenant’sflatstatement.“Thatmeanshe’snotalertenoughtobeaproblem.”Hegotup,likelytoscantheareaforanyfurtherthreats.MercywantedtocontactFaith,havehergetwordaboutthistoherfather,CouncilorAnthonyKyriakus,butshecouldn’tchancemakingthecallinsuchapubliclocation.Anthony’srebelsympathieswereawell-guardedsecret.
Thenhereyecaughtthatofawomandressedingothblack,herlipspaintedmidnightblue,herhandshalf-gloved.ButitwasthetinytatonthetopofherleftindexfingerthatinterestedMercy.Alittlerat.Relieved,shenoddedatthewoman.Aninstantlater,thehumanRat—amemberofthespynetworkthathadalliedtoDarkRiver—tookoff.SheknewwordofthenearmassacrewouldreachDarkRiverwithinseconds.
Rileycrouchedbackdown.“Rat?”heaskedsolowthatnooneelsecould’veheard.
Shenodded.“AnotherPsycrazy?”AsthingsgrewincreasinglyunstableintheNet,moreandmorecrackshadbeguntoappearinthePsypopulaceitself.
“Seemsthatway.”Frownlinesmarkedhisforehead.“Wewouldn’thavetoguessifwecouldquestionhimafterhe’scoherent,butwewon’tgetashot—Enforcementwilltakehimin,andtenminuteslater,thePsyCouncilwillquietlysecurehimforrehabilitation.”
Shegrittedherteeth.“ThisiswhereIwishIhadPsypowers.”Becauseafterthehorrificpsychicbrainwashingofrehab,thismanwouldbeluckytobeabletotiehisshoelaces.
Enforcementsirenssoundedrightoncue.Sincethewould-beshooterwasPsy,neitherDarkRivernorSnowDancerhadanyjurisdiction.ThecopsassumedcontrolofthePsymaleand—aftertakingonelookatthebig-assgun—gaveMercyandRileynoshitforwhatthey’ddone.
TheEnforcementguys,Mercythought,weren’tactuallyallbad.Butthefactwas,thePsyCouncilhadsomanyspiesintheorganization,itleakedlikeasieve.“Youknowhowtogetintouchwithusifyouneedanythingelse,”shesaidtothegrizzledoldcopwho’drecordedherstatement.
“Shouldn’tneedto,”hesaid,toneeasy.“Justpatchedintothesecuritycameras—prettyobvioushewasabouttogowhackjobonyou.”
“Technical.”
Theofficergrinned.“Icall’emlikeIsee’em.There’sbeenafewwhackjobsoperatinglastfewdays.TheyhadabombgooffinarestaurantinSanDiego,andanotherguydrovethismonstertruckthroughadinerwalloutinL.A.AllPsy.”
“Casualties?”
Anod.“Butnotbad.ThebombonlytookoutthePsy.Injuredawaitress,though,butshe’sgonnabeokay.Theweirdthingwaswiththetruck.Itjammed—almostasifthecrazyhadsecondthoughtsandbrakedrealhard—itgavefolksenoughtimetoleapoutoftheway.Heputabulletinhisbrainbeforeanyonecouldgettohim.Butifthingskeepgoinglikethis,morepeoplearegonnastartdying.”
Mercynodded.TheseniormembersofbothDarkRiverandSnowDancerknewthatthingswereshakyinthePsyNet,butshe’dhadnoideaithadgottenthisbad.“Sowe’regoodtogo?”
“Yep.”Henoddedatthekidshuddledbehindthem.“Wetooktheirstatementsalready.Youdrivingthemhome?”
Itwasareasonableassumption—predatorychangelingsruled,butwithitcameresponsibility.“Yeah.”Watchingasthecrimescenetechsbegantovacuumuptheglass,sherealizedtheyweren’tgoingtobeabletofitallthekidsinthecar.
Turningtothem,sheaskedfornamesandlocations.Threelivedwithinwalkingdistance,theothertwoaten-minutedriveaway.“Right,”shesaid,“we’llwalkyouthreehome,thendriveyoutwo.”
ThegirlinthepinkT-shirt—Jen—bitherlip.“We’llbeokay.Wewere,youknow,justfreakedout.”
“Iknow.”Shewrappedanarmaroundthegirl.Theywerechangeling.Touchwashowtheyhealed.“ButIneedtoseeyouhomesafely.”Ortheleopardwouldgonuts.
Anodagainsther.Thegirldidn’tmoveawayuntilMercysqueezedandreleasedher.RileycameupbesideMercyrightthen,andsheexplainedtheplan.Hebeganwalkingandtheboysfellinwithhim,whilethetwogirlschosetostickwithMercy.ThegirlMercyhadn’thugged,theonedressedinatinyminiskirtandbelly-baringtop,inchedcloseruntilMercytookthehintandhuggedher,too.
Aheadofthem,Rileyandtheboyshadpaused,shootingthebreeze.Shesawhimruffleonekid’shair,patanotherontheback,dothatfakealmost-hurting-but-not-quitepunchingthingguysdowiththethird.Takingcareofthem.
Thegirltuckedupagainsther—Lisha—relaxedandpulledaway.“Youweresofast,”shesaidastheybeganwalkingagain.
“Yeah,”herfriendsaid,almostjumpingupanddowninexcitement.“Itwaslikewow!”
“Totally.”LishabeamedatMercy.“Iheardthatyouwere,youknow,asentinelbutIneverthoughtI’dseeyouinaction.Theboyssometimessaythat,like—”
“You’reprobablynotastoughasthemen,”Jencompleted.“I’msogoingtomakethemeattheirwords.”
Mercylaughed.“Youhavetoexcusethem—boyssufferfromanincurabledisability.”
“What?”
“Testosterone.”
Bothgirlscrackedup.AndRileyturnedtogiveheralookthatremindedherofallthethingsshelikedabouttestosterone.Especiallywhenitwaspackedinthehard,muscledbodyofawolfwhoseemedreadytodevourherinsmall,sexybites.CHAPTER11
AnthonyKyriakusdroppedoutofthetelepathicconferenceandthoughtabouttheinformationhe’djustreceivedviahisdaughter.Today’sviolencewastroubling,butgiventhetimeframeofevents,itcouldbeputdowntoananomalousstatisticalcluster.TheNetwasnormallyaseamlessriverofdata,withoutchaos,withoutemotion—butwiththerecenthigh-profiledefections,aswellastheactivitiesofvariousrebelgroups,ithadbeguntofluctuatewithwavesofuncertainty.
AndsincePsywereconnectedtotheNetonthemostviscerallevel,needingthebiofeedbacktosurvive,anythingthathappenedtherehadreal-lifeimpact.Itevenmadesensethattheviolencewasoccurringinthisregion—thePsyNetwasn’tdefinedbygeographicallimits,butthey’dhadanumberofdisturbancesinthisareaandthepsychiceffectwouldbestrongestatthepointoforigin.Abigenoughsurgecouldhaveshort-circuitedsomeaspectoftheconditioningunderSilence.
However,Anthonywasn’tconvinced.HisfellowCouncilorsseemedtobeignoringtheevents,but—
Thecommpanelbeeped.GlancingattheIDscreen,hesawitwasKalebKrychek,fellowCouncilorandperhapsthemostpowerfultelekineticintheNet.FromwhatAnthonyhadunearthed,heknewthatKaleb’scontrolovertheNetMind,theneosentiententitythatwasboththelibrarianandguardianoftheNet,wasclosetocomplete.ItwastheverysituationtheCouncilhadn’twantedafterSantanoEnrique.Thenow-deadCouncilorhadusedhispowerovertheNetMindtohidehismurderouscrimes.
Kalebwasmuchmoresubtle.Heletothersbelievetheyheldpowerevenasheplayedthemforfools.Averydangerousman.Andonewhosehistorywasclosetoopaque—thoughtherewererumorshe’dbeenEnrique’sprotégé.
“Kaleb,”hesaid,answeringthecall.“ItmustbeearlyinMoscow.”
“Very,”Kalebsaid,butsincethevisualwasblockedonbothends,Anthonyknewtheothermancouldbeanywhere.Itwasdifficulttotieateleport-capableTktoonelocation.“Butit’syourregionI’mcallingabout—Isawthereports.”
“There’sbeenanewincident.”
“Theshooter,”Kalebsaid.“Dataisalreadyflowingin.”
“Theothersappeartoconsidertheseoccurrencesastatisticalanomaly.”
“Andyou?”
Anthonyleanedbackinhisseat.“Ithinkweneedtoscantheshooter’smind.”Hepausedasamessagecamethroughonhiscellphone.Interesting.“Henryjustsentmeanoteproposingthesamething—andhe’sofferedtotakecareofthescan.”ButwhatexactlywasHenrydoinginCalifornia?HishomewasinLondon.
“Iassumeyou’llbegoingwithhim.”
“Ofcourse.”Afterall,noneoftheCouncilorstrustedeachother.Anthony,astheleaderofarebelliondeterminedtobringanewreigningordertotheNet,trustedvery,veryfewpeopleatall.
InaroomattheSanFranciscobranchoftheCenter,theshooterlaytiedtoatable,hisentirebodyrestrained.“Please,”hesaid.“Letmego.”
TheM-Psymonitoringhisroomheardbutdidn’trespondtohisplea.Theirjobwastomakesurehestayedalive,and,givenhisviolenttendencies,thebestwaytokeephimsafefromhimselfwastomakesurehecouldn’tmove.
Thefactthathismindhadbeenlockedintelepathicshieldswouldhavebeentermedinhumanebytheotherraces,butthoseraceshadnoexperiencewithpsychotictelepaths.Thismancouldblowoutotherpeople’sbrainswithaburstofpurepower—itmightliquefyhisownbrains,too,butifhewassuicidal,thatwouldn’tmatter.
Sotheysatsilentandwatchfulasthemaninthebedstartedtosay,“Ihaveto.Ihaveto.Ihaveto.”Butheneversaidwhathehadtodo.Andtheydidn’tfigureitoutuntilitwastoolate.CHAPTER12
Mercywasabouttobringhervehicletoastopalittledistancefromhercabinwhenthenewsbulletincameon.
“Thebodyofatwenty-nine-year-oldTahoewomanwasfoundburiedinashallowgravenearthewesternshoreofthelakeanhourago.Thegrislyfindwasmadebyalocalresidentoutforawalkwithhisdog.
“Enforcementhasn’tyetreleasedaformalstatement,butsourcesclosetotheinvestigationtellustheconditionofthebodysuggestsshediedrecently,possiblywithinthepastforty-eighthours.We’llkeepyouupdatedasthestorydevelops.”
Riley,havingdecidedtoridethisfarwithher,reachedforwardtoturnoffthefeed.“Weneedtowarnourpeople.Justincase.”Histonewaseven.Tooeven.
Mercydidn’ttrytotalktohimaboutthepainheheldsofiercelytohisheart,knowingshe’dgetablanklookatbest—Brenna’sabductionanditsaftermathwastheonethingRileysimplyrefusedtodiscuss.Itwasinstincttowanttotouchhim,tooffercomfort,butsheknewthatrightnow,he’dacceptnothing.Soshestucktothefacts.
“Let’shopeitwasaone-off.”Shefeltdeepsorrowforthemurderedwomanandherfamily,butajealousboyfriendorhusbandwouldbequicklycaught.Aserial,ontheotherhand…“Nouseborrowingtrouble.I’llgetthewordoutandhavesomeofourcommpeoplefollowthestory.”
Rileynoddedastheyexited.Leaningbackagainstthehood,shereturnedtotheirearliertopicofconversation.“I’llcallyouthesecondwehearanythingaboutNash.”Thegroundworkhadbeenlaid—theintelwouldcomein,ofthatMercywascertain.“Tryingtohideanadultlynxinacityfullofchangelingsisn’tgoingtobeeasy.”EspeciallywiththeRatsonalertforanysignofthemissingmale.
“Wecan’tunderestimatethem,”Rileycautioned.“Theymanagedtograbapissed-offmalelynxandgethimoutprettyefficiently.”
Abouttoteasehimforhiscaution,sheglimpsedsomethinginhishair.“Don’tmove.”Reachingup,sheremovedasquareofglass,puttingitonthecar’shoodsoitwouldn’tlittertheforestfloor.Todouble-check,sheranherfingersthroughthethickweightofhishair.“You’retenseasaboard.”Hisbodywassotaut,itwasawonderhecouldbreathe.
Noanswer.
Lookingintohiseyes,shefeltherbreathlock.Thewolfglimmeredamberbright,hungryandedgyanddangerous.“Whatisitthistime?”Sheshouldn’thaveprovokedhim,butshecouldn’thelpherself.Itwaslikehewascatnip.Onesniffandshelosthermind.
Rileywasbarelyholdingbackhiswolf.ThecreaturewantedhimtothrowMercytotheground,ripoffherpants,bitedownonherneck,andtakeher.Hard.Fast.Again.Andagain.DearGodbutthemaninhimwantedtodoexactlythesame.Fightingtheinstinct,hesqueezedhishandsintofistssotight,hisveinsthreatenedtoexplode.
“Riley?”Mercyscowled,takingastepback.
Thewolfbareditsteethinsidehim,butheheldontohishumanity.She’dbledearliertodaywhenherarmshadhittheasphaltastheytookdownthewould-beshooter.Thewolfhadgoneinsaneatthescent.Rileyhadsomehowmanagedtokeepittogetherthisfar—hewasn’tknownforhiscontrolfornothing—butnowthewolfwasclawingathim,determinedtogetout.Anddowhat?
Mercydidn’tbelongtohim.
Thewolfdidn’tcare.Neither,Rileywassurprisedtorealize,didtheman.Hewantedtotakeher,tasteher,fuckingbiteherfordaringtoallowharmtocometoherself.Thepossessive,protectivethoughtshazedhisbrain,pushinghimclosertotheedgethanhe’dbeenforalong,longtime.
Focus.
Heclosedhiseyes.
Andfeltherbreathagainsthisneck.“Sotenseyou’reabouttosnap.”Lipsbrushinghisskin,handsonhisshoulders.
“Mercy.”Itcameoutagrowl.
“I’mbeingnicetoyou.”Teethclosingoverthepulseinhisneck,agentlereprimand.“Acceptitgracefully.”
Hesqueezedherhipwithahandthathadsomehowfounditswaytoherbody,butremainedstill.Shewasbeingnicetohim,usingtouchtoanchorhim.Itwasthechangelingway.Buthedidn’tparticularlywantcomfortingfromMercy.Hethrusthishandintoherhair,pullingitoutfromtheroughponytail.
Herhandstrokedthesideofhisneck.“Can’thelpit,canyou?”Akisspressedtothehollowofhisthroat.“You’regoingallwolfonmebecauseIgotalittlebruisedup.”
Hewastoostartledbyherknowledgetoanswer.
“Didn’tthinkIsawthewayyoulookedatmyhands,didyou?”SlidingthosehandsunderhisT-shirt,sheranhernailsgentlydownhisback.“Poorguy—blindedbytestosterone.”
Nowshewaslaughingathim.Heshould’vesnarled.Instead,herelaxedhisholdonherhairsoshecouldmoreeasilyclaimakiss.Shewastheuncontestedaggressorthistime.Helethertastehismouth,letherlickhertongueoverhislip.Cat.Shewassuchacat.Strokinghimwiththosecatclaws,nippingathislipwithfelineflirtatiousness.
WhenshebrokethekisstotugathisT-shirt,hecooperatedandpulleditoverhishead.Herlashesdroppedtoshadetheexpressioninhereyesassheshapedhimwithherhands,strokingdowntheplanesofhischest.Hishandwasbackinherhair,buthewasnolongeraswoundup,nolongerasclosetogoingwolf.
Thenshepressedanopenmouthedkisstohischestandhefeltanotherkindofhungerovertakehim.“More.”Itwasarawdemand.
Shelaughedsoftlyandleanedintohim,tracingcirclesaroundoneflatnipple.“Ithinkyou’refine,now.”
“More.”Hishandtightenedinherhair.
Shestrokedherownhanddownhisbody…andstoppedaninchfromtheerectionthreateningtopokeaholeinhisjeans.“Playnice.”Fingerstapdancingaquarterofaninchfromhisstrainingcock.
“No.”Hepulledbackherhead,baringherneck…thenletgo.
Sheheldtheposition,offeringhimherthroat.Agiftoftrust,becauseinchangelingcombat,youcouldloseyourlifetojawsclampingoveryourthroat.Relaxingcompletely,heslidahandoverhernapeandkissedhiswayupthearchofherneck.Shetastedof—
Airunderhispalms.Ared-hairedcatwithherhandsonherhipsseveralfeetaway.
Henarrowedhiseyes.“Teasing?”
“Youknowthatwasn’twhatIwasdoing.”
Heshowedherhisteeth.“Coward.”
“SeeifIpetyounexttimeyougoallcrazy.”
Goodgoing,Riley.“Ididn’tlikeseeingyouhurt.”
“We’vebeenoverthis—I’mnotyourconcern.TheonlyreasonI’mnotspittingatyouisbecauseIknowyouliterallycan’thelpit.”Thenshewasgone.
RileyshruggedintohisT-shirt,hisstomachtautwithaknowledgehedidn’twanttoconsider.Shewasright—predatorychangelingmenwereprotectiveasarule.ButRileywashisalpha’ssecond.Hiscontroloverhisreactionswaslegendary.Heprotected,buthedidn’tgoferal.Notlikethis.
Today,he’dbecomeawolfinhumanform,awolffixatedonMercyalone.
Wantingtoprowlafterherbutknowingthatwouldbetheabsolutewrongmovewiththiscat,hewasabouttoleavewhenhecaughttwodistinctandunfamiliarmalescentsontheaircurrents.
Thewolfexplodedtotheforefrontofhismind.
Hewasatthecabinbeforeheknewit—tofindMercystandingatthefootofthestepsthatleduptoherporch,facingoffagainsttwostrangersheimmediatelycategorizedasthreats.Thegrowlthatstartedatthebackofhisthroatturnedintocoldfocusbetweenoneinstantandthenext.Hisclawsslicedout.CHAPTER13
Atthesameinstant,CouncilorsHenryScottandAnthonyKyriakuswalkedintotheobservationchamberoppositethewould-beshooter’sroom.
“Hashesaidanything?”Henryasked.
“He’sbeenmumblingthathehastodosomething,”theheadM-Psysaid,“butwedon’tknowwhat.”
Henrystaredthroughtheglass.“Themindscanshouldgiveustheanswer.”
AnthonyknewHenrywastheCouncilormostinvolvedwithPurePsy,thegroupthathadvowedtomaintainSilenceatallcosts.Hewonderedwhattheirreactionwouldbetotheseactsofviolence,actsthatshowedthecleardisintegrationoftheProtocol.“Let’sgo,”hesaidquietly.
Astheywenttomoveintotheroom,theyglimpsedanorderlyundoingthestrapsonthepatient’sarm.Anthonyblastedoutwithatelepathicordertostop…butitwastoolate.Thepatientwrenchedouthishand,pulledapenfromtheorderly’sfrontpocket,andstabbedhimselfthroughtheearinthespaceofasinglefracturedsecond.
AnthonysensedtheM-Psyrunningtowardthebed,buthefocusedontheman’sdyingmind,readingwhathecouldbeforetheshockofdeathpetrifiedeverythingtostone.Hecaughttheedgeofcompulsion,knewsomeonehadbeenpullingthisman’sstrings.He’dbeennothingmorethanapuppet.
Easilyused.Easilydiscarded.
Itwasclearthepuppetmasterhadimplantedasuggestionthathispawnsuicideafterthecompletionofhismission,orifhewascaught.Onlythefactthattheshooterhadbeenstunnedatthescene,andthenundermentalguard,hadstoppedhimfromusinghistelepathytoaccomplishthetask.
EvenasthethoughtpassedthroughAnthony’shead,hesawtheorderlycrumpletothefloor,andbelatedlyrealizedthemanhadbeenlaboringunderthesamecompulsion.Whohadtheaccessandabilitytocontrolthismanypeople?Theanswerwas—asignificantnumberofpeopleintheCouncilsuperstructure.
TherealquestionwaswhyCHAPTER14
MercyspunaroundtofindRileyambereyedandcoldinawaythattoldherhewasn’tthinkingaboutanythingbutblood.“Riley.”
Hedidn’tlookather.“Whoarethey?”
Thetwomenoppositeherhadgonehunting-quietathisapproach,andnowshefeltthepromiseofviolencelicktheair.“Whyisthiswolfnearyourhome?”Eduardoasked,hisleopardcrawlinginthemenaceofhisvoice.
“Quiet,”sheordered,turningtothenewcomerswithfuriouseyes.“Hehasarighttobehere.You’retheinterloperssoshutit.”
Eduardoblinkedasifhe’dneverhadsomeonespeaktohiminthattone.Besidehim,Joaquinretractedhisclaws,butshewasn’tfooled.Thesemenweresentinels.Theycouldgoattack-readyinasplitsecond.Butthen,socouldshe.“Stayhere.”Steppingawayfromtheporch,sheheadedtowardRiley.
Hestilldidn’ttakehiseyesoffthemen.Snarling,shepushedhiminthechest.Hisheadsnappedtowardher.“Whoarethey?”heaskedagaininthatcoldwolfvoice.
“Sentinelsfrommygrandmother’spack,”shesaid,lividatallthreemen,butmostlyatRiley.Shewasn’tabonetobefoughtover.Hehadnorighttoactterritorial—shehadn’tgivenhimthatright.“AndIthoughtItoldyoutoheadback.”
“I’mnotleavingyoualonewithstrangers.”Quiet.Implacable.
Hertemperrose.“Wejusthadthisconversation,Riley.”
Hedidn’tanswer,hisambergazeshiftingoverhershoulder.“Whyaretheyhere?”
“Mercy’sgrandmother,”Eduardosaidfromtheporch,“thoughtshemighthave…chemistrywithoneofus.”
Mercydecidedshe’dhavetoshootEduardo.Thatpausehadbeencalculated,theinnuendounmistakable.Damncatwasenjoyingthis.AndshecouldallbutsenseRiley’sbeastpoundingagainsthisskin,readytosavageandkill.“Out,”shesaid,pointingherfingerfirstatEduardo,thenatJoaquin.“Youcomenearmyhomeagainwithoutpermission,I’llshowyouexactlywhymygrandmothercallsmeherfavoritegrand-daughter.”
Totheircredit,neithermanturnednoticeablygreen.Buttheydidcomedownoffherporch.“I’mnotleavingyoualonewithawolf.”Eduardoagain.Actingasifheheldauthorityoverher.
Mercyhadhadit.Shemovedwithoutwarning,spinningherclawedhandouttowardtheothersentinel’sthroat.Heshiftedback…butnotfastenoughtoescapethegrazeacrosshisthroat.Asheswore,hisfriendgrinnedandsaidsomethinginPortuguesethatheprobablythoughtMercycouldn’tunderstand.Butshe’dspenttimeroamingintheirhomeland.
Nowsheretractedherclawsandsaid,“Joaquinisright.Youaskedforthatone.”Sheraisedaneyebrowwhentheydidn’tmove.“Whyareyoustillhere?”
Surprisingly,itwasthequietonewhoanswered.“Welikethenightair.”HiseyeswereonRiley…who’dsteppedcloser,untilonlyMercyseparatedthethreemen.
Theyweren’tgoingtolisten.
Fuck.
Temptedtoleavethemtoit,sheglancedatRiley,sawhisrageintheiron-hardlineofhisjaw,andfeltherheartgiveajaggedbeat.Hewasattheedgeofhiscontrolaftereverythingthathadhappenedtoday—ifshelefthimalonewiththesetwo,somebodywouldgetseriouslydamaged.“Youlikethenightair?”Shesmiled,sweetaspie.“Inthatcase,let’sgoforarun.”
Wolfandleopardbothlookedatherlikeshewasinsane.
“What?Don’tthinkyoucankeepupwithme?You’reprobablyright.”Withthat,shewalkedintotheforestandtookoff,hopingthegamblewouldwork.Itdid.Allthreefollowedher,theprotectivenessbuiltintotheirnaturewinningoutoverthepossessiveness.Notthatsheneededprotecting.Neverhad.Neverwould.
AndthefactthatRileydidn’tunderstandthatmorethanirritatedher.Butinatiny,secretcorner,shewassurprisedtofindahintofpleasure.Thewolfsawherasawoman,somethingmenwereoftentooblindedbyherstatustonotice.ToobadKincaidcouldn’tcompartmentalize—whatshe’dacceptfromalover,she’dneveracceptfromanallywhowassupposedtobeherpartner.
Nowshetookthemononehellofachase.Allwerefast.ButRileyknewthislandlikethebackofhishand.QuicklyoutstrippingEduardoandJoaquin,hetrackedhertoaspotleadingawayfromherhouseandtowardtheSierra.Shekeptuptherunevenwhenhecameupbesideher.
“Stop,”hesaid,puttingahandonherarm.
Sheshookitoff.“IfIhavetoescortyouhome,thenthat’swhatI’lldo.ASnowDancerlieutenantisnotgoingtobeinjuredonmywatchonDarkRiverland.”
“Thisisn’taboutthealliance.”Thewolfwasridinghimsohard,shecouldscarcelyunderstandthewords.
“Yeah,it’saboutyouactingstupid.”
“Mercy,damnit.Stop.”Rileyswungaroundtoblockherpath.“You’retiredandbruisedfromtoday.Youneedtobeinabath.”Itagitatedthewolfthatshewastiringherselfevenfurtherwhensheshould’vebeenresting.
Shehalted,raisedaneyebrow.“Iknowthat.WhatdoyouthinkIplannedtodobeforeyouthreestartedpoundingyourchests?”
Hisvisionglazedoveratthementionoftheothermen.“They’reheretomakeaclaimonyou.”
“NoonecanmakeaclaimonmethatIdon’tallow.Andifyoudon’tknowthatbynow,there’snopointinthisconversation.”
Heheardsomethinginthatstatement,acoolfinalitythattoldhimhecouldloseherrightthismoment.Pullingoneveryounceofself-controlhehad,hereinedinthewolfandsaid,“Letmeescortyoubackhome.I’llleavestraightafter.”
“No.”Aflatrefusal,buthereyeswerefulloffire.“I’llgetmyselfhome,andifnecessary,I’llkickEduardoandJoaquin’sbutts.”
Rileyfeltthewolfbuckatthereinsatthementionofthosenamesbutheheldontohishumanity.“Theywon’tcatchyou.Youmovelikelightningandthisisyourterritory.”
“Goodanswer.”Butshestayedoutofreach.“Areyougoingtoleavefortheden?”
Hewantedtostalkthosetwounknownleopards,makesuretheyknewhe’dmarkedher,takenher.Butthat,herealized,wouldendanyandallchancehehadwiththewomanhewantedmorethanhisnextbreath.Bitingbackagrowl,heshiftedintowolfformandstaredather.
Shecamedownonherhaunchesandtouchedhimatlast,anintrinsicallyfemalestrokethroughhisfur.“Go.”
Fightingtheviolentnaturalurgesofmanandwolfboth,hedidassheasked.
MercyknewexactlyhowmuchithadcostRileytodowhathe’ddone.Yethehad.Forher.Itshatteredanotherbarrierinsideofher,madeherwonderifperhapstheycoulddothis,becomelovers,withoutitdestroyingtheworkingrelationshipbetweenthem—arelationshipthatwasvitaltotheDarkRiver-SnowDanceralliance.Theyweresentinelandlieutenant,therewasnogettingawayfromthat.Everyoneoftheiractionshadthepotentialtoreboundontotheirpacks.
Shefeltherphonevibrateasshewalkedinthroughherbackdoor,havingevadedbothEduardoandJoaquin.ThecallerIDtoldheritwashergrandmother.Realizingshebetternotansweritinhercurrentmood,shehadaquickmeal,thenstrippedandwalkedintotheshower.Thebathwouldhavetowait.Shewantedsleep.
Butherrestwasbroken.ShewasworriedaboutNash…and,ifshewashonest,aboutherinabilitytostayawayfromRiley.She’dbeentruthfulearlierwhenshe’dtoldhimshewastouchinghimbecauseheneededit.Butthatwasn’tthewholestory.
She’dneededit,too.
Thosedarkeyesthatweretoooftensolemn,thatbeautiful,thickhair,thatstubbornmalebody,italldrewher.Solid,Rileywassolid.Hisabdomenwashardenoughtobouncequartersoff,histhighsfirmlymuscled.Bitablymuscled.Buthewasinnowayslow—thoughhewasverygoodatpretendingtobe.AsEduardoandJoaquinhaddiscovered,Rileycouldmovewickedfastwhenhewantedto.
Hecouldalsomovewithleisurelypatiencewheninsideawoman.
Herentirebodysighed,wantingmore,wantinghim.Andonlyhim.
Butpowerfulthoughtheattractionwas,shecoulddeal.Shewasawomanathomewithherneeds—anditwasn’tasifhedidn’twantherback.No,itwasn’tthephysicalstuffthatworriedher.Itwastheotherthingsthatwerebeginningtobewovenintothephysical.
Likethetendernessshe’dfelttoday.
Sheshould’veberatedhimforgoingallcrazybecauseshe’dgottenalittlescratchedup,butno,she’dstrokedhiminstead.Becausewhenshe’dseenthatglintofglassinhishair,herhearthadskippedabeat.Irrationalworry.Butworry.
Andlater,whensheshould’velefthimtofightitoutwithEduardoandJoaquin,whathadshedone?Shemadesureheleftwithoutanybloodshed.Partofitshecouldblameonasentinel’sduties—hewasaSnowDancerlieutenant,andifhewasattackedbyguestsofDarkRiver,itwouldshakethefoundationsofthealliance.Buttherest…inspiteofherangerathisunearnedpossessiveness,shehadn’twantedhimhurt.Ofcourse,shethought,kickingoffthecovers,inthemoodhe’dbeenin,he’dprobablyhavemademincemeatoftheothertwo.
Shehadto…Sleepfinallycreptoverherinastealthywave,herdreamshotanddark.
Rileyranhimselftoexhaustion,buthedreamed,too.Theyweren’tgooddreams.
Hewaslate.Alwaystoolate.Willow’sbrokenbodylayinashallowgrave,andhecouldn’tevenpickherup,couldn’tevenholdherclose.
Hereyessnappedopenbuttheyweren’thereyes.Onlyonepersonhadsuchuniqueeyes—andthat’swhenhesawitwasBrennainthatgrave,beingburiedalive.Herhandsreachedforhim,buthewaslockedinplace,unabletomoveashissisterscreamed.
Untilthedirtcoveredherface,filledinhermouth,stilledherhands.
Rileyjerkeduprightwithascreamofanguishstuckinhisthroat.HisfirstinstinctwastocheckthatBrennawasokay,butitwastwothirtyinthemorning.Andtherewasnowayhewantedherawareofthedemonsthatcontinuedtohaunthim,nightafterendlessnight.
Shovingbackthesweat-damphaironhisforehead,hegotup,knowinghewouldn’tbeabletogobacktosleep.Instead,hetookashoweranddressed.
Itdidn’ttakelong.
Thereweresomanynighthourslefttogo.
Whenhebegantoheaddowntothegarage,hetoldhimselftostop,buthisfeetkeptmovingforward.Grabbingthefour-wheeldriveclosesttotheexit,hedrovethroughthepitchblackofnightintheSierraandontoDarkRiverland.Normallyhelovedthenight,thebeautyandthepeaceofit.Buttonight,thedarknesshauntedhim,reverberatingwithathousandechoesofnightmare.
Fightingthoseinsidiouswhispers,hekepthisfocusstrictlyonhisdestination.Andthenhe’darrived.Mercy’svehiclewasthereinitsspot.Somethinginhimrelaxed.Parkingnexttoit,heexitedintoaworldcloakedintheopaquehushofamoonlessnight.Itwasinstincttogotohercabinandsitonthesteps.Hiswolfwasstillagitated,buthere,hecouldthink.Blowingoutabreath,hedecidedtosimplywaitfordawn.ForMercy.
Thatwaswhenthedooropened.“Riley?”
Ofcourseshe’dknownhewasthere—shewasasentinel.Andinsomepartofhissoul,he’dcountedonthat.“Don’taskmeanyquestionstonight,Mercy.”Hedidn’tlookather,feelingvulnerableinawaythatpanickedhiswolf.
“Allright.”Softfootsteps.“Butwouldyouliketocomeinside?”
Waryofheragreement,butneeding…something,hewalkedin.Shetookhishand,hergoldeneyesluminousinthedark.“Comeon,wolf.”
Heletherleadhimtothebedroom.
“Bootsoff,”shesaid,andcrawledbeneaththeblanket.
Sittingonachairnearthevanity,hetookoffhisfootwearandjustwatchedher,notsurehecoulddothis.She’dgivenherwordsoshe’dasknoquestions,butshe’dknow,she’dseetoodeep,tothingshekepthiddenbecausetheyshamedhimsoutterly.
“Noquestions,”shesaidagainafteranendlessmoment,andlifteduptheedgeoftheblanket.
Manandwolfbothhungeredforthesimplebeautyofhertouch.Hehadnopower,nowill,toresist.Standing,hecrossedthecarpettoslideintobedbesideher,fullydressed.Andwhenherarmscamearoundhim,whenherfingersstrokedintohishair,heburiedhisfaceinthecurveofherneckandlettheunexpectedtendernesshealthewoundsofthenight.
Sometimebeforedawn,heslept.
MercywoketotheknowledgethatshewaswrappedaroundRileylikeivy,herfaceagainsthischest,herlegstangledwithhis,herhandsundertheT-shirthewaswearingbeneathakhakishirt.Theblankethadbeenkickedoffbutshewastoastywarm,hegeneratedsuchlusciousheat.Hercatpurred,wantingtostaylikethisallday.
Sowhenthephonerang,shehadahardtimeextricatingherselfsoshecouldgrabitbeforehedid.Shesucceededonlybecausethewolfwashalf-asleep.
“Wehadcontactfromthekidnapper,”Lucassaid.“Hewantsameet.”
Shesnappedupright.“It’smine.”
“It’syours,”Lucasagreedandgaveherthedetails.“I’llcallHawke,havesomewolvesmeetyouthere.”
Shedecidednottomentionshehadonewolfrightinfrontofher.Closingthephone,sheranherfingersoverhisstubbledjaw.“Timetomove,Kincaid.”
Nowords,buthismusclesgrewpainfullyrigidunderherhands.
Heonlyrelaxedhalfanhourlater,whenshecontinuedtokeepherpromisetoasknoquestions.Shedidn’thaveto.Sheknewwhathauntedthispowerful,proudmale,thoughhe’dneverspokenofit,neverevenacknowledgedit.Andyetwhenthedemonshadbecometoobad,he’dcometoher
Itchangedthings,butthatwassomethingtheydidn’thavethetimetodiscuss.NotwhileNashremainedahostage.
Thekidnapperwaswaitingforthemintheshadowydepthsofahalf-demolishedbuildingontheoutskirtsofSanFrancisco.Earlymorninglightwhisperedoverthesite,butsomehowfailedtosoftentheharshlinesofplascreteandmetal.
EverythingabouttheplacesetMercy’shacklestorising.
Hereyesscannedtheblackplasticthatfloatedwherethewindowsshould’vebeen,givingthebuildingevenmoreofasinistercast.Neithersideofherlikedtheplace,butitmatteredlittle.Shewentinfirst…afterafuriousargumentwithaRileywhowasbacktohisusualinfuriatingself.
“Humanmalesunderestimatefemales,”shesaid,“evenmorethanstupidchangelingmen.”
“Hecouldhaveagun.”
“I’mwearingabulletproofvest.”Shetouchedthelightweightfabric.“Yougoin,you’resomadyoumighttearoffhisfacebeforehetellsusanything,”
Riley’shandclosedoverherupperarm,darkeyesringedwithamber.“Hedeservestohavehisfacetornoff.”
“Thatwon’ttelluswhereNashis,willit?”Shegrittedherteeth.“Wehaven’tscentedhimanywherenearthisbuilding.Ifyoukillthisguy,we’rebacktosquareone.”
“Idon’tlikeyougoingintherealone.”
“There’retenofyououthere!You’llonlybeacoupleofsecondsbehindme.Howisthatgoinginalone?”Shewasnosetonosewithhimbynow.
Someoneclearedtheirthroat.
Riley’sgrowlscaredthemoff.“Don’tpullanyshitbecauseyouwanttoshowoff.”
“Waitasecond.”Shelookeddownthenbackup.“Nope,Ihaven’tgrownacockinthelastfewminutes.Ihavenoneedtoprovewhoseisbigger.”
Heleanedforwardandbitherlip.Hardenoughtosting.She’dhavekneedhim,butsheneededhismangywolfasscoveringhers.“Happynow?”shemuttered,wonderingifanyonehadn’tseenthatblatantdisplayofownership.SheandRileyweregoingtohavealongtalkafterthiswasover.
“No.Iwon’tbehappyuntilIhaveyouovermylap.”
Shenarrowedhereyes.“Tryitandwe’llseewhostillhashisballs.”
Twominuteslater,shewalkedintothedimroominonecornerofthebuilding,thewindowshalfcoveredbyoldcurtainsratherthantheubiquitousblackplastic.Somelightcreptin,butitwasdull,asiftheroomswallowedallenergy—thekidnapperhadclearlychosenthelocationforthatveryreason.Hisskinshimmeredwithdarkness,andheusedtheshadowstoturnhimselfintoanuncertainsilhouette.Butshewasacat,hervisionacute.Shesawhisheight,thewayheheldhimself,andknewthismancoulddrawbloodwithasinglesharpmove.
“I’marmedbutIhavenointentionofattacking,”werehisfirstwords.
Mercykeptherhandsinsight,too.“ExcusemeifIdon’ttakeyourwordonit.”HisEnglishwasflawless,shethought,hisaccenttooclean.
“Touché.”Thatwordfellfarmorenaturallyfromhislips.“MynameisBowen.”Aflashofperfectwhiteteeth.“Bo’swhatfolkscallmemostofthetime.”
“Carelessofyoutoloseyouridentitybracelet.”
“Thelynxwasstrongerthanwethought.”Anothersmile.“CanIhaveitback?”
Charming,shethought.Andheusedhischarmlikeaweapon.“We’renotheretobefriends.Where’sNashandwhatdoyouwantinexchangeforhim?”CHAPTER15
“He’ssafe.”Bowensaid,nohintofsweatorpanicinhim.
Mercywasn’tfooled.Peoplecouldlearntoregulatetheirbreathingandbodilyreactionsiftheypracticedhardenough.“I’dliketoseehim.”
“Afterwetalk.”Nocharmnow.
“Sotalk.Explainwhyyoutraumatizedayounggirlandstoleherbrother.”
Bowenblewoutabreath,hishandsfisting.“Itwasmeanttobeastraightgrab,noharm,nofoul.Thelittleone…wedidn’trealizeshewasoutsideuntilitwastoolate.”
“Whatdoyouwant?”sheaskedagain.
“TotalkwiththeDarkRiverandSnowDanceralphas.TherearethingsyouneedtoknowabouttheHumanAlliance.”
“Andyouwanttotellusoutofthegoodnessofyourheart?”
“IhaveapriceonmyheadasofthenightofNash’skidnapping,”hesaid,toneblunt.“Sodotherestofmymenandwomen.We’reacrackteam,butthereareonlytenofus.Weneedtoallyourselvestosomeonestrongerorwe’llbedeadinamatterofdays.”
Mercyraisedaneyebrow.“Icantellyounow,yourchancesaren’thigh.”Maybeitwasn’twhatahumannegotiatorwould’vesaid,butifBowenknewanythingaboutchangelings,he’dknowalesshostileresponseforalie.Evennow,shecouldfeelthetidalwaveofenmityfromthemenandwomenatherback.Catorwolf,itdidn’tmatter—theyallwantedtotearBowenintoamillionsmallpieces.
“Yeah,well,it’sbetterthannochance.”Bowenshrugged,shouldersmovingwithafighter’sgraceunderabatteredleather-synthjacket.
“LongasyoucontinuetoholdNash,noonewilltalktoyou.”Shemadehertoneasunyieldingashisown.“Nonnegotiable.”
Highcheekbonescutsharplyagainstskintherich,exoticshadeofthefinestcaramel.“He’ssittinginroom10attheHappyInndownthestreet.”
“Unconscious?”
“No.”Bowenactuallylookedshamefaced.“Wetoldhimwe’dgonebackandgrabbedhislittlesistersohe’dcooperate.”
ThatexplainedwhytheRatsandtrackershadstruckout.Hidinganangrylynxwasafardifferentcryfromholdingacooperativeone.“Nice.”
Forthefirsttime,themaskofcivilityslipped.“Hurtfeelingscanbemended.Deadmenwon’trise.”
Mercydidn’tsayanything.“We’llwaitwhilemypeoplecheckouttheinn.”
Sotheydid.Insilence.Riley’senergywasaviolentheatagainstherskin,butheheldhispositionoutside.
Fifteenminuteslater,therewasacommotionatthefrontandthensomeoneyelledout,“WehaveNash!”Apause.“Andhewantsblood!”
MercymetBowen’seyes,notdroppingherguard.“Yougoingtomaketrouble?”
“Igaveyoubackyourboy,didn’tI?”
“True.SoIcouldkillyourightnow.”Shewasn’tashostileasRiley,butshedidn’tlikethosewhopreyedontheweak.NashandWillowhadbeenunderDarkRiver’scare—theywerehersasmuchasTammy’scubswere.“Aclawslashtoafewimportantspotsandyou’reoutofourhairforgood.”
Timestoodstill.
Manymilesfromthechillstandoffinthatabandonedbuilding,aslendermaledrovehiscarintotheSanGabrielMountains.Hisfacewascoveredwithsweat,hishandswhite-knuckledaroundthesteeringwheel.Therewerenoembeddedroadsthisfarup,nowaytoputhissmall,city-usecaronautomatic.Evenifithadbeenpossible,hewouldn’thavechosenit.
Heneededtofocus,toconcentrate.
Hiseyessawonlygravelandrock,anendlesstwistingpathway.
Takethegunhiddeninthetrunkofyourcar.DrivetotheenclaveofartistsontheedgeoftheMojave.Killasmanyofthemasyoucanbeforetheammunitionrunsout.Remember,saveonebulletforyourself.
Thecarshudderedasitfellintoapothole,rattlinghisbrain,throwingthosewhisperingthoughtsintochaos.Hemanagedtogetitoutbutthetirewasflat.Hittingthehover-drive,hecontinuedonhisway.Hecouldn’tstop.Ifhestopped,thegunwouldfinditswayintohishands.Andmen,women,andchildrenwoulddie.
Thecompulsioncrushedhismind,creatingpinpricksofdarknessbehindhiseyelids—veinswerestartingtoshatter,tobleedinsidehisskull.Hecouldn’tgoanyfarther.Twistingthewheel,hebroughtthecartoahaltonthesideoftheroughmountainroad.Thenhegotout—hisgazegoingimmediatelytothetrunk.No.Hewilledhimselftoturn.Thatcliff,itwascloseenough.Holdinghisheadinhishands,heforcedhimselftoputonefootinfrontoftheother.
Allhehadtodowasgettotheedge.Hedidn’ttrusthimselfwiththegun.Butafallwouldshatterhisbrainjustaswell.
AnhourafterfindingNash,MercydroveastillaliveanduninjuredBowenoutofthecity,Indigobyherside.Bowen’shandswerecuffed,hiseyesblindfolded.Dorianhadcomeoutandusedhistoystosearchfor—andremove—twotrackingdevices.
Bowenwasn’tworried.“I’dhavebeenstupidifIhadn’thadbackup.”
Assuminghisteamwasfollowing,Mercytookhimoutthroughanumberofbackroads,makinganypursuithighlyvisibletothelargeSUVfollowinghervehicle.BythetimetheycircledaroundandpulledintoadesertedsectionoftheGoldenGateNationalRecreationAreaontheothersideofthebridge,Bowenwasverymuchalone.
Hehelduphiswristswhentheyremovedtheblindfoldandlethimgetout.“IthinkyouguyscantakemeonevenifI’mfree.”
MercyshiftedinfrontofRileyasheexitedtheSUVandwalkedover.“Don’tirritateus,”shesaidtoBowen.TheAlliancemanmightbeatoughsonofabitch,butRileywasaveryexperiencedwolfinacoldrage.
Jet-blackeyeswentfromonetotheother.“Something’sgoingonthatIclearlydon’tknowabout.”
“Thelasttimeourpeoplewereabducted,oneendedupdeadandtheotherwastorturedsobadlymostpeoplethoughtshe’dneverrecover,”shesaid,lettinghimglimpsetheleopard’sneedtohurt,topunish.“Soyourchancesofconvincingusofanythingareaboutzero.”
Bowenswore.“Ourintelwaswrong.We’dneverhavedoneitthiswayifwe’dknown.”
“ExcusemeifIdon’tsympathize.”MercycouldallbutfeelRiley’swolf,ahot,angrybreathagainsthernape.ItwasaswellthatDorianhadleftafterdoingthetechnicalsearch.Shedidn’tknowifshe’dhavebeenabletokeepBowensafefromtwomenwhocontinuedtobeartheviciouswoundsoftheirsisters’abductions.
Itdidn’tmatterthatWillowwasyoung,itdidn’tevenmatterthatshewasfemaleandNashmale—thegirlhadbeentraumatizedbybeingunabletohelpherbrother,herfledglingconfidencedented.Mercyknewthatifshewasn’thandledright,littleWillowwouldstopsneakingoutatnight.Andforachangelingtocurluplikethat…
Sheturned.“Indigo?”
“I’vegothim.”
LettingtheSnowDancerlieutenantescortBowenintoposition,MercyshiftedtofaceRiley.“Ineedyoutodeal.”
Amberglitteredinhiseyesbuthedidn’targue.“I’llhangback.Toughertoripthebastard’sheadofffromhere.”Withthat,hetookapositionclosetotheouterperimeteroftheprotectivesemi-circlearoundLucasandHawke.
Ofthetwoalphas,Lucaswasthemorecalm.Partofitwasbecausehewasbuiltthatway.Butmostlyitwasbecausehehadamatewhogroundedhim.Hawke,ontheotherhand…hisiceblueeyeswerethoseofawolf,hishairthesilver-goldofhispeltinhisanimalform.Helookedexactlywhathewas—apredatoruncontainedbyanyloyaltysavethattohispack.AndbythreateningSnowDancer’sbiggestally,Bowenhadthreatenedthatpack.
Thewolfalpha’seyesmetMercy’sasshecameupbesideBowen,andthehairsonthebackofherneckrose.HawkewasfullycapableofkillingBowenthenandthere.GlancingatLucas,shesawhimspeartheAlliancemanwithagreen-eyedlookthatspokeofthepantherwithin.“Youwantedtotalk,sotalk.”
Yeah,LucascouldputonthecivilizedactmuchbetterthanHawke,butwhenyougotdowntoit,hewasaslethalasthewolf.“Whydidyoutakeoneofus?”
“BecauseNashwasindangerofbeingcapturedbytheparamilitaryarmoftheAlliance.”
“SeemslikethatwouldbeastupidmoveontheAlliance’spart,”Mercysaid.“Afterwhathappenedtothelastgroupthattriedtocomeafteroneofus.”Everysingleintruderhaddied,somefallingpreytoasniper’srifle,theotherstoclawsandteeth.
“You’dthinkso.”Bowen’stonewasbitter.“Themenwhodiedinyourterritoryweremyfriends,myfellowsoldiers.”
“You’renotgoingtogetsympathyhere,”Indigosaidfromherpositiontohisright,hervoiceicy.
“Ididn’texpectany.”BowenheldLucas’sgaze.“TheysaidAshayaAleinewouldhelptheHumanAlliancetakeitsrightfulpositionintheworld.Webelievedtherhetoriccomingfromthetop.Wethoughttheyhadonlyourfutureinmind.”
Leavesrustledinthemidmorningbreeze,buteventhegullshadgonequiet.
“Later…itwasobviouswewereinvitingwar.”Bowen’svoicegrewrigidwithwithheldanger.“Thatwasn’twhatIsignedonfor.Theleadershipseemedtorealizethatatthesametimeandweweretoldtogoquiet.Buttwodaysago,weheardthere’dbeenadecisiontosnatchNash.”Hewenttoraisehiscuffedhandsbutdroppedthemmidway.“Lookatthebackofmyneck.”
MercynoddedatIndigotopushdownBowen’scollar,whileshecoveredtheSnowDancerlieutenant.“He’sgotascarwherethechipshouldbe.”
“Weallgotthem,alltheAlliancesoldiers.”Bowenlifteduphishead.“Theytoldusitwouldhelpprotectus—wefiguredithadtodowithshieldingusagainstPsyinterference.”
InterestspikedinMercy.HumanswerethemostvulnerabletoPsyintrusions—changelingshadrock-solidnaturalshields.“Didit?”
“Nevertested.”Heshrugged.“Onethingitdiddowasallowtheleadershiptotrackus.LikewewerefuckingGPS-chipped.”
“WefoundoneofthosethingsinNash’shouse.”
“Thatlynxhadsharpclaws,”Bowensaid.“Threewentin,butonlyoneofushadthechipbythatstage—sotheAlliancewouldknowwho’dtakentheboy,butnotwhere.Nashsavedusthetroubleofremovingthechipaftertheop.”
“Youtellingusyouflippedofftheleadership?”Hawkeaskedpoint-blank.
“Yeah,prettymuch.”
“WhynotjustwarnussowecouldprotectNash?”Mercyasked.
“One—therewasn’tenoughtime.Two—becausewewantedyouawareofwhatwecando,”cametheunflinchingresponse.“Wearen’teasyprey,sodon’tmistakeusforit.”
“You’reinourcity,”Lucassaidsoftly.“We’llgeteachandeveryoneofyousoonerorlater.NameLilyringabell?Sloppyofyoutoleaveheraloneonwatchatyourhideout.”
Bowenfroze.“Hurtherandwe’llstrikeback.Yourpeoplewilldiefornoreason.”
MercyguessedtheintelaboutthehideouthadcomeinwhileshewasnegotiatingwithBowen.Likely,theAlliancepeoplehadgiventhemselvesawaywhentheymovedtoprotectBowen’sback—afreshtrailmadeallthedifference.
“Wedon’tkillinnocents,”Lucassaid.“Butyou’renotexactlyinnocents.”
“WhattheAllianceisbecoming”—Bowen’shandsfisted—“it’snotanythingwewanttobeapartof.Andwe’renottheonlyones.”
“Soyouwantustoallowapitofviperstosetuphouseinourterritory?”Indigo’ssarcasticvoice.
Bowenlookedather.“Areyouallthesame?Allthewolves?Webelievedinourleadership.Wewerebetrayed.Nowwe’retakingstepstomoveoutoftheirshadow.”
“Andwe’resupposedtotakeyourwordforit,permittingyoutoallyyourselfwithtwopowerfulgroups?”Mercyshookherhead.“Niceandopportunisticofyou.”
“Likevultures,”Indigoadded.
Thetwowomen’seyesmet.Mercysmiled.
“Ifwedon’t,”Bowensaid,whitelinesofstrainaroundhismouth,“they’llkillusthroughsheerstrengthinnumbers.AndIthinkbothSnowDancerandDarkRiverwouldpreferthatdidn’thappen.Becauseifitdoes,thenthemilitantstakecompletecontroloftheAlliance.”
MercysawLucasglanceatHawkeandthewolfnod.Lucasclearlyspokeforbothofthemwhenhesaid,“Gobacktoyourhideoutandstaythere.Don’tcauseanyproblems.Thesecondyoudo,you’redead.”Flat,coldwords.
“Wecan’tsitstill,”Bowenargued,shoulderstightwithfrustration.
Hawkeshrugged,andthoughhewasinhumanform,itwasasifthewolfhadmadethemovement.“Somove.Anddie.”
“Youwanttoplaypowergameswithyourleadership—findanotherlocation.”Lucas’sfacewaspurealpha,nohintofgiveinhim.“We’lltakecareoftheAllianceourway.”
Mosthumanswould’vebackeddownbynow—hell,sowouldmostchangelings,butBowenheldfirm.“Wecanhelpyou,”hesaid.“We’restrong,well-trained,andweknowhowtobeloyal.”Hismouthtwisted.“Atleastuntilthatloyaltyisbetrayed.”
“Areyousayingyou’rewillingtoswearallegiancetous?”Lucasasked.
Bowennodded.“Ifthat’swhatittakes.”
“Theinstantyoudo,”Lucascontinued,“youfalloutofEnforcementjurisdiction.IcouldtearoutyourheartforbreakingPacklaw,andthey’dstandasideandletme.”
“Forgetabouttearingoutyourheart,”Hawkesaidcasually,“I’dripyoulimbfromlimb.”
Rileyspokeforthefirsttime.“Idon’twantanyoneinourpackwhothinkskidnappingateenageroutofhishomeisagoodtacticalmove.”
MercyknewthesecondBowenrealizedthatthoughtwoalphasstoodinfrontofhim,therealdangerlayathisback.Rileywasreadytoguthim.Thehumanmaleturned.“WesavedNashfromafarworsefate.CheckallflightsfromEuropeoverthepastforty-eighthours.Ibetyouyou’llfindahellofalotofmenandwomencominginwhowalklikemercenaries.ThatnewAlliancesquadisstillhere.”
“You’reholdingtheinformationhostage?”Rileyagain,soundingoh-so-calm.Ithadtakenhersixmonthsofworkingwithhimbeforeshe’drealizedthecalmerhegot,theangrierhewas.
“Idon’thaveit,”Bowenresponded.“Onethinghumanshavegottenverygoodatovertheyearsisblendingin.TheAllianceteamisinthecity,that’sallIknow.MycontactatHQtellsmetheyalsohaveanewtarget,butwedon’tknowwhoorwhat.”
“Mercy,”Lucassaid,“debriefandtakehimbacktohispeople.”ToBowen,hesaid,“Asfaraswe’reconcerned,you’restilltheenemy.Youproveuswrong,fine.Butuntilthen,yousomuchasliftaweaponinthiscity,we’lltakeyouout.”
IntheSanGabrielMountains,anotherstrugglecontinuedtotakeplaceunderanunforgivingsun.
TheslenderPsymalewasalmosttotheedgeofthecliffwhenhefell.Hiskneesbledasthegravelshreddedhispantsbuthebarelyfeltthepain.Hisheadwasabouttoexplode.Atrickleofliquidslidfromhisnoseandwhenhetouchedit,hisfingertipcameawaystainedred.
Thecompulsiondidn’tlikebeingdenied.
Determined,hetriedtogetup.Hisbodyrefused.Ithurt.Everythinghurt.Buthehadtogettotheedge.Sohepitchedhimselfforwardandstartedtocrawl.Afewmoremetersandhecouldendthiswithoutdoingthatwhichshouldneverbedone.HewasPsy.Hecouldn’tpickupagunandmowdowninnocentmenandwomen.
Insidehismind,thecompulsionslammeduppainfullyagainstthesolidwallofSilence.Hisnosebledfaster.Whenheheardawolf’showlonthebreeze,herealizedhemightnothavetomakeittotheedge.Perhapsnaturewouldendthisforhim.
Mercydroveastill-angryRileybacktothecabinsohecouldheaduptotheden.“You’remakingmyteethache.”
Thewolfinthepassengerseatstaredatheroutofhumaneyes.“Noquestionsevennow?”
Surprisedhe’dbroughtitup,sheshrugged.“Somepromisesyoudon’teventhinkofbreaking.”He’dtrustedherwithhispainlastnight,andsheknewjusthowdifficultthatkindoftrustwasforhim.Theleopardhadbeenstartledbyit…butthatstartlementwasgrowingintosomethingstronger,somethingthatthreatenedthedistanceshewastryingtokeep.
Rileyopenedhismouthasiftoreplywhensomethingbeepedintothesilence.Takingouthiscellphone,hecheckedthemessageandswore.
Shetorehermindawayfromtheimplicationsofthepreviousnight.Becauseshe’dlethimin.Andthat,too,wasararekindoftrust.“What?”
“Nothing.Justkidsbeingstupid.”Hestuckthephonebackintohispocket.“Ihavetogobustsomeheadsupattheden.”
“Whydoyouhavetobetheonetohandoutpunishment?”
“Becausethekidsgotcaughthatchingaplantotoilet-paperJon.NotJon’shome.Jon.”Hesoundedlikehehadaspikebeingdrivenintohiseyeballs.“AndsinceI’mtheDarkRiverliaison,Juddfindsithighlyamusingtomakemedealwithit.”
Mercymoaned.“Oh,God.”JonhadbeenadoptedintoDarkRiverbyClayandTallyafewmonthsback.He’dnotonlyfitrightin,he’dbecometheundisputedleaderofhisagegroup—andJonwasn’tchangeling,whichsaidsomethingabouthisskills.“Jonprobablydidsomethingfirst.”
“Anddidn’tgetcaught.”Rileyshookhishead.“Iwishthislotwould’vebeenbetterathidingtheirtracks.”Hiseyesglimmeredamberwhenheglancedather.“WherearetheSouthAmericans?”
Herleopardbareditsteethinasoundlessgrowlattheunwelcomechangeintopic.“Don’tknow.Don’tcare.”Thoughshehadeveryintentionofmakingheropinionofthepaircleartohergrandmother.“Andthosetwohavenothingtodowithwhetherornotweshareskinprivileges.”
Rileysnorted.“Please.Yourgrandmotherthrewthematyoubecausethere’sahighchanceyourmatewillbeadominantleopard.”
“What’sthattoyou?”Itcameoutwithoutthought,andshewasn’tsureifitwasawarningoradare.
Hisphonebeepedagainbeforehecouldanswer.Rileycheckeditwithagrimace.“You’llhavetocomeupwithme.”
“Hey,wolvesareyourstodealwith.”ShemeanttohaveahardchatwithEduardoandJoaquinduringthattime.Noonewasgoingtopushherintoasituationshedidn’tchoose.“Ihaveenough—”
“TheyhadJonduct-tapedtoatree.Juddjustsprunghim—buthewasfoundwithasuspiciousamountofitchingpowderinhispockets.Andseveralofthewolfjuvenileshavebeensquirmingforhours.”
Mercywantedtobeatherselfwithabluntobject.“Please,God.Killmenow.”
“I’dratherworkoutmyfrustrationbystrippingyounakedandlettingyouusethoseclawsonme.”
Andthatquickly,allshewantedtodowastocrawlalloverhim.CHAPTER16
AtaquietmeetingroominthesunkencityofVenice,fourwomenandfivemensataroundalong,darktable.Outsidethewindowssituatedflushagainstthedomethatkeptthiscityanditsinhabitantsfromdrowning,waterlappedinagentle,blue-greenwash.Butinside,thequietwassharp,spikedwiththeknife-edgeoftension.
Twoofthechairsaroundthetablelayempty.AurineandDouglashadbothwalkedawayduringthediscussionofthelatestoperation,unwillingandunabletoseethelong-rangenatureoftheplansthey’dhelpeddevelop.Thechairmanwasfrustratedbytheirlackofvision,butthen,perhapsitwasbettertheyweregone—Aurine,inparticular,hadbeenvociferousinheroppositiontotheNashBakeroperation.She’dundoubtedlyhaveusedthisopportunitytopushforalessmilitantapproach.
“Bowen’steamhasgoneunder,”thechairmantoldtheothers.“Butthey’renotourprimaryconcern—Isenttheinformationaboutthetargetwithabrand-newteam,yetBowenandhispeoplemanagedtoacquireandactonthatinformationbeforetheothersevenarrivedinthecity.”
“Theleak—coulditbeAurine?”anothermanasked.“Shewasvocalaboutherdisagreement.”
“No,”athirdmanresponded.“She’sawomanofherword—I’vehadenoughbusinessdealingswithhertoappreciatethat.”
“Douglas?”
“Tooweak,”oneofthewomenmurmured.“Hewasontheboardbecausehehadmoney,notballs.”
Someofthemengrimaced,butthechairmannodded.“Whichmeansit’seitheroneofus,orthere’saleakinouroffices.Iintendtoplugthatleak.”Astatementthatcarriedthemenacingdarknessofathreat.
“Goahead.”Thiscamefromthesamewomanwho’dspokenearlier.“Butdon’ttrytoplaythebigman.”Adisdainfulsniff.“Youmayhavedelusionsofgrandeurbutthisisagroupeffort.Ifyoucan’tunderstandthat,youshouldn’tbehere.”
Thechairmanblinked,takenbysurprise,thoughhehiditwell.“Ofcourse.I’dneverpresumeotherwise.Butyoudidaskmetobeinchargeofsecuritymatters—it’smyjobtoclosethebreach.”
Andhewouldcloseit.Noonewasgoingtostandinthewayofhisvision—bythetimethiswasover,humanitywouldrule…andseehimastheirgod.EvenifhehadtopaintthestreetswithPsyandchangelingblood.CHAPTER17
ThesituationintheSnowDancerdenturnedoutnottobeasbadasMercyhadfeared.LucashadcomeupwithHawkesotheycoulddiscusstheAlliancemattermoreindepth,andSaschahadaccompaniedhimforreasonsofherown.Asaresult,asuitablychastenedJonwassittinginthe“brig”whentheygotback.
“Whydoeshelooklikeheswallowedraweggs?”MercyaskedSascha,aftershefoundheralpha’smateinfrontofsaidbrig.Onecellheldwolfjuveniles,theother,Jon.Nowthatshethoughtaboutit,everysinglemiscreantlookedprunefaced.“Whatdidyoudotoallofthem?”
Saschagaveherabeatificsmileastheywalkedoutintothecorridorandbegantoheadsouth.“Theyhadtosayonenicethingabouteachother.Jonhadtosayanicethingabouteverysinglewolfhedustedwiththatpowder.”
Mercy’sleopardgrinned.“Ilikethisnewevilsideofyou.”ThenatureofSascha’sgiftmeantshecouldn’thurtanyonewithouthurtingalongwiththatperson.Thatdidn’tmeanherspinewasn’tforgedoutofunadulteratedsteel.“IhadwildmonkeysexwithRiley.”Thespeedwithwhichitcameouttoldher,hersubconscioushadsimplybeenwaitingforthechance.
Saschaalmosttrippedoverherownfeet.“Oh.”Apauseassheglancedaroundthecorridorandloweredhervoice.“Lucasmentioneditbut…really?YouandRiley?”
“Oh,yeah.”Mercyrubbedherface.“Ican’tbelieveIjusttoldyou.ItmeansI’mthinkingofdoingitagain.”
“Wasitgood?”Saschaslappedahandoverhermouth,cardinaleyeswidewithmortification.“I’vebeenlivingtoolongwithcats.Thatwasahorriblynosyquestion.”
“Itwasfantastic,”Mercyanswered.“Fan-fucking-tastic.Iwantmore.It’smakingmeinsane.”
“What’sstoppingyoufrom…?”
“Asidefromthefactthathe’sawolf?”Sheraisedaneyebrow.“AndI’macat?There’sallsortsofwrongthere.”
“Mercy,don’ttryandsnowme.Changelingsaren’tanimals.You’rehuman,too.Andthere’snothingwrongwithastrongwomanlikeyoufindingRileyattractive.”
Mercyreacheduptoredoherponytail.“Youknowhowpredatorychangelingmenare.”Butnowsheknewhewasmorethanthat—she’dfeltthedepthofhishurt,seenaglimmerofaheartsostrong,itmadetheleopardhungertobeinvitedin.
“You’rehardlyacreampuff.”Sascha’sexpressionfilledwithmischief.“Idon’tthinkRiley’sgoingtoknowwhathithim.”
AshiversizzleddownherspineevenasshegrinnedatSascha’scomment.Glancinginstinctivelytotheright,shesawRileyheadingoutfromtheareawheretheboyswerecontained.“Finished?”
“Thistime.”HelookedatSascha.“They’recallingyoutheDevilIncarnate.”
Smilewide,Saschadustedoffherhands.“Myworkhereisdone.”Sheglancedatherwatch.“IhavetogoseeToby,”shesaid,mentioningJudd’snephew,“andthenI’dbettergorescueHawkeandLucasfromeachother.Youtwogoingtositinonthismeeting?”
“Imightswingby,seeiftheyneedusforanything,”Mercysaid.“Afterthat,I’mgonnagoforalongrun,clearmyhead.”Therewastoomuchcrapcloggingherup—theHumanAlliancegoingsuddenlypsychotic,juvenilesactingupnowofalltimes,andthisdamn,unquenchablethirstforRiley“theWall”Kincaid.They’dbeenantagonistsforsolong,theincreasingcomplexityofherfeelingsforhimkeptcatchingherunawares.
Rileydidn’tsayanythingasheaccompaniedhertoHawke’soffice,whichdidn’tsurpriseher.Thewolfcouldbeveryquietwhenhewasthinking—andstrangeasitwas,she’dcometobecomfortablewithhissilences.BecauseRileyneverstoppedbeingthere,hisfocusasabsoluteasalways.
Hawkewaspickingupacallastheywalkedin.MercyleanedoverthebackofLucas’schair,intendingtoaskifheneededhertodoanythingbeforesheheadeddown,butHawkeswore,sailor-harsh,beforeshecouldgetawordout.Shelookeduptofindhisfaceamaskofangerand,oddly,pity.
“Senditthrough,”hesaid,andflickedonthecommpaneltotheirleft.
Thescreenfilledwiththeimageofagolden-blondSnowDancersoldier.“Wefoundhimcollapsedontheedgeofthecliff.Lookslikehewastryingtocrawloverit.Holdon.”Thesoldierturnedhiscellphonesotheycouldseetheroughtentthathadbeenriggedafewfeetaway.Gettingcloser,heliftedtheedgeofthecanvastorevealthemalewholayunconsciousinside.
“He’scoveredinblood,andasfaraswecantellhe’scontinuingtobleedfromthenoseandears.”Apause.“Jemsaysitlookslikethefineveinsinhiseyesarestartingtogoaswell.Wedon’thavetheresourcestotreathim—I’vecalledanEvacunit,butIdon’tthinkit’llgethimtoahospitalintime.”
“Anythingtotelluswhoheis?”Hawkeasked.
“FullIDinthepocket—SamuelRain,aroboticsexpertemployedatPsionResearch.”
“That’saPsycompany,”Mercymuttered.“HePsy?”
“Doesn’thavethesmell,”wastheresponse.“Butfromthedensityofhisbones,I’dsayso.Onemorething—hehadaloadedsemiautomaticinthetrunkofhiscar.”
Lucastappedafingeronthearmofhischair.“Wecangetwordtosomeonewhomightbeabletogethimoutofthereintime,gethimdirectlytoPsymedics.”
TheSnowDanceralphadidn’thesitate.“Doit.Jesus,whatawaytofreakingdie.”
Mercywasalreadypullingouthercellphone,knowingexactlywhoLucaswastalkingabout.AnthonyKyriakusknewavery,veryfastteleporter.“Whatarehisprecisecoordinates?”Headingoutoftheofficesoonasshehadthatinfo,shemadethecalltoFaithinprivate.
Rileymethereyesasshereentered.“Stillkeepingsecrets?”
“Ofcourse.Don’ttellmeyoushareeverything?”Shereturnedherattentiontothecommpanel.“WhatwoulddriveaPsytothrowhimselfoffacliff?”
“Heprobablydidn’twanttousethegun,”Rileysaidwithquietpragmatism.
Lucasshovedahandthroughhishair.“Ifthiskindofthingistheouteredge,what’sgoingtohappenwhenthePsyNetreallyfractures?”
“Hellonearth,”Hawkesaid,eyesonthescreen.
“Whoa!”Itcamefromthesoldieronthecliff.“He’sgone.”Heswitchedthecameratoshowtheemptyspotwherethebodyhadlain.“Fuck,thatteleportermustbegoodtodoitfromadistance.”
Mercyagreed.She’drarelyseenateleporterinaction,butSaschahadtoldherthatmostneededcontactwiththeir“passenger.”“Well,”shesaidafterthecommscreencleared,“Iguessthat’sthat.”
“Doyouthink,”Hawkemurmured,thosepalewolfeyescontemplative,“they’ddothesameforusifwewerelyinginjuredandbleedinginfrontofthem?”
“DependsontheindividualPsy,”Mercyanswered,havingsomeideaofhowmuchHawkedespisedmostofthepsychicrace.“Luckyforthisguywearen’ttheviciousanimalstheCouncilmakesusouttobe.”
Rileystirredbesideher.“Youneedustherestoftheday?”
ItwasLucaswhoanswered.“No.Go…play.”
Hawke’sgrimlookturnedwolf-wickedasMercynarrowedhereyesatheralphaandlefttheroom.ShefeltRileyexitbesideher,thoughhedidn’tsayaworduntiltheywerebackinthemaincorridors.“Iguessthesecret’sout.”
“What’reyoutalkingabout?”shesaid,thedevilinhertakingover.Seeingthatbloody,brokenbodyhadbeenthefinalstraw—sheneededtodecompress.AndwhatbetterwaythanbyteasingRiley?
“You,”hesaid,hisvoicedroppingasshestoppedandturnedtofacehim,“andme.”
Hernippleshardenedtoachingpoints,butshemadeherexpressiondismissive.“Don’tflatteryourself.”Sheshovedherhandsintothebackpocketsofherjeansandrockedbackonherheels,decisionmade.Excitementwasatautbowinsideherasshesaid,“Ihadanitch.Youscratchedit.Endofstory.”
Alowgrowlthatmadeherthighsclench.Butshesmiledandwiggledherfingers.“Seeyalater,wolfie.”
Rileywasabouttostalkafterherwhenhebelatedlyrealizedhewasnolongeralone.Scentingtheair,hefoundouthowtheintruderhadsnuckinunderhisdefenses.Hiswolfdidn’tconsiderhisyoungersisteranykindofathreat.“Bren,don’tsayaword.”
BrennatookonelookatRiley’sfaceandbitbackalaugh.Notfastenough.Heroldestbrotherturnedtoherwiththatlook.Theonethatmadeeveryonebehave.Butthistime,shewaslaughingtoohardtoholditinanylonger.
Rileyjustwaiteduntilshe’dgottenitoutofhersystembeforeraisinganeyebrow.
“YouandMercy.Iloveit!”
Silence.
Shesniggered.“YouwantedLittleMissSubmissiveandyougotaDarkRiversentinel.”Hergigglesstartedagain,deepinherthroat.
“Brenna,I’mstillyoureldestbrother.”
“AndI’mmatedtoabig,badPsy.”Sheputonherbestannoyinglittle-sistervoice.“Plusyouknowyouloveme.”
“Iknowthatrightnow,IwishIhadsomeducttapetoputoveryourmouth.”
Oooh,thatwasinteresting.NobodyreallyevergottoRiley.Sheknewhelovedhertopieces,butevenshehadtoprodandpokeathimforareallylongtimebeforeshegotareaction.“MercyandRileysittinginatree.K-i-s-s-i—”Sheshriekedashepickedherup,threwheroverhisshoulder,andstrodetowardherquarters.
Herlaughtercameunbidden.Shewasgiddywithdelight.Rileyhadalwaysbeenmature,contained,buthe’dalsohadasenseofquiethumor.Hewasthekindofmanchildrenlovedbecausehewasbothpatientandopen.Buthe’dchangedafterherabduction,withdrawnallthatwarmth,becomesohardthatnothingseemedtoreachhim.Shehatedthat.AndshelovedMercyforrefusingtoallowRileytobethisstrangerhe’dturnedinto.
HernostrilsflaredatthefamiliarscentoficelacedwithsomethingthatwasuniquelyJudd.
“Iassumeyouhaveareasonformanhandlingmymate?”Coolwordsbuthisamusementwasapparent.
“RileylikesMercy,”shestage-whispered,tryingtotwistaroundtolookathermate.“Butshetoldhimthath—oomph.”Rileysetheronherfeetwithoutwarning.
Sheswayed,butJudd’shandsonherhipskeptherupright.Pushingherhairoffherface,sheleanedintohersexyPsymateandsmirkedatRiley.“Sooo…”
“Judd.”Rileyignoredher.“You’reobviouslynotinterestingenoughformysister—she’sgotwaytoomuchtimetopokehernoseintootherpeople’sbusiness.”
Juddwrappedhisarmsaroundherfrombehind,hischinonherhair.“I’mmoreinterestedinyouandMercy.”
Growling—Rileyactuallygrowled—herbigbrotherturnedonhisheelandleft.Brennawaiteduntilhewasoutofhearingdistancetosay,“IhopeMercyputshimthroughthewringerandbringshimoutwholeontheotherside.”
“Hewaschangedbyyourabduction.He’llneverbewhohewasbefore.”
“Iknow.”Sherubbedhercheekagainsthisarm.“ButIwanthimtolearntobehappyagain.”
Apause.
Shewaited,knowinghermatewellenoughtounderstandhewasthinkingthingsthrough.Hewassologicalthatitdelightedhereachtimeheletgo.Andhehadahabitofdoingthatinbed.Whichremindedher,sheneededtoreplacetheironheadboardthathadbuckledundertheforceofhistelekinesislastnight.Atleastithadheldupbetterthanthewoodenstuff.Hmm,maybesheshouldstartthinkingaboutfutons.
“Yourbrotherisusedtobeingincharge,”Juddsaidatlast.“SoisMercy.”
“Good.”
“Why?”
Godbutshelovedhishonesty,hiswillingnesstoshowhereverythinghewas.“Riley,”shesaid,turningtonuzzleathisthroat,“hasthisimageofasubmissivefemalehe’llbeabletopamperandprotect,buthe’dneverbeabletotrulybewhoheiswiththatwoman.”Sheshookherhead.“Heneedssomeonestrongenough,toughenough,torefusetoputupwiththosewallsheusestokeepeveryoneatadistance.”
Evenifhewastoostubborntoseeit.
AfterwavingatRiley,Mercytookoffatthespeedoflight.Itdidn’tmatterthatBrennahaddistractedhim.Sheknewhe’dcomeafterher—she’dreadtheintentloudandclearonhisface,inhisscent.
Itwaswhyshe’dpushedathimthatway,pickingathispossessive,territorialinstincts—instinctsshe’dknownwouldberunninghighaftertheeventsofthepreviousforty-eighthours.Thistime,hewouldn’tbesatisfiedbyanythingotherthanahard,sweatyboutofeitherrawsexorviolence.Andsheknewverywellwhichhe’dchoose.Herleopardsmiledatthechallenge,evenasthefemininecoreofhertightened,readyingitselfinexpectation.
Partofherwonderedwhatthehellshewasdoing.
Therestofherdidn’tcare.
Smileedgedwithexcitement,shestayedinhumanformassheheadedoutoftheWhiteZone,thesafeareaaroundtheSnowDancerden,andintothehugetractoflandbeyond.Thisareawasn’tpatrolled,beingpinceredbetweentheWhiteZoneandtheheavilyguardedperimeter.Itwasthezonewherethejuvenileandadultwolvesfeltfreetohunt,run…play.
Herlegsjumpedoverafallenlogwithoutherconsciouscommand,herbodymovingwitharhythmthatcouldcomeonlyfrombeingchangeling.Shewasfast,fasterthananyotherfemaleinDarkRiver.Butshecouldfeelhimgainingonher.Soshepushedandwentimpossiblyfaster.
Ifthewolfwantedher,he’dhavetocatchher.
Deepinherprimalbrain,sheknewwhatshewasdoing.Dominantleopardwomennevercameeasilyintoalover’sarms.Theytestedtheirchosenmale,madehimprovehewascapableofhandlingallthefemalehadtogive.More,thathewaswillingtofighttogetit.
ButMercywasn’treadytothinkabouttheimplicationsofherchallenge.Allsheknewwasthatthiswasthemostexhilaratinggameofherlife.ShecouldscentRileyinthebreezeasheranbehindher,feelthesheerweightofhisintent.Thewolfthoughthehadher.Butshewasn’taleopardfornothing.
Notslowingdown,shejumpedontoatreetrunk,hookingherselfwithherclaws.Climbingupwiththefelinegracebuiltintohergenes,shepulledherselfupontoabranch,andquicklymadeherwaytotheend…tojumpontothenexttree.Andthenext.Therewouldbenotrailbelow,nothingtotellhimwhereshe’dgone.
Well,exceptforherscent.
Buthe’dhavetobefasttocatchit…becausehercatwascunning.She’dcircledbackonhim,wasgoingtowardhimasheranherway.Itwouldconfusethetrail,makehimheadinonedirectionwhileshewentintheother.Andthatwasexactlywhathappenedafewminuteslaterashepassedunderher.
Disappointmentcutthroughher,ahot,bitingwound.Shehadn’tactuallywantedhimtofail.Ifshemadeittothedenbeforehim,thenshewon,andthoughshemightaccepthimbackintoherbedagain,itwouldneverbethesame.Makingaface,tellingherselfshewasn’tthatupset—liar,liar—shecontinuedthroughthetrees.
Ahundredmeterson,sherealizedshecouldn’tmakeadirectleapfromtreetotree.SinceRileywaswayoverinthewrongdirection,shejumpedoffthebranchandcametoacrouching,catlikelandingonthesmallclearingbelow.
Afamiliarhandclosedaroundherthroatfrombehindaninstantlaterandshefoundherselfhauledupagainstafirm,gorgeouslymalechest,hisfreearmclampingacrossherbodytoimmobilizeherownarms.Heatagainstherear,thepossessivebrushoflipsthatshewantedtofeeloneveryinchofherskin.“Gotcha.”
Shereactedoninstinct,kickingbackwardwithherlegsassheattemptedtowrenchherbodyloose.Allthatgotherwasagruntandsomeroughswearingbeforeshewaspressedfront-firsttoatreetrunk,herhandsmanacledbehindherback,hershouldersimmobilizedbyhisarm,andherlegsheldinplacebyheavymalethighs.He’dleftherjustenoughleewaythatshecouldturnherhead.
Bothofthemwerebreathinghard,theiranimalsattheforefront,butshewasveryawareofonething.Throughitall,Rileyhadtakeneverycarenottohurther.Evennow,hewaspressingintoherwithafractionlessstrengththanheshould’vedoneifhereallywantedtokeephercontained.
Testnotonlypassed,butaced.
Becausethiswasagame.Hurtingyourpartnerwasn’ttheaim.“Riley?”
“Yeah.”Hedidn’tbreakhishold,evenashepressedcloser,hiserectioninsistentagainstherlowerback.
Thetinyhairsonherbodyshiveredinreaction.“Ithinkyou’resexy.”
RileynarrowedhiseyesatMercy’steasingcomment.“I’mnottrustingawordthatcomesoutofthatprettymouthuntilyouacknowledgemydominance.”
“IfIdo,willyouuseyourprettymouthtolickmebetweenmylegs?”
ChristAlmighty!“Mercy,I’mthisclosetotearingoffyourpantsandjustmountingyou.”
Thelushtangoffemininearousalhadflirtedwiththeairsincethemomentheputhishandonher,butnowitblanketedeverythingaroundthem.Thewolfrosetothesurface.Liftinghisarmoffhershoulders,butpressinghischestagainstherback,heranhislipsovertheshellofherear.“Oristhatwhatyouwant?”CHAPTER18
Herhandswereclosetohiscrotchandnowoneofthosehandsclosedoverhiserection.“Biteme.”
“Okay.”Hesankhisteethintothesensitivezonebetweenneckandshoulder.
Shejerked.“Fuck!”Herhandtightenedonhimanditfeltsogood,healmostcame.
Reachingbetweenthem,hepriedherfingersoffwithhisfreehandashelickedhistongueoverthebitemarksonherskin.“Noplayingdownthere.Youmightuseclaws.”
“Iwon’t.”
“Whynot?”Hekissedthespothe’dbitten,luxuriatingintheclean,sexy,dangerousscentofher.Insteadofgrowling,thewolfinhimrolledaroundinit,demandingmore.
Demandingshecarryhisscentpoundedintoherskin.
Sheangledherheadslightly,givinghimbetteraccess.Hiscockthrobbed,histhroatgrewthick,butheheldfirmandavoidedgivingherwhatshewanted.Instead,hedrewback.“Yes.”
“What?”
“Yes,ifyouacknowledgemydominance,I’lllickyoubetweenyourthighs.”Andthistime,he’dtakehistime.“I’lllickandsuckand—”
“Iyield.”
Everythingstilled.Hecouldn’tbelievehe’dheardright.He’dexpectedagrudgingacknowledgementofhisdominanceatmost.Butthis…Hiswolfwantedtonipather,pether,makesuresheknewhe’dtakeeverycareofthegiftshe’dgivenhim.
“Onlyforthis,onlynow.”
Thetimelimitchangednothingaboutthevalueofthegift.Anditwasagift.Onedominantfemalesveryrarelygave.“Accepted.”Hereleasedherhandsandslammedthempalms-downonthetreetrunk.“Keepthemthere.”
“IfIdon’t?”
Heslappedherlightlyontherump.“Idon’tthinkyouknowwhatyieldingmeans.”
Asnarlliftedupintotheair.“Handsoffmybutt.”
“Yeah?”Spreadinghishand,hesqueezedinadeliberatetease.
Whensheshuddered,hemovedawayandputhishandsonherhips.Thatgothimagrowlbutshestayedinplace.SlidinghishandsupunderherT-shirt,hestrokedthemoverthesilkywarmthofherskintocloseoverherbreasts.Thewarm,sexyweightofherfilledhispalms,hernipplesbeadedagainstthefinecottonofherbra.
“Skin,”sheordered.“Iwantskin.”
Sincethatwaswhathewanted,too,hewithdrewhishandsandusedhisclawstoshredtheT-shirtandbraoffher.Thenhereturnedhisattentiontoherbreasts.Shecriedoutashishandsfoundheragainskintoskin.Andhejustaboutcamefromthetiny,rollingmovementsofherbody.
Tremblingwiththefuryofhisdesire,heburiedhisfaceinherneck.Butonlyforaninstant.Hehadapromisetokeep.Anditwasonehemostdefinitelywantedtokeep.Pullingback,hetoreoffherjeansandpanties,leavingherdressedinnothingbutapairofbootsandsocks.Itwassodamnerotic,hedecidedhe’dhavetolureherintothewoodsmoreoften.“Spreadyourlegs.”
“Makeme.”
Hislipscurved,evenasthestrangleholdofsexualhungergrewevertighter.Puttingahandontheinsideofherthigh,hereachedupwiththeothertopinchonebeautifulnipple.Shecriedout,herattentionshifting…andheusedtheopportunitytopushatherthigh.Shespreadforhiminstinctively.Realizingwhatshe’ddone,sheblewoutabreath.“Mynipplehurts.”
“Liar.”He’dmeanttodropdownbehindher,butitwassotemptingtostrokethetaut,muscledcurveofherbuttthathedelayed,indulginghimself.“Wantmetosuckitforyou?”Hetuggedatthearousednubofflesh.“Soprettyandred.Likemyfavoriteraspberrylollypop.”
Achoked-offsound.“Damn,Riley.”
Hegrinnedattheshockedwords.“What?”Hedidn’twaitforananswer,goingtohiskneesbehindherandanglinghisbodysohisshoulderskeptherlegsopenforhismouth.Buthedidn’ttouch.Notyet.
Keepingonehandonherthigh,hespreadherwiththefingersoftheother…andblewasoft,hotbreathoverher.Shecriedout,herbodyclenchingtoreleaseanotherrushofexquisiteneed.Histonguewastheretomeetitashelickedatherwithlong,lazymovements.Hewasdeterminedtolearneverylittlesensitivespot,everyscent,everyfemininecry.
Mercyclosedhereyes,thebettertosavorthemostincrediblepleasureshe’deverfelt.ShewasneverevergoingtoaccuseRileyofbeinguncreativeagain.Themanhadplentyofimagination.Plenty.Histonguewasdoingthingstoherthatsheknewwereillegalsomewhere,and—“Riley!”Herbodyshookundertheforceofawickedlypowerfulorgasmasheclosedhismouthoverherclit,suckinghard.
Hepettedherthigh,calmingherdown…thenstrokedthosesamefingersovertheexcruciatinglysensitivefleshofheropening.Shetriedtosqueezeherthighsclosed,buthisstrong,muscularbodykeptthemopenwhilehismouthravagedher.Thoseteasingfingersrubbedalittleharder,andthenonebegantoslideinside.
Sheopenedhereyes,butsawonlyawashofcolorasherbraintriedtoprocesstheamountofsensationgoingthroughherbody.Itfailed.Colorexplodedineverydirection,andthemusclesinherbodywenttaut,herclawsslicingouttopiercethetreetrunkasshegaveintothewildnessandrodethepleasure.
Whenshesurfaced,itwastothefeelofahot,hard,andlusciouslynakedmalebodybehindherown,onestronghandcuppingherbetweenthethighs.Pettingher.Easingherdown.Hemight’vebeenawolf,butRileyknewhowtodealwithacat.
Smiling,sated,sherolledherbottomagainsthim.Hisgrowlwaseverythingshecould’vehopedfor.Cool,calmRileyKincaidhadlostcontrol.Hishandwithdrewfrombetweenherlegstoclampoverherhips,holdingherinplace…no,hewasurginghertobendalittle,tochangeherstance.
Shecooperated,andasplitsecondaftershe’dsettledherhandsonthetrunkagain,heslidintoher.“Riley!”Itwasashort,startledscream.
Hefrozeandhisvoice,whenitcame,wasmorewolfthanman.“Hurt?”
Sheshookherheadatonce.“I—”Herthroatwasraw,hervoicehusky.“I’msosensitive.Andyou’resodamnthick.”
Hechuckled,andthewolf’sarrogancewasverymuchinevidence.“Youlikeit.”Herockedagainsther.
Moaning,shefoundthatherbodywastighteningagain,readyingitselfforanotherwildride.“Dothatagain.”
Hedid.Andagain.Shewasjustgettingintotherhythmofitwhenhewithdrewalmostcompletelyandthrustbackinslow,oh-so-slow.Sensitizednerveendingswentcrazyandshefoundherselfmakinghungrysoundsinthebottomofherthroat.Hegrowledinresponseandpickedupthepace.Hardandthick,hewasaperfectfit.Heseemedtotoucheverysinglepleasurepointashewentin,thenagainashecameout.Stomachtensingwiththeneedtocome,totakehimwithher,shecriedout.
Andtheworldexploded.
Mercysurfacedtotheawarenessthatshewaslyingonsomethingsoft.Touchingit,sherealizeditwaswhatremainedofherandRiley’sT-shirts.He’dmadeheranest.Aw.Turning,sheproppedherselfononeelbowandlookeddownatthemalelyingbesideher.Hehadhiseyesclosed,andforthefirsttime,shenoticedthathehadthesamerichchocolatebrownlashesashisbrother,Andrew.Longandlushandcurlingslightlyattheends.Prettylashes.
Delightedbythediscovery,sheleanedoverandrubbedhernosegentlyagainsthis.Hislipscurvedbuthiseyesremainedclosed.Onehandraninaslowglideupanddownoverherback.“Howwasyournap,kitty?”
Shenippedhimonthechin.“Don’tpushyourluck,Kincaid.”
Hislasheslifted,torevealwarmbrowneyesfulloflanguor.“You’repurring.”
“Yeah,so?”Shedaredhimtomakesomethingofit.
Ofcourse,sinceitwasRiley,hedid.“SoImadeyoupurr.”Asmugsmile.
Shefrowned.“Thisisnowofficiallyatwo-nightstand.”
“It’snotnight.”Hekeptstrokingherback.
Hisbig,deliciouslycallusedhandfeltsogoodonherthatshealmostsighed.“YouknowwhatImean.”
“Why?”ThelazyloverwasrapidlybeingreplacedbytheRileysheknewand…livedtoirritate.
“Okay,”shesaid,“maybeyou’renotthespawnofSatanasIoriginallythought—”
“Thanks.”
“But”—sheglaredathimfortheinterruption—“you’dbehelltobeinarelationshipwith.HELL.Incapitalletters.”Partofherownmindvehementlydisagreed—sleepingwithhimlastnight,ithadbeensomethingspecial,anexperiencethatwrappedaroundherheartandmadeherwanttotakethewildestofchances.ButthatRileymightneveragainmakeanappearance,notifthelieutenantdecidedtocontainhimusinghisformidableself-control.
“Idohaveanego,Mercy.”
Hearingthewarninginhisvoice,sheranherfingersthroughhishair.Beautifulandthick,itslidoverherhandslikewater.“Riley,youstilltrytoorderBrennaaround,andshe’smated,forchrissakes.”
“She’smybabysister.I’lltrytoorderheraroundwhenshe’seightyandagreat-grandmother.”
“See!”
“No,Idon’tsee.There’sacrucialdifferencebetweenyouandBrenna.You’renotmysister.ThankGod.”
Mercymadeasoundoffrustrationandsatuponherhaunches.“It’snotaboutthat.It’saboutthefactthatyou’reanalaboutcontrol.You’dtrytohandleme.”Andshewasnotawomanwho’dtakekindlytothat.More…itwouldhurtherifshegavehimhertrustandheabuseditbyattemptingtoturnherintosomethingshewasn’t.
Sittingup,Rileylookedatherforseverallongminutes.“HowaboutifIpromisenottotreatyouasanythingbutmylover?”
“Youcan’t,”shesaid,curlingherfingersintofiststostopfromreachingouttocaresshim.“You’readominantwolfmale.”Possessionwasinhisblood.
“Fine.”Hescowled.“Butthefactis,weburnuptogetherandwebothhavenooneelsethatweseeasapotentialpartner.What’swrongwithhelpingeachotherreleasethetensionuntilwefindourmates?”
Mercywantedtosnapathimforthatblitheassumption.Butthetruthwas,heprobablywouldfindamate.Hischanceswerehigherthanhers—dominantmaleshadnoproblemmatingwithlessdominant,orsubmissive,females.AndRiley,ofcourse,waslookingforexactlythattypeofwoman.“WhatifIdon’twanttobeyourfuckbuddy?”
Hekissedher.Slowandwetandopenlypossessive.“Youdo.”Anotherkiss,aquicknipatherlowerlip.“Dothewords‘nose,’‘spite,’‘face,’haveanymeaningtoyou?”
Shewasnotcuttingoffhernosetospiteherface.Shewasn’t.Okay,maybeshe’dconsideredit.“Ifwedothis,youhavetoknow—theinstantyougo‘MeTarzan,youJane’onme,I’mkickingyourwolfassoutofmybed.”Herhandsclosedoverhisshoulders,clawskneading.“Understood?”
“Iunderstandyou’lltrytokickmeout.”Asmilethatbeganasabarecurveofhislips,andendedupcreasinghischeekswithleanmaledimples.“Maybeyou’llwin.”
Sincewhendidthesightofhissmiletugatthingslowanddeepinher?“Maybeyou’redelusional—andI’mundeniablyinsaneforevenconsideringthis,butlet’stryit.”
Riley’swolfbareditsteethinsidehim.HewantedMercy,cravedheruntilitwasagnawingacheinhisgut.Itwasfarmorethansexnow,evenifthestubborncatwouldn’tadmitit.Butsinceitwaspatentlyclearthatafull-frontalassaultwouldn’twork,he’dadoptcatmethodsandstalkher.Andifhehadtoswipethecompetitionawaywithhisclaws…well,theyshouldn’thavegotteninhisway.BecauseMercywashisCHAPTER19
Midmorningthenextday,RileytalkedtoJuddastheysupervisedseveraleight-year-oldsintheWhiteZonewhiletheirteacherswentonabreak.“So,didyourcontactcomethrough?”
“SaystheCouncil’sdownplayinganylinkbetweentheshooterandtheotherincidentsofviolence.”Hisvoicewascool,hiseyesintent.“Itcouldbethetruth.”
HavinglearnedsomethingofhowthePsyNetfunctioned,Rileytookamomenttothink.“TherebelactivitiesintheNethaveanythingtodowiththat?”
Hisfellowlieutenantnodded.“Silencedidn’tmagicallyhappenoneday—Psychoseitbecauseweweregoinginsaneonaphenomenallevel.IfthatSilenceisnowstartingtofragment…”
“Thenwe’regoingtoseemoreofthis.Likethatmurder-suicideDorianfound.”Anentirefamilybutcheredaftertheheadofthefamilyshatteredinthemostlethalway.
“Yeah.”Judd’sfacewasbleak.
Rileycouldunderstandwhy.TheLaurenshadleftthePsyNet,buttheystillcaredaboutthosetrappedinemotionlessSilence…andyetthatverySilencemightbeallthatwaskeepingthoseothersalive.“Butsayit’snotbecauseofthetroubleintheNet,”hesaid.“Howhigharethechancesofthat?”
“High,”Juddsaidtohissurprise.“Apparently,there’sevidencetheshooterwasactingunderacompulsion.It’spossibletheotherswere,too.”HeglancedatRiley.“Ifthatguyfromyesterdaysurvives,wemightfindoutmore.”
Rileythoughtoftheimageshe’dseen.“Hisbrainwasallbutleakingouthisears—evenifhesurvives,hemightnotrememberanything.”
“Butifhewascoerced,thetelepathwhoprogrammedhimmight’veleftapsychicfingerprint.”Apause.“Iwon’tbepassingontheinfoaboutthesurvivortomycontact.”
“Ithinkthat’sagoodcall—DarkRiver’sbeingveryclose-mouthedabouttheirsource.”TheSnowDancerlieutenantunderstoodtheircare,butthemandidn’tliketheevidenceofthecontinuedseparationbetweenthetwopacks,seeinginitasolidbarriertohispursuitofMercy.
“Can’tblamethem—trustisanexpensivecommodityintheNet.”
Rileykickedbackasoccerballthathadrolledtohisfeet.“Yourcontact,woulditbetheGhost?”hesaid,namingarebelsonotorious,he’dstartedtobecomeknownoutsidetheNet.
“Yes.”
“Doyouknowwhoheis?”
Juddwatchedthechildrenplay,buthismindwasclearlyelsewhere.“Ihavemysuspicions,buthe’sbeenvery,verycareful.I’mnotevengoingtospeculateuntilhe’sreadytoblowhiscover.”
“Fairenough.”Rileyfoldedhisarms.“Butyousurehiswordisgold?”
“He’sdangerous,”Juddsaid.“Brutalattimes.He’ddoanythingtoprotectthePsy,lie,evenkill.Butthen,ifitconcernedthepack,sowouldHawke.”
“Pointtaken.”TheSnowDanceralphahadhonor,butitcamesecondtodefendingthoseunderhiscare.“YouthinktheCouncilwillkeepplayingmeek?Wehaven’thadanyrealproblemswiththemformonths.”
“They’reuptosomething.We’llfindoutaboutitsoonerorlater.”Judd’seyesnarrowed.“It’stheHumanAlliancethatconcernsmerightnow.”
Rileynodded.Therecentslewofviolencespokeofanorganizationthatcaredlittleforitsownpeople,muchlessthosetheyattacked.“Didyoufindanythinginthesurveillancefootagefromtheairport?”
“Bowen’sintelwassolid—anumberofmercenariesgotoffthreedifferentplanesfromEurope.They’rehidinginourcity.”
Rileydidn’taskhowJuddhadrecognizedthem—themanhadbeenanassassin,afterall.“Fuck.Thatmeansthisisn’tover.”
LearningthatmercenarieshadenteredthecityworriedMercyasmuchasitdidRiley,andsheconferencedwithClaytomakesuretheRatsknewwhattolookfor.ThespynetworkrunbyTeijan,theRatalpha,andhispeople,wasextraordinary.ButtheAlliancepeopleweresomehowmanagingtostayundertheradar.
Still,afteraSnowDancer-DarkRiverdiscussion,theydecidedtoincreasetheirvisiblepresenceinthecity.Itwouldletthemercenariesknowtheywereundersurveillance,whichmightbeenoughtoderailtheirplans.
Sinceshedidn’thaveashiftinthesurveillancerotationuntilthenextday,MercyintendedtousehertimetocatchuponherworkforCTX,thecommunicationsnetworkrunbyDarkRiverandSnowDancer.Shewasintheprocessofupgradingthesecurityprotocolsforallstations,avitalprecautionsinceCTXwasbreakingmoreandmoreinflammatorystories.
However,firstshehadtodealwithanotherproblem.TrackingEduardodowntotheguestcabinheandJoaquinwereusingonDarkRiverland,shefoldedherarmsandlookedhimfullintheface.Darkeyes,darkhair,bronzeskin,perfectbonestructure,sinfulsmile.“So,youcometome,”hesaidindeliciouslyaccentedEnglish.
And,Mercythoughtwithinwardamusement,thearrogantcatknewpreciselyhowhesounded.Afterhavinggrownupwiththreegorgeousyoungerbrothers,therewaslittleshedidn’tknowaboutthemaleego.“Icametotellyouwehaveno‘chemistry.’Zero.Zip.Zilch.Sogoaway.”
Hissmilechangedintosomethingdangerous,determined.“Youhaven’tgivenmeachance.Spendsometimewithme—amatingisn’talwaysobvious.”
“Eduardo,you’renotanidiot.YouhavetoknowI’mwithRiley.”Shestillcouldn’tquitebelieveshe’dagreedtobehislover.Partofherwasconvinceditwouldn’twork—theyclashedfartoooften.Butanotherpartofherwasexhilarated,readytotakeonthewolfoneverylevelandthensome.
Eduardoshrugged,toneinsouciantwhenheanswered.“Youdon’twearhisscent.Youhaven’tacceptedhimasaleopardfemaleneedstoacceptamale.Meansthecoastisclear.”
Thewayhesaidthatdisturbedherenoughtoagitatetheleopard.“Imightneverwearanyman’sscent.”Theleopardlikedrunningwild.Tobetiedthatintrinsicallytoanother,untiltheirscentsmelded,wassomethingthatmadeitrestless,wary.“Buteventhen,we’dhavezerochemistry.”
Hestoodfromhishalf-sittingpositionagainsttherailingandgaveherasmilethatshefiguredwould’vesentmostwomenintoorgasmonthespot.“Howaboutakisstotestthattheory?”
“Howaboutyoustayrightthere.”Itwasacommand.“Ineedtogettowork—andyoushouldgohome.”
AveryLatinsigh.“Youbreakmyheart,Mercy.”
“I’msureyou’llfindsomeonetopatchitupforyou.”She’dalreadyhadafewinquiriesfrominterestedpartiesastowhether“thesexyonewithgorgeouseyes”wasoff-limits.Theycontinuedtobealittlewaryofthe“dangerousbiteofbeautiful.”“I’vetoldthewomenofthepackthatyou’refreetoagoodhome.”
“Suchcruelty.”Buthesmiledanditwasrealthistime,strippedofthecharmhe’dusedasamasktillthen.Eduardowasaslethalasanyofthesentinelsinherownpack,hisprotectivenaturehonedtoafineedge—he’dmakeaspossessiveamateasRiley.
Shescowled.Allthistalkofmatingwasstartingtoaffecthersanity.Rileywouldneverbehermate.Heataside,shewasn’twhathewaslookingfor,andhewasexactlythekindofmanwhomadehercatthemostwary…inspiteofthefactthatitwashisstrengththatdrewhertohim.
Apainfulparadox.
Maybeshe’dbeenrightinwhatshe’dsaidtoTammy—perhapsshe’dneverbeabletosurrenderthatabsolutelytoaman,totrusthimwiththatmuchofherself.Itwasarealpossibilitythatonedaysoon,she’dhavetowatchRileymatewithsomeoneelse.Herhandfisted.“Callitwhatyoulike,”shesaidtoEduardo,“butdon’tsayIdidn’twarnyou.”
Heshrugged.“I’llstay—afterall,Joaquin’sstillinwithashot.”
Notdeigningtoanswer,sheturnedonherheelandleft,arrivingathercurrentCTXstationjustafterlunch.Shehadeveryintentionofworkingwithsingle-mindedfocus,butcouldn’tforgetthedisturbingferocityofherreactiontothethoughtofRileymatingwithanotherwoman,awomanwho’dhavetherighttotouchhim,kisshim,holdhimwhenhisdemonsgottoobad.Evennow,asshemadeherwaytothegarage,theideamadeherbloodignite.
“Securitycameras,check,weaponsdetectionsystem,needed,”shemutteredinanefforttodrownoutthecat’sangryhissing.“Can’tdomuchaboutPsyteleporters,though.Howdoyoudetectsomeonewhopoofsin?”
Afamiliarscentcametoheronquietaircurrents.“Talkingtoyourself,bigsis?”
Shepeckedhermiddlebrother,Sage,onthecheek.“Ismelledyouamileoff,Herb.”Itwasanoldjoke,onethatneverfailedtomakehimscowl.
Itdidn’ttodayeither.“Ha-ha.ThisismyI’m-not-amusedface.”Thatdone,heputhiscameraequipmentonthefloorandrubbedthebackofhisneck.“GuesswhereIjustwas.”
Basedonthenowgenuinelypainedexpressiononhisface,shesaid,“Lifestylesoftherichandfamous?”Sagenormallycoveredthecrimebeat.
“Close.IhadtositthroughaninterviewwithBibiPink.”Helookedlikehewasabouttothrowup.“Ifshehasthreebraincells,I’mafrickin’wolf.”
Mercy’sstomachdippedatthewayhesaid“wolf.”Whatwouldherfamilysayiftheyrealizedshewasconsortingwiththeenemyonaveryintimatebasis?“Whodidyoupissofftogetonthat?”
“Nobody—itwasEamon’sturntodothecelebritystuff,buthegotcalledouttoashootingattheBerkeleycampus.IwastheclosesttoBibisoIcovered.”
“Anothershooting?”Frowning,sheturnedtolookatherbrother.Sagehadinheritedthefamilyredhair,butonhim,theredwastangledwithsomuchbrown,mostpeopledidn’trealizehehadanyredatalluntilhewalkedoutintothesun.“Details.”
Deephazeleyesfrowned.“Wouldithurtyoutosayplease?”
“WouldyoupreferIbrokeyourarm?”She’dgrownupwiththreelittlehooliganswhodidn’tseemtounderstandthemeaningofacloseddoor.Ifshe’dletthem,they’dhaveswarmedherlikeahordeoflocusts.“Giveitup,hotshot.”
“Abuse,”hesaid,butthengaveherasmackingkissonthecheek,thescentofhimafamiliarandmuchlovedtouchoffirsdustedwithsnow,andthesweetcrushednutmegofhome.He’dhatetobedescribedthatway,butthatwashowshesawhim—ifBastienwastherock,andGreythesea,thenSagewasthetide.Fluid.Enduring.
Nowheputanarmaroundhershoulders.“I’mgettingthissecondhand,”hesaid,“butapparentlyitwassomuchofamessthatthere’snowaytheCouncil’sgoingtobeabletokeepitquiet.SomeseniorPsyprofessorputaguntohisheadandpulledthetrigger.”
“SuicidebyaPsyisnews,butyou’retalkingbreakingnewsbulletinifEamongotpulledoffschedule.Why?”
“’Causetheprofessorheldhisphysicsclasscaptivefortwentyminutesbeforehand.Heshothimselfinfrontofthem.”
“Jesus.”Mercyrockedbackonherheels,datapaddroppingtoherside.“Youhearofanyotherepisodeslikethis?”
“IgotabuddyupinNorthDakota—hesaysthey’vehadacoupleofincidentsofPsyactingoutviolently.Oneguyalmostbeatanothertodeathbeforetheymanagedtopullhimoff.AndGarrick,upinChicago,he’shadacoupleofhitsonhisradar,too.”
Whichmeanttherewereprobablyevenmorethathadn’tyetfiltereddownthroughthegrapevine.
“Oh,andthisbrokeafewminutesago—theyfoundahumanmalestabbedtodeathinanalleyinTahoe.Lookslikerandomviolence,butit’sthesecondmurderinthatareainlessthanaweek.Firstonewasthatwomanintheshallowgrave.”
Mercynodded,wonderingiftherewasanyconnectionbetweenthetwokillings.MightbetimeforDoriantohackintoanEnforcementdatabase.“Thanks,Herb.”
“Cutitout.”Turning,hegrabbedherinafullhug,squeezingtight,hisforeheadlinedwithaheavyscowl.“Takeitback.”
“Puh-leeze.Icanflipyouinonesecondflat.”
“AndhowwillyouexplainthebruisestoMom?”
“Tattletale.”Shefoughtnottosmile.
Hiseyesnarrowed,butshesawthecat’slaughter.“Takeitback.”
“Orwhat?”Whenhebaredhisteethinamockgrowlandsqueezedhereventighter,sheblewoutabreath.“Fine.I’msorry.Happy?”
Helethergowithagrinthathadcaughtherheartfromthemomenthermomhadfirstlaidhiminherarms.“I’mstilltelling.YouknowhowmadMomgetswhenanyonemakesfunofournames,Mélisande.”
Abouttorespond,shecaughtanotherscententeringthegarage.“I’vegotcompany.Talktoyoulater.”
Sage’slipcurledindisdain.“Wolf.”
“Wehaveanalliance.”SheparrotedLucas.“Now,shoo,babybrother.”
“NicetrybutIknowyoucan’tstandthisone.”Hebenttopickuphisgear,missingherguiltyexpression.“Dinnertonight?BasjustgotbackfromNewYork,andGrey’sgotthenightoff.”
Mercynodded,herskintightwithexpectation.“Textmethedetails.”Butherattentionwasonthewolfwho’dstrokedherintowildecstasyonlyyesterday.Herlowerbodyclenchedandsheallbutbitthroughhertonguetoforcedowntherisingwaveofarousal.ShesodidnotwantSagepickinguponthatlittlebitofinfo.
HerbrothersaidacivilizedhellotoRileyastheypassed.Rileyrespondedwithanod,thenjerkedhisheadtowardtheexit.Shewent—nowaydidshewantanelectronicaudiencetotheirconversation.
“Can’tstayawayfromme?”sheaskedwhentheyweresafelyonthegrassvergeoutsidethebuilding.Setinanindustrial/professionalarea,foottrafficwaslight,thegrassneatlytrimmed.Itappearedtheywerealone.
Rileyglancedupatthebuildingbehindthem.“Icanfeelthemwatchingme.”
“Yep.Sodon’ttryanythingfunny.”Itcameoutaninvitation.
Hiseyeswentdarkwithakindofknowledgethatmadeherinternalfurnacegostraightfromhottoexplosive.“Iwaspassingby,thoughtyoumightbeinterestedinsomestuffwedidn’tdiscussonthephoneearlier.”
“Passingby?”Sheraisedaneyebrow.
“Iwenttovisitthosekidsfromtheburgerplace,checktheywereokay.”
Somethingmeltedinherheart.“Icalledthemtoday.”
“Yeah,theysaid.”Heheldtheeyecontact,allcalmandsolidandpractical…exceptfortheblazingheatinthatgaze.“Yourcatwouldn’tleaveitaloneeither,wouldit?”
“Nope.”Itwasanintegralpartofthem—thatneedtoprotect.“Theyseemtobedoinggood.ThatgirlJen,she’sasmartcookie.”
“Shewantstobeyouwhenshegrowsup.”
Mercygrinned.“Iforgottotellyousomethingelse—we’rebeingstonewalledonwhatexactlyNashisstudying.”
“Givethekidafewdays,”Rileysaid.“Hemightchangehismindafterhethinksitover.”
“Especiallysinceweonlyneedenoughinformationtoprotecthimproperly.”ShemadeanoteonherdatapadtohaveAshayafollowupwithNash—thelynxmightrespondbettertoafellowscientist.“So,whatdidyouwanttodiscuss?”
Riley’smouthbecamebracketedbywhitelines.“Juddgotconfirmationthatsomeonepushedthatshootertodowhathedid,somekindofamentalsuggestionburieddeepinhispsyche.”
Damn.Hersympathyforthepoormanwho’dbeenmadeapuppetmixedwithaslow-burningangertowardthosewhousedpeoplesoheartlessly.“TemptingtocallitaPsyinternalwarandignoreit,”shesaid,“butit’saffectingeveryone.”Shetoldhimabouttheprofessorialsuicide.“Hecould’vetakensomanykidswithhim.”
“Nowaytoknowifhewasprogrammed.”
“Funnycoincidence,though,isn’tit?”Shegrittedherteeth.“Youknow,theHumanAlliancemightconsiderthePsytheirenemy,butthey’refuckingtwinswhenitcomestoharminginnocents.”
Riley’seyesgleamedamber.“Youneedtoburnitoff.Comeforawalk.”
Angerexplodedunderasurgeofrawdesire.“No,thanks.”Especiallywhentheurgetonibbleatthatstrongthroat,thatstubbornjaw,wasadrumbeatinherskull.Anddoubleespeciallywhenshewasconsideringthemechanicsoftanglinglimbsinacar.
Thewolfwasashadowinhisvoice.“Scaredtobealonewithme?”
“Busy.”Despiteherracingheartbeat,ithappenedtobethetruth.“IwanttofinishwhatI’mdoingheresincewehavesomedowntime.”AndIneedtogetahandleonthishungerbeforeitcreepsintoeverycornerofmylife.Becauseifshefelltoodeepandthenhefoundhismate…Mercyknewherself,knewthesoul-destroyingpainthatwouldaccompanysuchrejection—shewasn’tgoodatholdingback.Ifshegaveherselftohim,itwouldbewitheverythinginher.“Don’tyouhavework?”
Heranahandthroughhishair,mussinghimselfupsodeliciouslythatshehadtofighttheleopard’sdesiretoplaywiththestrands.“Yeah,butit’swithHawkeandhe’sinashitofamood.”
“Sienna?”
“Whoelse?”
Mercythoughtaboutthegirlwhoseemedtobethe—veryshort—fuseonHawke’stemper.“What’supwiththosetwo?”
“He’smyalpha,”Rileysaid,eyesfullofchallenge.“I’mnotgoingtotalkabouthimtoaleopard.”
“We’renotenemiesanymore,remember?”shesaid,tonearch.“We’reallies.”
“Politicalallies—ouranimalsstilldon’ttrustoneanother.”
“Whichisanexcellentreasonforustostayawayfromeachother,”shesaid,seeinganotherglaringtruth—herpackwascriticallyimportanttoherlife.BeingwithRiley,thatwhisperoftendernessgrowingandtwininglikeavinearoundherheart,itheldthepotentialtoshakethefoundationsofherlinktoDarkRiver.
Asentinelcouldn’tgiveherhearttoaonetimeenemy/newallyanddoherjobasthefirstlineofdefenseforherpack.ShehadtobeabletoripoutRiley’sthroatiftheunthinkablehappenedandSnowDancerbrokethealliancetoturnonDarkRiver.
Herstomachroiledwithnausea,buthervoice,whenitcame,wascalm.“I’masloyaltomypackasyouaretoyours.”Ifthosebondswerecompromised…itwouldbreaksomethingfundamentalinbothofthem.
Rileywentabouthisremainingbusinessinthecitywithimpeccablecompetence,followingachecklistinhishead.Itwastheonlywayhe’dfoundtocontrolthewolfwhenitgotthisagitated.Mercywouldundoubtedlyrollhereyes,butthenshehadherownwaysofcontrollingthings,didn’tshe?He’dfeltherhunger,hotandslickinthesunshine,andyetshe’ddeniedthemboth.
Thelightchangedtoredinfrontofhim.Hiscarcametoanautomaticstop.
Heslammedapalmonthedashboardasthewolfsnappedout,frustratedandangry.Andneedy.Thatwasthekicker.She’dturnedhimaway,andhewasdrowningforher.“Fuck.”Thrustinghishandsthroughhishair,heusedeveryoneofthetrickshe’dlearnedovertheyearstocalmhimselfdown.
Itwasn’taseasyasMercymight’vebelieved.Rileymadeitapointtobeincommandofhisinstinctsbecauseheknewwhatwouldhappenifhewasn’t.Hiswolfwaswild,ferocious,quitecapableofkillingwithoutablinkifthosehelovedwerethreatened.OnlywithMercydidhedarelettheleashslipalittle.Andwhentheirbodiesjoined…hell,whatleash?Butsheseemedtolikehimthatway.
“Notenough,”heallbutsnarledasthecarstartedmovingagain.Theworstofitwas,heknewshewasright.Thiswasn’tabouttheminisolationanylonger,itcouldn’tbe—ifithadbeenjustsex…butitwasn’t.He’dfeltit.Sohadshe.Sohadhiswolf.Nowitcroucheddowninferalanger,butitwasalsothinking,considering…wanting.CHAPTER20
Forthefirsttimeinmonths,theGhostheardwhispersthatperhapsSilencewasn’tallbad,thatperhapsthey’dbeenhastyinbeginningtocondemnit.Helistened,saidnothing,butknewsomethinghadtobedone.
ForwhiletheGhosthadnothingagainstSilence—northepeaceitgrantedsomany—heknewtheProtocolwaswhatgavethePsyCouncilitspower.Takeawaythatmethodofcontrol,andperhapsthePsyracewouldrediscoverotherkindsoffreedom.
Butfirst,hehadtocutthisoffattheroot,discoverwhowaspullingthestrings.TheM-Psyinchargeoftheshooter,theGhost’sunwittingsource,hadknownonlyofthecompulsion,notthewhyorthewho.NowhescouredtheNetforinformation,butthispersonhadbeenvery,verycareful.HeorshehadallowednoteventhemerestsliverofthoughttoescapeintotheNet.
Averycleveradversary.ButtheGhosthadassassinatedaCouncilor.Heknewhowtowait,howtolisten,howtolearn.Soonerorlater,everybodybetrayedthemselves.Andhewaswellversedinhowtostartrumorsthatspreadlikewildfire
Atthismomenthewhisperedthattheshooterandothershadbeenmanipulated,thattheCouncilwastryingtocowthepopulacewithterror.Hecould’vesaidmore,butsometimes,itwasbettertoletpeoplefillinthegapsthemselves.CHAPTER21
Mercy’sbrothershadpickedalittleplaceinChinatownfordinner.Shewalkedintofindthemarguingoverthemenu.Grinning,shemessedupSage’shair,kissedGreyonthecheek,andletBastiengrabherinahugthatliftedheroffherfeet.Allherbrotherswerestrongmen,butBastien,theclosesttoherinage,wasthebiggest.
“Notifyouwanttolive,”shesaid,afterhelaughinglythreatenedtothrowherintotheair.Shesawtheprettywaitressesgiveherenviouslooks—thoughitwasobviousshewasrelatedtoBas.Hehadhairasdarklyredasherown,thoughhiseyeswereasharp,incrediblegreen.Herbrotherswereallgorgeousontheirown,butcollectively,theymadetemperaturesriselikenobody’sbusiness.She’dspenthalfherteenyearsscaringoffthegirlswho’dcomesniffingafteroneortheother.Notthattheidiotshadbeengrateful.
“Youlookgood,sis.”Puttingheronherfeetafteranothersqueeze,Baslethergetintoherseat.
“Yeah,nicedress.”Greyactuallysoundedsincere.
Mercylookeddownattheshort,royalbluecheongsamshe’dboughtinthisverypartoftown.Withherhairpulledupintoahighponytailandsomemakeuponherface,shefeltgood.Eveniftheknife-edgeofneedcontinuedtotwistrelentlesslyinherstomach,immunetothepracticalitywithwhichshe’dheldRileyatbaythisafternoon.“Thanks,Shadow.”
“Howcomehegetsacoolnickname?”Sagemuttered.“IgetHerb.”
“Hey,don’tknockit,”Bassaid.“YouwanttobecalledFrenchieinstead?Soundslikethenameofafuckingcondom.”
Theyallchokedontheiroolongteaandoneofthewaitressesflutteredover,readytoofferallkindsofhelp.Shesawherbrotherscheckoutthepetitebeauty—men—butthoughtheygavehercharminggrins,theydidn’textendaninvitation.Clearlydisappointed,shetooktheordertheyfinallyputtogether,andheadedoff
“What?”Mercylookedaroundthetable.“Youguystakeupavowofcelibacy?”
“Nowthatyouask,”Greymurmured,browneyestwinkling.
“Hah.”Shesnorted.Greymightbethequietest,buthewasalsothemostcunninglyfeline.“I’llbelievethatthedayI”—Normally,she’dhavesaid“sleepwithawolf”butsincethatoptionwasout,shesettledfor—“growwingsandfly.”
Basputahandonherback,asifcheckingforwings.“Thisstuffisreallysoft.”
Sage,nexttoher,fingeredthesleeve.“Yeah,itis.Howcomewerategettingyouinasoft,prettydress?”
“HowcomeIratethethreeofyouallshinyandspic-and-span?”Sheraisedaneyebrowattheiroutfits.Jeans,shirts,andT-shirts,nothingoutoftheordinary.Butallnew,orcleanandpressed,muchnicerthannecessaryfordinnerwiththeirsister.
“Wethoughtwe’dgodancing.”Greywinked.“You’recoming.”
“Iam?”
“Yes.Weneedyouasbaittodrawtheotherwomen.”
AndsinceMercywasasuckerforherbrotherswhenthethreeofthemgangeduponher,shewentdancingwiththedemons.TheservingstaffattherestaurantlookedsomournfulastheyleftthatshewrappedanarmaroundBas’swaistandshookherhead.“Idon’tthinkthethreeofyoushouldbeallowedoutinpublictogether.”
Heswunghisownarmoverhershoulders.“AndIjustknowI’mgoingtohavetopunchsomeonefortryingtopawyouinthatdress.”Hesoundedveryeager.
Shedidn’tremindhimthatshewasfullycapableofpunchingoutpeopleonherown.Baswasherbrother—hecouldn’thelpprotectingher.AsRileycouldn’thelpit.Itwaslikeaswitchwentoffinthemattimes.Mercycouldbendwhennecessary,shewasn’talwaysahard-ass.Bashadinfact,punchedoutpeopleforher.Shecoulddeal.
TheproblemwithRileywas,hedidn’tseemtohaveanygiveinhim.Shedidn’twantheronlyglimpsesintohissoultobeafterthecrushingdarknessofnightmare.Forhercattotrusthim,heneededtotrus—
“Hey.”Bassqueezedhershoulder.“Wheredidyougo?”
SheglancedaheadtowhereGreyandSagewerestrolling,checkingoutthewindowdisplaysintheadjacentshops.“I’mdealingwithstuff.”
Asilkypause.“What’shisname?”
“AsifI’dtellyou.”
“Youchasedoffmylastgirlfriend.”
“Shewasahyena.”Notliterally,butinheart.“Wantedyouforyourmoney.”Baswassmart,crazysmart.Hemademoneyonthestockmarketsimplybybreathing.WhichwaswhyhewasinchargeofDarkRiver’sfinancialassets.
“Myegobleeds.”Ahandrubbingpitifullyoverhischest.
“We’regoingtobewipingupbloodforweeks,it’ssocolossal.”
Hehuggedhercloser.“Comeon,youcantellme.It’llbeoursecret.”
“Andyou’llgohuntinghimthesecondI’mdistracted.Idon’tthinkso.”Butshehuggedhimback.“So,nonewhyenaformetochaseoff?”
“I’mstillhealingthescarsfromthelastone.”Apiercinglook.“Iknowwhoitis.”
“No,youdon’t.”
“Riley.”
Hermouthfellopen.Shelookedup.“What?”
“Jesus.”Hestoppedwalking.“Itwasaguess,butI’mright.You’re…they’re…he’sawolf!”
Shesnappedaroundtomakesuretheothertwohadn’theard.“Howdidyouevenmakethatguess?”
Hethrustahandthroughhishair,almostmakingawomanontheothersideofthestreettrip,shewaslookingathimsohard.“OnlydominantmaleIcouldthinkofthatyou’dbeenreactingtolately.Youbitchabouthimalot.”
Sheglancedagainathertwoyoungerbrothers,currentlydistractedbyadisplayoflanterns.“Don’ttellthem.”
“Whythefucknot?”
“Becauseyouknowthey’lldosomethingstupid.”
“SowillI.”Hejerkedhisheadandtheystartedwalkingagain.“Imightnotbeasentinel,butI’myourbrother.AndIknowhowtokickwolfass.”
“Bas.”
“Don’t‘Bas’me.YoumightbeabletocontrolGreyandSagebutdon’teventryitwithme.”
Sheglaredathim.“Thisismybusiness.”ShetrustedRileynottohurtherbrothers,butalotcouldgowrongwhenmengotstupid—especiallywhenthosemenhadclawsandteethmeantforhuntingprey.
“Should’vethoughtofthatbeforeyoutoldmyex-girlfriendIeatlivekittensforbreakfast.”
Atinytwingeofguilt.ThenthecatwonderedwhatRileywouldthinkofherlastsuccessful“shoo-away.”“Whoknewshe’dbelieveme?”
“Ohno?Whenyou‘accidentally’openedthecupboardtoexposemy‘kittencage’fullofthepoor,sadkittiesIwasgoingtosnackon?”Araisedeyebrow.“Wasn’tthecagenexttomyspecial‘kittendefurring’tools?”
“Theywereobviouslyfake.”
Basjuststaredather.
Mercysnarled.“Damnit.Let’sgodancing.”
“Yeah,let’s.IneedtoplanhowI’mgoingtofilletthisbastardifhehurtsyou.”
Rileycouldn’tdoit.Hecouldn’tstayawayfromMercy.However,hercabinprovedempty.Hedebatedcallingher,thenrealizedthatwouldbetrayfartoomuchofthedrivingneedinhim.Andhecouldn’tletherlearnthat,couldn’tgiveherthatmuchpoweroverhim.Shovingthephoneintohispocket,heheadedbacktohisvehicle.
Thatwaswhenhescentedhim.Anothermale.OneoftheSouthAmericans.Hiswolfbareditsteethinsidehim,butitwaspossession,notrage.Themanhadbeenherebutwasn’tanylonger.He’dprobablycomelookingforMercy.Itwastempting,oh-so-tempting,totrackhimdownandmakesureheunderstoodthatMercywasoff-limits,butRileyknewhiscat.Shewasn’tthekindofwomantoplayoffonemanagainstanother.
AndifhewentafterEduardoandJoaquin,she’dassumehedidn’tknowthat.
“Fuck.”Logicwasabitchsometimes.Forcinghimselftogetinthevehicle,heturnedaroundandwenthome,parkingthefour-wheeldriveinadesignatedspotmilesfromthedenandcompletingtherestofthedistanceonfoot.
Theexerciseburnedoffmostofhisfrustrationandanger,buthecouldn’tmakehimselfstayinsidethenetworkofbeautifullyconstructedtunnelsthathadprotectedSnowDancerfromenemyeyesmoretimesthananyonecouldcount.Instead,aftershoweringandpullingonafreshT-shirtandjeans,hewentoutsideandfoundaseatonastorm-fallentreeontheedgeoftheWhiteZone.
Hewassittingthere,second-guessinghisdecisionnottotrackMercydown,whensomeonetrackedhimdown.Catchingthestrawberryandcandyscentonthebreeze,hekepthisbacktohisvisitor,allowinghertodecideifshewantedtotalktohim.
Amomentlater,asmallhandtuggedonhissleeve.
Turning,hechuckedSakuraunderthechin.“Shouldn’tyoubeinbed?”
“It’sonlynineandIhadanaptoday.”Asmileandahopefullook.
Knowinghewasasucker,butunabletoresist,hepickedherup—dollandall—andsatheronhislap,whereshecurledintoacontentedlittleball,herearoverhisheart.Awaveoftendernesssweptoverhimandhecuppedthebackofherheadinagentlehold.
“Riley?”
“Hmm?”Hestrokedhishandoverthesleekblackfallofhairshe’dinheritedfromhermother.
“Haveyouseenmydaddy?”
Rileywentovertherosterinhishead.“Eliasshouldbecomingbackwithinhalfanhour.”
“I’llstayandwait.”
“Didyoutellyourmom?”heasked,thinkingthatwhilethehairhadcomefromYuki,theeyeswereindisputablyElias’s.
Anod.Tinyfingersbraidingherdoll’ssilkyhair.“Riley?”
“Sakura.”
Agiggle.“Didyouseemytooth?”Shetiltedupherhead.“See,Ilosttwo.”
“Where’dtheygo?”heteased.
Anothergiggle,innocentandbright.“MomsaidyoushouldcomehavecoffeewithherandDad.”
Rileyraisedaneyebrow.“Shedid?”
“Uh-huh.Andsheevenmadepecanpie.”
Rileylovedpecanpie,asYukiwellknew.“Yourmom’ssneaky.”
“That’swhatDadsays.”Shesnuggledcloserandhetightenedhisarms,veryawareofherfragility.Hecouldn’tbelieveoneofhistoughsoldiershadproducedthistinycreature,butitwastrue.Halfthetime,Eliasdidn’tseemtobelieveiteither.Theotherhalf,hestruttedaroundliketheproudpapahewas.
“Howcomeshe’ssneaky?”
“Shewantstoaskmequestions,andshe’sbribingmewithpie.”HehadnodoubtsthatYukiwantedtogrillhimaboutMercy.Damnnosypackmates.
“Oh.”Herattentionwasonherdoll.“Doyouthinkshelookspretty?”
“Very.Justlikeyou.”
Asunnysmilewashisreward.“Ilikeyou,Riley.”
Rileyfelthishearttighten.HelikedSakura,too.Brennahadonceaskedhimifhe’dhadenoughofparenthoodwhatwithhavingtoshouldersomuchresponsibilityinraisingherandAndrew,butRileyhadneverseenitthatway.Toprotectandraiseachildwasagift.“What’syourdoll’sname?”
“Mimi.”Puttingthedollonherlap,shepattedhischest.“Riley?”Awhisper.
Hebenthiseartoherlips.
“IatesomeofyourpiewhenMomwasn’tlooking.”
Rileyburstoutlaughing,realizingshe’dcometohidefromtheresultsofhermisdemeanor.Itamusedthewolfinhim,too.Becausethispupwasoneofhisown,partofapackbothmanandwolfhadvowedtoprotect.Nowanotherloyaltywasstartingtorise,anditconfusedhimoneverylevel,makinghimquestiontruthssointegraltohislifethattheysimplywere
Untilher.
Ifthisfirebetweenthemturneddarkandexplodedoutward,ithadthepotentialtodevastatebothSnowDancerandDarkRiver.
Still,hewonderedhowMercyfeltaboutkids…ifachildwasevenpossiblebetweentwosuchdivergentchangelinggroups.CHAPTER22
CouncilorAnthonyKyriakuslookedatthehuskthathadbeenSamuelRainandturnedtotheM-Psystandingnexttohim.“Hischancesofrecovery?”
Lanieaglancedreflexivelyattheelectronicchartshelikelyknewbacktofront.“Smallbutnotnegligible.Wewereabletogoinandremovethelastthreadsofthecompulsion,relievingthepressureonhisbrain.”
“But?”
“Buttherewasalotofdamage.We’renotgoingtoknowhowmuchuntilhewakes…ifhewakes.”
AnthonyknewSamuelRainhadbeenabrilliantroboticsengineer.Whatwoulditdotohimifhewoketoarealitywherehecouldneveragaincreateanything?“Thesignatureonthecompulsionwasdegraded.Didyoufindanythingelseduringthescan?”
Lanieashookherhead.“Thecompulsionwaswovenbyahighlyexperiencedtelepath—thesignaturewasthefirstpartoftheprogrammingtogo.”
“Sendmethedetails.Imayhavemissedsomethinginmyinitialscan.”
Thetelepathictransferwasconcludedinlessthanasecond.Lanieaputthechartontheendofthepatient’sbedandshookherhead.“There’sonethingIhaven’tfactoredintohischancesofsurvivalandperhapsIshould.”
Anthonywaited.
“Hiswill.”TheM-Psyshookherhead.“Heshouldn’thavebeenabletofightthecompulsion,buthedid.Maybehe’llfightdeathwiththatsamestrength.”
Itwasadiagnosisthatcameperilouslyclosetotakingemotionintoaccount.ButLanieaknewAnthonywouldneverbetrayher.
“Perhaps,”Anthonysaid,“welostmorethanouremotionswhenweembracedSilence.Perhapswesacrificedtheverythingthatmadeusfightforourrighttolive.”
“Ifit’swakingagain,”Lanieasaid,“it’sdoingsowithviolence.”
“ButnotinSamuelRain.”Anthonysawinthisyoungman’srefusaltosurrender,abeaconofhopeforhisentirerace.“Inhim,itwoketoavertviolence.”Faith,hethought,wouldbesohappytohearthat.Hisdaughtersawtoomuchdarkness,herforeseeinggiftdraggingherdeepintotheabyss.
Andyetdespiteitall,shekeptgrowingeverstronger.ItwasdangerousforaCouncilortofeelpride,tofeelanything,butdeepintherecessesofhismind,hiddenbehindathousandshields,Anthonywasproudofthewomanhisdaughterhadbecome.Now,henoddedtoLanieaandlefttoupdateFaithonSamuel’scondition.CHAPTER23
Mercywokethenextdaytotheclawingviciousnessofhercat,atwisting,agonizingneedthatrefusedtoletherrest.Whatworriedherwasthatitwasn’tonlysexual.ShemissedRiley.“Oh,God.”
She’dhavesublimatedherneedinwork,butshe’dbeenorderedtotaketimeoffbyLucas,giventhe“ridiculousnumberofextrashifts”she’dpulledoverthepastfewmonths.Sayingheneededallhissentinelsfullyfunctionalwhenthiscalmbroke,he’dgonesofarastocancelherrotationonthecitysurveillance,meaningshewasutterlyfree.
Andmiserable.
Hopingacoldshowerwouldsnapheroutofit,shedraggedherselftothebathroom.Amessagewaswaitingforheronthecommpanelwhensheexited.Notingthefamiliarnumber,shecalledthrough.“Ashaya,what’sup?”
Ashaya’sdistinctiveblue-grayeyeswidenedinsurprise.“Thatwasquick.”
“Lucasorderedmetotakethedayoff.Thecheek.”
Ashayasmiled—thatsmilewasstillnew,buttherewasnodoubtingitcamefromtheheart.“Iwasgoingtoaskyouforafavor,butyoushoulddosomethingfunonyourdayoff.”
“I’mgoinginsane,”Mercymuttered,rubbingahandoverherheart.“Pleasegivemesomethingtodo.”
Ashaya’ssmilefadedintoconcern.“Mercy?What’swrong?”
“Myhormonesaretakingovermybrain.”God,shewasgoingtobiteRileyhardfordoingthistoher.Howhadheaddictedhertohimsoquickly?
“Oh.”Ashayanodded.“I’vehadafewofthosemomentssincemydefection.”Turning,shelaughedatsomethingDorianhadprobablysaidbeforelookingback.“Asforthefavor—IpromisedAmaraI’dbringupsomethingI’vebeenworkingon.Doyouthinkyoucoulddoitforme?”
Ashaya’stwinwasseriouslynuts,butshewasalsosmartashell.“Won’tshewanttoseeyou?”
“No,we’vesetupameetingatalaterdate.”
“WhatamItransporting?”
“Oneofthosechipswefoundonthehumanswhoattemptedtokidnapme,”Ashayasaid.“I’vebeentakingitapartbitbybit,tryingtofigureouthowitworks,whatitdoes.Amarahasacopyofherown,butIwanthertoseesomethingI’vefound,getasecondopinion.”
“YougetthereportwithmynotesonBowen’stakeonthethings?”sheasked
“Yes.I’mattemptingnottojumptoconclusions,however.IalsogotyourmessageaboutspeakingtoNash.”
“Anyluck?”
“No,”wasthedisappointinganswer,“butI’lltryagaininadayorso.Hemayjustbeoverwhelmedrightnow.”Sheturnedagain,theelectriccurlsofherhairshiftingwithabandon.“Wait,Dorianwantstosaysomething.”
Thescreenswitchedtoaudio-onlyandsherealizedDorianmust’vetakentheportablehandsetoutside.“Merce,IdidthatEnforcementcheckforyou.ThesameknifewasusedinbothkillsinTahoe.”
“Damn.”
“I’verenewedthealerttoourpeopleinthatareaandthey’llgetthewordouttothenonpredatories.Drew’shandlingtheinfo-spreadontheSnowDancerend.Problemis,Enforcement’sgotnothingelseyet,sowecan’tgetspecific.”Hisvoicedroppedandheblewoutabreath.“Wherethefuckdotheykeepcomingfrom?”
“IwishIknew,Blondie.”Sheusedthechildhoodnicknameonpurpose,nudginghimawayfromtheedgeofdarkness.He’dbecomesomuchmorebalancedsincematingwithAshaya,butsheknewhe’dalwaysmournhismurderedsister.Sowouldshe—asachild,KyliehadbeendeterminedtobeincludedinallofDorianandMercy’snefariousschemes,nomatterthatshewasfarlittler.
AfterKylie’sdeath,Mercyhadmadeadeterminedefforttorememberthegoodtimes,themischief,butherheartstillhurtatoddmoments—likewhenshesawsomethingsheknewKyliewould’veloved.Shecouldn’timaginehowmuchworseitwasforDorian.Swallowingthelumpinherthroat,shesaid,“OrshouldIcallyouBoyGenius?Thatoneseemstobecatchingon.”
“Watchit,Carrot,”hesaid,thenchuckled.“I’mhandingthingsbacktoShaya—KeenansaysI’mmissingthebestpartoftoday’sepisode.”
ThecommfilledwithAshaya’sfaceagain,hercurlslookingwilderthanbefore.“What’veyoubeendoing?”Mercyaskedwithagrin.
Ashayablushed.“Let’ssayBlondieisafastmover.”
AnylingeringconcernMercymight’vehadforDoriandisappeared.“I’llbebyin,say,twohours?Thatokay?”
“We’llprobablystillbecurledupinbed,watchingcartoons.”Hereyesfilledwithaffection.“Mymateandsonhavediscoveredamutualloveofsuperheroesandbreakfastinbed.They’redeterminedtoconvertme.”
TheimageAshayahadsketched—ofalazyfamilymorning—wassoappealingthatMercywasalmostsurprised.Almost.Becauseshe’drealizedlongagothatfamilywasanintegralpartofherdream.“Don’tgetcrumbsonthesheets.”AsshehunguptothesoundofAshaya’slaughter,sherealizedthatSierraTech,whereAmaraworked,wassmackbanginthemiddleofSnowDancerterritory.
Riley’sterritory.
Theleopardcametoattention.Sodidthewoman.Andthatfast,allsensiblethoughtwasburiedunderacrashingwaveofanticipation.
Rileyfinishedgoingoverhisworklistfortheday,andhandedouttheassignmentsbyphone.Unfortunately,theroutinetaskdidn’tsucceedinkeepinghismindoffMercy—forthefirsttimeinmonths,he’ddreamednotofBrenna’sabduction,butofaredheadedcatwhorefusedtocometohim.Ithadlefthimsweaty,thesheetstangledaroundhislimbslikesomuchplastic.
Eveninhisdreams,shedefiedhim.
However,despitehisjaw-clenchingfrustration,hewasalmostfinishedwhenHawkecameinandgrabbedaseat.“What’smyassignment?”heaskedafterRileyhungup.
Itwasaseriousquestion.Riley’sjobwastocoordinatetheirresources.Hawkewasthebesttheyhad.Itwould’vebeenawastenottousehim—thoughRileyalwayshadtohaveabackupinplaceincaseHawkegotpulledawayonalphabusiness.“I’vegotanassignmentyou’lllove.”
Hawkeblinked,theslow,lazyblinkofapredatorverymuchonalert.“IfthenameSiennaappearsinthatassignment,I’mgoingtoshredyouopen,tieyourintestinesinabow,andfeedyoutotheferalwolves.”
RileysmiledandkeptgoingasifHawkehadn’tspoken.“YouneedtotakecareofacertainjuvenilePsyfemaleyougavesanctuarytowhenherentirefamilydefectedfromthePsyNet.”
“Ishould’vegivenorderstoeatthemall.”
“Psytasterubbery,”Rileysaidstraight-faced.“Iknow.ItriedtochewoffJudd’sarmoncewhilewewerehunting.”
“Stoplaughing,”Hawkesaid,thoughRileyhadn’tmadeasound.“Justtellmewhatshe’sdonenow.”
“Nothing.”RileydroppedthebombshellandwaitedasHawke’smouthfellopen.
Hisalphatookseveralsecondstorecover.“Nothing?”
“Nothing,”Rileyrepeated.“Butyou’vebeenslackingoff.Youneedtofindherapositioninthepack.”
“She’s—”
“Nomoreexcuses,Hawke.”Rileyfoldedhisarms.“She’sbeeneighteenforalmostthreemonthsnow,andshe’sbeenintrainingwithIndigoforwhat—tenmonths?”HebroughtupSienna’sfileonhishandheld.“No,youstuckherintrainingoverayearago.Shecanprotectherselfwellenoughtodoanumberoftasks.”
“She’svolatile.”Hawke’sjawtightened.
“She’satelepath,astrongone.”Siennawasacardinal—herabilitieswereoffthescale.
“She’sgotabilitiesasidefromtelepathy.I’veseenherlosecontrol—shecandoseriousdamage.”Hawkeshovedahandthroughhishair.
“Socanyou,”Rileysaidpointedly.“She’slearning.Justbecauseshe—”
“Don’tgothere.”Agrowl.
Rileyraisedaneyebrow.“Iwasgoingtosay,justbecauseshe’sPsydoesn’talsomeanshe’snotaneighteen-year-oldgoingstir-crazy.”
“Fine.”Hawkewasgrittinghisteeth.“I’llhandleit.”
“ThenI’llleaveitwithyou.”He’dmadehispointandHawkewascertainlynotstupid.“I’mgoingtogoup,checkoutthebearpopulationinsector2.There’vebeenreportsthey’regettingsick.”Ifitwassomethingserious,theirvetswouldneedtogoupandinvestigate.Becausewhateverwasaffectingthebearscouldtrickledownthroughtheotheranimalgroupsinthearea,decimatingentireherds.Andasthepackthatclaimedterritorialrightsoverthisarea,SnowDancerwasalsoitscaretaker.
Morethanthat,Rileyneededachancetogetoutofthedenbeforehisfrustrationledhimtostrikeout.Thewolfwasstartingtoclawathim,pacingthiswayandthat,wantingbloodifitcouldn’thavesex.
MercyhandedAmarathechipAshayahadpackedinasmall,impermeablecase.
“Isitallgood?”sheaskedAshaya’sidenticaltwin.
Amaradidn’treplyuntilshe’dcheckeditunderamicroscope.“Yes.”
HavingaconversationwithAmarawashard.Shedidn’tthrowoutverbalcueslikemostpeople—butatleastshewasn’thomicidalanylonger.“AnythingyouwantmetotakedowntoAshaya?”
Familiarblue-grayeyeslookedintohers,butMercyhadafeelingshe’dnevermistakeAmara’sgazeforAshaya’s.“Notatthisstage.”
“Cool.”Noddingatthetesttubeslinedupontheworkbench,sheasked,“Looksinteresting.”
“Don’tworry,”Amarasaid,“I’mnotcreatinganothermonstervirus.”
SincethatwasexactlywhatMercyhadbeenthinking,shegrinned.“Nevercrossedmymind.Whatisit?”
“Achild’sgame—tomakecolors.”Sheliftedastunningblueone.“Coppersulphate.”
“Youdon’tstrikemeastheplayingtype.”
“Aperceptiveobservation.”Sheputthetesttubedownnexttoonewithabrightyellowcompoundinside.“ButSaschaDuncansaysImusttry.”
Withanyotherperson,Mercywould’vewaitedforthemtocontinue.WithAmara,shehadtobeblunt.“Why?”
“Shesaysplayappearstohelpwith…emotion.”Shrugging,shepickedupanemptytesttube.“Idon’tpretendtounderstandtheworkingsofanE-Psy,butifIdothis,sheleavesmealoneforafewdays.”
Mercyhadn’tknownSaschahadbeenspendingthatmuchtimewithAmara—especiallygivenwhatsheknewofSascha’sinitialreactiontoAmara’sabsolutecoldness.Buttheiralpha’smatewasnothingifnotdetermined.Amaraneededtobehelpedinthisunfamiliarnewworld,soSaschawashelpingher.Itwasnothingmore—andnothingless—thanthat.“Playteachesusthings,”shesaidtoAmaranow.“Itletsustryoutideaswithoutworryingaboutwhetherthey’llwork.Thinkofitasacreativeformofbrainstorming.”
Amarastaredather.“That’sextremelyastute.”
“Somehow,Idon’tthinkthatwasacompliment.”
Amarasaidnothing.Afterasecond,Mercyrealizeditwasbecauseshehadn’taskedaquestion.“Wasit?”
“Ofasort,”Amarasaid.“Ithoughtchangelingsoldierswerepurebrawn.”
“Yoursister’smatedtoDorianandyouthinkthat?”Herfellowsentinelwashellasmart.
“Istillwanttokillhimsometimes,soAshayadoesn’tleaveusalonemuch.”
Mercy’slipstwitchedatthestraightforwardanswer.“Don’tworry—hegivesmehomicidalthoughtsattimes,too.”Thenshegotserious.“Fightit.Fightwhateveritisthatwantstodragyoudown.Givinginisforwusses.”
Isn’tthatwhatyou’redoingwithRiley?
Evenashermindbuckedagainstthatunexpectedmentalwhisper,Amarablinked.“It’snowondermytwinsaysyou’reherfavorite.Shenevergaveupeither.Evenonme.”
Decidingthatwoulddofortoday,Mercyturnedtoleave—shecouldn’tdealwithherownrebelliousthoughtsandAmaraatthesametime.
“Mercy?”
Sheturnedbackatthedoor.“Yeah?”
“Look.”Ashayaheldupanewvial.“It’sthecolorofyourhair.”
HawkestrodetowardtheLaurens’quarters—Siennahadchosentoremainwithheruncle,Walker,hisdaughter,Marlee,andherownbrother,Toby,evenaftersheturnedeighteenandwasentitledtoaseparateone-bedroomunitintheden.WhateverelsehemightsayaboutSienna,onethingwasundeniable—shewasagoodcousin,agoodsister.MarleeandTobybothadoredher.So,forthatmatter,didalotoftheotherpups.
Toobadsheturnedintoademoneverytimehecamewithinbreathingdistance.“Riley’sright,”hemutteredunderhisbreath,staringatthecloseddooroftheapartment.HalfthereasonSiennawasbentondrivinghiminsanewasthatshehadtoomuchsparetimeonherhands.
Shewasbright,andheruncleshadensuredshewasenrolledinadistance-learningdegreecourserunbyamajoruniversity.Butthatdidnothingtoreleaseherphysicalenergy.Indigo,too,hadbeennudgingatHawketogetSiennaintoapositionwithinthepack—because,forbetterorworse,shewasnowpartofSnowDancer,andnotbeinggivenapositionwasaninsult.
Hawkefelthisjawset.Insultornot,hehadtobalancetherightsandwell-beingofeverysinglememberofthepack—Siennahadlesscontroloverherimpulsesthanalmostanyoneelseinheryeargroup.Hecouldn’tchancehernotfollowingorderswhenitmightmeanlifeordeathfortherestofherteam.
AndhowdoyouthinksheescapedthePsyNet?BybeinganinnyanddisobeyingWalkerandJudd?
Sometimeshehatedthatvoiceinhisbrain,theonethatslappedhimupsidetheheadanytimehegottoostupid.Funny,ithappenedalotwithSienna.
“Whatchyadoing?”
Heglanceddownattheownerofthattinyvoice,havingscentedhisminiatureshadowseveralfeetdownthecorridor.“LookingforJudd.”Thelieutenanthadn’tbeeninhisquarters,andHawkewantedtogethistakeonSienna’spsychiccontrol.
Bentookaslurpofhisorangepopsicle.“Nothere.”
“Yeah?”Crouchingdown,hemadeeyesatthepopsicle.
Benimmediatelyturneditinhisdirection.“Wannabite?”
“No,Iwasjustkidding.”Thispup,hethought,wouldgrowupintothekindofmananypackwouldbeproudof.Analphasimplyknewwithsome.“DoyouknowwhereJuddis?”
“Outside.WithBrenna.”Anotherslurp.“Doingkissystuff.”
Hawkegrinned.“Andyouknowthishow?”BenwastooyoungtobeallowedoutoftheWhiteZone,andJuddsurelywasn’tdoing“kissystuff”intheareawherethelittleonesplayed.
“Hetoldme.”
“Hetoldyou?”
“Yeah.IaskedhimhowcomeIcouldn’tcome,andhesaidhewasgoingtokissBrennasoI’dprobablygetgrossedout.”Thistimehetookabiteandchewed.“IdecidedtocomevisitMarleeinstead.”
“Sheinthere?”
“Yeah.WithSinnaandToby.”
“ThenIguessI’llbespeakingdirectlytoSinna,”hesaid,sayingthenameasBenhad.“Youknock.”
Bentappedwithalittlefist.“Areyoumad?”
“No.”
“You’rescowly.”
AndthatwaswhenSiennaopenedthedoor.CHAPTER24
TheInformationMerchanthadapartiallist.Heconsideredhowtogetthatlisttothosewhohadhiredhim.Mostpeoplewould’veusedacommscreen,orasecurephonelink,buttheInformationMerchanttookbeingcarefultotheextreme.
Hethoughtaboutaface-to-facetransfer,butdeterminedthatthatwasn’tnecessaryatthisstage.Instead,hedecidedtouseanold-techmethod.Slippingintoanofficebuildingutilizedmostly,thoughnotexclusively,byhumansandchangelings,hedroppedtheenvelopecontainingthedataintoanearlyfullout-boxwhilethereceptionist’sbackwasturned,andsatdowntoreadanewspaperonhisorganizer.
Theautomatedmailroomcartcamebytenminuteslater,impeccablyonschedule,andemptiedtheout-box.Itwouldbeinthepostwithinthehour.Satisfied,theInformationMerchantgotupandwalkedtotheelevators,headinguptoameetinghe’dsetupearlierthatweek.Hedidn’tbelieveinleavinglooseends.
Especiallywhenhewastradingthemosttreasonousofsecrets.CHAPTER25
Rileywasanhouroutfromthebears’territorywhenhecaughtaveryfamiliarscent.Wolfandmanbothcametoahalt,onalert.Thewindruffledthewolf’sfur,acool,gentlestroke.Theearth,thewind,thesharpbiteoftheevergreens,itallservedtocalmhim…normally.Today,excitementbeatinhisblood
Insteadofchasingthescent,hestalkedit.Careful,careful,thewolfwhisperedtotheman.Bepatient,orshemightdisappear.Andhedidn’twanthertodisappear.Heusedeverytrickheknewtohidehisscentashecameevercloser.Andthenthereshewas,curleduponawarm,exposedrock,hercoloringgolden,therosettesonherbodydark.Shewashisnaturalenemy,butthewolfagreedwiththemanthisonetime—thisleopardwastoomagnificenttoattack.Perhapshestoodthereforaminute,perhapsten.Butwhenhefinallypaddedoutoftheshadows,herheaddidn’tjerkupinsurprise.
Instead,sleepyeyesopenedtohalf-mast.Theywereavividcolorclosetogoldinthisform,asifthebrownhadbeenheatedbyinternalsunlight.Hereyesseemedtosay,“What?”and“Goaway,I’mnapping,”inequalmeasures.
Holdinghergaze,heshifted.Thepleasure/painofitsweptthroughhisbody.Afamiliarthing.Andyet,neweachtime.Hecametocrouchingontheforestfloor,hiseyesstilllockedwiththeleopard’s.“You’reinmyrange.”
Adisdainfulsweepofhertail.Eveninthisform,shefoundwaystosasshim.
“Kittiesgeteatenuphere.”
Ayawnthistime,fullofteeth.Ohyeah,Mercyknewhowtoplay.
“I’mheadinguptocheckonthebearpopulation,”hesaid,realizinghe’dintendedtomaketheofferallalong.“Comewithme.”Hisentirebodytightenedashewaitedforheranswer.
I’masloyaltomypackasyouaretoyours.
Asalieutenant,heknewhewasplayingwithfirebycontinuingtopursueMercy.Heknewthat…buthewasalsoamanandshewasawomanwhoactedlikeadrugtohissenses.Ifshedeniedhimagain,wouldhecontinuetotrytochangehermind?Yes,hethought,unsurprised.HewasstuckonMercy,andwhenRileygotstuck,unstickingsimplywasn’tontheagenda.
Buthecouldbepatient,whichwasgood,becausetheleopardfemaletookhertimethinkingaboutit,yawningseveralmoretimesbeforereluctantlygettingupandpaddingoffthestone.Heknewitwasallforshow—shewasascuriousasherfelinebrethren.Shestoppedface-to-facewithhim,showinghimherteeth.
“I’mscared.”
Thoseteeththreatenedtobitehisneck.Hejumpedoutofreachandshifted,trustinghertofollowtherulesofplayandnotinterrupt.Shedidn’t.Buttheinstanthewaswolf,sheattacked.Herolledinthelushrichnessofthefallenleaves,knowingthescentwouldcoverhimwhenhereturned.Hemightplayagamewiththekids,getthemtoguesswherehe’dbeen.Itwashowtheylearned.
Butfornow,hewasintentonavoidingMercy’sjaws.Herclawsweresheathedthistime,andshewasn’treallycomingathim.Neitherwashe.Heblockedtheattack,thenrolledher,threateningtogripherneck.Shakinghimoff,sheshothimahaughtylookandbegantopadaway.Timetogo.
Comingupbesideher,hedeliberatelypushedatherwithhisshoulders,sotheywalkedsidebyside,theirflanksrubbing.Alittlewarninglightwentoffinhisbrainattheact,anactthewolfinhimrecognizedimmediately,buthewasintoogoodamoodtolisten.Theruntothebears’territorypassedineasyplay.Mercytookoffmorethanonce,daringhimtocatchher.Whenhedid,shesniffedandcontinuedoninalazyway,asifitmatterednothing.
Moregames.
Morealarmbells.
Heignoredthemall.
Whentheyreachedthebears,henoddedasshewentleft,whilehewentright.Mercymightbewildfiretohissolid,rootedearth,butwhenitcametowork,theyfunctionedwithclockworksynchronicity.
Theymetanhourlateratthestartingpoint.Byunspokenagreement,theywentbacktothestonewherehe’dfirstmetherbeforeshifting.“Thesun’smoved,”shecomplained.
“There’sanotherstoneasgood.”
Makingaface,shewalkedovertothesecondflatslabwithsilentfelinegrace.Shehadnoshameinhernakedbody.Neitherdidhe.But,henoticedher.Andthatwasn’tthechangelingway.Notwithnormalmembersofthepack—eitherSnowDancerorDarkRiver.Nakednessaftershiftingsimplywas.Nothingtoberemarkedon.
ButhisbrainwasremarkingplentyonMercy.Herfireredhaircurledjustabovethecurveofherbuttocks,drawinghiseyetotheirsweet,tonedshape.Mercywasasoldier,hermusclesleanandstrong.Butshewasalsoverymuchawoman—allsmooth,softskinandluscious,strokablecurves.
Andherbreasts.Heswallowedagroanashecaughtteasingglimpsesofthemasshejumpedlightlyontopoftherock—verymuchlikethecatshewas—andlaydownonherfront,givingamoanofpure,sensualblissattheheat.“Stopcheckingmeoutandcomegivemeamassage.”
Hewalkedover,hisbodyheavywithneed.Buthewasn’tanidiot.Hewasn’tgoingtoassumeshe’daccepthimintoherbodyagain.Makingsuchassumptionswithpredatorychangelingfemalesgotmennothingbutbruisedegosandpossibly,missingbodyparts.Heclimbedontotherockwithsteadystepsthatweremorenaturaltohimthanherquicksilvergrace.“Damnit,Mercy,”hesaidtheinstanthesawherback.“You’refuckingblack-and-blueagain.Youshould’vetoldmeIwas—”
“Itwasn’tplaytimewithyouthatcausedthis,Kincaid.”
Furyrolledthroughhim.“Who?”He’dripthemtoshreds.
“Training,socutitout.”Turningherhead,sheshovedherhairoutofthewayandglared.“Itdoesn’thurt.It’sjustmyskin—andit’snotblack-and-blue.Isawitinthemirrortoday;themarkshavealmostentirelyfaded.”
Hescowled,wantingtododamagetowhoeverhaddaredharmher.
“Mymuscles,ontheotherhand,doache.SomassagemewhileItellyouwhatIpickedupaboutthebears.”
“Yousureyoudon’thurt?”
“Riley,I’manaturalredhead.”Asnicker.“Incaseyoudidn’tnotice.”
Ofcoursehisgazedippeddownward.“TurnoversoIcancheck.”
Shelaughed.“Massagemealready.”
Stillnothappywiththemarks,hestraddledher.Shemoanedatthefirstfirmtouchofhishandsonshoulders.
Hedidn’tsayanything,choosingtostrokeoverherbackagain.“Bears?”hefinallyasked,thoughitwasthelastthingonhismind.
“They’reooo-kay.”Thelastwordwasamoanashehitatightmuscle.“Ilikeyourhands.”
Hedidn’tsayanything.Couldn’t.Touchingherwasscramblinghisbraincells.Andthatwouldsurprisealmosteveryonewhoknewhim.RileyKincaiddidn’tgetscrambled.Hewastheoneyoucouldcountontobesnappingoutcool,collectedorderswhiletheworldturnedtocustard.Rightnow,itcould’vebeenrainingiciclesandhewouldn’thavecared…excepttoprotectMercy’sbody.
“Thebearsarefine,”shesaid,hervoicepureindolentcat.“Iscentedacoupledead,butnosignsofsickness—mightbetherewasafight.Whatdidyouget?”
“Same.”Hisvoicesoundedlikesandpapertohim,butMercymurmuredinagreementandstayedquiescentunderhishands.
This,herealized,wasanotherkindoftrust.Normally,she’dallowonlyapackmatetodothis.Underhishands,hermusclesgrewloose,limber.Finishingwithhershoulders,hesliddowntoworkonherback.Despitethebruisesthatcontinuedtoangerthewolf,herskinfeltsoftassatin,warmandtempting.Hisfingersbrushedthesidesofherbreastsashedidhersides.
“Hey,nocoppingafeel.”
Leaningover,henippedherear.“Quiet.”
Hesawtheedgeofhersmile.“Dotherest.”
Herlanguidlazinesswassofelinehecouldn’tdoanythingelsebutstrokeher.Afterhefinishedherback,heswepttheheavyweightofherhairtocoverher.Pretty,hiswolfsaidasheranthestrandsthroughhisfingers.
Mercydidn’thurryhimup,andherealizedshelikedhavingherhairplayedwith.Itwasasurprisingdiscovery,itwassuchafemininething.Butitfither.Releasingthestrandsafterlong,longminutes,heranhisfingersdowntotracethedelicatelinesofthetattooatthebaseofherspine.Itwasafinebladeanchoringandtwinedbybeautifulcurlinglines.
Feminineandmartial.
Helikedit.Justashelikedthefactthatshehadanothertattooonherrightarm—slashinglinesthatechoedthemarkingsonheralpha’sface.Loyal.Thiscatwasloyal.Andthatbothdrewhimandfrustratedhim.Buthewouldn’tthinkaboutthattoday.
Theseminutes,thesehours,wereforRileyandMercy.Notalieutenantandasentinel.Here,theyweretwoordinarypeoplewhohappenedtosetoneanotheraflame…and,perhaps,toucheachotherfardeeperthaneitherofthemwaswillingtoadmit.
Driftinglower,heranhisknucklesoverherbuttocks.Noprotest.Sohekneadedhermuscleswithcarefulhands,learningherfarslowerthanhehadeitheroftheothertimesthey’dbeentogether.
Bythetimehereachedthetopsofherthighs,thescentofherarousalhadwrappedaroundhimlikeathousandsoftwhispers.Buthedidn’tpush.Hewasenjoyinghavingherunderhishands—Mercyrarelystoppedbeinginmotion.Tohaveherlikethiswasararetreat,onetobesavored.
Thesoleofherfoothithisbacklightlyasshebentitinalazymovement.Hesqueezedherthigh.Insteadofdroppingthefoot,shetappedhimagain.Sohestrokedhishandsbackoverherbodyandoffhershoulders,bracingthempalms-downbesideherheadashebenttonipatherearagain.Exceptthistime,itwasgentle,aquestion.
Reachinguptosweepherhairoffherback,shebaredthelineofherneck.Hewasagonizinglyhungryforher,buthedidn’timmediatelymovetotake.Theothertwotimes,he’dbeeninafury.Today,hewantedtosavor,totasteherinslowsipsandlittlebites.Anothernip,thegrazeofhisteethalongherjaw.Shemadeacomplainingnoisethatwasn’treallyacomplaint.“Wolf.”
Hestrokedhishanddownherside,overthecurveofherbreast,herhip,thenbackup.“Cat.”
Shearchedintothecaress,butthemovewaslanguid,relaxed.“Petmesomemore.”
“Youalwaysthisgreedyinbed?”Buthewasdoingwhatshewanted—pettingawarm,compliant,andsexuallyarousedMercywasnohardship.Hell,ifhewashonest,itwasaneroticfantasycometolife.
“No.”Shewaspurringunderhistouch.“ButI’mnotpromisinganything.”
“Ofcoursenot.”Hegotoffherandtherock.
“Hey!”
“Thestone’shard.”Andtherewasnowayhewaschancingaddingtoherbruises.“ComedownhereandI’llpetyouasmuchasyouwant.”
“Briberydoesn’twork.”Butshegotupwithaslow,gracefulmovementandflowedofftherock.Itwastheonlywordhecouldthinkoftodescribeit.Shewaspureliquidsilk.Andthenshewasinfrontofhim,herarmsaroundhisneck,herbodypressedtohis.
Asheleaneddowntokissher,hewashitbyafantasyofherhairslidingoverhisskin,wrappingaroundhiscock.Groaning,hedeepenedthekiss,strokinghistongueagainsthers.Herhandstunneledintohishairandshemadelittlenoisesinthebackofherthroatthatlethimknowshelikedwhathewasdoing.
“I’mready.”Itwasawhisperagainsthismouth,herlipsslidingalonghisjaw,softandlusciouslyfeminine.
“I’mnot.”Kissinghiswaydowntoherthroat,hesucked.Justenoughtoleaveamark.
“Iknowwhatyou’redoing.”
Hesmiled.Andbither.Herbodyjerkedbutshekeptherclawssheathed.“Behave,Riley.”Alazywarning.
“You,tellingmetobehave?”heasked,dippinghisheadtotuganippleintohismouth.
Herhandsclenchedinhishair.“Mmm.”Thatpurrwasvibratingagainsthim,settingoffathousandsmallchargesinhisnervoussystem.Hiscockthrobbed.
Shebegantoslideonehanddownhisbody.Hecaughtit,broughtitbackuptohisshoulders.Pullinghisheadup,shepointedtoherlips.Itwasn’tahardordertofollow.Andherkiss…oh,butherkiss.Allheatandlush,seductivepleasure.Itwasapromise,thatkiss,apromiseofaslowridetooblivion.
“Sopatient,”shemurmuredagainsthismouth.“Willyoubepatientforme?”
Heblinked.“Er…”Andthentoldtheblunttruth.“I’mnotgoodatgivingupcontrolinbed.”
Achuckle,aglimmerofamusementinthosegoldeneyes.They’dturnedleopardonhim,herealized,butshewasaleopardwellpleased,willingtolethimplay.“Whereareyougoodatgivingupcontrol?”Aflickofhertongueoverthepulseinhisthroat.“Obviouslynotintheforest.Hmm,howaboutonthekitchentable—”
Asifheneededanymoreeroticimagestotormenthimatnight.“Mercy.”
“—intheshower—”
Mercy’sskin,allwetandslippery.Herbodypinnedtothewallbyhis.Hishandclenchedinherhairandhetookhermouthwithrawpossession.Whentheyparted,herlidswereathalf-mast,thatteasingsmilestillcurvingherlips.“Definitelytheshower,then.”
Shuddering,heranhishandsoverherbacktosqueezeherbuttocks.“Youtryingtomakemecrazy?”
“Everyoneneedsahobby.”
Hisfingerstouchedhercore.Hot.Slick.Soready.Shemovedagainsthim,herwordsbreathlesswhenshesaid,“Now,Riley.”
Sincehewasabouttoburstoutofhisskinfromthemoltenbuildupofpleasure,hetookherdowntothegrasswithoutargument.Exceptthistime,hemadesurehewasonthebottom.Shebracedherselfoverhim,allredhairandsexy,sexymouth.Thatmouthcurvedagainasheclosedhishandsoverherhips.“IneedaStetson.”
Hewaited.
“SoIcanrideyoulikeacowgirl.”
Thevisualalmostmadehimcome.“I’llbuyyouoneforChristmas.”Hedidn’tknowwherehefoundthewillpowertosaythat,becauseshe’draisedherselfuponherkneesandwasbrushingthedampheatofhercoreoverandacrosshim.“Mercy.”Hepulledherdowntosheathehim.Shecould’veresisted.Shedidn’t.
Instead,shemovedabovehiminasinuouscurveoffireandgold,herbeautybathedinsunshine.Thefirefracturedminuteslater.AndRiley’swolfcoulddonothingbutwatchheraspleasuregrippedhimtight,thenbrokehimwideopen.CHAPTER26
Inanordinary—ifcoollyupmarket—sectionofthecity,notfarfromthePalaceofFineArts,abrown-eyed,brown-hairedmanwalkedintoacornerstoreandpaidtheextravagantmarkuponanumberofcleaningsupplies.“Emergency,”hetoldtheoldladywhowhisperedtohimthathecouldgetabetterdealatthesupermarketafewblocksaway.“Newapartmenthasslimemold.”Hemadeaface.“Mygirlfriend’sthreateningtogobacktoherparentsifIdon’tcleanituprightnow.”
Theoldladysmiledandpattedhisarm,wishinghimthebestofluckwithhisgirl.Hegrinnedandtippedhisbaseballcapather.Therewasnothingatallremarkableabouthim.Thecornerstoremanagerforgothimassoonashewalkedout,andhadhe,forsomereason,neededtocheckthesecurityfootage,he’dhavefoundthatthestrangerhadsomehowmanagedtoeitherhavehisbacktothecamerasorhisheadbent,shadowedbythebillofhiscap.
Thesamescene,oravariationofit,wasrepeatedthroughoutthecity.Thecustomersallboughtdifferentthings.Innocuousthings.Solongasyoudidn’tputthemtogether.CHAPTER27
MercynuzzledherfaceintoRiley’sneckandbreatheddeep.Hesmelledofearthandforest,heatandman.Beneathher,hisbodywaswarm,muscled,thesilky-roughhaironhischestteasingthesensitiveskinofherbreasts.
Helaythereandletherkisshisneck,thelineofhisshoulder,thedipbelowhisthroat,hishandlyinglooselyonherlowerback.Shewasn’tfooled.Itwasapossessivetouch.Butshefiguredshe’dlethimgetawaywithitthisonce—he’dearnedit.Andhe’dearnedmorethanalittlepetting.
Whensheraisedherheadandnippedathisjaw,heliftedhislashesafraction,butdidn’tsayanything,hishandstrokingoverherbottom.
“So,”shesaidwithaslowsmile.
Heraisedaneyebrow,hisgazenowholdingadistinctlywarylook.
“HowdoIcomparewithwolffemales?”
“You’rehopingI’lltiemytongueintoknotstryingtoanswerthat,aren’tyou?”
“Damn.”Sheproppedherchinonfoldedhands.“Busted.”
Hepinchedherbutt.
“Hey!”
“Youdeservedthat.”
Maybeshedid.But—“Youdidn’tanswermyquestion.”
“Idon’tkissandtell.”
“Ormaybethere’snothingtotell,huh?”Shesatuptostraddlehim,herfingersplayingoverhischest.“Beenadryspell,Riley?”
Hiseyeswatchedherwithintenseconcentration.ThatwasthethingwithRiley—healwaysmadeherfeelasifhewasfocusingutterlyonher.Before,she’dthoughtitwassohecouldfindwaystotellhershewasdoingsomethingwrong.Butnow…
“Lookwho’stalking,kitty.”
Shedughernailsintohischest,butnothardenoughtohurt.“Watchit.Theendorphinsareonlygoingtolastsolong.”
Hishandsclosedoverherthighs.“I’llrememberthatfornexttime.”
“Don’tgettoococky,wolfboy.Maybethreetimesisenoughforme.”
“Maybeyou’realiar.”
Shenarrowedhereyes.“DidyouandIndigoeverhitthesheets?”Jealousywasaspikeinsideher,adangerousspikebornofanevenmoredangerousemotion.
“Whyisthatanyofyourbusiness?”
“Justcurious.”
“No,”hesaid.“We’recolleagues.”
Surprisedhe’danswered,shetookafewmomentstothinkaboutit.“Youdon’tlikestrongwomen,doyou?”
Hestaredather,clearlyannoyed.“Indigo’soneofmytoplieutenants.”
“I’mnottalkingwork.”Shewaveditaway.“Personally—youreallydowantadomestic-typewomanasamate,don’tyou?Youweren’tjerkingmychain.”
“There’ssomethingwrongwiththat?”
Shetoldherselfthetwingeinherchestwasn’tfromthestingofrejection.“No.Mymom’samaternalfemaleandIrespectherabsolutely.”Foraleopard,theterm“maternal”encompassedsomuchmorethanmotherhood.Thesoldiersmightensuretroublestayedfarfromtheirinnocents,butitwasthematernalfemaleswhowerethetrueglueofthepack,forgingthethreadsthattiedthemalltoeachother.“Wasyourmomlikethat,too?”
Riley’sfaceclosedover.Itwaslikeseeingshutterscomingdown.He’dbeentight-lippedwithhermorethanonce,butneverhadhebeenthisremote.“No.”Thewordwasflat,eerilytoneless.“I’dbetterbegettingback.”
Hernaturalinstinctwastoprobe.Itwasn’tonlythecat’sinquisitiveness—thehumanpartofMercywasalsodesperateforaglimpseinsidethisquiet,containedwolf.BecauseRileymattered.There,afteravoidingitforsolong,she’dsaidit.Hemattered.Shewasincrediblycuriousabouthim.Butthoughshe’dbeenintimatewithhimseveraltimesnow,hadknownhimformuchlonger,he’dneverreallyletherin.Noteventhreenightsago.
Don’taskmeanyquestionstonight,Mercy.
Andforallherbrashness,thatwasonelineshewouldnotcross—ifhewantedtoinviteherin,he’dhavetodosoofhisownfreewill.Shewasn’tsoarrogantastoripthescaboffhiddenemotionalwoundswithoutthoughttohowitmighthurthim.
Riley,shethoughtwithafierceburstofprotectiveness,hadbeenhurtquiteenough—firstwiththelossofhisparents,andlater,withthehorrorofBrenna’sabduction.Shehadnointentionofaddingtohisscars.Ifthememoriesweresharedintrust…thatwouldbeadifferentmatter.
Tryingtomakeupforraisinganobviouslypainfultopic,shedippedherheadandkissedhimwithdelicatepromise.“I’llrundownwithyou.”
ThePsyCouncilmetintheclosedvaultoftheCouncilchambers,deepintheheartofthePsyNet.Theywerescatteredaroundtheworld—TatianainAustralia,KalebinMoscow,ShoshannainLondon,withHenryonroutetothatcity,AnthonyandNikitainCalifornia,andMinginFrance—butthatmatteredlittle.ThePsyNetallowedthemtonavigatevastdistancesinsplitseconds,theirmindsgoingwheretheirbodiescouldn’t.
NowKalebwatchedthevaultcloseandthesevenmindswithinitsparkbright.ThePsyCouncilwasinsession.Nobodywasinanydoubtastowhytheywerethere.
“Thespurtsofpublicviolence,”Nikitabegan,“dowehavefurtherconfirmationthatsomeoneisdrivingit?”
“No,onlytheshooterfromthefast-foodrestaurant,”Anthonysaid.“Theotherseitherdiedduringtheacts,orcommittedsuicideafterward.”
“But,”Mingsaid,“giventhesimilarityinincidents,especiallythecompulsiontocommitsuicide,I’dsaywe’relookingataplannedseriesofevents.”
“Agreed.”Anthony’sdistinctivementalvoice.“Henry,what’sthepossibilityitcouldbePurePsy?”
“I’veheardnothingfromthemonanysuchplan,”theotherCouncilorreplied.“Andwhatwouldbethepoint?TheiraimistoensureSilencedoesn’tfall.TheseincidentsarethrowingtheProtocolintoquestion.”
“Onthecontrary.”Shoshannaenteredtheconversation.“I’mbeginningtohearwhispersintheNetthatsaytheincidentsarearesultofthebreakdownofSilence.”
“Surelythat’stoouradvantage?”Tatiana,thesecond-youngestmemberoftheCouncilandthemostunknown.
KalebhadspentconsiderabletimeandefforttryingtotrackdownTatiana’shistory,buttheotherCouncilorwassmart.She’dcoveredhertracksfromthebeginning.Everyoneknewshe’dkilledtheCouncilorwhoseplaceshe’dtaken,butshe’ddoneitwithsuchcalculatedcoldnessthatnoonewouldeverbeabletoproveanything.Kalebdidn’tcareaboutprovingthecharge.Whatmatteredwasknowingherweaknesses.Currently,shehadnone.
“No,”hesaidnow.“Itmayseemthatway,butthisindividualisactingoutsideCouncilauthority.He’schallengingourcontroloftheNet.”
“Kalebisright,”Nikitasaid,backinghimaspertheiragreement.Thatagreementwasfluid,butforthetimebeing,theiraimscoincided.
“Wecan,however,”Tatianapointedout,“taketheideaandutilizeitonamuchlargerscale.”
“That’sanoption,”Mingsaid,“butI’dvoteagainstit.”
“Yourreasoning?”Shoshanna.
“SuchopendegradationmaycausethepopulacetoclingtoSilence,butitwillalsohaveaflow-oneffect.Themoreviolence,themoreripplesintheNet.”
“Acontinuousfeedbackloop,”Kalebsaid,seeingthetruthofit.ThePsyNetwasaclosedsystem—whatwentindidn’tdissipateexceptintotheNetitself.ThemoreviolencedonebyPsy,themoretheNetwouldechowithviolence.“UsingsuchmethodstomaintainSilencewill,intheend,fragmentthepillarsofitevenfurther.It’salreadyhappening—we’vehadafifteenpercentriseinactsofinterpersonalviolenceinthelastweekalone.”
“Correct.”Mingsaidnothingfurther.
Tatianawasthenexttospeak.“Iseeyourpoint,Ming.Butitseemstomethatwe’velostconsiderablecontroloverthepastfiveyears.PerhapsweshouldreconsiderHenry’ssuggestionofmassrehabilitations.”
“We’vebeenoverthis,”Nikitasaid.“Wecomedowntoohard,andtherebelsmightsucceedinturningthepopulace.”
“Workingintheshadowsisourspecialty,”Tatianaresponded.“Surelywecaneliminatethetroublemakersfasterthanwe’vebeendoingtodate.”
“Thereisanalternative.”Nikita.
Everyonewaited.
“WeopentheCenterforvoluntaryreconditioning.”Shepaused,asiftoensuretheywerepayingattention.“Silencesuppressesallemotion,buteveryoneinthisvaultknowsthatsomeprimalinstinctsaredifficulttocompletelyeliminate.Suchastheinstincttosurvive.”
Noonearguedwithher.
“Rightnow,therearemillionsintheNetwho’restartingtofeelthepressureofrecentevents.TheseindividualswillclingtoSilence,tothatwhichisknown,ifgiventhechoice.Weofferthemthatchoice.”
“Andplantcompulsionswhentheycomein?”Henryasked.
“Notnecessary.”MingevidentlysawwhereNikitawasgoing.“Themorepeoplewhogetthemselvesreconditioned,thecalmertheNet.AndthecalmertheNet,thelesstherebelshavetoworkwith.”
“Wewon’tgetthatmany,”Shoshannasaid.“PeopletrytoavoidtheCenter.”
“You’dbesurprised.”Tatiana’svoice.“Deepdown,pastSilence,pasteverylineofconditioning,everybarrier,ourracefearsthemonsterswithin.They’llcome.”
AndKalebknewshewasright.
Mercyhadsurprisedhim,Rileythoughtasheexitedhisroomthenextmorning.He’dexpectedaninquisition,andgottenacaress.“Cat,”hewhisperedunderhisbreath.
“Riley!”ItwasIndigo’svoice.
Heturnedtowaitforher,Mercy’swordswhisperingthroughhismind.Hehadn’tlied.HerespectedIndigoahellofalot.Shewasoneofthetop-rankingpeopleinSnowDancer—therewasn’tanythinghewouldn’ttrusthertohandle.ItirritatedhimthatMercyhadquestionedthattrust.Whatirritatedhimmorewasthatshe’dmadehimquestionhispersonalpreferences—wasitsowrongtowishforamatewho’dstayathomeratherthanbeouttherefacingGod-knows-what?
Safe,hethought,amaternalfemalewouldbesafe,protectedwithinthedomesticspherethatwasherdomain.
UnlikeBrenna.Unlikehismother.
“Whatisit?”heasked,shuttingthelidonthosememories.
Indigoputherhandsonherhips,namesakeeyesbrightwithintelligence,blackhairpulledbackinahighponytail.ItremindedhimofhowMercydidherhair.Bothwomenwerenofuss,nomess.Butonlyonedrewhimwithanintensitythatwasaclawinhisgut,afistaroundhisthroat.
Mercywouldneverplayitsafe,neverallowhimtoshieldher.
“Wherewereyouyesterday?”Indigoasked,nostrilsflaringasshetriedtoguess.
Hewasn’tworried.BecauseMercywasn’tboundtohiminanyway,herscentwasn’tembeddedinhisskin.Ashiswasn’tonhers.Whichmeantnooneknewofhisclaim—includingthetwoSouthAmericansentinelswhocontinuedtosniffaroundher.Hishandfisted.
“Checkingonthebears,”heanswered,forcinghimselftoreleasethatfist.“Wereyoutryingtoreachme?”
“Yeah—RatssayAlliancemercenariesaremovinginthecity.Nospecificsyet.”
“Thenthesurveillanceisn’thavinganeffect.”
“Wouldn’tsaythat—they’rehavingtododgeustodoanything.That’sgottobehurting.”
“Let’shopeithurtsenoughthattheypackupandgetout.”Heglimpsedasmall,cardinal-eyedboywalkingupthecorridor.“Hello,Toby.”
JuddLauren’snephewgavehimasweet,shysmile,onethatmadehimwanttosmileinreturn.Thekidhadthateffectonpeople.“Hi,Riley.Hi,Indigo.”
“Hi,kiddo.”Indigoruffledhishair.
Tobyboretheindignityinsilence.“I’mgoingtowaitforSascha.”
“Sascha’scomingup?”Indigoasked,onehandontheboy’sshoulder.
Tobynodded.“She’sgonnahelpmewithsomestuff.”Hetappedthesideofhisheadtoindicatethat“stuff”wasmental,probablyanaspectofhispsychicabilities.
“Goon,”Rileysaid.“Youdon’twanttobelate.”
Tobysmiledagain.“Okay.”Butbeforeheleft,hereachedintohispocketandpulledoutsomethingwrappedinbrownpaper.“Thisisforyou.”HeputitinRiley’ssurprisedhandandranoffbeforeRileycouldaskhimwhatitwas.
“Hey,”Indigosaid,voiceamused,“Idon’trateapresent.”
“I’mhisuncle.”TherelationshipwasthroughBrenna’smate,Judd,butRileydidn’tstandonsuchrestrictionsmuch.“Iwonderwhatitis.”
“Openit.”Indigomadenomovetoleave.
“Everheardofprivacy?”
“No.”
Asmiletuggedathislips.“You’vebeenhangingoutwithMercy.”
“Wetalksome,”sheadmitted.“It’s…nothard,butdifferent,beingapowerfulfemaleamongthismanymen.”
Helookedupinsurprise.“Butyou’renotalone.We’vegotJem—”
“Yeah,she’salieutenantbutpostedoutwayoverintheL.A.region,”Indigosaid.“Mercy’stheonlyonenearbywhounderstandsthesethings.”
“Whatthings?”
“Well,ifyoucouldunderstandthem,”shesaidwithexaggeratedpatience,“Iwouldn’tbetalkingtoacat,wouldI?”
Hedidn’tbackdown.Theydidn’tcallhimtheWallfornothing.“Doyouthinkthepack’sleadershipstructureisunbalanced?”Changelingsweren’thumanorPsy.Femaledominantswereanexpectedpartofthepack.ButnowthatIndigohadpointeditout,herealizedthatofthetenSnowDancerlieutenants,onlytwowerefemale.
“Nah.”Shewavedherhand.“Itjustturnedoutthatwaythisgeneration.Remember—whenyourmomwaslieutenant,itwassix-fourinfavorofthefemales.”
Itwasthesecondtimeinlessthantwenty-fourhoursthatsomeonehadmentionedhismother.Ifhe’dbeenthesuperstitioustype,itmight’veconcernedhim.Buthewasn’t.Anditdidn’t.“True,”hesaid,andunwrappedthepackage.
“Oooh.”Indigopickedupthetiny,interlockingwoodenpuzzleandranherfingersoverit.“Thisworkistoosmoothforachild.”
“Walkerprobablyhelpedhim.”Judd’sbrotherwasverygoodwithhishands,somethingthatseemedtosurprisehimasmuchasanyone.“It’sawolf.”
Indigogaveitbacktohim.“Yeah,stylizedbutdiscernible.”
Rileyplayedwiththepieces,thinkingMercywouldprobablyenjoythis.He’djumbleitupandgiveittoher,justtoseethelookoffelineconcentrationonherface.
Ahandwavedinfrontofhiseyes.“EarthtoRiley.”
“What?”
“Iaskedhowcomeyougotapresent.”Shelookedsuspiciousofhislapseinfocus.
Hethoughtaboutit.“I’vebeenspendingabitoftimewithhim,teachinghimtracking,thingslikethat.”
“You’regoodatthat.”
“What?”
“Beingabigbrother.”Asmile.“Andunclenow.BrennaandDrewareluckytohaveyou.”
Asshewalkedaway,hewonderedifhissiblingsthoughtthat.Raisingthem,withthepack’shelpofcourse,wasn’tanythinghe’deverresented—hewaswhohewas.Solid.Rootedinearth.Butnowhewondered—washetoosolid,toopractical,tocontinuetocaptivateawomanaswildandasbrightasMercy?
Andwhy,ifhewassetonfindingamaternalfemaleforamate,diditmatterthathebefascinatingenoughtoenchantasentinel?CHAPTER28
EnteringtheWhiteZone,Saschawavedoffherescort—DeziandVaughn—andwalkedovertotakeaseatonthegroundinfrontofToby.He’dchosenapeacefulspotwherethelittleoneswouldn’tdisturbthembutwhichkepthimfrombreakingtherulesaboutventuringtoofar.“Hello,sweetheart.”
“Hi.”Abrightsmilethatshowcasedatrulygentlesoul.
Itwasamiracle,thatsmile.Tobyhadbeenashocked,too-quietchildwhenshe’dfirstmethim.Nowhecould’vebeenanychildineitherpack,withasmuchmischiefinhisheartaslaughter.But,shethought,hewasalittlemoresensitivethaneventhehealers.“Howaboutwestartwithyoutellingmehowthingshavebeengoing?”
“Well,therainbowsarestronger.”
The“rainbows”werepiecesofcolorthatfloatedinthedarkspaceswithinaneuralnetwork.ThePsyNethadnosuchrainbows.TheWebofStarshadhaditfromSascha’sfirstglimpse—becausethoserainbowswerethepsychicemanationsofanE-Psy,anempath.Saschadidn’tconsciouslycreatethoseemanations—theyweresimplypartofwhoshewas.ButinthePsyNet,thattruthhadbeenburiedunderathousandshields.
AshadToby’s.
Theboywasn’tanE-Psy.Hismainabilitywasavariantformoftelepathy,buthehadenoughEinhimtoaffecttheLaurenNet.“Doyouthinkit’llgetanystronger?”Shehadatheory—thatiftheLaurenNethadhadapowerfulE-Psyinitsmidst,Toby’slatentabilitywouldhaveremainedthatway.ButbecausetheLaurenNetwaswithoutitsownempath,needhadcompelledthestrengtheningofmusclesthatmightotherwisehavelaindormant.
Theboyfrownedinthought,easyinshowingemotion.Hisfacewasamasculineversionofhissister,Sienna’s,intenseandcompelling.“I’mnotsure,”hesaidatlast,“butIdon’tthinkso.Itfeels…finishednow.”
“That’swhatIthink,too.”Shetouchedhishand,andtheirfingersintertwined.“Haveyoubeenfeelingpeople’semotions?”
Anod.“It’snotallthetimenow—theshieldsyoushowedmeworkgood.”
“Excellent.”She’dhadtolearnherskillsrough.TherewerenootherE-Psy—nofreeE-Psy—aroundtoteachher.WiththerecentdiscoveryoftheForgotten,thedescendantsofthelargerebelcontingentthathaddroppedfromthePsyNetahundredyearsago,she’dhopedformoreknowledge,buttheForgottenhadevolvedindifferentways,theirblood-linesenrichedwithhumanandchangelingblood.They’dbeenabletogivehersomehelp,butnotmuch.
Ithadbeendisappointing,butnotcatastrophic—she’dbeenwellonherfeetbythen.Hershieldingskillshadalwaysbeenexcellent,eveninthePsyNet,soshe’dhadagoodbasetoworkfrom.Onethingshe’dlearnedsincematingwithLucaswasthatshedidn’talwayshavetoleaveherselfopentotheemotionsofothers—itwasdraining,andmorethanthat,itinvadedtheirprivacy.ButthereweresomethingsanE-Psycouldn’tcontrol.“Areyoustillpickinguponpeople’semotionalresonance?”
“Likesortofknowingwhatthey’refeelingwithouttrying?”
“Yes.”Itwassecondnaturetoher,aseffortlessandasunstoppableasbreathing.
Tobynodded.“Butitdoesn’thurtoranything.It’snormal.”
“That’sexactlyit—beingawareofothers’emotionalstatesisnormalforus.”Noone,shethoughtfiercely,rememberingherownchildhood,wouldtellthisbright,beautifulboythathewasflawed.Noonewouldcrushhissmile.Saschawouldmakesureofit.“It’slikethewolvescanscentwherepeoplehavebeen,orwhothey’vetouched.”
“IsawRileybeforeImetyou,”Tobyvolunteered.
“Youdid?”
“Hewassad.”Quietwords.“Notcrying-sad,butdeep-inside-sad.Old-sad.”
Saschaunderstoodinawaymostpeoplewouldn’thave.“Likethesadnessisburiedsodeep,hemightnotevenknowit’sthere?”
“Yeah.”Apause.“Wasthat…unethical?”Hesaidthelastwordwithfrowningconcentration.“ThatIknewthatabouthim?”
“Well,”Saschasaid,“itdependsonhowyoufoundout.Didyouuseyourabilitiesconsciously,ordidyoujustknow?”
“Ijustknew.”Adefinitivenod.“LikeIknowwhenSienna’sgrumpy,andMarlee’shappy.”
“ThenIseenoreasonforworry.”Smiling,shebrushedhishairoffhisforehead,thegesturemoreofaffectionthannecessity.“Now,shallwepracticeyourshielding?”
Rileywasheadingintohisofficetoclearthedeckswhenheheardthestrangestthing.SiennawasspeakingtoHawkeinhisoffice,andsincethedoorwasopen,hecouldheareverything.Thatwasn’tthestrangepart.ThestrangepartwasthatSiennawasbeingpolitetotheiralpha.
“Iappreciateyougivingmeapositioninthehierarchy,”shesaid,soundingmorematurethanhe’deverheardher.
Silence.Then,“Youearnedit.”Short,clipped.Hawkeprobablywasn’tsurewhatthehellshewasuptonow.
“Iwon’tletthepackdown,”Siennaadded.“IndigosaysIprettymuchhavethephysicalaspectofsoldiertrainingdown—it’sacaseofbecomingfamiliarwiththeotherparts.”
Rileywasn’tsurprisedattherankHawkehaddecidedtoassignher.Siennawasadominant.She’dbefarhappierdoingjobsassociatedwithprotectingthepackthanotherwise.
“Seethatyoudo.OrIndigowillflayyoualive.”
“Iwill.”
Okay,thiswasgettingbeyondstrange.Siennawasn’tbuiltforsuchunresistingcompliance.ShewaslikeMercy.Alittlewild,fullofpassion,incrediblyvivid.InstincttoldhimthatwhateverwashappeninginHawke’sofficewasimportant.
“Isthatall?”AharshquestionfromHawke.
“Yes.Bye.”AndthenSiennawalkedout.ShesawRileyandgavealittlewavebutdidn’tcomeovertosayhi.Rileynarrowedhiseyes,almostabletofeeltheviciousstrengthofthecontrolshewaskeepingoverherself.Onehardpushandthatgirlwouldshatter.“Whatthefuckisgoingon?”heasked,steppingintoHawke’sofficeandshuttingthedoor.
“You’reaskingme?”Hisalpha’sjawwasclenchedsotight,Rileycouldalmosthearbonesgrinding.
“She’scloseduptighterthanafuckingdrum.”AndRileyknewthatwaswrongwitheveryfiberofhisbeing.“Ifshewaswolf,I’dsayshewastryingtochokeheranimal.”
“Fuckit,Riley.”Hawkepushedbackfromhisdeskandpacedacrosstheoffice.“Idon’tknowwhat’sup.Iwenttotalktoher,gavehertheoptionofbecomingatraineesoldier.”
“And?”
“Andnothing.”Hawkekickedthestonewallviolentlyenoughthatithadtohavehurt,thenturnedandwalkedintheotherdirection.“Shesaid‘thankyou’and‘I’mhappytoaccept.’”
“That’snotSienna.”
Hawke’spaleeyeswerewolffurious.“Apparentlyitisnow.Goodthingfortheden,too.”Excepthedidn’tsoundconvinced.
Mercyopenedherfrontdoortoagorgeousmale.Unfortunately,itwasthewrongone.“Joaquin.Whatalovelysurprise.”Hertonesaidotherwise.
Hereacheduptopushahandthroughthatsleekblackhairofhis,darkeyeswatchful.UnlikeEduardo,hedidn’tflirt.Butthatonlymeanthedidhishuntinginastealthyfashion.“Ithoughtwemighthavebreakfasttogether.”
“Idon’trecallinvitingyou.”
“I’mhereatyourgrandmother’sbehest.”Agleamoffelinecunninginhiseyes.“Shesaidyou’dtreatmeasanhonoredguest.”
“SheprobablytoldyouI’dkickyourasstoMexico.”Mercysnortedandfoldedherarms.“Butwhattheheck.Ihavetoeat.”
Joaquindidn’tmovefromthedoorway.“Won’tyouinvitemein?”
“Youjustwanttocomeinsoyourscentwillbeinside.”AndifRileywalkedinandsmelledit,shewouldn’tbeabletostoptheresultingbloodshed.Partofherwasirritatedthatshewasallowingamale’spossessivenesstodictateheractions,buttheotherpartofherwasthinkinglikeasentinel.Andburiedbelowthatwasarawprotectivenessthatbroadsidedherwithitsstrength.“I’mnothavingyoucreateaninterpackincident.We’llgotoapancakeplace.”
Tohersurprise,Joaquinturnedouttobeaninterestingbreakfastcompanion.Healsoclearlyadoredhergrandmother.“Isabellaisanalphawe’dfollowtoourgraves,noquestionsasked.”
“Isn’tthatthedefinitionofasentinel?”shesaid,takingabiteofhermaple-syruplashedstack.“I’ddothesameforLucas.”
“We’rebothlucky.I’veheardofpackswithaweakalpha,onewhodoesn’tcommandsuchrespect.Itendsupkillingthewholepack.”
Mercynodded.“Soisthatwhyyou’rehere?Sheasked?”
“Itwould’vebeenagoodenoughreason,butsheshowedusvideosofyou.”Asmileinhiseyes.“Iwasawaywhenyouvisitedus.IfIhadn’tbeen…well,perhapsyou’dberoamingtheAmazonnow.”
“Inyourdreams.”Laughing,shefinishedoffhercoffeeandstood.“Ihavetogettowork,butJoaquin,youhavetoknow—thefieldisnotopen.Gohome.”
Implacabledarkeyes.“Youstilldon’twearhisscent.”
Rollinghereyes,shelefthimtothetemporarydutiesCianhadassignedaspartoftheagreementtoallowtwoout-Packsentinelsintotheirterritory.Butthewayhe’dsaidthoselastwords,theconfidenceinthem,niggledather.Scentlayersonlybecameingrainedinlong-termloversormates.
She’donlybeenintimatewithRileyahandfuloftimes,buttheyspentalotoftimetogether.Andstillnoscent?Itwasher,shethought,takinganunflinchinglookatthealmostmutinouslyindependentnatureofherleopard.Thatleopardwassuspiciousofeventhetiesbetweenlovers.Whatifthesuspicionneverended?
ThatthoughtworriedawayattheedgesofhermindevenasshegottoworkinaCTXstationinOakland.ItwasarelieftogetacallfromRia,Lucas’sadministrativeassistant—shewassickofgoingroundandroundincirclesinsideherownhead.
“Sentinelmeetingtonight,”Riatoldher.“AtLucas’splace.”
“Time?”Shecircledapossiblesecurityholeintheblue-printinfrontofher,hermindflickingtothelasttimeshe’dbeeninanundergroundgarage.Damnbutshemissedthewolfalready.And,scentlayerornot,thatspelledtrouble
“Seven.Sascha’sdoingdinner.”
“Godsaveusall.”Saschahaddecidedshelikedcooking.Unfortunately,cookingdidn’tlikeherback.
Riachuckled.“She’simproving.Shemademeacaketheotherday,anditwasonlyalittlesalty.”
“Thatmakesmefeelawholelotbetter.”
“Don’tworry—tonightit’stacos.Shetoldmethere’snotmuchshecandotodestroythatparticularmeal.”
“We’llsee,”Mercyjoked.“Anyothernews?”
“Zara’sdesigningforusagainasoftoday.”
Mercylikedthechangelingwildcatwho’dbeenoncontracttoDarkRiver’sconstructionarmbeforeheadingbacktoherownpack.“Sayhitoherforme.TellherSagestillhasacrushonher.”
“Aw,cute.Howcomeyourbrothersaresingle?”
“TheysayIscarethewomenoff.”
“Morelikelythey’respoiled—they’renotgoingtosettleforanywomanwhodoesn’tmatchthestandardyou’veset.”
Buoyedbythecompliment,Mercyshookoffheroddmoodandfocusedonthework.Therestofherday,includingasecurityshiftinthecity,passedwithsurprisinglylittledrama—theAlliancehadgonecoldagain,andBowenandhiscrewwerestillbehaving.EvenEduardoandJoaquinwerenowheretobeseen,forwhichboon,shecouldonlythanktheheavens.
Andifshecontinuedtofindherselfthinkingaboutacertainwolfmuchtoooften,shewassentinelenoughtokeepheremotionsfrominterferingwiththejob.Butthosefeelingswerefreshinhermindwhenshegotacallasshewasabouttoleavetochangeforthemeeting.
“Comeupandmeetmetonight.”Thatdeep,nowfamiliarvoicesoakedthroughherskin,rich,dark,andtempting.
Herhandclenchedonthereceiver.“Can’t.Gotsomethingelse.”
“When’sitfinish?I’llmeetyou.”
“No.”
“That’sit—no?”Theedgeofagrowlinhisvoice.“Ithoughtwe’dsettledthis.”
Thesheerarroganceofhiscommands—notrequests,commands—madethecatsnarl.“Doesn’tmeanyouhaveanentryintomypantsanytimeyouplease.”
“Jesus,Mercy,Ijustwantedtotalktoyou.”
Shefeltalittletwinge.Ofguilt.Ofhunger.“Talknow.”
“Fine.”Hetoldherabouttheconversationhe’dwitnessedbetweenHawkeandSienna.
Mercy’santennaetwanged.“Something’sseriouslywrong.”
“Yeah,that’swhatIthought.IwantyoutotellSascha.She’stheonePsyweknowwhomighthaveashotatgettingtothebottomofthis.JuddsaysSienna’sstonewallinghim.”
“Whydidn’tyoucallheryourself?”
Notevenapause.“Becauseit’syouIwanttotalkto.”Nolies.Nosubterfuge.Nohidinghisintent.
“Damnit,Riley.This’llleaveusbothbrokenintheend.”Thenakedemotionalresponsepushedoutpastanylogicalrebuttal.Shewasstartingtothinkofhimashers,buthewasn’t,mightneverbe.Notwhenherleopardwouldn’tevenacceptthebondsofscent.
“Andisfightingitanylesspainful?”
No.No,ithurtsjustasbad.CHAPTER29
Hewasonlytwenty-two,atelekineticwithaGradientratingof7.Powerful,hewastrulypowerful.Andhe’dlostcontrol.
Trembling,helevitatedthefallenbureauoffhisroommate’sbody.TheTp-Psylaycrushed,hisorgansstatic,hisbraindestroyed.Dead.TheTk-Psyswallowedthewordpastthejaggedglassofaparchedthroat.He’dneverseenadeadpersonbefore.Thatwasn’tpartofthePsycurriculum.
Butnowhisroommatewasdead,andhewasamurderer.
Hedidn’teventrytohideit.Didn’twantto.Hewantedtofindananswer,somethingthatwouldstophimfromdoingthesamethingeveragain.Enforcementprocessedhimquickly,sincetherewasnoquestionofculpability.
WhenarepresentativefromtheCentercametoofferhimmildrehabilitationinlieuofasentence,theTk-Psydidn’thesitate.Evenifthey’dsaidhehadtodothesentence,hestillwouldn’thavebalked.Becauseheneveragainwantedtofeelhispowersslidingoutofhisgrip,neveragainwantedtoseebloodseepintothecarpet.
Forthefirsttime,hetrulyunderstoodthesalvationthatwasSilence.CHAPTER30
Mercysatinhercar,staringoutatthelightshowofacloudydusk.Herhandstightenedonthesteeringwheeluntilshefeltlikeshecouldbreakthedamnthing.Whenthefirstflickofrainhitthewindshield,shefinallyturnedontheengineandheadedtohercabin,wantingoutofherworkclothesbeforegoingovertoLucasandSascha’saerie.
Turnedoutshewasthefirsttoarrive.Saschawasinthekitchen,lookingmournful.“Lucaswenttograbsometake-out.”
“Youfoundawaytodestroytacos?”Mercyraisedhereyebrows.“This,Ihavetosee.”
Saschathrewatomatoather.“Idroppedtheboxoftacoshellsandmanagedtobreakeverysingleoneintoamillionpieces.”
Lookingintothebox,Mercywhistledandputdowntheabusedtomato.“Wow,sureyoudidn’tthrowthisathishighness’shead?”
Aguiltylook.Mercyburstoutlaughing.“Thatdoesmyheartgood.”
“What?”
“Toknowyoutwostillfight.”
Sascha’slipstuggedupatthecorners.“It’sfun.”
“Yeah,itis.”Grinning,sheusedoneofthebrokenpiecestoscoopupthesalsaSaschahadalreadymade.“IgotsomeinfoforyouonSienna.”ShefilledSaschain.
“Hmm,I’llhavetogoupandseewhat’shappening.I’vebeenworkingwithToby,butIdon’tthinkI’vetalkedtoSiennainseveralweeks.”SheleanedagainstthewallandlookedatMercywiththosepenetratingcardinaleyes.“You’rewounduptighterthantight.”
Mercydecidedtotakeuptheimpliedoffer.“Riley’spushing.”
“That’swhatpredatorychangelingmendo.”Ameaningfulglanceatthebrokentacoshells.
“Notthatkindofpushing—thoughhedoesthat,too.He’spushingformorethansex.”Shepaused,thenadmittedthetruth.“Italreadyismorethansex.”Thestrengthofthesenewemotionsthreatenedtocrushherheart,stealherbreath.
“Ah.”Saschatookafewmoments.“Isthereapossibilityhecouldbeyourmate?”
“I’mnotwhathe’slookingforinamate,trustme.”Astabdeepinhersoul,atwistingpainthatseemedtogetstrongerwitheverydaythatpassed.
“Thathurtsyou.”
Shewenttodenyit,thendecideditwasunmitigatedstupiditytolietoanempathonthesubjectofemotions.“Yeah,itdoes.ButI’mgladhewashonest—that’smoreimportantthananything.Aslongashedoesn’ttrytomoldmeintowhathewants,Icandeal.”Becauseshewantedhim,too,theidiot.
Andmaybe,sincehewasn’taskingforalifetime,herleopardwouldn’tresentbeingtieddown,perhapsevenfindsomepeaceinit.Except…“Thewayhedrawsme,thesheerstrengthofit…Idon’tknowwhattodo.”
Saschagaveherasurprisinglymischievoussmile.“Doesn’tmeanyoucan’tenjoyhimwhileyoufigureitout.”
Andthetensionbroke,justlikethat.MercythrewpartofatacoshellatSascha.“Somehelpyouare.”
TheywerestilllaughingwhenDorianarrived,followedbyClay.ThefourofthemmanagedtodemolishthesalsabythetimeLucasreturned,withNateandVaughnonhisheels.Noneofthesentinels’mateshadcometoday,whichwassurprising.Mercysaidasmuch.
“KidsareatTammy’s—Tally’sgonetodinnerwithRia,”Claytoldher.“They’recallingitastrategymeeting—howhumanfemalesdealwithchangelingmales.”
EveryonebutDorianlaughed.Hisnextwordstoldthemwhy.“Shaya’swithAmara.”
“She’llbefine,”Lucassaid.“Yourmate’stough.”
“Yeah.”Aproudsmile.“Ican’thelpbutworry,though.Keenan’satTammy’s.”
“Faith,too,”Vaughnadded.“AndBrennawastherewhenIleft.”
Noonefoundthatstrange.BrennaandFaithhadquietlybecomeverygoodfriendsoverthepastmonths.“DidJuddcomedown?”Mercyasked.
“Probably.”Dorianpassedheraboxoftake-outfriedrice.“HehastroublelettingBrennaoutofhissight.”
“Oh,please,”Mercymuttered,“you’reallsooverprotectiveyou’dbedelightedifyoucouldpackyourmatesincottonwoolandputtheminsideglassbubbles.”
Saschastartedlaughingsohard,shealmostdroppedhereggroll.“Ithinkthat’sLucas’ssecretfantasy.”
Hermategrowledather.“AllIsaidwasthatyoulookedalittletired.Youdidn’thavetoblowagasket.”
“Youtoldmetogoliedown.”Saschapokedherchopsticksinhisdirection.“DoIlooklikeaninvalidtoyou?”
Ofcourse,thatwasjustaninvitationforthementothrowintheirsupportbehindLucas,whileMercyhadtobackSaschaonprinciple.Cometothinkofit,thecardinaldidlookdifferent.Nottiredexactly.Alittlemorefragile.Softer.Morebreakable.
“Enough.”Saschacutoffthediscussionwithahand.“Wehaveactualworktodo.”
“Right,”Lucassaid.“Clay,youhadsomeintel.”
“Rats.”Claynamedhissource.“They’recatchinghintsthatagroupofpeoplearegatheringchemicalsthatcouldbeusedtomakebombs.Low-techbombs,butthey’lldothejobsameashigh-tech.”
Everyonewentquiet.
“Alliance?”Dorianfinallyasked.
“Unconfirmedbutfromthesurveillancefootagewewereabletoget,oneofthebuyerslooksverysimilartoafaceweflaggedasapossibleAlliancemercenaryfromtheflightsthatcameinaroundthetimeofNash’sabduction,”Claysaid.“Teijanhashispeopleonittwenty-four/seven,butwhoevertheyare,they’rebeingverycareful.Noclueastowherethey’vesetupbaseyet.”
“We’llfindthem,”Lucassaid,eyesgrim.“Noonemakestroubleinourcity.”
ThenightafterhisfrustratingcallwithMercy,Rileywasantsy.Itwastemptingtoblameitonhisday—DarkRiverandSnowDancerhadbothuppedtheiralreadyvisiblepresenceinthecityinsilentwarningtotheAlliance,buttheyweren’tanyclosertorunningdowntheoperatives.Sincehe’djustcomeoffafulldayshiftinthecity,itwould’vebeeneasytolietohimself.
Butthatwasn’twhohewas.“WhatwouldyousayifIaskedyouahypotheticalquestion?”heaskedaftergivingHawkehisreport.
Hawke’seyesgleamed.“Thattherearenosuchthingsashypotheticalquestions.”
“That’swhatIthought.”Helapsedbackintothought.
Hawkestaredathim.“Icanansweryourhypotheticalquestion,though.”
“Youdon’tknowwhatitis.”
“Iknowyou’rejumpyashellforMercy.Gofindher.Getnaked.Theend.”
Rileylookedathisalpha.“That’syourpitchtowomen?Let’sgetnaked?”Hesnorted.“Nowonderyourballsareblue.”
Hawkegavehimaone-fingersalute.“Gotakecareofyourownballs.”
“MaybeIwill.”Hegotup.“Ihaveananswerforyou,too.”
“Idon’twanttohearit.”
“Toobad.Lieutenantprivileges.”Heputhishandonthedoortotheoffice.“Iknowwhyyourballsareblue.”
Silence.
“Whateverthehellishappeningbetweenyoutwo,makeanotethatseveraldifferentmen,meincluded,willkillyouifyoutouchher.She’snotready.”
“Idon’tknowwhoyou’retalkingabout.”Hawke’svoiceremainedunconcerned,buthishandwassqueezinghispensotight,he’dprobablyshatteredit.
“Butnoneofuswillkillyouforspendingtimewithher.”Hepulledopenthedoor.“Trackherdown,tauntherintoasparringsession.It’llgetyouskin-to-skincontact.”
Hawke’seyeswerepurewolfwhentheymetRiley’s.“Idon’tthinkso.”
Rileylookedathisalphaandgaveaslightnod.“Yeah,Iseeyourpoint.”Alittlecontactwouldonlyenflamethewolf.“Youneedtodrawsomeblood?”Itwasanhonestoffer,wolftowolf,frustratedmaletofrustratedmale.
“Notyet.”Puttingdownhismangledpen,Hawkeshovedbothhandsintohishair,leavingastreakofbrightblueinkonthepalestrands.“You’llfindmewhenIdo.”Hesoundeddisgusted.
Rileyshrugged.“It’smyjob.”Beingtheseniorlieutenantwasaboutmorethanresponsibilitytothepack.Itwasaboutresponsibilityforthealphaaswell.WithHawkeunmated—andlikelytoremainso—Rileyhadtomakesuretheothermanneverwenttooclosetotheedge.Hawke,inturn,keptawatchfuleyeonhim,too.
Nowthealpharaisedhishead.“You’resofuckingcalmyoufooleveryoneelse,butdon’tfoolyourself,Riley.You’reinnobetterconditionthanIam.”
LeavingHawketohisowndemons,Rileygotchangedintoworkoutgear,foundanemptytrainingroom,andbegantogothroughhisusualsparringroutine,butwithoutapartner—hewasinnomoodtoholdhispunches.Hawkecould’vetakenhim,buthisalphaalreadysawtoomuch.Hedidn’twanttobetrayanythingelse.
“Riley?”
“Goaway.”He’dheardBrennaenter,haddecidedtoignoreher.
ButBrennahadneverbeeneasilydissuaded.“Drewsaidyou’renotsleepingwell—thatyouwereupmostoflastnight.”
Hewentthroughaviciousseriesofmovesandendedafootfromher,breathcalm,eyesfurious.“Drewhasabigfuckingmouth.”
“Yeah,tellmesomethingIdon’tknow.”Shegrinned,buttherewasworryinthosemagnificenteyesshe’dturnedfromascartoabadgeofcourage.“Riley,isthis…I…”
Scowling,heclosedthedistancebetweenthemtocuphercheek.“It’snotaboutyou.”Herhurthauntedhim,buthewasn’tgoingtoputthatweightonherback.Thatwashiscrosstobear.“I’mnotsleepingbecauseIwantsex.”
Hermouthdroppedopen.Thenshewentbrightred.“Too.Much.Information!”
Satisfiedathavingdistractedherfromthepast,heraisedaneyebrow.“Youdidask.”
“Argh.”Sherubbedathertemples.“Amtryingtoeraseimagefrommind.”
Histemperlessenedathertheatrics.“What,youthinkI’mamonk?”
“Mightaswellhavebeen,”shesaidwithashrug.“Youhaven’tbeenwithanyoneformonths.”
“Andthat’snottoomuchinformation?”
“That’slookingaftermybrother.”Shepokedhiminthechest.“Andifyou’re—youknow—whydon’tyougoanddosomethingaboutit?”
Hestrokedahanddownherhair,reassuringhimselfforthemillionthtimethatshewasstillalive,stillbreathing.God,hefeltforDorian.Theotherman’ssisterhadn’tcomeback.ThatheartbreakingtruthwaswhyRileyhadallowedDoriantostrikethekillingblowwhenthey’dhunteddownthemonsterwho’dstolensomuchinnocence.“Youthinkit’sthateasy?”
“You’vegotconfidenceleakingoutyourpores.”
“Thebiggertheego,”hemuttered,repeatingsomethingMercyhadsaidtohim,“theloudertheypop.”
Brennalaughed.“Youneverhadanegoproblem,Riley.Youhadaresponsibilityproblem.Youdidn’tevengoawaytoroam—youwerealwaysthereformeandDrew.”
“Youweremoreimportant.AndPackcentersme.”
“Maybenow’syourtimetoroam?”Shegrinnedathim.“Withacertainredhead.”
“Out,”hesaid,pushinghertothedoor.“Therearesomethingslittlesistersdon’tneedtoknow.”
Heshutthedooronhergrinningface,butashewentbacktohisroutine,hismindcircledbacktotheproblemthathaddrivenhimhereinthefirstplace—thegulfthatwouldalwaysseparatehimfromMercy.Hiswolfwasblood-loyaltothepack,tohispeople.HerleopardfeltthesameaboutDarkRiver.
Heknewallthat.
Andstillhewantedherwithafurythatmadehimsnarlattheideaofanyothermalelayingahandonher.CHAPTER31
ThemenandwomentappedforthesecondSanFranciscooperationwereloyal,hadreasonstobeloyal.
“APsykilledmyfamily,”onemansaidtohisworkmate,“buttheCouncilcovereditup,saidtherewasnoviolenceamongtheirrace.Theymadeitseemlikemyfatherkilledmymother.”
“Fuckingbullshit,”histeammatemuttered.“They’vegotthoseJaxjunkies,strungoutonthestreets.That’sviolence—they’rekillingthemselveseverytimetheymainlinethatstuff.”
“Ineverthoughtaboutitthatway,”thefirstmansaid,“butyou’reright.”Apause.“Whydidyousignup?”
“I’msicktodeathofbeingatthebottomofthefoodchain.”Ashrug.“Maybewesucceed,maybewefail,butnoonewilleverdismissusagain.”
“DarkRiverandSnowDancerknowwe’rehere,”hispartnerreplied.“Ialmostgotcaughttoday.”
“Welostabunchofsupplies,too—noonecangetnearthepickuppoint.”Awordthatturnedtheairblue.“Peoplearemakingmistakes.Wedothat,wemightaswellgiveitup.”
“Youreallythinkwecanpullthisoffinwolfandleopardterritory?”
“Sure.”Heshrugged.“They’researchingforaneedleinahaystack.”
“WheredoIputthewire?”
“Here.”Theexplosivesexpertcompletedthelow-techbutstablebombandhandeditofftothethirdman.“Youknowwhattodo?”
Themannodded.“I’llmakesurenooneseesme.”
“Hey,”thefirstmansaid.“Whyareyouhere?”
Foraminute,theothermanwassilent.Thenhesaid,“OneofthemwantedsomethingIknew.Iwouldn’tgiveittohim.Sohetoreintomymindandtookit.”
Thewordwasn’tused,buttheyallknewit—rape.ThePsyhadbeengettingawaywithitforfartoolong.Nowtheywouldpay.Andifthisattemptfailed,theAlliancewouldriseagain.Andagain.Andagain.
BecausethePsywouldn’tstopuntiltheywereforcedto.CHAPTER32
Mercywasnotamusedtocomehomeafteranightshiftinthecitytofindbreakfastwaitingforher.“Out,”shesaidtoboththemalesonherporch.“AndI’mnotmessingtoday.”
Eduardoraisedhishandsinsurrender.“I’mheadinghome.Thisisgood-bye.”
“ThankGodforsmallmercies,”shesaid.“Andyou?”
Joaquingaveheranenigmaticsmile.“Stillnoscent.”
“Suityourself.”Grabbingamuffin,shewalkedintothecabinandshutthedoor.SheheardEduardolaughandJoaquincurse,butshereallywasn’tinthemood.Eatingquickly,sheshoweredandgotreadytocatchsomeshut-eye.Whenshelookedoutthewindow,itwastofindthemengone,thoughthey’dleftthefoodbehindinathermalcontainer.Reluctantlyimpressedbytheirrefusaltogivein,shestoredthefoodinherkitchen,thencrashed,planningtobeupbyoneintheafternoon.
Ifshe’dknownwhatwasgoingoninthewoodsnotfarfromherhouse,hersleepmightnothavebeenassmooth.
RileyhadcomedowntotalktoMercyandfoundEduardoandJoaquin.Thistime,hewasn’tinawalking-awayframeofmind.SteppingoutbehindthemenastheyleftMercy’scabin,hewaitedforthemtoturn.
Theydid,facespredator-sharp.Thesetwoweresentinels,strongandwelltrained.Buttheydidn’thaveviolentpossessivenessrunningthroughtheirveins.“Ithoughtshetoldyoutogetlost.”
ItwasEduardowhoanswered.“Leopardfemalesthatdominantdon’ttakewelltomaleswhodoexactlywhattheysay.Butyouwouldn’tknowthat,wolf.”
“Iknowherfarbetterthaneitherofyoueverwill.”Hewatchedtheireyes,waitingforanaggressivemove.
“Shedoesn’tcarryyourmarkinherskin,”Joaquinsaid,anditwasobviousfromhistonethathewasn’treadytoleavethefield.
“AndIbetshehasn’tletyoulayahandonher.”HerknewMercy.Shewaseasywithskinprivilegesinthepack,butshezealouslyguardedherprivacyoutsideit.
Joaquinsmiled.“Herskinissoft,creamy.”
ItwasatauntmeanttomakeRiley’swolfseeredanditsucceeded,buthewasalsoalieutenanthonedinfire.Henarrowedhiseyes.“Meandyou.Eduardostaysoutofit.”
“Done.”Joaquin’sclawsslidout.“Iwin,youwalkaway.”
“Nevergoingtohappen.”Hereleasedhisownclaws,slicingthemthroughskinwiththethoughtlesseaseofsomeonewho’dgrownupsemishifting.
“Holdit,”Eduardosaid,scowling.“Whatthefuckareyoudoing,Joaquin?Wedidn’tcomeheretomessupDarkRiver’spactwiththewolves.”
Rileywavedhimoff.“Igiveyoumywordthiswon’timpactthingspolitically.”
Eduardoraisedaneyebrow.“Yeah?Thengoforit.Ican’twaittoseehowyouexplainthistoMercy.”
Rileywasnolongerthinking.Joaquinhadmovedabarefractionofaninch,butRileyknewitwasinpreparationforastrike.HewasprovenrightaninstantlaterastheSouthAmericansentinelcameathiminarageofclawsandspeed.Joaquinwasgood,Rileythought,movingoutofthewayevenasheusedhisownclawstoshredtheotherman’ssides.
Therewasnoblood,thoughJoaquin’sshirtwasintatters.Thesentinelhadtwistedawayinafluidmovenowolfwouldevermake.Butawolfcouldutilizethatfluidityagainsthisprey.Hewentasiftostrike,Joaquinshiftedleft…andRileystruckupwithhisfreehand.
“Fuck.”Joaquinhissedoutabreathashisbloodscentedtheair.“Luckyhit.”
Rileydidn’tspeak,watching.Buthewasn’tquitefastenoughtoevadethekickthatalmostdislocatedhisshoulder.Movingwiththekick,hegrabbedJoaquin’sfootandtwisted.Boneswould’vesnappedinahuman.Buttheyweren’thuman.Theothermanlandedonhisfeet,buthisbalancewasslightlyoff.Rileyhaddamagedsomething.
Notallowinghisopponenttoregaincontrol,heattacked,hisdrivingpossessivenessgivinghimanedgeevenJoaquin’sfelinegracecouldn’tcounteract.Slamminghisclawstowithinabreathoftheleopard’sthroat,hegrittedoutthewords,“BeonthenextplaneoutofhereorIwon’tstopnexttime.”
Joaquin’saggressionwasagoldenglowinhiseyes.“You’refasterthanyoulook.”
Takingthatasacceptance,Rileydrewback.
Joaquinstraightened,wipingbloodoffhislips.“Goodluck.”Heheldoutahand.
Unsurprised,Rileyshookit.Changelingsstucktotheirword—itwaspartofthecodeofhonorthatkeptpeaceamongtheirkind.“Makesureyouralphadoesn’tsendreplacements.”
Joaquinrubbedhisjaw.“That,Ican’tpromise.Isabellaisalawuntoherself.”
“Thentellherthatanyoneelseshesendsup,”Rileysaidquietly,“I’llbesendingbackminusbodyparts.”
Eduardogrinned.“That,she’llunderstand.YousureyouwanttomesswithIsabella?”
“Ifshe’sMercy’sgrandmother,I’llhavetodealwithhereventually.”Henoddedonceasthetwomenheadedoff.Partofhimwantedtofollowtomakesuretheytrulywereleaving,buttheotherpartwanteddesperatelytoseeMercy,todrivehisscentintoherskinsonoothermalewoulddarewhatJoaquinhad.Thefieldwasnotclear.
Trustingthehonorofthetwosentinels,hewalkedleft,toMercy.Hewasonherdoorstepwhenherealizedhewasbruisedandbloody.Onelookandshe’dknowexactlywhathe’dbeendoing.Hedidn’tcare.Raisingafist,heknocked.
Thedoorwaspulledopenafewmomentslaterbyasleepy-eyedcatdressedinanoldT-shirt.Thoseeyeswidenedwhenshesawhim,buthekissedherbeforeshecouldsayaword,claspingthebackofherheadtokeepherinplaceashefedhisneedforher.Hewasexpectingtofeelherclawsanyinstant,butitwasherhandshefelt,underthetornfabricofhisT-shirt.Shudderingwhensheflattenedherhandsonhisback,hedeepenedthekissuntilitwasameldingofmouths,rawandhotandhonest.
Thatwaswhenherclawsprickedhim,hardenoughthatheknewhe’dhavebruises.Breakingthekiss,helookeddownintoeyesgoneleopardinanger,thoughherlipsweresoft,full,sotempting.
“RileyKincaid,youhaveJoaquin’sbloodonyou.”Hernostrilsflared.“Deadoralive?”
“Alive.”Hewincedasherclawsdugdeeper.
“Itoldyoutostayawayfromthem.”
“I’mnotapetdog,”hegrowled,closinghishandaroundherthroat.“Don’ttryandleashme,kittycat.”
Thosegoldencateyesshimmeredwiththesharpbiteoffeminineanger.“Getyourhandoffmyneck.”
Leaninginclose,hebreathedhisnextwordsagainstherlips.“Makeme.”
Atautmoment,astheystaredateachother,bothfurious,bothunabletowalkaway.Hewaitedtofeelrealpain—predatorychangelingfemalescoulddoseriousdamagewhenriled,andhe’dmadeherplentyangry—buthedidn’tcare.Rightnow,thismoment,itwaspureambrosia.
Mercy’slasheslowered,andwhentheycamebackup,hesawthecatprowlingbehindtheirises.“You’reinsane,Kincaid.”Shebithislowerliphardenoughtomakeherpoint.Then,withdrawingherclaws,sheraisedahandtoherthroatandpulledathispinkie.“I’llbreakthisifyoudon’tgetyourhandoffme.”
Heknewinstinctivelythathe’dpushedherfarenough.
“Goodchoice,”shesaidashereleasedher.“NowcomeinandmaybeI’llpatchyouup.”
Realizinghe’dsomehowskirtedtheicybladeofheranger,hewalkedin.Shepaddedawayintothebathroomandhefollowed,pullingoffhisT-shirtasheentered.Shestaredattheclawmarksonhischest,thecutsonhisside,hisface.“Youdon’tneedstitches.”Puttingherhandsonhisarm,shetugged.“Turn.”
Hedecidedtoobeybecauseitfeltsogoodtohavehertouchhim.
“Hmm.Nostitchesnecessaryhere,either,thoughyou’llhavesomeenormousbruises.Mostofitwillhealwithinthenextcoupleofdays.”
“Doyouhaveanythingforthebruises?”Stiffmusclescouldbedangerous,slowingreactiontimewhenitmatteredmost.
Comingtofacehimagain,shesaid,“Maybe.Showeroffthebloodandfindme.Imightbeinagoodmood.Imightnot.”
Heblockedherexitfromthebathroom,veryawareofthesleeknakednessofherbodybeneaththatoldT-shirt.“Stay.”God,hewasstarvedforhertouch.Justthat,justtouch.
Shelookedathimoutofeyesthatcontinuedtoholdagoldenedge.“ShowerandI’llletyousleepwithme.Ididanightshift.”
Hemovedimmediatelyoutoftheway.“Whydidn’tyousayso?Iwouldn’thavekeptyoufrombed.”Hescowled,theprotectivenesshefelttowardhertrumpingeverythingelse.“I’llbeoutinfive.”
Hewasasgoodashisword,rubbinghishairdryashewalkednakedintoMercy’sbedroom.Shewascurledup,half-asleepbelowthesheets,butwavedhimover.“Bruisecream.”
“I’llputiton.”
“Shuddupandliestill.”
Throwingasidethetowel,helaydownontopofthesheet.Herfingersfeltlikeperfectiononhisflesh,feminineandstronganduniquelyMercy.Whenshe’dputthecreamoverallthebruises,sheyawnedandgotuptowashherhandsbeforecrawlingbackintobed.Hewaswaitingforherbeneaththesheets,andtohissurprise,shedidn’tsayawordashespoonedhisbodyaroundhers,theirlowerlimbstangling,hishandflatonthewarmskinofherabdomen.
“TakeofftheT-shirt,”hemurmuredagainstherear.
“Pushy.”Butshegavehimwhathewanted,surprisinghimonceagain.
Mercy,hethought,wasanintrinsicallygenerouswoman.He’dknownthat,buttoday,hesawanotherfacettothatpartofhernature.ShewasangrywithhimforfightingwithJoaquin,butevenso,shewasgivinghimwhatheneeded.Shecould’vemadehimbeg—hewassostarvedforher,hemightjusthavedoneit.Instead,she’dallowedhimintoherbed,allowedhimthemostintimateofskinprivileges.
Thattruthmadesomethinginhisheartunsnap,unlock,andhewasn’tquitesurewhatitwas.
Afemininehandcurledoverthearmhehadaroundherwaist.“Sleep.”
Holdinghertight,awashinthewarmthofher,hedidasordered.Andunlikethenighthe’dspentawakeandwalkingthehallsoftheden,thissleepwasutterlypeaceful.
MercywassmilingthatafternoonasshesatinDarkRiver’sbusinessHQ.SleepingwithRileyagainhadbeennice.Reallynice.They’dwokentogether,madelovewithalazyslownessthathadturnedherbloodtotreacle.Ithadbeentemptingtostayinbed,butRileyhadanafternoonshiftonthepatrolstheywererunninginthecity,andshehadtocompleteseveralofhersecurityreports.
She’djustfinishedacallwithafirmspecializinginhigh-techintrusiondetectionsystemswhenthephonerang.TheIDwasexquisitelyfamiliar.Sheansweredbyswitchingtheclearscreenofhercomputertocommmode.“Riley?”
Hisresponsewasaudioonly,withalittleiconthattoldherhewasonacellphone.“Mercy,youstillinthecity?”
Thesoundofhisvoicecrawledinside,touchedthecat…andwasn’timmediatelyclawedaway.“Yeah,what’sup?”
“Wegotatipthatsomethingoddwasgoingoninoneofthenewwarehousesthey’rebuildingalongtheEmbarcadero,”hesaid,referringtothelongstretchofroadthatranaroundtheeasternedgeofthebay.“NeartheBayBridge.”
Excitementsparked.“I’llbethere—”
“Norush.Iwentinwithasmallteam,checkedthingsout.They—”
Mercytriedtocounselpatienceandfailed.“Youwhat?Thisisourop,Riley.Notyours.YouknewIwasinthecity,thatIcould’vebeenthereinminutes,butyoustilldidn’tcalluntilafteryou’dgonein?”
Hedidn’tbothertolietoher,tomakeupsomethingaboutusingtheirresourceswiselyorsomeothercraplikethat.Hejustsaid,“Imadethedecision.Dealwithit.”
Dealwithit?Fine.“Whatdidyoufind?”sheasked,handcurledintoafistsotight,shecouldseetendonspushupwhiteunderskin.
“Thisparticularwarehouseisalmostcompleteandtheforemansaysnoworkershavebeeninsidefortwoweeks.Butsomeonewashereandveryrecently,”hesaid,soundingalittleguardedatherapparentcalm.
Good,shethought.“Alliance?”
“Fromthehumanscentsandthefactthatwefoundsomebomb-makingapparatus,I’msayingit’sagoodbet.”
“Damn.”Shetappedherfingersonthedesk.“They’reactuallygoingtodothis,blowsomethingupinourterritory.”
“Ifuckinghopenot.Iftheydo,it’swar.”
Mercytookamomenttothink.“Maybethetargethasnothingtodowithus—couldbethey’reheretoeliminateBowen’sgroup.”
“Withabomb?”Riley’sdisbeliefwasobvious.“It’dbeeasiertoshoottheminsomedarkalley.Theyblowsomethingup,it’saboutgettingeveryone’sattention.Rightthissecond,”hecontinued,“theirmotivationmatterslessthanfindingthem.Fromalltheevidence,they’restayingonthemove,butwe’vegotascentnow.”
“I’llgetsomeleopardsonit,too.”Shewasalreadymakingamentallistofthoseinthecityorclosebywiththenecessarytrackingskills.“I’monmyway.”
Shekeptherangercontainedonthedriveover,andsaidnothingwhenshefirstsawRileyinthewarehouse.Instead,sheconfirmedhisfindings,thensetAaron,Jamie,Barker,andKittotracking.“Kit,IwantyoupairedwithBarker.”
Kitopenedhismouthtocomplainbutsheshuthimupwithalook.“Iknowyou’reagoodtracker,butyou’restillintraining.Seriously,boy,donotgivemeanyshittoday.”
Kitblinked.Hecarriedthescentofafuturealpha,andonedaysoon,he’dbeabletooverpowerherinafight—butshe’dbehissenioruntilhebecamealpha.AndnotonlydidKitknowthat,heknewhowtodealwithdominantfemales,havinggrownupwithRinaforasister.“Someonemadeyoumadtoday,”hemurmured,handsup.“Gladitwasn’tme.IsBarkerherealready?”
“Shouldbeoutside.Checkinwithmebyphoneeveryfifteenminutes.”
“Willdo.”Nodding,theyoungsoldierheadedout.
ThewarehousewasclearofeveryonebutMercy,Riley,andthesceneprocessingpeopletenminuteslater.Leavingthescientifictypes,Mercyheadedouttohercar,Rileybyherside.“I’vegotonequestionforyou,”shesaidastheywalked,“whatwasthetip?”
“Thattherewasalotoflate-nighttrafficinandoutofawarehousethatwasmeanttobeoff-limitstoanyonebuttheconstructioncrew.”
“That’sit?”
“Oneofthesoldierspatrollingthisareathoughtshesmelledsomethingdangerous—probablycaughtawhiffofthechemicals.Ratscamethroughwiththesameinfotwominuteslater.”
Mercyknewhe’dreceivedthatdatadirectlybecausehewasinchargeofcitysecurityattherelevanttime.“Soyouknewyouweregoingintodanger.”Sheputherthumbtothecardoortounlockit.
“Itwasapossibility.”Hiseyeswerecalmwhenhelookedather,butthehandheclosedoverherdoorwhenshesliditopenandback,waswhite-knuckled.
“Andisthatwhenyoumadethedecisionnottocallme?”sheasked,holdinghisgazewithoutflinching.“Whenyourealizeditmightbelife-threatening?”
“Wehadnoideawhatwemightbewalkinginto,”hesaid.“Theplacecould’vebeenriggedtoblow.”
“Answerthequestion.”Shedidn’tbreakeyecontact.
“Yes.Ididn’twantyouexposedtothatunstableasituation.”
Shewassoangryshewastremblinginside.“That’swhatIthought—anditwasn’tyourcalltomake,Riley.”
“Whatthefuckusewouldithavebeentoputusbothinthelineoffire?”
“Again,notyourcall.”Shetriedtobreathe,butherthroatwasknottedupwithtoomuchfuryandairbarelyseemedtogetin.“We’reallies.Ifyoustartholdingbackinformation,thatalliancefalls.”
Hisjawtightened.“Youknowdamnwellthishadnothingtodowiththealliance.”
“Yes,”shesaid,“itdid.Everythingwedoimpactsourpacks.”
Hedidn’tanswer,butshecouldfeelthepulseofhisanger.
“Don’tyoudaretreatmelikeyourwomaneveragain,”shesaid,teethgritted.“Notwhenitconcernsthesafetyofmypack.Whichisallour‘relationship’isgoingtoconcernasofthismoment.”
“No,”hesaid,grabbingherelbow.“Youdon’tgettoendus.Notoverthis.”
Thecatgrowledandsheletthesoundtravelupthroughhervocalcords.“IgettodowhateverIwant.”Shewrenchedherarmfromhis.“Iinvitedyouintomyhome,”shesaid,nosetonosewithhim.“Itrustedyou.Youjustshitonthattrust.”Slidingintotheseat,shepulledthedoorshut.
Herefusedtoletitclose,leaningdowntolookather.“Ididnotbreakyourtrust.”
“Tellyourselfthatifitmakesyoufeelbetter.”Thistime,shepulledhardenoughtomakehermusclesscream,kickingoutathisshinsatthesametime.Hisgriploosenedinsurprise,andshegotthedoormoving,slidingherlegbackinsideinthenickoftime.ThenshegotthehellawayfromRileybeforehedidsomethingelsethatmadeherhearthurt.
Hereyesburnedandthatonlymadeherangrier.“Goddamnyou,Riley!”Sheslammedherpalmonthesteeringwheelhardenoughtoleavebruises.CHAPTER33
SaschasplitofffromLucasastheyenteredtheSnowDancerden.“WhatdidMercysay?”
“TheyfoundwhatlooksliketheAlliance’sbolt-hole,butthemercenariesarelonggone.”Hethrustahandthroughhishair.“Wecandealwiththisbeforewegodown.Mercy’sgotthingsundercontrol.”
Shenodded.“IneedtospeaktoTobyforafewminutes.YougotalktoHawke.”
Aquietnod.“I’llbackyou,whateveryoudecide.But,kitten,thiscouldbeserious.”
“Iknow.”Shewouldn’tmakethedecisionlightly.“Goon.”
Ashefollowedthesoldierwho’dmetthematthedoor,anotherledhertotheschoolroomwhereTobywasdoingmath.“I’llbefinenow.”
Sing-Liugaveanod.“Seeyouaround.”
Watchingtheotherwomanleave,Saschawasstruckbythechangeswroughtoverthelastyearandahalf.Thefirsttimeshe’dcomehere,Hawkewouldhaveneverallowedhertowanderfreely.Evennow,sheknewtherewerecertainsectionswhereshe’dbedeniedaccess,butallinall,itwasadefiniteimprovement.
Toby’steacherglancedherwayrightthenand,ashortconversationlater,theboywalkedouttomeetherinthecorridor.“What’sthematter?”heaskedatonce,hisEsensestellinghimshewasn’tascalmassheappeared.
“Comewithme.”Shewalkedhimtoanemptyclassroomand,closingthedoor,tookaseatoppositehim.“Toby,IneedtotalktoyouaboutSienna.”
“Oh.”Shecouldalmostseethestruggleinhim.“Loyalty’simportant.”
“Iknow,kiddo.”Shetookhishands.“Idon’twantyoutobetrayher.Ijustneedtheanswertoonequestion.”AquestionTobycouldanswerbetterthaneventheadultsinhisfamily.
“Justone?”
“Justone.”
“Okay.”
Sheheldhisgaze.“DoesSiennaneedhelp?”
Tobybithislipandnodded,themovementjerkywithemotion.“She’ssoafraid,Sascha.It’sbreakingherinhere.”Hefistedahandandcircleditoverhischest.
“Oh,baby.”Gettingup,shekneltdowntohughim,strokingherhandoverhisback.“Haveyoubeentryingtohelp?”
Anodagainsther,boyisharmsholdingontight.“Before,shewasafraidbutitwasokay.Icouldhelpher.Butnowshe’sallshutup.Ican’tgettherainbowsinside.”
“Youdidgood,Toby.”He’dnodoubthelpedSiennafarmorethanherealized.Ifthegirlwassplinteringonthepsychicplane,havingabrotherwithempathicabilitieswould’veleachedoffsomeofthepressure.ButnowSiennawasn’tallowingevenheradoredbabybrotherinside.Thatmeantserioustrouble.“Okay,sweetheart,Iwantyoutogobacktoclassandtrynottoworry.”
“Willyouhelpher?”Cardinaleyeslookingsolemnlyintohers.
“I’lltrymyhardest.”Shewouldn’tlietohim.“ButSienna’sstubborn.She’llfightme.”
ThatactuallymadeTobyrelax.“Yeah.She’sfighty.”
Saschalaughed.“Thatsheis.”
DroppingTobybackinclass,shemadeherwaythroughtheSnowDancertunnelstoHawke’soffice.SheneededtospeaktoSienna,andforthat,she’dneedHawke’spermission.Whichwasgoingtobeahurdleinitself.
Frowning,shestopped,realizingshe’dgonecompletelyoutofherway.Strange.SheknewhowtogettoHawke’soffice,butinsteadshewasheadingtowardthepaintingsthatlinedtheentranceway.Itwould’vebeenlogicaltoturnandputherselfbackontherightpath,butshewasnolongerintheNet.Logicdidn’trulesupreme.
Trustinginstinctandhergrowingabilities,shecontinuedontowardthehallwaylinedwithanamazingarrayofimagesofwolvesatplay,atrest,evenincombat.Shewasn’tassurprisedassheshould’vebeentoseeSiennaLaurenatthefarthestendofthetunnel—thepartclosestthedoor.Theteenager’sfacewasstarkwhite,herfreehandclenchedrigidlyenoughtohurt.Shewasrunningthefingersoftheotheroverwhatlookedlikesomekindofafractureinthewall.
“Sienna.”Saschakepthertonesoft,abletosensethedistresscomingoffthegirlinwaves.Itwasthefirsttimeshe’dseenherthisclosetobreaking.Siennahadturnedeighteenthatsummer,butexceptforherrun-inswithHawke,sheactedwithamaturitybeyondheryears—unsurprising,givenwhatSaschasuspectedofSienna’sabilities.Thegirl’straininghadtohavebeenbrutal.“Sienna,”shesaidagain,puttingahandonthegirl’sshoulder.
Siennajerkedawayfromthewall.“Ididn’tmeanto.”Onthesurface,itwasanangrydeclaration.“Ididn’t,Sascha.”
Saschawasn’tclosetoSienna,butshewascomingtorealizethatasanempath,shehadashortcuttopeople’strust.Itwasaresponsibilitysheintendedtohonor…nomatterwhat.“It’sokay,”shebegan,tryingtosoothe.
“No,”Siennainterrupted.“Hawkewillgocrazy.”Therewasnofearinher,justastaggeringsenseofhavingdonesomethingbad.Somethingverybad.
Hawke?Saschafrowned,thenlookedatthewall.Thefracture,thecrumbledpaint.“Youdidthis?”sheaskedwithutmostgentleness,takingthegirl’shandsinherownandturningthemover—powderedstoneclungtoherskin.
“Ididn’tmeanto,”shesaidagain.“Ionlywantedtolookatthem—they’reimportanttoHawke.I—”Hervoicehitched,herbreathbroke.“Myemotionsaregoinghaywire,Sascha.Andwithoutcontrol,Ican’t—”Shecriedout,wrenchedherhandsaway.Asecondlater,powerfilledtheair.Itwassostrong,itraisedthehairsonthebackofSascha’sneck.
Fearthreatenedtotakeoverbutshestoodherground.Panickingwouldjustmakeitworse.EverythingaboutSiennapointedtoacombatability—whichone,Saschawasn’tsure,butonethingwascertain—suchPsywerevery,very,veryunstableuntiltrained.BeforeSilence,manyontheextremeendofthescalehaddiedwhentheirpowersturnedonthem.“Sienna,”shesaid,drawingthegirl’sattention.“Lookatme.”Sheinfusedhervoicewithcommand,madethegirlmeethereyes.“Focus.”
Siennablinkedeyesthathadgoneinkyblack,drowningthewhitestars,andnoddedinanuncoordinatedjoltingmotion.Aminutelater,herhandsuncurledandthesenseofpowerdisappeared.Bothofthembreathedasighofrelief.Asingle,cleartearescapedSienna’sphenomenalcontrol.Herhearttwistingup,Saschagatheredtheteenagerclose.“Shh,we’llfigurethisout.”
“I’mthehorrorinthecloset,Sascha,thenightmareevenPsyhidefrom.”Sheheldontight,herfacepressedtoSascha’sshoulder.
“Don’tbemelodramatic.”Saschacouldn’tbelievethepaincontainedinthefragilebodysheheld.Sienna’semotionsweresotormentedthegirlwasclosetoshattering.Itmadenosense,notwhenshehadtohavebeenfullyconditionedbeforesheleftthePsyNet.“Youhavecombat-gradeabilities.It’snotlimitedtomentalcombat,isit?”
Ashakeofthehead.“No.”
SaschahadthesensethatSiennawashidingthewholetruth,butnowwasn’tthetimetopush.“Yourunclehasextremelypowerfulabilities—he’slearnedtocontrolthem.Sowillyou.”Judd’sstatedabilitywastelepathy,butSaschahadafeelingthatthatwasafrontforother,deadliergifts.ThemanhadbeenanArrow,anassassinnooneeversawuntilitwastoolate.
“I’mnotlikeUncleJudd.”Aflatstatement.“I’mworse.”Nomoretears,noweaknessinthatvoice,onlyatruthsopainfulnooneshouldhavetoendureit.“YouknowitandsodoI.Oneslipandboom,Itakeouttheentireden.”
Saschaknewthatwasn’tteenagegrandeuratwork.“Yourcardinalstatusisn’ttelepathy,isit?”AswithJudd,thatwastheskilleveryoneknewhertohave.
Apause.Theanswerwaslessthanawhisper.“No.”
MyGod.Saschaheldthegirlcloser,disbelieving.CardinalPsywithfuriouscombatabilitieswerebeyonddeadly.SiennacouldpossiblytakeouttheSnowDancerdenifshelosthergriponherpowers.“You’vebeentryingtomanageit?”
“Ishutupeverythinginside.Everything.”Wordsgroundoutthroughclenchedteeth.“IthoughtifIcouldholdit,justholdit,itwouldbefine.Butit’snot.”
“Why?”sheasked.“Whyareyoulosingcontrolthisbadly?”
Theanswer,whenitcame,brokeSascha’sheart.
“Hawke.”Itwasanalmostsoundlesswhisper.
“Oh,Sienna.”Shestrokedherhandoverthegirl’shair,evenashermindworkedatpiercingspeed.“Hasitbeencumulative?”
Siennanodded.“ThesecondImethim,everythingcrumbled,myshields,myconditioning,everything!AndSascha,Ineedthatconditioning.Juddshowedmehowtoshort-circuitthepaincontrolsbutIhaven’t—I’mnotlikehim,Idon’tthinkIcanstopwithoutthepain.”
Saschasqueezedhereyesshut,sendingSiennasoothingwavesofreassurance.Butshedidn’tbrushasidethegirl’swords.Silencehadbeenundertakenforareason.Ithadbecomepervertedovertime,butatthestart,theProtocolhadbeentheirsalvation—ithadsavedpeoplelikeSienna,Psywhocouldn’tthinkforthevirulentstrengthoftheirgifts.Itwaspossiblethegirlsimplycouldn’texistwithoutSilence.
Andifthatwasso,itwouldsendshockwavesthroughboththeLaurenfamilyandtheSnowDancers.
“TheLaurenNet,”shesaid,referringtothesmallpsychicnetworkthatlinkedSienna’sentirefamily,“isitstrongenoughtosurviveyournotbeingintheden?”
Siennanoddedimmediately.“MarleeandTobyaresettled.Theywon’tattempttorejointhePsyNet.AndwithBrennainournetaswell,it’sgainedinstrength.ButIcan’tleaveforlong—maybeaweekortwo.Toby’smyresponsibility.”
“Ofcourse,”Saschasaid.“Butyouneedabreak,youknowthat.Andwe’recloseenoughthatsomeonecandriveyouupherewhennecessary.”
“Icandrive.UncleWalkertaughtme.”Apause,thenaslightshakeofherhead.“Buttheseeyes,Sascha.Wecan’thidethem.”
Saschasmiled.“Sometimes,Idon’twanttostickouteither,soI’vebeenworkingwithourtechstodevelopanewtypeofcontactlens.It’snotperfectyet,butit’sgoodenough—youcanwearituptoamonthbeforeitneedsreplacing.”
HopelitSienna’sface.“Icouldbefree.Imean,notleaveoranything,butIcouldgooutintothecity,moveabout.”
“Yes.”Saschatouchedherhandsagain.“Butnotuntilyoucancontrolyourself.”
Ashakynod.“Idon’tknowwhocanhelpme—Judd’sdonealot,butthere’snooneelselikeme.”
Saschafeltaflashofworry.Whatif…?No.CardinalX-Psywereamyth.EvenmidrangeXswererare,theirgiftturningonthemduringchildhood.Nonebuttheveryweaksurvivedtoadulthood.“Sienna,what’syourcombatability?”
“Ican’ttellyou.”Sienna’sjawsetinawaymostwould’vereadasstubbornness.Theywould’vebeenwrong.Itwasdesperation.“Ican’t.Noonecaneverknow.”
Saschastrokedherhandovertheteenager’shairagain.“Don’tworry—I’mnotgoingtowithdrawmyoffer.ButIneedtoknowthis—willyoubesafearoundmypack?”
Siennatooklongmomentstothinkaboutit,strengtheningSascha’sfaithinthegirl.“IwascoldintheNet,Sascha,”shesaidatlast.“Reallycold—maybeevencolderthanJudd.It’sbeinghere,inthisden,thatbreaksme.Ifyougetmeoutofhere,myconditioningshouldspringback.”
SaschaknewpreciselywhatHawkewouldthinkofthat,butifSilencewouldkeepSiennafunctional,thenshe’dfighttoothandnailforthegirl.“DidtheCouncilknowaboutyourabilities?”
“Yes.”Sheswallowed.“MingwantedmetojoinhisArrows,becomehisprotégée.ThenhefoundoutIwasstrongerthanhim.Andthat’swhenmyfamilygottheorderforrehabilitation.”
“It’snotonyou,”Saschasaidfirmly.“It’sontheCouncil—theymadethedecisiontodestroytheirownpeople.”
“Sascha…Imighthavetogoback.”
BothofthemknewexactlywhatSiennawastalkingabout—thedarkskiesofthePsyNet,Silentandcold,mightbethegirl’sonlyhope.CHAPTER34
Rileyknewhe’dfuckedup.Evenhiswolfknewhe’dfuckedup.Whathedidn’tknowwashowtofixthings.Thatwaswhathedid—hefixedthings.Forhisfamily,forhispack,foreveryonewhomatteredtohim.Buthehadnoideainhellhowtofixsomethingsocruciallyimportanttohim.Mercyhadbeensoangry
“Riley?”
HelookeduptofindEliasrunningtowardhim,sweatrollingdownhistemples.“How’ditgo?”Eliwasoneoftheirbesttrackers,hisnosefine-tunedineitherhumanorwolfform.
ButthistimetheSnowDancersoldiershookhishead.“They’resmart—wentstraightfromheretoPier39,farasIcantell.”
“Shit.”Pier39wasalwaysjam-packedwithpeople,andwiththeblueskiesthey’dhadtoday,itwasdoubtlessworsethanusual.“Thetraildead-ended?”
Elinodded.“Ididn’tsayanythingtotheothers,didn’twanttoinfluencethemincasetheycaughtsomethingImissed.”Saidwithasoldier’scalmacceptancethathewaspartofateam.“Thatcat—Kit—he’sreallygood.Hemightbeabletopickupthetrailagain.”
Buthalfanhourlater,whenMercycalledhim,itwastosaythatKithadonlybeenabletogettwopiersfartherdown.“Hethinkstheymight’vehadwatertransport.Butwe’vegottheirscentnow,”shesaid,hervoiceterse,businesslike.“I’msendingeveryonewhoknowsthatscenttodosweepsofthecity.”
“I’mdoingthesame.”
“Teijan’scomingovertotakeasniff.Don’tshoothim.”
Teijan,Rileyknew,wastheRatalpha.“Fine.”
Hewantedtosaysomethingelse,anythingelse,butshe’dalreadyhungup.Grittinghisteeth,heputthephoneinhispocketand—afterTeijanhadcomeandgone—decidedtojoininthesweeps.Ifthebombmakershadactedsmartandgonetoground,thentheywouldn’tfindafreshtrail,butthatdidn’tmeantheyhadtobecareless.
SaschawaiteduntilsheandLucaswerealmostreadytoleavetopullthelidonapowderkegoftrouble.She’dalreadybrokentherulesandspokentoSienna’suncles—WalkerandJuddhadbothagreedthatsomethingneededtobedone.Theirworryforthedaughteroftheirlostsisterwasanachebeneaththeirskin,thoughneithermanshowedmuchonthesurface.
“Siennaneedsabreakfromtheden,”shesaidpoint-blanktoHawke.“I’veofferedheraroomattheaerie.”ItwasaswellthatLucashadaddedanextraroomonceJulianandRomanstartedsleepingoveronaregularbasis.“Ineedyoutoreleaseherfromherdutieshere.”
“Hell,no!”Hawkeslammedahandonhisdesk.“She’saliability.TheCouncilgetsanyideashe’salive,they’llbeginhuntingthewholefamily.”
“It’llonlybeforaweekortwo,”Saschasaid,“andwecandisguiseher.She’sagreedtocutherhair,getcontacts.Shedoesn’tevenwalklikeaPsyanymoreafteralmosttwoyearsintheden.She’llfitrightin.”
“Cutherhair?”Hawkerepeated.
Shecouldunderstandhisshock.Sienna’shairwasincrediblybeautiful,arich,uniqueshadethatburnedwithinnerfire.Ithaddarkenedoverthepastyearuntilitwasn’ttrulyred.Closertoport,orthedarkheartofaruby.Thecolorwassodistinctivethatthey’dhavetobleachitbeforedyeingitandtheprocesswouldbeeasierwithshorthair.However,Saschaintendedtotalktheteenagerintokeepingthelength—itwouldbeapsychologicalanchor,verynecessarywheneverythingelsewasfallingapartaroundher.“Youhavetolethergo,”shetoldthealpha.“Sheneedstimetorebuildhershields.”
Hawke’spaleeyesglittered.“Andwhywillachangeinlocationhelp?”
Lucasstirredbesideher,butdidn’tstepinbetween.“Because,”shesaid,“youwon’tbethere.”
Everyonewentquiet.ThenHawkeswore.“Damnit,Sascha.Ihaven’ttouchedher.She’sakid.”
“Idon’tthinkSiennahasbeenachildforaverylongtime.”Shelookedintohiseyes.“Andshe’sgrowingupfastereveryday.”
Anotherpausefraughtwithanger.Hawkefinallythrustahandthroughhishair,blowingoutabreathbetweenpursedteeth.Hiseyeswerebleakwhenhemethersagain.“You’reright.Takeherandhelpher.Maybeshe’llgetoverhercrush.”
Saschadidn’tknowwhyshesaidwhatshedidnext.“Ifshedoesn’t?”
WhitelinesbracketedHawke’smouth.“ThentellherIcan’tgiveherwhatshewants.”Unspokenwerethewords:BecauseI’vealreadygivenittosomeoneelse.Saschafeltadeepsenseofloss,ofpain,andknewthatHawkehadlosthismate
Lucastouchedherlowerback.“We’llprotectthegirl,”hetoldtheotheralpha,onemaletoanother.
Hawkenodded.“Takegoodcareofher.AndbringherbackinaweekorI’lldothejobmyself.”
Rileymadehiswaybacktothedenalittleaftersix.Thesweepshadnettednothing,buthadservedtomakethepopulaceawareofathreatintheirmidst.Itwouldmakethemmorevigilant,watchful.He’ddiscussedapublicbroadcastwithMercy—though“discuss”wasprobablythewrongwordfortheclippedwordsthey’dexchanged—butthey’ddecidedthatwiththislittleinformation,theyriskedstartingapanic.
Instead,they’dtoldtheirpeopletoquietlygetthewordouttothosetheytrusted.TheAlliancehadtobefindingitincreasinglydifficulttoprocureahidingplace—thestressmightleadtomistakes.Andwhenitdid,thechangelingswouldbewaiting.Thisshift,thatresponsibilitywasinIndigoandNate’shands.
Decidinghedidn’tparticularlywanttotalktoanyone,heparkedhisvehicleontheveryedgeofdenterritory,shiftedintowolfform,andlopedoffintothetrees.Hecaughtthescentsofseveralotherpackmatesalongtheway—Eli’swholefamily,includinglittleSakura;D’Arnwithhismate,Sing-Liu;TaiandJudd.
Thatlatterpairingwould’venormallymadehimgrin.TaithoughtJuddwalkedonwater.TheboyturnedupateverytrainingsessionandfollowedJudd’smercilessdisciplinewithoutasinglewordofcomplaint.Rileyandtheotherlieutenants,includingJudd,allknewTaihadboththementalandphysicalstrengthtomakelieutenantafterhegrewupabitmore.Rightnow,hestillhadtheedgesofboyhoodonhim.
HespiedthefainthintofHawke’strailandveeredoffintheoppositedirection.Thelastpersonhewantedtoseerightnowwasoneoftheveryfewmenwhocouldbeathimintosubmissionandmakehimtalk.Hedidn’twanttotalk,didn’twanttoconsiderwhyhewassoangryandfrustrated…andlost.
ButHawkehadotherideas.Thealphawolfmovedoutinfrontofhim,havingmuddiedhistrailthroughexperienceandtrickery.Rileywasn’tpleasedtoseehim.Baringhisteeth,hewarnedHawketogetthehelloutofhisway.Rightnow,allhewantedtodowasbrood.Orfailingthat,drawblood.
Hawkeapparentlyrealizedthat.Butinsteadofleaving,heattacked.Andhewasfast
Rileydidn’thaveHawke’sspeed.Buthehadsomethinghisalphadidn’t.Abodythatcouldtakejustaboutanydamageandkeepgoing.Hawkehadcalledhimafuckingstonewallonmorethanoneoccasion,thereasonbehindhisnickname.
Nowhebracedforimpactandtookithard.Thenrolledandrosetohisfeet,uninjured.Hawkewasalreadycomingforasecondstrike,andsinceRiley’saggressionhadbeenbuildingeversincethatfightwithMercy,hemethisalphainmidair.Thecontactwasraw,bloody,no-holds-barred.
RileywasoneoftheextremelysmallnumberofpeopleinthedenwithwhomHawkedidn’tbothertoholdback.Hewasalpha—stronger,faster—butRileywasdogged.Hesimplywouldn’tgodown.Thatleveledtheplayingfieldinawaythatleftthemverywellmatched.Andtoday,eventheirangerwaswellmatched—theyweren’tfightingwithlogic.Theywerefightinglikethewolvestheywere,drivenbyinstinct,byemotion,bytheneedtosavagetheiropponent.
Therewasnomercyineitherofthem.
Tenminuteslater,theywerebothstillstanding…andbleeding,theirsidesheaving.Theystaredateachother,Rileylookingintopale,paleeyesthatneverchanged,nomatterwhatformHawketook.Stayinginposition,hewatchedasamirageofcolorappearedaroundthewolf,andsplitsecondslater,amancrouchedinitsplace.
Rileyshiftedaninstantlater,touchinghishandtohisside.Hewascut,butevenwithhavingfoughtJoaquinearlier,theinjurieswouldhealfairlyfast.“I’mbleeding.Soareyou.Butyouhaveabruisethesizeofacantaloupeonyourribs.ThatmeansIwin.”
Hawkesnarled.“Shutup.”Buthewincedashesatdown.“Damnwall.IthinkIbrokeahand.”Heflexedhisfingers.
Rileysatalittlewaystotheleft,wherehecouldkeepaneyeonHawke’sface…andusethenightshadowstodisguisehisown.“What’sgotyousoangry?”Easiertobethelieutenant,tomakesurehisalphawasfullyfunctional,thanthinkaboutthemesshe’dcreatedforhimself.
“Sienna’sgonetostaywithLucasandSaschaforawhile.”
“Good.”Saschamightbeabletohelpthegirlasshe’dhelpedBrennaafterhissisterhadbeenviolated,hermindclosetobroken.Rileywouldtakeabulletfortheempathwithoutblinking—somedebtscouldneverberepaid.“Butwhydoesitmattertoyourwolf?”
“She’sajuvenile,”Hawkesaid.“Myinstinctstellmetoprotecther,that’sall.”
“Okay.”
ThatonlyseemedtoirritateHawke.“Youpissmeoff,Riley.”
“Yeah?”
“Allgroundedandpracticalandshit.”
“That’swhatshesays.”
“Ah.”Hawke’sfacerelaxedafraction.“SoMs.Mercy’sthereasonyouwereoutheresulking.”
“Ibrood.Yousulk.”
Hawkebaredhisteeth.“I’myouralpha.Showsomerespect.”
Rileysnorted,thoughhewasanythingbutrelaxed.“Isawyoupukeyourgutsoutafteryoustuffedyourselfonchocolatecake.Respect’snotcomingeasy.”
“Iwasseven.AndIseemtorecallyouthrewupfirst.”
“Youhaveafaultymemory.”
Hawke’seyeswerewintrypalewhenheglancedover.“Enoughdancing,Riley.YouthinkItrailedyouandgotmyselfbeatenupbecauseIwanttoshootthebreezeoveroldtimes?”
Rileyshrugged.
“Youandthecat—somethinghappened.”Itwasn’taquestion.
Rileyblewoutabreath.“Shewon’tletmelookafterher.”Andafterhisdevastatingfailureinprotectinghissister,hedesperatelyneededtotakecareofthewomanwho’dbecomesomuchmorethanjusthislover.
“Mercy’snotthekindofwomanwhoneedslookingafter.”
“Thanks.”
“Sarcasmdoesn’tsuityou,Mr.Stick-in-the-Mud.”
RileyturnedtostareatagrinningHawke.“Howthefuckdoyouknowaboutthat?”
“Ihavebigears.”Heflickedanearcurrentlyhiddenbehindmessystrandsofthicksilver-goldhair.
“Thenstopfuckinglistening.”HestaredoutatthecoolblackofnightintheSierra,theearlystarsdiamondpinpricksinthesky,thefirspointedsilhouettesagainstabackdropofmountainandrock.“Idon’tknowifIcanacceptthat.”
“Thenyou’llloseher.”Seriouswords.“Shewon’tacceptrestrictions.”
“Brennadid.”
“Brennahumoredyouforawhilebecauseyou’reherbigbrotherandsheadoresyou.Mercy’sprobablynotintheadoringstage,andevenifshewas,Ican’texactlyseeherbeinghappytogiveupherdutiesasasentineltodarnyoursocks.”
“Darnmysocks?”Rileyshookhishead.“Wheredoyougetthisstuff?”Inspiteofthelightwords,hecouldn’tstopthinkingaboutthepainfulintensityofhisemotionsforMercy.Atfirst,ithadbeenlust.Bright,sharp,changelinginitswildness.Therewasnothingwrongwithlust—especiallywhenshe’dbeeninlust,too.
Butnow,otherthingshadinvaded,takingaclawholdonhissoul—includingthisgut-wrenchingneedtoprotect.Thentherewasthesimplebutvisceralneedtoseeher,holdher,haveheraccepthimintoherworld.“Idon’twanttocageher,”hesaid.“Ijustcan’tstandthethoughtofanythinghappeningtoher.”Itwasadeep-rootedfear,onethattwistedaroundhisgutlikerazorwire.
“Thenwalkaway.”Quietwords.“Walkawaywhileyoucanstilldoitasfriends.”
“Toolate,”hemuttered.“She’sbarelytalkingtome.”HetoldHawkewhathe’ddone.
Hawkestaredathim.“Ithoughtyouweresmart,Riley.”
“Obviouslynot.”
“She’sright,”Hawkesaid.“Youtwodon’thavetheluxuryofactingasifyouractionsmatteronlytoyou.You’recriticalpartsofyourpacks—whatyoudidtodaycameveryclosetobreachingouragreementtoshareintel.”
“Lucasisn’tgoingtogetintoapissingcontestwithyouoverthat.”
“No,he’llleaveittoMercytosortout.LikeI’llleaveittoyou.”
“Ican’tjusttreatherasasentinelnow.”Itwasimpossible.Hesawherasawomanfirst—anintelligent,beautiful,strongwoman.
Hawkethrustahandthroughhishair.“ThenIneedtoassignsomeoneelseasliaison.”
“DoitandI’llripyourthroatout.”
“Thinkforasecond,”Hawkesaid,tonegranite-hard.“IchoseyouasliaisonbecauseIknewyouweren’thotheaded.Ineedsomeonewhoisn’tgoingtojeopardizethisalliance.”
IftherewasonethingRileyhadneverbeenaccusedofbeing,itwashotheaded.“I’llworkitoutwithMercy.”
“Shereallygetstoyou.”Hawke’svoicewascontemplative.“AstheSnowDanceralpha,Iwanttotellyoutobackoffbeforethingsgetevenmoremessedup.”
Rileywaited.
“Butasyourfriend,Isaygoforit…Womenwhogettoyouthatdeepdon’tcomealongmorethanonceinalifetime.”
Rileycaughtsomethinginthatstatement,wasreadytofollowit,butthetruthwhenitcametohimwasn’tsoft,wasn’tgradual.Itwasahead-ringingmentalslapthatlefthimstunned.“I’msoblind.”
“Talkingtoyourself?”Hawkerubbedathisjaw.“Wantmetoleaveyoualone?”
Rileybarelyheardhim,andwhen,tenminuteslater,Hawkefollowedthroughonhisoffer,hehardlynoticed.Because—“Ineverfiguredit’dbeher.”Andhe’dknownherforalongtime.Hadrespectedherstrengthevenasshedrovehiminsane.Hell,he’dadmiredthelithesexinessofherbodymorethanonce—hewasmale,afterall.Butwhyhadheneverknownitwasher?
Itdidn’tmatter.Becausenowhedid…andtherewasnowayhewaseverlettinghergo.CHAPTER35
CouncilorNikitaDuncanstaredatthebooksittinginthecenterofherdesk,boundinleatherthatwasstainedandmarkedwithcoffeerings,theedgescurling,andaskedherselfwhyshe’dtrackeddownacopyofthisveryrare,veryout-of-printvolume.Ithadcostheraconsiderableamountofcashtoacquire.
Shecould,ofcourse,haveinfectedthebookseller’smindwithamentalvirusandsimplytakenit,butshe’dwantedtodothiswithoutattractinganyattentionwhatsoever.Soshe’dcreatedafalseidentity,thatofaneccentrichumancollector.BecausethebooksellerwouldnevereverhaveknowinglyletthisvolumefallintoPsyhands.
She’dpatientlyensuredhissecuritycheckscamebacktothesamerichhumanidentity.Andthenshe’dpaidtheexorbitantpriceforthisstained,brownedbook.Thepagesweremoth-eatenattheedges,butthewords…thewordswerevisible.Thatwaswhyithadbeensoexpensive.Nothingwasmissing,nothinghadbeentornout.
NikitaknewsheshoulddestroyitandreclaimthecostfromtheCouncilcoffers.NoneofherfellowCouncilorswouldblinkaneyelash—thiswasalegitimateexpense.Butshehadn’tboughtittodestroyit,thoughifanyonedidevertrackthesalebacktoher,thatwaswhatshe’dtellthem.
Shepickedupthebook,redidthepackaging,andputitinasimplebrownwaterproofenvelope.Thenshewrotethenameoftherecipientonthetop:SaschaDuncan
Again,sheaskedherselfwhyshewasdoingthis.“Power,”shetoldherself.Thatwaswhyshedidanything.CHAPTER36
Mercyhadjustwalkedintohercabinafterworkinglatewhenthecommpanelflashedanincomingcall.Sheansweredaudio-only.“Hi,Gran.”
“Don’t‘hi,Gran’me,”Isabellasnappedback.“What’sthisIhearaboutyouandawolf?”
“I’mgoingtokillEduardoandJoaquin.”Theyhadtohavecaughtanairjettogethomesofast.
“Thosetwodidn’tsayawordexcepttotellmeanyoneelseIsenduphadbetterbepreparedtocomebacksansbodyparts.”
“Thenhowdoyouknowanythingaboutmylife?”
“Ihaveears.Iusethem.”Animpatientsound.“PutmeontheviewscreensoIcanseeyourface.”
Blowingoutabreath,Mercydidasordered.Aninstantlater,hermaternalgrandmother’sfaceappearedon-screen,beautiful,determined,anddangerouslyintelligent.Isabellawasonoddityinherpartoftheworld,withpalecreamskinandhairthathadbeenarichdarkgoldbeforeitturnedastunningwhite,traitsshe’dbequeathedherdaughter,Lia—Mercy’smom.FamilylegendsaidsomebandidowaybackwhenhadstolenawaywiththedaughterofaFrenchadmiral,andnow,everysooften,thegeneticskickedupanunexpectedblonde.Mercydidn’tknowifthatwastrue,butIsabellawascertainlyregal.She’dundoubtedlylookashaughtyatahundredandthirty.
“Awolf?”Isabellarepeated.
“No.”
Isabellanarrowedherdarkbrowneyes.“Lyingtoyourgrandmotherisamortalsin.”
“It’snotalie.He’sanass.”
“Icould’vetoldyouthat.”Asniff.“Iknowwolvescanbeattractive,butseriou—”
“Backup.”Mercyheldupahand.“Howdoyouknow?”
“Noneofyourbusiness.”
Mercygrinned.“Playedwithawolf,didyou?”
“IfIdid,Icametomysensesintime.”Butherlipsweretwitching.“Becareful,Mercygirl.They’redifferentfromus.”
“Gran.”
“No,youhavetoknow—theyaredifferent.Theytendtobemorebrutalintheirpackstructure,forone.”
MercythoughtofHawke’srule,compareditwithLucas’s.Yeah,thereweredifferences,butbothmenwouldkillforthoseundertheircare.“We’rethesameasfarasthethingsthatmatter.”
“Ifyoumatewithhim—”
Mercyallbutscreamed.“Whosaidanythingaboutmating?Ijusthadmyownbitoffun.Endofstory.”
Isabellaraisedaneyebrow.“Neverseenamanrileyouuplikethisbefore.”
“I’llgetoverit.”Shehadto.Becausewhathe’ddone…“Hefuckinghurtme,Gran.”
SaschalaycurledupinbedbesideLucas,playingherfingersoverhischest.“DoyouthinkSienna’salright?”They’ddecidedtostickwiththegirl’srealname.Withhereyescoveredupandherhairdyedatemporarybrunette,shelookednothinglikeheroldself.
“Kitknowswhosheis—he’llmakesureshe’snotoverwhelmed.”
“Atleastit’sanoutdoordance,easierforhertoacclimate—shecanwalkoffifthingsgettoomuch.”Theolderjuvenilesandyoungadultshadthrowntogetherthedance/dinner/excuseforflirtingafterSiennahad“cometovisitfromTalin’shometown.”
ThefactthatshewasactuallysleepingatLucasandSascha’sfazednoone—packmateswereusedtoaccommodatingothersandTally’shousewasfull.Sothelogisticshadbeenneatlyskirted,butstill…“She’sbeensosheltered,firstintheNet,thenintheSnowDancerden.”
“She’llbefine.Imadesureeveryoneknowsshe’sundermyprotection.”Hesqueezedher.“Notthatit’snecessary—Kitwon’tleaveherside.”
“I’mworriedit’stoosoon.”
“Thewholepointofthisweekistogivehersometimeout.”Hespreadhisfingersoverherlowerback.“Ifshecangetthingsunderbettercontrol—”
“She’salreadymorestable,”Saschasaid,havingfeltthegirlsettleassoonastheylefttheden.
“Good.That’llgivehermoretime.”
ButSaschaknewwhathewasn’tsaying—soonerorlater,Siennawasgoingtoneedmoretrainingthananyoneineitherpackcouldprovide.Nooneknew,however,justwhomightbeabletotrainacardinalwithherdestructiveabilities.“She’ssafearoundthepack,”Saschasaid.“JuddandWalkerhaveaneyeonherthroughtheLaurenNet,andsheknowstocontactmefortelepathicassistancetheinstantsomethinghappens.”
“Canyoucalmherdown?”
“Yes,forawhile.Wedecidedthatifshegetsreallybad,Juddwillhitherwithatelepathicblowthat’llcauseunconsciousness.NotwhatIwould’vechosen,butitgiveshertheconfidencetomoveaboutwithoutworry.”
“Whichmeanswehavetheaerietoourselves.”Hegrinned.“KitsaidshecouldcrashathisandRina’stonightsinceit’scloser,butIwantyoutocheckshe’scomfortabledoingthat,withitbeingherfirstnight.”
“Holdon.”HertelepathywasenoughforaquickconversationwithSienna,giventhegirl’smuchlongerreach.Siennacould“hear”thebarestwhisper.
First,apolitementalknock.WhenSiennaresponded,sheasked,AreyoustillfinewithstayingoveratRinaandKit’s?
Yes.KitsaidIcanhavehisroomandhe’lltakethecouch.
Becareful.Hisroom’sprobablyapit.
No,Rinatoldmehe’ssoldier-neat.Apause.I’mokay,Sascha.I’ll’pathyouifanythinghappens?
Catchingtherisingintonation,Saschasaid,Ofcourse.Nowgoenjoyyourself.
Droppingfromthelink,shepressedakisstoLucas’sshoulder.“She’scoping.ButIcanalreadyfeelheritchingtoreturntotheden.”
“Idon’tthinkthat’sanythingeitherofuscanchange.”Worrylacedhistone.“Hawkecalledtocheckthatshewassettlingin—Italkedhimintolettingherstaywithusindefinitely,withregularvisitsuptoseeTobyandtheothers.”
ItwasmorethanSaschahadeverexpected.“How?”
“Itoldhimthetruth—she’sbetterdownhere.”Heblewoutabreath.“Keepaneyeonher,kitten.Thatkid’sgotahardroadaheadofher.”
Saschanodded.“Doyouthink…maybe?”
“Eventhepantherdoesn’tknowtheanswertothat.”Turning,helookeddownather,brightgreeneyesgonenight-glow.“Butitknowsitwantstopetitsmate.”
“Well,itjustsohappensthatIneedsomepetting,”Saschamurmuredandwasabouttokisshimwhenhewenthunting-quiet,thenrelaxed.
“Dorian’shere—letmeseewhatit’sabout.”
“Ihopenothing’swrong.”Shesatup,sheetsclutchedtoherbreasts.
Kissingheronthelips,Lucasgotoutandpulledonapairofjeans,which,Saschathought,wasashame.Asifhe’dheardthethought—andhemighthave,throughthematingbond—heturnedtothrowheragrin.“Youcanbitemyassinaminute.”
Shethrewapillowathimbutshewaslaughing.Fallingbackontothebed,sherealizedshereallydidwanthim—quitedesperately.TheneedbetweenherandLucaswasawild,growingthing,butshe’dbeenextraarousedthispastweek.She’dneverhadaproblemwithlettingLucasknowshewantedhim—itwaseasywhenthemancouldtellbyherscent.Butshe’dallbutrippedoffhisshirtanhourago.
He’dlovedit.Shethoughtshewasturningintoasexmaniac.
“Sascha.”Thetoneofhisvoicehadhersittingup.
Sheglancedoverhisshoulder.“Where’sDorian?”
“Gone.”Walkingover,hesatbesideher,apackageinhishand.“HetookAshayaandKeenanouttodinner,poppedintoHQtopickupsomething,andwastherewhenthiswasdelivered.There’snoreturnaddress,but…”
“Butwhat?”Sheswallowed,scootingclosertohiswarmth.“Lucas?”
“IthasNikita’sscentonit.”
Whatevershe’dexpected,thatwasn’tit.“It’snot—”
“Notdangerous,”hereassuredher.“YouknowDorian—heraneverydiagnostictesthecouldonit.It’sinert.Abook,fromtheweightandsize.”
“Whywouldmymothersendmeabook?”
Hehandedittoher.“Let’sfindout.”
“I—”Herfingersweretremblingtoomuchtoundothepackaging.
Lucas’shandsclosedoverthem.“Shecan’thurtyouhere.”Panther-greeneyeslookingintohers.“You’restronger,farstronger,thanshe’lleverbe.”
Heknewthatforthetruthwitheverythinginhim.Saschawasahealerofminds,ofsouls.Shewalkedundauntedintodarkness,intonightmare,fornoreasonthantohelpothers.IttookacourageCouncilorNikitaDuncanwouldneverpossess.
Nowhesawherstraightenhershoulders,tucktheedgesofthesheetsfirmlyunderherarms—theburstoffamiliarmodestydelightedandamusedhiminequalmeasures—andtakeadeepbreath.“Ifyouwould,Mr.Alpha,”sherequested.
“Asyouplease,Mrs.Alpha.”Slidingoutonelethallysharpclaw,hetuckeditundertheflapandslititopen.
“You’reawfullyconvenienttohavearound,”shesaidinherbestprissyPsyvoice,andheknewhisSascha,withherquietstrengthandwarmheart,wasback
Wrappinganarmaroundher,hesaid,“Ilivetoplease,”andwatchedassheslidoutabookthathadbeenmeticulouslywrapped.
“Somuchpackaging,”shesaidasshepeeledofflayerbylayer.“Mustbesomethingimportant.”
OrNikitacouldbeplayingwithhermind.Hedidn’twanttosayit,knewthatSaschawasstillvulnerablewherehermotherwasconcerned—andhowcouldhenotunderstandthat?“Kitten,”hebegan.
“Iknow,darling.”Ashakysmile.“Iknow.IlivedwithNikita’spoliticsandethicsformostofmylife.”Reachingoutasshefoundherselfatthelastlayeroffinetissue,shegrippedhisthighandpeeledtheedgesofthepaperapartwithonehandtouncoverthetitle.“TheMysteriousEDesignation,”shereadoutloud.“EmpathicGifts&Shadows.ByAliceEldridge.”
Mercykickedoutalegandspun,hittinghertarget—herfavoritetree.ShecalleditRiley,havingbeendriventokickitaftertheirfirstrealmeeting.Nowshe“ran”upthetreeanddidabackflip,comingdownonherfeet,nowobbles.Thoughitwasclosingoneleveno’clock,shewastoowiredtosleep.Eventalkingtohergranhadn’thelpedwiththeangrypainthatcontinuedtoripthroughherveins.
Anotherkick.“Stupid.”Slap.“Male.”Slap.“Wolf.”
Furyexpressed—atleastfornow—shetookadeepbreath,centeredherself,andbegangoingthroughthemartialartsroutineheroriginaltrainerhadhelpedherdevise.She’dembellishedandchangeditovertheyearstotakeherincreasingstrengthandflexibilityintoaccount,andDorianhadtaughtherseveralnewmoves,butasatrainingroutine,itstillworkedperfectly.Itkepthertonedandsupple,somethingthatwasoftenmoreofanadvantagethanbrutestrength.
Asshemoved,shefeltjoy.Thiswaswhoshewas.Anditfeltgood.Adanceofthesoul.Onenoonehadtherighttostealfromher.Noteventhemanwhomadeeveryfemaleinstinctinhersitupandpayattention.Herangerthreatenedtoderailherrhythm,butshegrittedherteethandkeptgoing.
Once,alongtimeago,she’dworriedabouthertendencies—she’dbeenayoungteenand,likeherpeers,hadjustwantedtofitin.Thephasehadn’tlastedlong.Howcouldit?Hermentor,Juanita,hadbeenasoldier,hergrandmotheranalpha,andevenhernondominantmotherhadaspineofpuresteel.They’dalltaughtherthatbeingastrongfemalewasagoodthing,athingtobecherished.
ToobadMercyhadhadtogoandfindherselfattractedtoathrowbacklikeRileywhowantedlittlewifeyathomewithanapronandadressanda“Oh,honey,Imissedyou—Ican’tdoanythingwithoutyou”smileonherface.
“Ha!”Shespeededuptheroutine,hopingitwouldstopherbraincellsfromfiring.
Nosuchluck.Instead,shebegantoscentRileyontheaircurrents.Atthisrate,she’dbeseeinghim—“Fuck!”Shecontinuedwiththeworkout,knowinghewaswatchingher.Shehidnothingofherspeedorstrength,doingherbesttointimidatehim.
Toshowhimthetruthofwhoshewas.
Heleanedagainstthetreeandwatchedherwiththeintensefocusofasoldierwho’dtrainedmorethanafewyoungones.Hewaswatchingformistakes,errors,notbecausehe’dgetpleasureinpointingthemout,butbecauseitwashabit—itwasbettertowarnafighterintraining,thanhavethemfailwhenitmeantlifeordeath.Mercyknew—shedidthesamethingherself.
Finally,agoodtwentyminuteslater,sheloweredherspeedandbegantogothroughacool-downroutine.
Rileydidn’tspeakuntilshe’dfinishedandwaswipingthesweatoffherfaceusingthetowelshe’dhungonatreebranch.
“Youmovelikeliquidlightning,”hesaidquietly.“I’veneverseenanythingthatbeautiful.”
Hermouthdriedout.Damnit.She’dbeengoodandmadathim.Andnow…“You’realieutenant.You’llhaveseenlotsofpeopletrain.”
“Noonelikeyou.”Heshookhishead.“It’slikeyou’redancing.Ialmostwantedtoputtwoswordsinyourhands.”
“Icandothat,too,”shetoldhim,grinningattheunhiddenspikeofinterestinhiseyes.“Someday,whenI’minagoodmood,askmeandmaybeI’llplaywithknivesforyou.”
“WhydoIgetthefeelingthatifanybloodwasspilled,itwouldbemine?”Darkeyes,steadfastgaze.
Sheshrugged,veryawareofthesweatmoldingherblacksportsbratoherbody,theairythinnessoftheloosewhitegistylepantsshepreferredovertights.“NopainforRiley,nofunforMercy.”Shewasstillsomadathim,butnowthathewashere,theangerwasdulled,coveredby…hope.Becausehe’dcome.Thearrogantbastardhadcometoher.
“Merciless,”hesaid.“IsthatwhytheycallyouMercy?Tobeironic?”
“No.”
“No?”Openinterestinhisexpression.
“It’sbecausemymotherwouldalwayssay‘Havemercyonmynerves,baby!’afterIpulledonestuntoranother,”shesaid,notsurewhyshe’dsharedthatchildhoodmemory.“Itstuck.”
“Yourpoormother.”Hesteppedoutoftheshadows.“Whatstuntsdidyoupull?”
“Whydon’tyoutellmewhatstuntsyoupulled.”
Hegaveherapensivelook.“Sorry.Iwasaprettygoodkid.”
Sheknewhe’dhelpedraiseBrennaandAndrew,buthisparentshadbeenalivetillhewasten.“What,youbehavedevenwhenyouweresevenoreight?”
“Yes.”Hewatchedher,sointentitwasalmostaphysicaltouch.“MymotherusedtosayI’dbeenbornold.”
“Doyouagree?”
“IamwhoIam.”
ItwassuchaRileyanswerthatshesmiled.“Whatyouareisapainintheasswhenyouwanttobe.”Especiallytoher.
“NeversaidIdidn’tpullstuntsasanadult.”
Clever,clever.Hercatlikedclever.“What’reyoudoinghere,Kincaid?”
“Lookingforacattoplaywith.”
“Hmm.”Sheputahandonherhip.“IthinkIsawanicetametabbyoverthataway.”Shepointedoverhisshoulder,intheoppositedirectionfromherhome.
“Stillmad,huh?”
“Youcouldsaythat.”
Hereacheduptorubthebackofhisneck,anditwasanervousgesture…fromamanwhodidn’tseemtoknowthemeaningoftheword.“Youconfuseme,Mercy.”Notsaidasanexcuse,butasafranktruth.“Idon’tknowwhatI’mdoingaroundyouhalfthetime.”
“Newexperience?”sheasked,leaningagainstatreeoppositehim.
“Alittle.”Droppingthehandfromhisneck,heshovedbothhandsintohispockets.“Actually,alot.”
“Bigbrotherandlieutenant,”shesaid.“Bothpositionsthatrequireyoutolead.”
“Itcomesnaturally.”
Butithadbeenhonedbyhispositioninhisfamily,inthepack.“Evertriedlettinggoofthereins?”
“No.”
Thereitwasagain,thatblunthonestythathitherintheguteverytime.“Never?”
“NotthatIcanremember.”Adrawinginofbreaththatsoundedpainful.“Hawke’ssometimesbeenabletopushmeback—likewhenIwantedtoripJuddtopiecesafterheandBrennafirstgotinvolved,butI’veneversubmittedinmylife.”Apause.“Isthatwhatyouwant?”CHAPTER37
“What?”Sheblinked.“Submission?Fromyou?”Theideawassoextraordinaryhermouthfellopen.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“That’sjustit—Idon’tknow.”Itsoundedlikehewashavingteethpulled
“Knockitoff,Riley.”Hisdiscomfortwascute,butthat’snotwhatshewantedfromhim.“Youknowtheanswer.”
Thatmadethewolfbareitsteeth.Mercycouldfeeltheaggressionintheair,thoughRileywasdoinganimpressive—andirritating—jobofkeepingitlockedbehindbarsofsteel.
“Ithinkyou’dchewup,”hesaid,“andspitoutasubmissive.AndIthinkyou’resmartenoughtoknowthatthatwouldn’tmakeyouhappy.”
“Thatmakesmesmarterthanyou.”Itwasthecatclawingathim,stillpissedatthewayhe’dattemptedtoturnherintosomethingshewasn’t.Shewaitedforhimtocomebackwithajustificationthatshehadeveryintentionofshreddingintoamillionpieces.
“Yes,”hesaid,pokingabigfatholeinherballoonofindignation.“Butnooneevercalledmestupid—justthickheaded.”
Sheraisedaneyebrow,asifhehadn’tpunchedtheairrightoutofher.
“Maybe,”hesaid,droppinghishandstohissidesandmovingcloser,“Irealizedmymistake.”
“Didyou,now?”Sheshookherhead.“Stoprightthere,wolfie.”
Heactuallyobeyed.Hmm,theleopardthought,perhapstheymightforgivehimafterall.Butitwasn’tyetafaitaccompli.“Andwhat,”sheasked,“didyourealize?”
Hefoldedhisarms.
“Bodylanguage,”shepointedoutwitha—justslightly—gleefulsmile.
“You’renotmakingthiseasier.”Hekeptthearmsfolded.
Stubbornwolf.“IfIdid,Iwouldn’tbeme.”
“Yeah.”Aslightsmilecurvedhislipsashedroppedthosearms.
Andfornow,forthecatinher,itwasenough.Shehadnodesiretohumblehim—this,whathe’dsaid,whathe’ddone,itwasabigstep.“So,youleavingnowthatyou’vedoneahalf-assedjobofanapology?”Itwasverydeliberateprovocation.
“InvitemeinandI’llgiveyouamassage.”Itwasaplayfulofferfromamanwho,shewaslearning,rarelyplayed.“I’llattempttoturnhalf-assedintofull.”
“Igotthatlasttime.”Sheputthetowelaroundherneckandswungaroundtowalktothecabin.“Whatelseyougot?”
Heprowledbehindher.“Theabilitytogiveyoumind-blowingorgasms.”
“Letmethinkaboutit.”Shewasplaying,too—hehadtohavescentedherreadinessbynow.Itwasgettingtothepointthatsimplybeingaroundhimarousedher,andwasn’tthatakickersinceshe’dfirstbittenintohimtoassuageherhunger?“AmuseyourselfwhileIshower.”
“Okay.”
Shewasalittlesuspiciousofhisreadyagreement—Rileywaspractical,focused,honest,buthewasnopushover.ItmadecompletesensetoherthattheycalledhimtheWall—thismanwouldn’tbudgeoncehedecidedonsomething.He’dfightforittothedeath.That’swhy,despiteeverything,shelikedhim.
Andrightnow,itwasobvioushewantedher.He’dcomedownherewiththeintentionofsmoothingmattersoverbetweenthem—andsheknewfullwellthatifshe’dmadethingseasier,he’dhavetakenit.Hell,hewasaman,aproud,dominantman.Buthe’dbeenreadyandwillingtohavehercarveoutapoundofflesh,whichwaswhyshehadn’tclawedhimasmuchasshe’dthoughtshewould.
Butshewasn’tinanywaymistakenaboutthefactthatRileywaswhohe’dalwaysbeen.Smart,rootedinearth,andvery,verydetermined.
Sowhenhegotallmeekandcompliant,thehairsonherarmsroseinsuspicion.Still,heseemedtobegenuinelyrelaxedashegrabbedabeeroutofhereco-coolerandsprawledonthesofa.Decidingthatmaybehewastryingtocharmhiswayintohergoodgraces—notthatitwouldworkifshedidn’twantittowork—shewalkedintoherbathroom,stripped,andenteredtheshower.
ThedooropenedaminutelatertoexposeRileystandingthere,beerinhand.
Scrapingdampstrandsofredoffherface,sheglaredathim.“Idon’tremembergivingyouaninvitation.”
“Yousaidtoamusemyselfwhileyoushower.”Aslow,slow,deliciouslyslowsmile.
Itsaidgotcha
AndMercyrealizedthatwhenamanwhorarelyplayed,playedwithawoman,hell,itwasbetterthananykindofsophisticatedcharmonearth.Sniffingasifshewasn’tcompletelydelighted,sheturnedherbacktohimandlatheredupherhair.Shecouldallbutfeelhisgazeslidingoverherbody.
Rinsingoutherhair,shefeltitslickdownherback,pastingitselftoherskin.Riley’sarousalwrappedaroundher,vivid,strong…familiar.Herbodyresponded,echoingandstrengtheningtheeroticfusionofscents.Itwasanotherlevelofpleasure,asoft,invisibleseathatcaressedandtempted.
“Turnaround.”Itwasahuskyrequest.
Sheglancedoverhershouldertomeethiseyes.“Alright.”
Hedidn’tbothertohideeitherhissurpriseorhisappreciationwhenshegavehimtheviewhewanted.Thosedarkchocolateeyeshadgonewolfonher—astunningamberfullofheat.“Pretty,”shewhispered,fascinatedalloveragain.
Hedidn’tseemtohearher,hiseyesfollowingthelazymovementsofherhandsassheusedthefluffyloofahtolatherherselfupwithpeach-scentedsoap.Justbecauseshewasasentineldidn’tmeanshewasn’talsoverymuchawoman.Hiseyesfollowedhereverymovementasshestrokedtheloofahdownherneck,overherbreasts,andacrosshernipples.
Thebeerbottlehungforgottenfromhishand,hiserectionpushingsohardagainsthisjeansitmadeherwanttolickherlips.Butshekeptuptheslow,seductiveshow.Because—andquiteasidefromthefactthathe’dactedlikeanass,butthenturneduptotaketheheat—itwasRiley’sturn.Hewasanincrediblygenerouslover.Sheknewifshewalkedouttohimandwhisperedaneroticrequestinhisear,he’dgiveherexactlywhatshewanted.Ofcourse,hisgenerosityalsoallowedhimtoretaincontrol.
Mercywasn’tplanningonlettingthathappentonight.Becauseiftheyweredoingthis—anditappearedtheywere—thentheyweredoingittogether.
Strokingtheloofahoverherstomach,shespreadherlegsjustafraction…anddippedbetween.
HebreathedoutsomethingthatturnedtheairblueandplacedthebottleonthegroundbeforeputtinghishandsonthebottomofhisT-shirt.
Hereyesnarrowedasherippeditofftoexposethatmouth-wateringchest.“You’vegotnewbruises.”
“They’llheal.AndIwantedafight.”Hishandswenttothetopofhisjeans.
“Ididn’tsayyoucouldtouch,”shemurmured,watchinghimtoeoffhisboots.
“Yeah,youdid.”Heunsnappedhisjeans.“Iscenteditbrightandclear.”
Shestrokedherselfbetweenherlegs,awarehiseyeshadn’tmovedoffherhand.“Ah,thegoodbehavior’sover?”
“Somethinglikethat.”Thejeansandunderwearwerekickedasideandhewaswalkingover,starkmaledemandineverystep.
Hetooktheloofahfromherhand.“Putyourhandsaboveyourhead.”
Thecommandinhisvoicecurledaroundher,makinghercenterthrob.She’dalwaysknownshe’dneedastrongmansothatdidn’tworryher.Aslongaswhatwentoninbed,stayedinbed.Orintheshower.“Areyougoingtobreakmytrustagain,Riley?”Therecouldbenomistakes,noblurredlineshere.
Hemethereyesfullon.“Notonpurpose.Neveronpurpose.”Hetookadeepbreath.“ButI’mlikelytofuckupwhenthewolf’sridingme.”
Itwasherturntobesurprised.“Ishouldkickyououtofthisshowerrightnow.”
“Probably.”Thenhekissedher.“Butyoudon’tseemlikethekindofwomanwho’dletfuckupsride.”
Shesmiled.“No.”Raisingherhands,shecrossedthemaboveherhead.“But,Riley,I’llonlybendsofar.Youcan’tmeetmehalfway,thiswillend.”Itwasn’tathreat.No,itwassomethingfarmoreimportant.
Andheunderstood.“I’lltry,Mercy.I’llgiveiteverythingIhave.”Itwasarawpromise,fromtheheartofthewolf,fromthesouloftheman.
Itwoulddo,shethought,herownheartclenching.Itwoulddo.BecauseRileywouldhonorthatpromisewitheverythinginhim.Andifitdidn’twork,iftheywerebothtoostrong-willed,toostubborn,tomeetinthemiddle,itwouldn’tbebecausetheyhadn’ttried.Anditwouldhurtlikehell.Sheknewthat.Acceptedthat.Anddecidedtogiveitashot.“Tellme,Riley,”shesaid,teasing,“whatwouldyoudotomeiftherewerenoboundaries?”
Hedroppedtheloofahandreplaceditwithhisfingers.“Tyingyouupsoundslikeagoodidea.”
“So,staidRileyKincaidhasakinkysecret.”Shemovedonhisfingers,relishingthebuildingtightnessinherbody,thesheerpleasureonhisface.“Doyouhaveawhip?”
“Withyou,itmightcomeinhandy.”Hisfingersslidinsideher.
Andshecame.
Justlikethat.
Awildburstofecstasythatsweptoverherinshort,jaggedwavesandleftherbreathless.Chestrisingandfallinginaraggedrhythm,shelookedupthroughlidsgonehalf-mast.“Youdidn’tevenkissmeproperly.WhatkindofawomandoyouthinkIam?”
“Thekindthatmeanstrouble.”Buthebenthisheadandgaveherakissstraightoutofherhottestdreams,alltongueanddemandandsex.Whentheyparted,heputhishandsonherhips,asiftoliftherup.
“Wait.”Pushinghimbackuntilhisbodyblockedthewater,sheshookoffhishandsandsankdowntoherknees.
Hishandfistedinherhair,andwhenshelookedup,itwasthewolf’seyesthatshemet.Sheknewhershadgonecatatorgasm,andsheletthemremainthatway.Gazelockedwithhis,sheputherhandsonhisthighs…andusedhermouthonhim.
Hisgriponherhairtightenedalmostenoughtohurtbeforeheletgo,slammingbothhandspalms-downonthetileinfrontofhim.“Mercy!”
Smiling,sheflickedhertonguealongtheundersideofhiserection,andpurred.DebauchingRileywasthemostexquisitetaskshe’deverhad.Nowsheletthecatouttoplay,strokinghimwithquick,felineflicksofhertonguebeforesuckingdeepandhard.
Hishipsjerked.Once.Twice.Andthenhefroze.“Mercy.”
Shedidn’treleasehim,didn’tsubmittothecommandinthattone.Instead,sheranhernailsdeliberatelydownthebacksofhisthighs.Hesworeabluestreak,butmanagedtoholdon.Sherefusedtolethim—nowaywasRileygettingoutofthiswithoutsurrenderingtoher,atleastthislittlebit.Itmattered.Wasn’tjustsex.Theywerechangeling—ifhetrustedherphysically,he’deventuallytrustherwithhisthoughtsandsecrets,too.
Butfirst,shewantedhisbeautifulbodytocomeapartforher.Takinghermouthoffhim,shelookedup,methisgaze…andlickedherlips.Heshuddered.Andthistime,hadnohopeinhellofholdingback.
Itwaswellaftermidnightwhentheyfellintobed.ShewasalmostasleepwhenRileysaid,“IdreamonlygooddreamswhenIsleepwithyou.”
Breathcatchinginherthroat,shepressedherlipstohishearttotellhimshewasthere,thatshewaslistening.Hedidn’tsayanythingforseveralminutes,butwhenhespoke,theundisguisedemotioninhimtorehertopieces.
“Brennawassosmallwhenourparentsdied.Shecouldn’tevenwalkproperly,justdothatgrab-anything-and-hope-I-don’t-fallwobble.”
Mercysmiledattheimage.“Ababy.”
“Yeah.”Hisvoicedropped,grewhusky.“Andshewasmybaby.Youwouldn’tbelievehowpossessiveIwasoverherandDrew.”
Sherubbedhernoseagainsthischest.“That’stheonethingIhavenodifficultybelieving.”
“Cat.”Asqueeze.“Wewereadoptedintoanotherfamily,butthewholepacklookedafterus.Wewerealmostspoiledwithalltheattentionwegot.Buteventhen,IalwaysknewDrewandBrenwereminetotakecareof.”
Consciousofwhatwascoming,shestrokedherhandsoverhischest,pressinganotherkisstohisheart.Skinprivilegesofthemosttenderkind.Hercatwanteddesperatelytoprotectthiswolf,butknewthispoisonhadtocomeout,hadtobepurged.
“But,”hesaidatlast,“whenitmattered,Iwasn’tthere.Thethingsthatbastarddidtoher—”Asoundthatheldindescribablepainmixedwithabsoluterage.“ItdestroysmethatthegirlIcradledasababyhadtosufferthat.Shemust’vecriedforme,butIwasn’tthere.Iwasn’tthere.”
“Youwere,”Mercysaidfiercely.
“Therescuewas—”
“I’mnottalkingaboutthat.”Shepulledherselfuponthebeduntiltheylayfacetoface,sidebyside.“SaschasaidthatBrenna’swillwasasteelflame,sostrong,sobeautiful.”
ViolentprideinRiley’seyes.“Iknow.”
“But,Riley”—shecuppedhisfaceinherhands—“wheredoyouthinkshelearnedthatstrength,thatwill?Whodoyouthinktaughtherthatshewasthattough,thatshecouldbeatanything?”
Flickersofunderstandinginhisgaze,butheshookhishead.“Ialwaysprotectedher.”
“Butyoudidn’tcageher,”Mercysaid,knowinghe’donlytriedtodothataftertherescue.“Youbroughtheruptobeaproud,strongwolf.Yougaveherthatfoundation,Riley.”
Alongpauseandthewolfglimmeredinhiseyes.“Ineedtothinkaboutthis.”
Shesmiled.“Youdothat,wolf.”PartofhimwouldalwaysworryafterBrenna.Thatwasnormal.Butperhaps,intime,he’dstopbeinghauntedbyamonster’scrime.“Andremember,Brennamadeit.”Abrushoffingertipsagainsthislips.“She’dprobablylikeherbigbrotherback.”
Hedroppedhisforeheadagainsthersinunspokenaffection.Strokingherhandthroughhishair,shedecidedthatwasenoughforonenight.Butshedidn’twanthimtofallasleepwithsuchsolemnthoughtsonhismind—shewantedtogivehimasmile,guaranteehisdreamswouldbepleasant.“StillwanttoknowabouttheBikiniBabecontest?”
Chocolatebrowneyesthatweresuddenlyalert.“Hell,yes.”
Shecamesoclosetheirbreathsmingledastheyspoke.“Needlesstosay,yourepeatthis,I’llsharpenmyclawsonyourribs.”
Aslowblink.“Itwon’tleavetheroom.”
“Okay,”shesaid,takingadeepbreath.“WhenIwasfifteenandverystupid,Ihadacrushonthisothercat.”
“Who?”
“Notimportant.AndImeanthat,”sheaddedtomakesurehe’ddropit.“Iwasalreadystrongerandfasterthanmostboysmyage.Ithoughtthisboycouldhandlethat—hecertainlyseemedconfident.Turnedouthewasasnotty-nosedtwerp.”
“Yougoingtotellmewhathedid?”
“Ifyoustopgrowling.”
Astartledpause.“Sorry.”
“Itwasn’tthatbigadeal,”shesaidwiththematurityofage,thoughithaddevastatedheratthetime.“IgavehimaValentine’sDaycard—heopeneditinfrontofhisfriends,andmadesuremyfriendsandIwerenearby,too.Helaughedafterhereaditout,saidhe’dnevergooutwithanotherboy.”Theinsulthadspreadthroughtheschoollikewildfire,savagingMercy’sfledglingfeminineconfidence.
“I’llkillhim.”
Shenippedatthewolfgrowlinginherbed.“Noneed.Itookcareofit.”
Agleamofinterest.
“AtfirstIwashumiliated.”She’dcriedonhermom’sshoulderuntilBasandDorianhadbothbeenreadytodomurder.“ThenIgotmad.Idecidedtoshowhimexactlywhathe’dmissedouton.”
Amusementhadhismouthcurving.“I’mlikingthisstory.”
“Knewyouwould.”Itreleasedthetensioninhersoultoseelaughterinhimagain.“Youcanguessthispart—therewasaBikiniBabecontestthatsummertopublicizethisnewlineofswimwearforteens.Youhadtobesixteentoenterandthenonlyifyouhadparentalpermission—Iwasafewweekstooyoung,butDorianhackedintothecomputerstogetmeentry.”
Shecouldn’thelpthetrulygleefulsmilethatspreadacrossherface.“AfterIwon,Iprintedupthisposterofmewearingthewinner’ssash—andatrulytinybikini—andpasteditonthetwerp’slocker,withthewords‘Dicklesswondersneednotapply’atthebottom.”
Rileyburstoutlaughing.“You’refuckingamazing.”
“Thankyou.Iwasalsogroundedformonths,alongwithDorian.AndIgotdetentionfortheposterprank,too.”Shegrinned.“Ididn’tcare.Iwasthehottestpropertyoncampus.You’veneverseenamoremiserablefacethanthetwerp’s—helookedlikehewasabouttocryeverytimehesawmeatthebeachthatsummer.AndImadesuretobeatthebeachalot.”
Riley’ssmilehadn’tfaded.“Whydon’tyoulikepeopleknowingaboutthis?Hemessedwithyourcat,youtookcareofbusiness.Where’stheshameinthat?”
“Iwasanidiot,Riley—IletthatmoroninfluencehowIsawmyself.IlostinterestintormentinghimprettyfastonceIsawhowweakhewas.ThenIwasmadatmyself.”Apause,andwithoutwarning,thewickednessinhertookover.“Youknow,Icanstillfitintothewinningbikini…thoughit’sgonefromtinytomicroscopic.”
“You’retormentingmenow.”
Chuckling,shekissedhim.“Sweetdreams,wolf.”CHAPTER38
TheInformationMerchantwalkedtohismeetinginadesertedboathouseoffaprivatemarinawithsteadysteps.Perhapsothermenmighthavehadconcernsaboutcomingtosuchanisolatedareatomeetindividualswho’dalreadyprovedwillingandabletokill,buthewasahigh-leveltelepath.Hecouldandhadcrushedhumanmindswithasinglefocusedthought.
And,hewasaninformationseller.Thatwashistrade,andpeoplepaidhimwellforit.Clientsseldomwantedtokillthegoldengoose.Iftheydid,they’ddiscovertheirmistake.Reminded,hepressedapreprogrammedcodeonhisorganizer,utilizingthewirelesslinktohishomecomputers,thensliditintohispocket.
Takingalastlookaroundthedark,fog-shroudedstreet,heopenedthesmallsidedoorandwalkedin.
Thebullethithimhard,shovinghimagainstthewall.
Staringdownindisbeliefatthe…dartlodgedinhischest,heattemptedtogatherhispsychicresourcesforadeadlyblast.
Onlytofindhismindmiredinice.
“Considertheexperimentsuccessful,gentlemen.”Avoicefromtheshadows.“We’reallstillalive.”
TheInformationMerchantgrippedthedartandtuggeditout.“Why?”Theagonyofthelossspeareddownhisspinalcolumn,spreadthroughhisnervoussystem.
“Youknowtheanswer—information.Unfortunately,youknowtoomuch.”
Stepscominginhisdirection.
Thenaburstofpaininsidehisheartandeverythingstopped.CHAPTER39
Justafterninethenextmorningfoundasleep-deprivedbutotherwisehappyMercysittingacrossfromHamilton,theSilverBladesentinelshe’dhadsomefunwithmany,manymoonsago.Staringathim,shesuddenlyrealizedhewasaverygood-lookingman.Okay,she’dknownthatalready,butonlyasanadjuncttohisstrengthandspeed.Buttoday,shereallysawhisface—thechiseledplanes,theluscioussun-kissedskinthathadcomebywayofaMediterraneanancestor,thevividtopazeyesandjet-blackhair.
“WhyareyoulookingatmelikeI’mabug?”heasked,passingherthefileshecould’veaseasilye-mailed.
Itwasabig,gianthint.Buthehadn’tactedonit,whichmadeMercysuspicious.“Ijustrealizedhowbeautifulyouare.”
Hewentred.Brightred.“Goddamnit,Mercy!”
“Sorry.”Shegrinned.
“No,you’renot.”Rollinghiseyes,heleanedbackinhischair.“Idon’tsupposeyourpackhasanyoneelselikeyou?”
“No,I’moneofakind.”Shestaredathim.“Areyoutrollingforwomen?”
“Wouldyoushutup?”Buthewaslaughing.“No,butI’mkeepingmyeyesopen—I’mgettingantsytosettledown.”
“That’sanoxymoron.”Flippantwordsbuthermindwasconnectingthedots.“YoucamebacktoseeifIwasyourmate?”
Heshrugged.“Wehadgoodchemistryandwe’refriends.Ifigureditcouldn’thurttocomehaveanothersniff—youknowwhatImeansostopgagging—andmakesure.IcanseeI’mtoolate.”
Mercygotaverybadfeelinginthepitofherstomach.“Andyouknowthis,how?”
“Thescentlayer’snew,butit’sunquestionablythere.You’remarked,babe.”Hegrinned.“Doesthepoormanknowwhat’sinstoreforhim?”
Mercy’sintestinestiedthemselvesintoagiantknot.Itwasn’tsurprisingthatHamiltonhadpickedupthescentlayerfasterthanthoseinherpack.TheyknewhowmuchtimesheandRileyhadtospendtogether,probablyfigureditwasasurfacelayerofcontact.Butshe’dshoweredthismorningafterRileyleft,thenslickedpretty-smellingbodycreamoverherself.AndifHamiltoncouldstillsenseRiley…
Noneedtopanic,shetoldherself.Loversoftenworelayersofscentthatmadeitclearwhobelongedtowho—femalesandmalesboth.“What’sthescentlayerlike?”
Hamiltongaveherakeenglance,thenwhistled.“Youdidn’tknow.”
“Answerthequestion.”
“IpickedituptheinstantIwalkedinthedoor—I’mgettingaverydefinite‘hands-off’vibe.”
Mercysworeunderherbreath.Thenagain.“It’sthestartofthematingdance.”
“WhichiswhyI’msittingwayyyoveronthissideofthedeskandmakingnophysicalcontact,”Hamiltonsaid,raisinghishandsintheair.“Ihavenodesirewhatsoevertobehuntedbysomerabidmalewho’sdecidedItouchedhiswoman.”
“I’mnoone’swoman.”
“Notyetanyway.AmIthefirsttosenseit?”
Shenodded,tryingtofindherfootingwhentheworldhadjustshiftedsideways.
“Sincenooneinyourpack’sexactlyaslouch,”hecommented,“itmeansthechangeisrecent.IprobablypickeditupbecauseIhaven’tseenyouforsolong.”
“Andyou’resingle,”shesaidbetweengrittedteeth,realizingthedancehadtohavekickedinthenightbefore.Byacceptinghiswordthathe’dtrytoneveragainhurtherashe’ddoneyesterday,she’dtrustedRileyonalevelshe’dneverbeforetrustedalover.Morethanthat…he’dtrustedher.“EverymaleI’veseenthismorninghasbeenmated.Thescentwouldn’tregisterasstronglytothem.”
“So,who’stheluckyguy?”
“I’mgoingtokillhim,”shemuttered.“Heknewanddidn’ttellme.”Changelingmalesalwaysknewwhenthedancebegan.
“Ah,Mercy…Iwouldn’ttellyou,either.”
Shefelthereyesgoleopard.“Men!”
“Please,”hedrawledout.“Lookhowyou’rereacting.Dominantfemalesdon’tliketheideaofbeingtieddown.Soifitwasme,andyousomehowdidn’tnoticethescent,I’dmakesurewewerewellandtrulyentangledbeforeIsaidanything.Lesschanceofyoudecidingnottoacceptthemating.”Gettingup,hegaveheramocksalute.“Areyousureyoudon’tknowanymorelikeyou?”
Shethoughtaboutit.“Indigo.”
“Thewolflieutenant?”Hewhistled.“She’sallkindsoffiiine.Wouldshedateacat?”
“Askher.”
“DamnifIwon’t.”HeheldouthishandforIndigo’snumber.
Mercygaveittohiminthanksforthefactthathe’dspilledthebeansaboutthematingdance.Shealsothrewinabonuswarning.“Don’ttryanydominantshitonher—she’lleatyouforbreakfastthensuckthemarrowfromyourbonesfordessert.”
ItwasameasureofHamilton’sconfidencethathegrinnedasifhe’djustbeentoldhe’dwonamillionbucks.Hah,shethoughtashewalkedout.Hewasallfunandgamesnow,butifitgotserious,he’dprobablyturnascrazyasRileyandtrytokeepIndigofromharm.Nowthat,Mercythought,wouldbeafireworksshowshe’dpaytowitness.
Ofcourse,Rileyhadseentheerrorofhisways.More,he’dofferedheraglimpseofhisheart,somethingshe’dneverexpected.Ithadundoneher.
Tenminuteslater,hesurprisedheragain.“Weneedtogolookatacorpse.”
Mercyblinked.“Wow,soromantic.”
“IntelcametomesinceI’minchargeofcitysecuritythismorning.ButIthoughtyou’dwantinonit.I’monmywaytopickyouup.”
“I’llgrabakitwithglovesandthings.”
Itdidn’ttakethemlongtogettothebody—foundbyacoupleoftheRatsinoneofthelessaccessiblecornersofthebay,theinformationhadtraveledtocatandwolfearsratherthanEnforcement,whichmeanttheyhadfreereinatleastforashorttimeframe.
Thebodywaswedgedbetweenseveralrocks,havingapparentlybeenwashedupathightide.Parkingthecarintheshadowofalargetree,thetwoofthemheadeddownthetinydirtaccessroadtocheckitout.Thoughtheseahaddoneacrediblejobofsmotheringtheman’snaturalscent,theybothcaughtthefaintmetallictang.
“Psy,”Mercysaid,crouchingbesidethebody.“ThosesquadsthatSaschaandJuddtoldusaboutmustbecombingthecity,searchingforhim.”AllPsywhodisappearedfromthePsyNetwithoutexplanationweretrackedtoverifythereasonfortheirsuddendisengagement.
Rileynodded.“TheinstantwordofhisbodygetstoEnforcement,weloseallhopeoffiguringouthowheendeduphere.”
“I’vegotenoughtrainingtoprocessthis,”shesaid.“Webringinourtechsandwegiveawaythegame.”Therewasnothingmuchouthere—twopeoplemightskateundertheradar,butateamwouldbehighlyvisible.
“That’swhatIthought.”
“Anyway,itcouldbesimpledrowningorsuicide.”Puttingonthinprotectivegloves,shecheckedthecorpseforevidenceofhowthemalemight’vedied,whileRileytookphotographswithasmallbuthigh-resolutioncamera.“Fishhavenibbledabitandhe’sbeenbangedaround,butI’mnotseeinganythingthatscreamsmurder.Ofcourse,I’mnoexpert.”
Hetappedafingeronhisknee.“Canyoutakesampleswithoutitbeingobviousyoutookthem?”
“Noproblem—I’llgothroughoneofthebitesites.”Shewasdrawingbloodasshespoke.“Haven’tdoneanythinglikethisforawhile.”
“Remindyouofmedschool?”
Apointedglance.“Thatbackgroundchecksurewasthorough.”
“Ofcourse.”Hekeptaneyeoutaroundthemashespoke,makingcertaintolookskyward,too.“Falconsarecomingtoday.Theywantustograntthempermissiontoflyoverpackland.”
Shetookanumberofswabs,makingquicknotesonwherethey’dbeentakenfrom.“Beenintheworksforawhile.”TheWindHavenclanoccupiedterritory—alargesliceofArizona—thatborderedSnowDancerland.Theirrequestwasn’tunprecedented.Thebirdchangelings,especiallythespeciesthatweremeanttoflyfarandwide,oftennegotiatedsuchtreaties—therighttoflightalongstrictlydrawnpaths.
IfWindHavenwantedevenlimitedlandingprivileges,they’dhavetoagreeonsomekindofanalliance,butfirstSnowDancer—andDarkRiver,asthewolves’mainally—hadtofindthemworthyofanalliance.Aweakpartnercouldcauseincredibledamage.However—“Theyseemprettysolid.”
“Guesswe’llfindoutwhenwemeet.”Helookedatherassheremovedherglovesandputtheminthebiohazardbagbeforeclosingthelidonthewholekit.“Done?”
“Yeah.Atleastwegotthismuch.”Shemadeaface.“Probablywon’tbeenoughforanyrealanswers.”
“Maybewe’llgetluckywiththebloodwork.”Heheldouthishandforthekit.Whensheraisedaneyebrow,hedidn’tsomuchasblink.“I’mstronger.Suckitup.”
Hermouthfellopenasheturnedsomethingshe’dsaidtohimmorethanonce,rightbackonher.Takingthechancetograbthekit,helopedovertherocksanduptothecaraheadofher.
Sincehisbackwasturnedtothecatprowlingupbehindhim,hemissedthesmiletuggingatthecurveofherlips.
Mercycheckedherphonewhentheygotbacktothecar.“Falconspostponed,”shetoldRiley.“Meet’ssetfordayaftertomorrowinstead.”
“Must’vebeensomethingbig,”Rileymurmured.“They’vebeenworkingformonthstoreachthispoint.”
Agreeing,Mercyclearedthemessage.“I’mthinkingwegetaRattocallinananonymoustiponthebody.Nouseleavinghimouttheretorot.Whoknowswhat’sinhissystem.”
“IhavetomeetmoreoftheseRats.Teijanwasn’twhatIwasexpecting.”
Mercymadethecallbeforeansweringhim.“Theydon’tlikeyouwolvesasmuchasusleopards,”shesaid,closingherphone.“Apparently,you’vebeenknowntothreatentoskinanyRatyouseesniffingaround.”
Rileygaveagrimsmile.“Thatwaswhentheywerespieswithnoallegiancetoanyone.Nowthey’revaluedassociates.”
Mercysnorted,butthecatwasintriguedbyhislogic.Asagileasitwas,itneededamatewhocouldmatchitmentallyaswellasphysically.“Gettingbacktothebody—Ican’tquitefigureouthowthisguyfitsintotherecentslewofPsygoingnuts.Youheardofanythinggoingdownwheretheperpetratorwasn’tfound?”
“No.”
“Me,either.Butit’snotlikeEnforcementsendsusmemos.”
“Whataboutthatcop?”
“Who?Max?”Mercyfrowned.“HewentbackuptoNewYork.”
“Hemighthavecontacts.”
Mercynodded.“I’llaskClaytotaphim.ButifthePsydecidetohushitup,noonewillknowanything.”Sheblewoutafrustratedbreath.
“Mercy.”Atonesorestrained,itspokeofthegreatestemotion.
“Whatisit?”
“AmIoutoftheholeIdugmyselfwiththelastop?”
“Maybe.”Butshecouldn’thelpit—hewassoserious.Reachingacross,shebrushedherfingertipsoverhisjaw,tendernesstuggingatherverysoul.Itwould,shethought,besoveryeasytohurtthismanandneverknowshe’ddoneit,heheldeverythingsoclose.“You’reoutofthathole.”
Hewinced.“Youfoundout.”
“Howlongdidyouthinkthematingdancewasgoingtoescapemynotice?”Shefoldedherarms,thoughshewantedonlytostrokehim.
“Canwetalkaboutthislater?”
“Hmm.”Sheglancedatthekithe’dputonthebackseat.“Afterwedropoffthesamples.”
“I’llgetoneofmymentotakeituptoSierraTech.Workforyou?”
Mercynodded.MostoftherespectedR&Dcompanywascommercial,butasmallareahadbeensetasidetoresearchthingsthepacksneededtoknow.SinceDarkRiverandSnowDancerpaidforthatsectionoutoftheirownfunds,theminorityshareholdersweren’tbothered.Andbothpackshadaplacewheretheycouldgetworkdoneinefficientprivacy.“LetmecallAshayaandtellheraboutthesamples.She’llprobablywanttoheadup.”
AsshewasfinishingtheconversationwiththeM-Psy,sherememberedsomethingelse.“DidyoumanagetotalktoNashagain?”
“Yes,buthewouldn’tshareanydetailsofhisresearchoverthecommlink,”Ashayareplied.“I’msorry—Iknowyouneedmoretoevaluatehisprotectionneeds.”
“Notyourfault.”Sheleanedbackagainsttheseat.“LetmeseeifIcansetupaface-to-face.Mightgetsomethingthatway.”
“Goodluck.”
TheNetMindcamecallingwhileFaithwassittingintheofficeVaughnhadriggedforher—anofficesheabsolutelyadored,becauseitwasaswildasthemanwhowashermate,beingsituatedinahollowcavernoffthespectacularmaincavethatVaughnhadmadeintoahome.Thewallsinthiscavernglitteredwithembeddedminerals,settingofftheglowinthethintubesthreadedthroughthewallsoftheentire“house.”Thosetubesprovidedbothheatandlightinaneco-friendlyway,leavinghercocoonedinwarmth.
Itwas,shethought,justoneelementinthewholethataddeduptoafeelingoftotalsafety.NoonewoulddaretouchhernowthatshebelongedtoVaughn,butitwasnicetobeabletoworkwithoutanyworrywhatsoever—theroutetoherandVaughn’shomewasbooby-trappedineverywayyoucouldimagine,andsomemostpeopleneverwould.
Lyingbackinherfavoriteeasychair,shebegantogothroughthelistofforecastsshe’dbeenrequestedtomake.Shenevermadeanybusinesspredictionsalone,ofcourse.TherewasalwaysthepotentialforaCassandraSpiral,themajormentalcascadethatcoulddestroyher—thematingbondlimitedthedanger,butneithershenorVaughnwantedtotakechances.Notwhenshewasalreadysovulnerabletothedarkvisions,theonesthatenteredhermindwithoutwarning.
Buteventhere,shethoughtwithpride,she’dlearnedtousethematingbondtoanchorherselfsothenightmaredidn’ttakeherover.Incomparison,this—playingwiththelist,“priming”herbrain—wasutterlysafe.
ItwasasshewasgoingthroughthelistforthethirdtimethattheNetMind“knocked.”Shecouldn’treallyseeit—hadneverbeenableto.Shesimplyknewitwasthere,avast,endlesspresencethatwasatonceagelessandchildish.Todayshecaughtthetumbleofrosesitthrewintohermindinitsversionofhello,andlaughed.
TalkingtotheNetMindwasdifficult—itseemedtounderstandimagesbetterthanwords,andyetitwasthelibrarianofthePsyNet,holdingontoandorganizingthebillionsofwordsthatpassedthroughtheNet.Anditwasasentience,onethatchangedwiththeNet.NowitsroseswerefollowedbytorrentofimagesFaithcouldbarelyprocess.
Violence.Blood.Suicide.Overandover.
SheshowedtheNetMindahand,palm-out,theirby-nowfamiliarsignalfor“slowdown.”Itobeyed,thoughitsversionofslowwasstillalmosttoofastforherbraintoprocess.Butitwasbetterthanbefore.Catchingtheavalancheofimages,sheputthemasideforlaterreview,sensingtheNetMind’sdistress.Worried,shesentitanimageofawomancoloredindarkness.
TheDarkMind.
ItwasthetwinoftheNetMind,createdoutofallthehorror,thehurt,thebadnessthatthePsyhadSilenced.FaithknewfrompainfulexperiencethattheDarkMindwasmute—butithadfoundawaytoscream,toventitsragethroughactsofviolencecommittedbythosefragilemindsalreadypredisposedtowarddarkness.
NowsheaskedtheNetMindifitstwinwasbehindthewaveofviolence.
Theanswercamewithinasplitsecond,less.
Theimageshe’dsentwasreturnedtoher,butwiththeDarkMindscrubbedout.Sothiswasn’ttheDarkMindtryingtospeakinwhateverlimited,torturedwayitcould.ButthentheNetMindsentheranotherimage—ofthePsyNet,withtendrilsofdarknesscreepingthroughit.Exceptthisdarknesswasn’tnormal,wasn’thealthy.ItwasputridinawayFaithcouldn’texplain—shejustfeltitdeepinhersoul.
AnimageofathousandtearsoverlaidthesnapshotofthePsyNet.
ThePsyNetwasdying,Faiththought,andtheNetMindwasthePsyNetinmanyways.Herheartstuttered.Butthissendingalsohadanothermessage—theDarkMindmightnotbedrivingtheseacts,butitsinfluencehadsubtlycorruptedanother,orothers.However,thoughitwastemptingtothinkoftheDarkMindasevil,Faithknewthatwaswrong.Itwasalsoasentience,andtheblameforitsinsanitylayinSilence.
ShesenttheNetMindanimageofarmsoutstretched,anofferofhelp.
Theresponsewasofaglobe,butaglobecoloredintheshadesoftheNet—whitestarsagainstabackgroundofblackvelvet.Aroundthatglobewasashimmeringshieldthatrepelledherhands.
TheNetwasn’treadyforhelp.
Buttherewerecracksintheshield.Shetouchedafingertoonecrack,andknewthatwasJudd.Theonenexttoit,Walker.Andnotfarfromthem,Sascha.Somanyfine,finecracks.Themostisolatedone,thenewest…no,thiswastheveryfirst,butitwashidden,hiddendeep.Anditwasmale,powerful,soverypowerful.Whenthisghost…“Oh,”shewhispered,realizingwhoitwasshetouched.“TheGhost.”WhenthemostnotoriousrebelintheNetbrokehisSilence,theshieldwouldwellandtrulyshatter.
WhattheNetMindcouldn’ttellher,andherforeseeinggiftrefusedtosee,wasifthePsyNetwouldsurvive…ordrown.CHAPTER40
“It’slater.”
RileylookedaroundMercy’soffice,curious.Itwasneat,butwithanindefinableflairthatwasindisputablyher.“Where’dyougetthis?”Hegesturedatthestrikingwallhangingbehindherdesk.
Tohissurprise,shedidn’tpushhim.“Peru.IwentroamingdownsouthafterIdecidedmedicinewasn’tforme.”Comingtostandbesidehim,shesmiled.“Thatwasahellofalotoffun.Ihungoutwithmygrandmother’spackforawhile—evenwenttoCarnavalinmyleopardform.”
HecouldseeherinthewildcolorofRiodeJaneiro.“WithEduardoandJoaquin?”
Shelaughedathistone.“No,theyweredoingsomeroamingoftheirown.”
“Whydidyouchoosetostudymedicine?”
“Youknowhowwedoubleup—ItalkedtoTammyandwedecidedit’dbenicetohavesomeoneelsemedicallytrained.Butitdidn’tfit.”Sheshrugged.“SoItooksometimeoff,wentbackandmajoredincommunicationsinstead.Muchbetterfit.”
Rileynodded.“Ididn’tstudybeyondhighschool.”
Mercywassurprisedtohearthehintofhesitation.“Riley,you’vebeenworkinginthepacksinceforever.Youdidanapprenticeship—Ibetyou’rethego-toguyforeverythingandthensome.”
Hegaveheraslowsmilethatrockedherheart.Ah,damn.Prettysoonthiswolfwasgoingtobecomeindispensabletoherhappiness.Andtheleopardbothcravedandfearedthat.
“Ithink,”hesaid,“I’dlikeyoutotakemetoCarnavaloneyear.”
Itwasthelastthingshe’dexpectedhimtosay,butitsucceededinmakingherheartmelt.Forher,withher,Rileywaswillingtoplay.“Youdidn’troam,didyou?”
Ashrug.“Ichosethat—thepackwouldn’thavemindedifI’dtakenoffforawhile.ButIcouldn’t.”
Becausethatwasn’twhohewas,Mercythought.Thepredator’sneedtoprotecthadovercomeitsneedtoroamfree.“I’lltakeyoutoCarnaval,”shesaid,steppinguptostandinfrontofhim,handsbracedagainstherdesk,“ifyoustopavoidingthereasonwe’reinhere.”
Hethrustahandthroughhishair,andwhenhelookedatheragain,anyhintofvulnerabilitywasgone,replacedbysteelydetermination.“I’mkeepingyou.”
Mercyblinked,sostartledtheleopardwasn’tsurewhethertosnarlorstare.“Isn’tthatuptometodecide?”Femalesalwayshadthelastsayinthematingbond.
Hesteppedcloser,everyinchtheSnowDancerlieutenant.“You’remymate.Endofstory.”
Sheraisedaneyebrow.“Youcan’tdictatethat.”
“Mercy,we’reinthematingdance—justbeingaroundyouturnsmywolfcrazy.”Makingasoundofsheerfrustration,hedidsomethingshe’dneverhaveexpectedfromstaidRileyKincaidbeforeheshowedherhiswildcreativestreak.Hereachedforward,curledonehandaroundherneck,putthethumbofhisfreehandonherchin,andhadhermouthopenbeforesherealizedwhathewasabout.
Thekisswaslong,deep,breathtakinglysensual.
Andhishold,itwasproprietaryintheextreme.
Itwas,shehadtoadmit,somekindofwonderfultobekissedsodeliciouslybytheonlymanwho’ddaredplaywithhercatwiththeintentionofwinning.
Hebitherlowerlip.
Hereyessnappedopen.“Kissitbetter.”
“No.”Henippedheragain.Sharp.Sexy.“Youmakemesofuckinginsane,Iwanttomarkyouallover.Soeveryoneknowsyou’remine.”
Theleopardgrowledinherthroat.“Notyours.”Shewasherownperson,apredatorsameashim.
“We’llseeaboutthat.”Thistime,hedippedhishead…andbitherneckinasucklingkissthatmadehermoanandthrustherhandintohishair,tugginghimback.
“Stopthat.”
Insteadofobeying,hereacheduptosqueezeherbreastthroughherT-shirt,asifhehadeveryrighttobefondlingherinherownoffice.Andmaybeglancingdowntoseethatbig,tannedhandonherbodywasmind-blowinglyerotic,but.“Oh.”He’dstoppednibblingatherneckandnownippedatherear.
Mercywasastoundedatthediscoverythatherearlobeswereexquisitelysensitive.“Again,”sheordered,onehandinhishair,theotheronhisshoulder.
“No.”Heraisedhishead,eyesglittering.“Youcan’thaveeverythingyouwantunlessyougivemewhatIwant.”
Shenarrowedhereyes.“Don’tplaygameswithacat.”
“WhoelseamIgoingtoplaythemwith?”Asqueezeofherbreast,akisspressedtoherpartedlips.“Playwithme.”
Itwastheoneinvitationhecould’vemadethatsoothedthecat,madeherwanttorelax,maybeteasehimalittle.Butfirst—“Yousaidyouweregoingtotrylastnight.Areyougoingtotakethis,takeus,forgrantedbecauseofthematingdance?”
“No.”Hishandwasstillaroundherthroat,hisfingersstrokinginapossessivecaress.“It’snotjustabouthavingamate.”
“Thenwhatisitabout?”Shepushedoffthehandonherbreastandstoodupright.Thatfreehandimmediatelysettledonherbutt.Pushy.Butshelikedhimthatway.
Leaningdown,helockedeyeswithher.“It’sabouthavingamatewhoadoresyou.”
Shedidn’tknowwhichoneofthemhewastalkingabout,whetheritwasapromiseoradeclaration,butshedidknowthatnowomancould’veresistedhimatthatmoment.“Thenwedance,wolf.”Aslow,teasingsmileassheraisedherarmstowraparoundhisneck,evenassomethingdeepinherscreamedinwarning—therewasadangershewasn’tseeing,ashockshe’dneverbeabletobear.ButMercywastoocaughtupinthelushhungerofthematingdancetolisten.“Let’sseeifyoucancatchme.”
Heskatedhishandfromherneckanddownherbodytocloseoverherhip.“Ialreadydid,remember?”
“Newgame.”Shepressedakisstothebaseofhisneck,aspotshewasbecomingveryfondof.Especiallysincehealwaysblewoutabreathwhenshelickedhertongueoverit.Likenow.“Newrules.”
“Tellmetherules.”Hedidn’tseemtorealizehewasholdingherheadagainsthim.
Hmm,shethought,Rileyreallylikedhavinghisneckkissed.Shewassogoingtotakehimneckingoutinthewoods.Smiling,shebegantonibbleonthatstrongcolumn,feelinghercatpurrasheshudderedandangledhisheadtogiveherbetteraccess.“Therules,”shewhispered,drawingthewarm,masculinescentofhimintoherlungs,“arethattherearen’tanyrules.”
Hefrozeforaninstant,thengroaned.“You’regoingtodrivemetotheasylum.”
Shesmiled.“That’sthepoint.”Rileylikedrules.Shedidn’t.Let’sseeifherwolfcoulddrophisguardenoughtotantalizeacat.
Saschasatinherhome“office”—thebalconyoutsidetheaerie—andstaredatthebookhermotherhadsenther.Shekepthopingforadistractionsoshewouldn’thavetoopenthepages,wouldn’thavetoconsiderwhyNikitahaddonethis,whetheritwasatraporapeaceoffering.
Asifoncue,thecommpanelchimed.Reliefwashingthroughherlikearainstorm,sheansweredusingthehandsetshe’dplacedonthebalconytable.“Saschaspeaking.”
“Sascha,it’sNicki.”
“Hiya,kitten.”Lookingawayfromthebook,shestaredoutatthetrees.“What’sup?”Nickiwasonlyeighteen,buthadrecentlybecomeapprenticedtothepack’shistorian,Keely,afteritbecameobviousshe’dbeenbornfortherole
“Keelyaskedmetodosomeresearch—shesaidyouwereinterestedinAliceEldridge?”
Thefeelingofbuoyancydeflated.“Youfoundsomethingalready?”
“IgotsuperluckywiththefirstpersonIspoketo—oneofKeely’scontacts.”Thesoundofrustling,asifshewassettlingpapers.“Sorry,”Nickisaid.“Ineverexpectedtobegivensomethingthiscoolsosoon—it’sexciting.”
Saschamadeamurmurofagreementandwaited.
“Okay,sothedealis,AliceEldridgewasaPh.D.studentwhowasdoingthisbigstudyondifferentkindsofPsyaround1968.”
Nineteensixty-eight—theyearbeforetheconceptofSilencewasfirstfloated.“Shegotpermission?”
“Yeah,lookslikeitfromtheinfoIwasabletohuntup.Allthestuffaboutherisburieddeep—IgotmostofmyintelfromararebooksdealerslashconspiracytheoristafterIturnedupinpersonthismorningandconvincedhimIwasn’tPsy.Iactuallyhadtoshowhimmyclaws,ifyoucanbelieveit.”
“Hewasthathesitant?”
“Ohyeah,andoncehetoldmethehistorybehindEldridge,Iunderstoodwhy.”Alonginhale.“Okay,soitseemsthatmidwaythroughherstudy,AliceEldridgedecidedtofocusonlyonE-Psy,andherresultswereconsideredground-breaking,thebestworkonE-Psyeverdone.”
“Herworkwaswell-known?”
“Inacademiccircles,yes.Theoriginal1972printrun—donethroughauniversitypress—wassmall,aroundtwothousand,buttherewererumorsshe’dbeenapproachedbyabiggerpublisher.Herstylewasapparentlyonethatwould’vetranslatedwelltothepopularmarket.”Nickipausedtotakeabreath.“Unfortunately,AliceEldridgediedinamountain-climbingaccidentin1975,andthatdealnevereventuated.”
AchillrippleddownSascha’sspine.SoclosetotheimplementationoftotalSilence,hadittrulybeenanaccident?“Whyisn’tthereanymentionofheronline?”
“That’sthething—therarebooksguytoldmethatherworkwasdestroyedinamassivepurgearoundahundredyearsago.”
Sascha’shandfisted.Silencehadbeenfullyimplementedin1979,ahundredandoneyearsago.AndthatwaswhenE-Psyhadbecomealiability…sothey’dbeenburied,broken,erased.Somehow,shefoundthevoicetosay,“That’sgreatwork,Nicki.”
“Thanks.”Thegirlsoundedsopleasedthatthechillmeltedalittle.“Ifoundafewbitsandpiecesonherotherbook—doyouwantthatinformation,too?”
“Sure.”Anythingtodelaythereturntoher“gift.”
“Actually,”Nickicorrectedherself,“itwasn’tabookbutamanuscript.ItseemsEldridgehadbeguntoresearchanothergroupofPsyaftershefinishedherthesis.”
Saschafrowned.“Ifitwasamanuscript,howdidyoufindoutaboutit?”
“Well,it’ssortoftheHolyGrailtoEldridgescholars,”thegirlsaid.“ThewomanIspoketo—aftertherarebooksdealerintroducedus—toldmethatEldridgewasopenlyworkingonanewprojectbeforeshedied.Helene—mysource—saidthere’sareferencetoitinthebookonE-Psy.”
Saschamadeamentalnotetokeepaneyeout.“Goon.”
“Thethingis,afterherdeath,noonecouldfindanyhintofthatworkinherofficeorhome.Itwaslikeshe’dbeendoingnothingforseveralyears.”Nickihummedaspookytune.“Weird,huh?”
“Very,”Saschasaid,butshesawanotherangle.“Theconspiracytheoriststhinksomeonegotridofherwork.”
“Bingo.Eventhoughtheydon’tknowwhatthatworkwas.”Apause.“Imean,theythinktheydo—accordingtoHelene,theinformationwaspasseddownthroughthefamilyofacolleagueofEldridge’s—buttheyhavenocluewhatitmeans.”
“Didtheygiveyouanyhintofwhattheythinkshewasworkingon?”
“Yes.HelenesaidEldridgewasdoingalong-termprojectonX-Psy.”Nickipausedagain.“DoyouknowwhattheXstandsfor?”
Saschaswallowedandsidesteppedthequestion.“Youdidafantasticjob,Nicki.I’llbesuretotellKeely.”
Nickimadealittlenoiseofdelight.Laughing,Saschawasabouttosaygood-byewhenNickisaid,“Oh,wait,Sascha,Ialmostforgot—acopyofEldridge’sbookgoesforoverfivehundredthousanddollars,it’ssorare.Anythatareleftaremostlyinveryprivatecollections.”
“Thanks,Nicki.”Breathlost,shehungupandjustsatthereforseveralminutes.Fivehundredthousanddollars?DearGod.NotthatNikitacouldn’taffordit—thatamountwasnothingtoher—butstill…
Shestaredatthebookonceagain,knowingitmightprovidetheveryanswersshe’dbeenseeking.FreedfromthebondageofSilence,herempathicpowerswerechanging,developing,growing.Whatshedidn’tknowwaswhattheyweregrowinginto.
Herhandreachedout.Withdrew.“AmIbeingacoward?”sheaskedoutloud,thenshookherhead.“No,I’mbeingcautious.”Pickingitup,shetookitbackinsidethehouse—storingitinthesafehiddenundertheeco-cooker.
Despiteherquestions,hercuriosity,shewasn’tyetreadytofacehermother’sgift.Nikitahadcutheroffwithoutablink.ItwouldtaketimetoseeanythingbutrejectionwhenshelookedatEldridge’sbook.
RileyheadedoutfromMercy’sofficewithadeepsenseofrightnessinhisgut.She’dacceptedthematingdance.Hehadnointentionoflettingherescapethematingitself,nomatterwhathehadtodo.
Walkingintotheundergroundgarage,heraisedaneyebrowwhenhesawthetall,red-headedmaleleaningagainsthisfour-wheeldrive.“Bastien.”
“Riley.”
“Whereareyourbrothers?”
Bastiensmiledanditwasnothingfriendly.“They’llbealongsoon.So,whatmakesyouthinkyouhaveanyrighttolayahandonmysister?”
“Shegavemethatright.”Hemetthosebrightgreeneyeswithoutflinching.Inaphysicalfight,heknewhe’dwin.Butthiswasn’taboutthephysical.Itwasaboutsomethingfarmoreimportant—Mercylovedherfamily.Hewasnotgoingtofuckuptheirrelationshipbybeatingonherbrother.“Seemstomeshe’sawomanwhoknowswhatshewants.”
“She’salsomysister.”Bastienstraightened.“Andyou’reawolf.”
ThehairsonRiley’snaperoseasanothermanenteredthegarage.Hewasolder,hishairlightlythreadedwithgray.“Ididn’texpectyourfather.”
“Whenyou’retouchinghisbabygirl?”Bastiensnorted.“Hi,Dad.Shallwekillhimhereortakehimouttotheforest?”
MichaelSmithfoldedhisarmsandfixedRileywithagimleteye.“Yougoingtohurtmygirl?”
“No,sir.”
“Accordingtohergrandmother,youalreadybrokemyMercy’sheart.”
Riley’sstomachpitched,notatthewords,butatthememoryofhowhe’dhurther.“She’snotthatfragile.”HefeltasuddenkinshipwithJudd.RileyandDrewhadmadehislifehellafterhefirststartedseeingBrenna.
“No,she’sfuckingnot.”BastiengrinnedasSageandGreyenteredthesuspiciouslyotherwise-emptygarage.RileywasnowsurroundedbySmithmen.Hedidn’tmakeanyaggressivemovestowardthetwoyoungest,thoughtheywerepushingintohisspace.Pups,theywerejustpups.Bastiencouldbedangerous,butinthis,MichaelSmithwastheonewhotrulymattered.
Nowtheoldermansteppedcloser.“Sheeverbeatenyouinafight?”
“Almost.”Andheknewfullwellthatifsheevercameafterhimwithlethalintent,hemightnotendupthevictor—predatorychangelingfemaleswereinexorablehuntersoncetheydecidedonblood.
“How’dthatgodown?”
Rileyunderstoodthatwasthemostcrucialquestionofall.Hecould’velied.Hedidn’t.“Likesandpaper.”
Michaelblinked,asifsurprised.“Thenwhyareyouwithher?”
Heheldtheotherman’sgaze,lethisownfillwiththerawfuryofthewolf.“Youknowwhy.AndyouknowIwon’twalkaway.”CHAPTER41
TwohoursafterRileyleft,MercytrackeddownandtalkedtoTeijan.TheRatalphawasvisiblyfrustrated,hisnormallyGQ-tidyhairwind-tousled,hisblackshirtwrinkled.“Iknowsomething’shappening,butdamniftheyaren’tgoodathidingtheirtracks.”
Mercythoughtaboutthat.“Humanshavelearnedtobeinvisible.Theseguystakeittotheextreme.”AndiftheHumanAlliancewantedtoshowmuscle,displaywhatitwascapableof,itwouldsenditsbest.Hercatsuddenlysatup,seeingananswertoariddle.
LeavingTeijantoreorganizeanddispersehistroops,shefoundaprivatespotandmadeacalltoLucas.“HaveyouconsideredthefactthatmaybeweshouldbeusingBowenandhisteam?”They’dknowallthetrickstheirex-compatriotsmightuse.
Lucasblewoutabreath.“Yeah.”
“Just‘yeah’?”
“I’myouralpha,Mercy,”Lucassaid,voicequiet.“Ipickedupthematingdancethismorning.”
Shesuckedinabreath.“Youtellingmeyou’realreadyusingBowenandhisteam,butdon’twantRileytoknow?”
“He’snotrationalonthis.Neither,forthatmatter,isDorian.”
“Butit’sRileyyou’reworriedaboutwithme.”Turning,shefoughttheurgetokickatanearbywall.“I’masentinel,Lucas.MyloyaltyistoDarkRiver.”Again,analarmflaredinherhead.Againshedidn’tlisten,tooangrytounderstandwhatitwasattemptingtotellher.
“I’mnotquestioningthat.”Lucas’stonechanged,becameopenlyalpha.“Butthematingdancescrewswithyouremotions—Ididn’twanttoputyouinatoughspot.”
“Idon’tspillthingsduringpillowtalk,”shesaid,frustratedandhurtthathe’dthinksolittleofher.“IcankeepPacksecrets.”
“Iknowyoucan.”Thistime,thepantherwasinhisvoice.“Shit.I’msorry,Merce.ItwasnevermeantasacommentonyourloyaltytoPack.”
Thecatwasstillbewilderedbytheblowthathadcomefromnowhere,butshecouldn’tdoubtheralpha.Lucasdidn’tlietohissentinels,nomatterifthetruthwasabitterpilltoswallow.“So?”sheasked,releasingherfistedhand.
“WecheckedoutBowenandhisteam—everythingwefoundbackstheirstory.Rightnow,I’vegotthemworkingontrackingdownthenewAlliancesquad,buttheirmajorstrengthisininformation.Ifwemanagetounearththenameofthetarget…”
Mercynodded.“Mucheasiertoworkbackward.Who’srunningBowenandhispeople?”
“Iam.I’llletyouknowtheinstanttheycomeupwithanything—thatwasneveraquestion.”
Feelingssoothed,ifnottotallymended,shenodded.“Alright.I’dbettergetbacktowork.”
Butshedidn’timmediatelyreturntoherpatrolareaafterhangingup,feelingastrongurgetospeaktohermother.Comfort,shethought.Shewaslikeacubseekingcomfort.Shedidn’tcare.Codinginthenumberforherchildhoodhome,shewaiteduntilLiaanswered.“Hey,Mom.”
“What’sthematter,darling?”
Herthroatclosedupattheunconditionalloveinthatsinglesentence.“Thingsarealittlemixedup.”Shebenttopickupamarblethathadseenbetterdaysandthrewitlightlyintotheair,catchingitonthewaydown.“IguessIjustneededtohearyourvoice.”
“Cometodinner,baby.”
“Idon’tknowifIcantonight,Mom.”She’dbelousycompanyinhercurrentframeofmind.“ButI’llbebythisweek.”
“Mercy,sweetheart,doessomeofthis‘mixedup’stuffhavetodowithacertainwolf?”
Mercywinced.“Whotoldyou?”
“Well,Ikeptexpectingyoutodoso…”
“Iplannedto,”shesaid,rollingthemarblebetweenthumbandforefingerandwonderingwhyshe’deverthoughtanythingcouldremainasecretfromhermom.
“Itdoesn’tmatter,baby.Itookmattersintomyownhands.”Afamiliarhintofsteel.
Mercy’sleopardsatup.“Oh?”
“IcalledRileyafewminutesago.He’scomingtodinnertomorrowatseven.Don’tbelate,sweetheart.”
Mercyhungupafterafewmorewords,knowingasummonswhensheheardone.Ifshedidn’tturnup,well,MountVesuviushadnothingonhermom.
ItseemedtobeherdayforcallsbecausenosoonerhadshegonetoshovethephoneintoapocketthanAshayarangthrough.“Wedidavery,veryquickrun-throughwiththesamplesyoubroughtupfromthebody,”thescientisttoldher,hervoiceexcited.Tooexcited.Mercywenttoaskwhatwaswrong,butAshayawasalreadycontinuingtospeak.“Hehadtracesofthesamedruginhimthatwefoundonthemenwhotriedtokidnapme.”
“Damn.”Mercyclosedherfistaroundthemarble.“Youfiguredoutwhat’ssospecialaboutityet?”
“Possibly.”Ashayapaused.“I’msupposedtomakesureIdeliverreportstoDarkRiverandSnowDancersimultaneouslyonthisissue.”
Itwasnormalprocedure,butafterthecallwithLucas,shefoundherselfirritated.Fightingtheirrationalemotion,shesaid,“Riley’sinthecity.I’llgethimtomeetmeatHQ.”
Hangingup,shecalledRileywiththemessagebeforemakingherwaybacktothemedium-sizedofficebuildingDarkRiverownednearChinatown.Sheshould’vefeltmorecomfortableinherownoffice,buthercatrefusedtosettle,itshacklesrose—asifitcouldsenseadangerthehumansideofherwastoodensetosee.Frustrated,shepushedtheamorphousknowingtothebackofhermind.Nothing,shethought,couldbeworsethanhavingherloyaltyquestioned—ifonlybyimplication.
“Youcalled?”Rileypushedthroughtheofficedoor,lockingitbehindhim.
Theleoparddidn’tlikethat,seeinginitapossessionthatthreatenedanintegralpartofherlife.“Ashaya’sgotsomethingtotellus.”Switchingtheclearscreenofhercomputertothecommfunction,shecodedinthecall.
Rileywalkedaroundtostandbesideherchair,onearmalongtheback,fingersgrazingthetopofherhead.Sheflickedhimoff,tohissurprisedexpression.Whenhefrowned,sheconcentratedonthescreen,knowingthattohim,herbehaviorhadtobeinexplicable.“Ashaya,we’reready.”
Thescientistcameon-screen,blue-grayeyesvividagainstsmoothmocha-darkskin.“Alright,”shesaid,andrecappedwhatshe’dalreadytoldMercy.“I’vebeenworkingwithAmaraonthisinordertospeedthingsup,andwebelievewe’vediscoveredthepurposeofthedrug.”
“Goon,”Mercysaid,atthesametimethatRileysaid,“Whatisit?”
Foldingherarms,Mercyleanedbackinherchair.
Ashayalookedfromonetotheother,butdidn’taskquestions.“WecanthankAmaraforthis.MytwindecidedthatsinceitappearsthetargetsofthissubstancearePsy,she’dinjectherself.”Herhandwasshakingwhensheliftedittopushbackherhair—whichwassecuredintwotightbraids.
Mercyjerkedupright.“Issheokay?”
“Yes,yes.She’sfine.Now.”Ashayadroppedherhand.“Shetookaverysmallamount.”
“And?”Rileyprompted.
“Andshefoundshecouldn’tuseanyofherpsychicabilitiesforfiveminutes.”
Annoyanceforgotten,MercycaughtRiley’seye.Shesawthesametightexcitementinhimthatshefeltinherowngut.GlancingbacktoAshaya,shesaid,“Canwereplicateit?”
Ashayadidn’tlookhappy.“It’slikeadrugthatwouldstopyoushifting,Mercy.HowcanIpossiblyjustifyreverseengineeringsomethingthatpainful?Amarawould’vehadabreakdownifIhadn’tbeenlinkedwithherthroughtheentireprocess.”
“Shit,Ididn’tthinkofitthatway.”Mercyrubbedherface.“Thethingis,ifwehadthatdrug,thenwewouldn’thavetokillPsyonsight.”Rightnow,therewasnotalking,nonegotiation.IfaPsycameafterachangeling,thechangelingaimedtokill.
“It’dbeadeterrent,”Rileyadded.
Ashayashookherhead.“Amara’sheartstopped.”
Mercyfroze.Allatonce,sherememberedthesudden,oddpanicshe’dfeltonpatrolacoupleofhoursearlier.She’dputthefleetingemotiondowntoherhyperawarenessofhersurroundings,butwhatifithadbeensomethingelse,Ashaya’sscreamforhelp?Afterall,asDorian’smate,AshayawasintheWebofStars,theblood-bondednetworkthatconnectedDarkRiversentinelstoLucas.“Ithoughtyousaidshewasokay.”
“Imanagedtogetitrestarted.”Tremblingfingerspressedtoherlips.“Amaracouldn’tuseherabilitiesforfiveminutes,butshecrashedatthethirty-minutemark.Dependingonthedosage,thedrugcouldstopaPsyheartinanytimerange.”
Mercybrushedasidetheinformationforthemoment.“I’mgoingtocallDorianforyou.”
“He’salmosthere.”Ashayaliftedherhandinsilentthanks,evenasangerfilledherexpression.“TheylikelydevelopedthisdrugtoblockPsypowers,butnowthey’reusingittoweakenandkill.”
“Doyouthinktheyknow?”Rileyasked.
“Ithastohavebeentested.Theymust’vedecidedtheriskwasworthit.”
“Why?”Rileypersisted.“What’sthepointifthetargetdies?”
“Giventhedosagewefoundinthedarts,ifthey’dshotmeduringthekidnappingattempt,theywould’vehadatleastaten-minutewindoweithertogivemesomekindofanantidote—onethatwould’veneutralizedthefatalelement—orbereadywithequipmenttorestarttheheart.”Shetookadeepbreath.“They’rebeingextremelyconfidentaboutitsuse,whichmakesmebelievethereisanantidote.Therewasmedicalequipmentinoneofthevehiclestheydrovetotheambushsite.”
“Butnopossibletraceofanantidote.”Mercyshookherhead.“I’mmoreinclinedtothinkthey’replayingRussianroulette.Heartsdon’talwaysrestart.”
Ashayanodded.“Eitherway,theHumanAllianceisarealthreat.”Withthat,sheclickedoff.
Rileyrosetohisfullheight.“Ifthisdrugdidn’thavelethalsideeffects,wouldtheethicsworryyou?”
Shetooktimetothinkaboutit.“ItwoulddevastatemeifIcouldn’tshift,butifthehitwastemporary,I’dlive.Rightnow,wedon’tallowanyPsyaggressorstolive.”BecausePsycouldkillwithasingleviolentmentalblow.
“Still,tohavealimborasensecutoff,that’sbrutalstuff.”Hiswordsweresolemn,hispresenceintrinsicallydominant.
“Thisiswar.”Aquietone.Astealthyone—untiltheHumanAlliancehadstartedtotakeitpublic.Butawarnonetheless.“Andadruglikethiscouldactasaverystrongdeterrent,keepthePsyfrompickingfights.”Lookingathim,shesuddenlyknewwhyshe’dreactedsostronglytoLucas’sadmission,andthentoRileyhimself.Itwasaviciouskicktothegut.Oh,Jesus.“Ihavetogetbacktowork.Bye.”
“Mercy.”
“Goaway,wolf.”Shestood,andstrodeovertounlockandpullopenthedoor.“Don’tpushme.”Anangrytruthchurnedinher,violentanddistrustful.Hadheknown?Butshewouldn’taskhimthatrightthismoment,whentheleopardwasridingherwithbrutalferocity.
Hecametostandtoetotoewithher.Whenheangledhisheadforakiss,sheshowedhimteeth.Sohenippedherontheneckinstead.Angeredatthewildfirethatstreakedthroughheratthefleetingcaress,sheshovedathischestandsenthimoutthedoor.“Anddon’tcomebacktonight,either.I’vegotbetterthingstodo—”
Ahandflatagainstherdoor,holdingitopen.“You’renotthekindtoblowhotandcold.Sowhatthefuckisthis?”
Shewassoemotionallyravagedbytherealizationshe’djusthadthatsheclawedathim,thewordscomingoutinanunthinkingrush.“Thisismebeingreal.I’mbusy—Idon’twanttoplaytonsilhockey.Look,you’reokayinthesack,andweworkwelltogether,butIneedmyspace.Idon’tparticularlywantamanfull-timeinmylife.”
Hishandfellaway.“Iguessthat’sgoingtomakethismatinghellforbothofus.”CHAPTER42
TheGhostwatchedaswordspreadoftheofferofvoluntarymildrehabilitation—aprocessthatwouldstrengthenthebasisoftheconditioningthatwasSilence.Forthefirsttime,goingtotheCenterdidn’tmeandeath,butlife…andpeoplewerebeginningtoseriouslyconsiderit.Predictably,theideaappealedmoststronglytothosewiththemostdangerousabilities.
TheGhostunderstood.Hisownabilitycouldbeincrediblydestructive.ButneverwouldhesubmittotheM-PsyattheCenter.PerhapsSilencewasacagethatkeptthemonstersinside,butitwasacagenonetheless.Heknewwhatitwastogrowupinsideacage—acagesotight,sorestrictivethathe’dalmostforgottenhowtobreathe.
Towillinglyembracethesilverbarsofanotherprisonwasnotsomethinghe’devercountenance.Buthefoundhimselfhesitanttostepinthepathofthosewhoweremakingtheoppositechoice.Didhehavetherighttoturnthemawayfromthatwhichmightsavethem?Somanywerecracking,breaking,shattering.Murdershadincreasedinthepastfewmonths,aslowcreepthattaintedtheNetwithdarkness.Evenatthatverymoment,violenceflickeredontheedgesofhisvision.
ThatviolencehadalwaysbeenapartoftheNet,butnowitwasstartingtorisetothesurface,tograbcontrol.Buttherewasnosymmetrytoit,nosenseofthescalesbeingbalanced.Theseburstswerelikeminieruptions,destroyingallintheirpath.CouldheblamethosewhochosethecageofSilenceifchaoswastheonlyalternative?
Herealizedhedidn’thavethetoolstoanswerthatquestion.
Forthefirsttime,theGhost,abeingofSilence,foundheneededanswersfromsomeonewhounderstoodemotion.CHAPTER43
Mercydidn’tlikefeelinglikeabitch.Andshedidn’tthinkofherselfasone.Butshe’dbeenabitchtoRileytoday.Pushinghimawaylikethat.Tellinghimtheonethingshe’dknownwouldmakehimbackoff.Predatorymalechangelingswereproud
Anditwasn’tasifhe’ddoneanythingtoprovokeher.He’dbeenactingexactlywhohewas,andshe’dsavagedhimforit.“Damnit!”Sheclenchedherhandsonthesteeringwheel,feelingworsewitheverypassingsecond.
Ofcoursehehadn’tknownandhiddenthetruthfromher.Rileywasn’taliar.He’dneverhaveheldbacksomethingthisimportant,notwhenhe’dgivenherhiswordthathe’dtry.Forher.Foracatwhohadhurthimsomuchtoday.
Iguessthat’sgoingtomakethismatinghellforbothofus.
Herleoparddidn’twantthat.Butneitherdiditwanttofacetheinevitablerepercussionofmatingwithhim.However,onethingwascertain—Rileywouldcomeafterheragain.Hewouldn’tbeabletohelphimself.Shewashismate,andgiventhefeverofthematingdance,thedepthofhishungerhadtobedrivinghimhalf-insane.Sohe’dburyhisprideandhe’dreturn—probablytoshakesomesenseintoher.
Herlipsquirked,butsheremovedherhandsfromthesteeringwheelandgotoutofthecar.TheSnowDancerdenwasaneasyfifteen-minuterunfromthispoint.Itwastemptingtocallandaskhimtomeetheroutside,butthatwouldbecowardly.AndMercywasnocoward.Takingadeepbreath,andpayingnoovertattentiontothescentsthattoldhershewasbeingwatchedbyaninvisiblescreenofguards,sheheadedin.
Andrewwaswaitingforherbytheopendoor.Hiseyesweretwinkling.“Hello,futuresister-in-law.”
“Outofmyway,shrimp.”
“Myheartbleeds.”Heputahandtosaidheart,melodramaticinthewayonlyyoungerbrotherscouldbe.“AreyouthereasonRileyalmostrippedoffmyheadafewminutesago?”
“Noneofyourbusiness.”Shepushedpasthim.“Showmethewaytohisquarters.”
“Shouldn’tyoutalktoHawke,makesureit’salrightforyoutobeuphere?”
“Drew,todayisreallynotagooddaytomesswithme.”
Andrewwalkedbesideher,pointingleftwhentheyreachedaforkinthetunnelsthatmadeuptheden.“Inthatcase,restassuredI’lltakecareoftheformalities.”
“Thanks.”Sheshothimasuspiciouslook.“Whyareyoubeingsohelpful?”
Heshrugged.“Ilikemybrother.AndIespeciallylikewatchinghimoffbalance.”Anevilgrin.“YouandhearethebestentertainmentI’vehadinyears.”
“Whyhasn’tRileykilledyouyet?”
“Ikeepbouncingback.”Ashrug,wide-eyedinnocence.
Charmeddespiteherself,shecametoastopinfrontofthedoorhe’dledherto.“Now,listencarefully,”shesaid,leaningclose,“ifyoudarecomebackheretonight,bepreparedtosingsopranotherestofyourlife.Capisce?”
Andrew’seyeswidened.“Man,you’rescary.LuckyRiley.”Andshecouldtellhemeantit,too.“I’moutahere.”Buthepaused.“Begentlewithhim,Mercy.He’sgotaheartasbigasTexas—he’lldieforyouwithoutblinking.Buthedoesn’texpectanyonetodothesameforhim.”
Knotinherthroatattheunexpectedburstofseriousness,shenoddedandwatchedhimwalkaway.Then,straighteninghershoulders—andignoringthelargenumberofwolveswhoseemedtohavesomethingtodointhiscorridorallofasudden—sheknocked.Rileyhadtohavescentedherbynow,sothefactthatthedoorhadremainedcloseddidn’tbodewell.
Severalsecondspassed.
Frowningbecausesuchpettinesswasn’tlikehim,shewenttoknockagainwhenthedoorwaswrenchedopenandshewaspulledinside.Againstawarm,wet,verynakedmalechest.“Oh,”shewhispered,leaningbackagainstthedoorhe’dshovedshut,“youwereintheshower.”
Pushingdamphairoutofhiseyes,heputhishandsoneithersideofhershouldersandsaid,“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
Shewastoointerestedintheviewtoreply.He’dhitchedatowelaroundhiswaist,butitlookedprecarious.Shebitherlipinanefforttofighttheurgetoaccidentally-on-purposenudgeitoutoftheway.’CauseRileyallwetandsmolderinggothermotorrunninginaseriousway.Hisbodywaspuremuscle,muscleshe’dtouchedmorethanonce,andyetshefoundhermouthwateringasifshe’dneverseenhimbefore.Mine,partofherpurred,evenasanotherpartthrewthesolemnramificationsofthatthoughtintoherface.
Rightthen,shedidn’tcare.Becausethiswashermate.Howcouldshenottouchhimwhenhewasinfrontofher?Howcouldshenotgivehimwhatsheknewheneeded,thesimpleskin-to-skincontacttheybothcraved?
“Mercy.”Thesnarlinhisvoicesaidthewolfwasverymuchincontrol.
Shewenttospeak,thendecidedtohellwithit.Framinghisfaceinherhands,shetookhismouthinaslow,possessivekissthatmadehertoescurl.Hekissedherback,buthisarmsremainedplantedoneithersideofherbody.Stillmad.Thatwasokay,shethought,nibblingathislowerlip.CoaxingRileysoundedlikeafunnighttoher.Especiallyifitinvolvedgettingthattoweloffhisbody.
Hiseyeswerewolf-amberwhenshedrewback,hischeekbonesdrawnsharplyagainsthisskin.“Comebyforan‘okay’timeinthesack?”
Notmad.Seriouslyangry.“MaybeIcametoapologize,”shesaid,linkingherarmsaroundhisneck.“Andmaybeyou’llhearitifyoustopsnarlingatme.”
“What,you’regoingtotellmeI’mabetterthanokaylay?”
Oh,man,buthewaspissed.Inhisdefense,shethought,menhadawayofbecomingthatwayifyouinsultedtheirsexualprowess.Andcomingfromthewomanmeanttobehismate…damn,howwasshegoingtofixthis?“OfallthethingsI’vesaidtoyou,that’stheoneyoudecidedtotaketoheart?”
Anunwaveringamberstare.
“Damnit,Riley,youknowyoumakemecrazyinbed,”shesaid,consigninganyattemptatsubtletytoHades.
“DoI?”
“I’mreadyforyourightnowandyouknowit.Mypantiesaresodampit’sembarrassing.”
“Oh?”Andthenhewasunsnappingherjeansandonebighandwasslidingintosaidpanties,partingherliquid-softfleshwithasinglesmoothmove.
Sheyelped.“Riley.”
“Justcheckingtheevidence.”Hisfacewasimplacable,buthisskin,hisskinburnedsohot,shecouldfeeltheheatbrushagainstherinlappingwaves.“MaybeIwanttoseeit,too.”
Hereyeswereallbutrollingintothebackofherheadfromtheexquisitepleasureofhisstrokingfingers.Heknewjusthowtocaressher…includinghowverymuchitfrustratedhertohaveherclitoriscircledbutnevertouched.“Kincaid,youhaveameanstreak.”
“Onlyaroundyou.”Heslippedasinglefingerinsideher,teasingherbodyintomovingonhim.“Youmakemeactlikeadamnjuvenile.”
“Good.”Curlingherfingersinthedamphairathisnape,sheleanedinforanotherlong,wickedlysensualkiss.“Now,stopteasing.”
Hewithdrewhishand.
Shemoaned.“Ididn’tmeanthat!Comeback.”
“Youreadyforafull-timeman?”Hardwords.“BecauseIdon’tdopart-time.”
“NeitherdoI.”Herwordshadbeensaidinanger,thoughtless,unmeant.
“Ihaven’theardanapologyyet.”
“Oh,God,Riley.”Sheranherhandsoverhischest.“You’reanincrediblelover.Now,canIplaywithyourbeautifulcock?”
Heblinkedandthewolfretreatedtoshowtheman.“Christ,Mercy.”
Butshewasalreadypushingthatdamntoweltothefloortoexposehim.Herbreathcameoutinashudderingsighassheclosedherhandaroundtherigidlengthofhim.“Oh,Ihaveplansforthisgorgeousthing.”
Rileyjerkedinherhand,hisnextwordsagrowl.“Givemeyourmouth.”Thekisswaswild,untamed,real.Theywerebothbreathinginjaggedgaspsbythetimeitended,andshewasslidingherhandupanddownhislengthindesperateneed.Itdidn’tsurpriseherwhenherclothesendedupshreddedonthefloorandRileyliftedherupagainstthedoor.
“Myboots,”shemuttered.
“Hot,”Rileymuttered,tuggingawayherhandsohecouldgripherhipsandeaseherontohimslowandeasy.
Trembling,sheheldontohisshouldersanddecidedshe’ddiedandgonetoheaven.Themanwassimplymagnificent—possessiveness,dominance,andall.Hewasalsohers.Ifonlyshecouldfigureawayoutoftheminefieldbetweenthem.
Rileystrokedhishandthroughthesilkyredhairspreadacrosshischest.ItwasakicktotheguttoseeMercyhere,inhisdomain.Thewolfwantedtobiteheragain,nottohurt,nevertohurt.Justtomakesureshereallywashere.
Thenshestirred,scratchingherclawslightlyoverhisskininlazyaffection.“Istillhavemybootson.”
Hegrinned.“Anakedredheadwithherbootson.Nirvana.”
“Smart-ass.”Akisspressedoverhisheartbeat,ahandstrokingacrosshischest,playingwithhischesthairsinawaythatwasveryfeline.Pettinghim,hethought.Shewaspettinghim.Hewasn’tamananyonepetted.Butcomingfromhismate…herelaxedintoit,content.
“Riley,aboutthisafternoon.”
“We’resquare,kittycat.”Morethansquare.Neverinamillionyearshadhethoughtthatwild,untamableMercywouldcometohim.
Butshegaveafrustratedsighandsatup,pushingherhairoffherface.Whenhecouldn’thelpbutstareatherbeautifulbreasts,shegrowledinherthroatandflippedthelongstrandsbackoverthem.
Helookedup,scowling.“Nowwhat?”
“Haveyouthoughtthroughtheconsequencesofourmating,Riley?Haveyou?”Shepokedafingerintohischest.“Oneofusisgoingtohavetobreakfromourpack.Oneofusisgoingtohavetocutoutourheart.”Her.Shewastheonewho’dhavetobreak.Sheknewthatbeyondanyshadowofadoubt…becauseRileywasjustafractionolder,justafractionmoredominant.Notenoughtochangethedynamicoftheirrelationship,butmorethanenoughtoripherfromDarkRiver.
“We’llstillbeclosephysically—”
“That’sbullshit.YouknowitandIknowit.”Fistingherhands,shethumpedthemonherthighs.“DarkRiverisasmuchapartofmysoulasSnowDancerisyours.Sentinelsdon’tleavetheirpacks,notunlesstheychoosetofollowanewalpha.Neitherdolieutenants.”
“Wehaveanalliance,”Rileysaid,feelingachillcreepuphisback.“There’snoreasonforeitherofustobreakfromourpacks.”
“Butwewill!Soonaswemate,foroneofus,theconnectiontoouralpha,toourpack,thebloodbond,willbreak.We’llfeelitrighthere.”Mercyslammedafistintoherheart.Becauseheunderstoodher—damnit—hedidn’tsayit,butsheknewhewasasawareasshewasthatitwouldbeher.
“You’renotgoingtogiveupyourmatetostayinyourpack.”Groundoutthroughclenchedteeth.
Shecouldn’targuewithhim.“No.”Havingamatewasagift,abrillianceofbeing.“Butit’lldestroyapartofme.Iwon’tbethesamewoman.I’llbeless.”Thatwaswhathadsoterrifiedherthisafternoon,therecognitionthattobewiththisman,withhermate,she’dhavetogiveupnotonlyherpack…butpartofherself.“Idon’tknowifmyleopardcanacceptthat.”
Rileyswore,thenreachedouttocloseahandoverhers.Theleopardsnarled,makingherjerkbackinreflex.Hismouthtightened.“You’renotjustaleopard,Mercy,you’rehuman,too.Youwon’tbeless—you’lladapt.”
“Imightbehuman,”shesaid,achingtotouchhim,yetangrywithhimatthesametime,“butI’malsoapackanimal.I’mnotaloner,Riley.Ineverhavebeen.Ican’tbewholewithoutmypack.”Shesuckedinabreath.“Ifithadbeenanotherleopardpack,itwould’vehurtlikehellbutIthinkmycatwould’velearnedtoadapt.Buttocomeintoapackofwolves—”
“Ifthathappens,ifyoursisthebondthatbreaks,”Rileysaid,sittinguptofaceher,“SnowDancerwilltreatyouasitsown,youknowthat.Youknow.”
“Thewomanunderstands,”shesaidsoftly,breakinghisheartwithhersorrow,“buttheleoparddoesn’t.AllitknowsisthatifItakemywolf,Imightloseeverythingelsethatevermattered.”CHAPTER44
Thenextmorning,bymutualagreement,MercyandRileydrovetomeetNashdowntheroadfromNateandTamsyn’shouse.TheentireBakerfamilywasstayingtherewhiletheirhomewasbeingfittedupwithallsortsofhigh-techsecurity.
Thedrivewasquiet.Neitherofthemmentionedthepainfultruththey’dtalkedaboutintheden,butthefactthattheyhadn’tbeenapartsincethenightbefore…well,itspokeforitself.
“Thanksformeetingmeouthere,”Nashsaid,takingaseatatapicnictableinthebackyardofZachandAnnie’shouse—thecouplehadalreadyleftfortheday,butZachhadcalledMercywiththelocationofthehiddenkey.Usingthatkey,she’dputonthecoffeewhileRileyescortedNashover.She’dfiguredtheboywoulddobetterwithamale.
NowsheputthreeemptymugsonthetableasRileyheadedintobringouttheinsulatedpitcher.“Youdidn’twanttoworryyourparents,right?”
Anodfromtheyoungmanacrossfromher.Browneyed,withhairafewshadeslighter,hewasgood-lookinginagentlekindofway.Buttherewasanunderlyingtoughnesstohim,thelynxwithin.
“Coffee.”Rileypouredandgrabbedaseat.“I’mgoingtocuttothechase,Nash.It’sbeenaweekandwe’restillnotclearonwhytheAlliancetargetedyouratherthananynumberofmoreexperiencedresearchers.MIT’splayingthecommercialsensitivitycardandyouhaven’texactlybeencooperative,either.”
“Secrecy’svitaltoourfunding.”NashmetMercy’seyes.“Weallhadtosigncomplexnondisclosureagreements.”
Giventhealacritywithwhichthelynxhadagreedtothismeet,Mercyhadafeelinghesimplyhadn’twantedtosayanythinginamediumthatcouldberecordedortracedbacktohim.“Okay,Igetthat,”Mercysaid.“Butweneedtocalculatetheoddsofanotherattempt—whetherbyhumans,changelings,orPsy.It’llaffectnotonlythesecurityarrangementswemakeforyou,butyourfamily’saswell.”
Nashdidn’teventakeamomenttothinkaboutit.“Oddsareveryhigh.Anyofthethree,butchangelingsprobablynotsomuch.”
“Damn,that’swhatIwasafraidof.”Mercychewedonherlowerlip.“Thiscompanythat’ssponsoringyou,willtheypayforbodyguards?”
“Ithinkso.”
Rileynodded,asiffollowingMercy’slineofthought.“We’llprovidethebodyguards.”
“Youwouldanyway,”Nashsaid.Thensmiled.“Butthesponsordoesn’thavetoknowthat.Thepackmightaswellgetpaidforprotectingmyass.”
Mercygrinned.Hewasokay,wasNash.“They’realsothemostlikelysourceoftheleak.”
“Yeah.Ihadacallfromthemanagingdirectortosaythey’regoingthroughallpersonnelwhomighthavelinkstotheHumanAlliance.”
“Good.”Rileytappedafingeragainsthiscoffeemug.“Thiscompany—yourgutreaction?”
Nash’sfaceturnedserious.“They’reouttomakemoney,butthey’rewillingtoputinthehardtimefundingresearchthatmightnevergoanywhere.Ifigurethat’sfair.”
Mercyagreed.“Theirethics?”
“They’veagreedthatifI’msuccessful,they’llallowmedicaluseatcostorlessifpossible.Everyoneelsewillpayapremium.”NashmetMercy’seyes.“Theowner’sdaughterhasaconditionthatmightbehelpedbymywork.Believeme,hewon’twithholditfromotherkids.He’soneofthegoodguys.”
ThatconvincedMercyasnothingelsecould’vedone.Heart,love,ithadawayoffightingoffdarkness.“IhavetoadmitI’mcuriousasanythingaboutwhatyou’redoing,butIunderstandcommercialsensitivity.Wecanworkwithwhatwe’vegot.”
Nashthrustahandthroughhishair.“WhenIstarted,Ididn’trealizealltheimplications.Iwasthinkingofpurelymedicaluse,but,well…everyonewantstobestronger.”
Mercywentmotionlessattheobliquehint.“NowondertheAlliancewantsyou.”Shedespisedtheirtactics,butcouldseewhatdrovethem.Humansweretheweakestofthethreeraces—Psywereweakerphysically,buthadpsychicabilitiestocompensate.Ifhumanscouldatleastleveltheplayingfieldsotheyhadchangelingstrength…yeah,shecouldseethetemptation.
“It’saverylong-termproject,”Nashtoldher.“IthinktheAlliancethinkswehavefunctioningprototypes.We’renowherenearclose.”
“Butyou’reontherighttrack,”Rileysaid.“Enoughtomakeyouaserioustarget.”
Anothershygrin.“GoodthingIhaveleopardsandwolvesonmyside,then.”
Inavanparkedonastreetpackedwithtouristsouttosamplethearea’sworld-famouscrabs,severalscreenscametolife.“WehaveeyesonNikitaDuncan,”saidtheoperator.
HispartnerwatchedtheCouncilorentertheofficebuildingand—frustratingly—takethestairstothemezzaninefloor,wheresheapparentlyhadameeting,judgingfromthefocuswithwhichshewalkedtowardthefirstdoorontheleft.“Damn.”
“Don’tworry.She’llmove.”
“Itwasn’tsupposedtobelikethis—weweremeanttoactwhenweknewwhatherexactmovementswouldbe.”
“We’restillonschedule.”
“Butwelosthourstryingtokeepaheadofthewolvesandcats.Ourreconnaissancewasn’tanywherenearasgoodasitshould’vebeen.”Apause.“Maybeweshouldn’thavekilledtheinformationbroker.”
“It’sdonenow.”
“Yeah.”
“Anyway,thechairmanseemstohavesomekindofatopsourceofhisown—he’sbeengivingusgoodtips.”
“Hmm.”Apause.“Whatawaste.”
“Huh?”
ThemanshruggedandbroughtupascreenshotofNikitaDuncan’sform.“Lookatthatface,thosecheekbones,thoselegs.”TheCouncilorhadanexoticmixofIrish,Japanese,andRussianbloodandhadinheritedthebestfromallsides.Tallandlithe,shehadthealmondeyesofagoddess,andthekindofsilkyhairmenlikedtoseeontheirpillow.“Toobadshe’saheartlessbitch.”
“She’llbeadeadbitchsoonenough.”
Mercywasmeanttobedoingashiftonthecontinuingsecuritypatrolsinthecity,butaftersheandRileywenttheirseparateways,sheaskedClaytocoverforhersoshecoulddrivetoTammy’s.She’ddeliberatelypickedtheonesentinelwhowouldn’taskquestions,buttohersurprise,hegaveheranarrow-eyedglanceandstrokedthebackofonehandoverhercheek.“Youokay?”
Surprisedbytheaffectionfromaleopardwho’dbeenallbutstoneafewmonthsago,shefelteveryoneofheremotionsthreatentocometothesurface.Dammingthestormbackwitheffort,shetouchedhishandinthanks.“Iwillbe.”
Helethergowithoutfurthercomment,butsheknewhe’dbekeepinganeyeonher.Itmadehercatsettle—today,sheneededthecomfortofPack,ofknowingshewaspartofacohesiveandvitalunit.HowcouldshepossiblyexistwithoutthebloodbondthattiedhertoDarkRiversofundamentally?
WhenshearrivedatTammy’s,thehealertookonelookatheranddraggedherintothekitchen.“What’sthematter?”
“TheBakers?”
“Goneexploringinthewoods.They’vegotanescort.Mybabiesareatplaygroup.Nowtalk.”
Shejustblurteditout.“IfImatewithRiley,willwebeabletohavekids?”Itwasanotherpartofthedream,somethingshe’dalwaysimagined.Ifshecouldn’t…itwouldhurt,nodoubtaboutit.
“Ofcourseyouwill,”Tammysaidatonce.“I’vebeenresearchingthateversinceyoutwoshowedaninterestineachother.Inter-changelingunionsbetweenpredatoryspeciesaren’tthatcommon,sotheinfoisscatteredandincomplete.”
Relieved,Mercyrockedbackonherheels.“It’sbecausetheanimalprefersitsownkind.”
“Yeah.”TammyleanedoverandtookMercy’shand,eyesshining.“Butsometimes,thehumanheartlovessodeeplythatitovercomestheobjectionsoftheanimal.”
Mercyfeltaknotforminherthroat.
“I’msogladyouhavethat,”Tammycontinued.“Ofallthesentinels,it’syouIworriedmostabout.”
Startled,shestared.“Me?Why?”WhenClayhadalmostgonerogueandDorianhadcomeclosetoself-destructing?“I’mprobablymorestablethananyonebutLucas.”
“Exactly,”thehealersaid.“Peopletendtoignoretheoneswhoseemokay.Andweshouldn’t.You’reanintegralpartofthepack,andIworriedthatwe’dleftyoutoomuchonyourown.”
Mercyrolledhereyes.“Youworrywaytoomuch.ShallItellyouhowaloneI’vebeenlately?”Shedidn’twaitforananswer,pullingoutachairandturningitaroundtositwithherarmsonthebackwhileTammyperchedonastoolatthecounter.“EversincewordgotoutaboutmeandRiley,I’vehadanuncountablenumberofteenagegirlssidleuptomeandaskifwolvesaregoodlovers.”
Tammychoked.“No!”
“Oh,yes.Theireyes,theyarewandering.”
“Oh,dearGod.”Tammylookedtornbetweenhorrorandlaughter.“Iftheteenagersstartdating,HawkeandLucaswillbothhaveaneurysms.”
“Oh,youhaven’theardthebestpart.”Shepaused.“AnentirepackofmalejuvenilescorneredmetheotherdaytoaskifIdidn’tthinkleopardsweregoodenoughforme.”
Tammyrubbedherforehead.“IthinkIhaveaheadache.”
“Youdon’tgettohaveaheadache.OnlyIgettohaveaheadache.”Shetriedtokeepastraightface.“WhenIpointedoutthatIcouldgutthemallwithabutterknifebutthatImighthavedifficultydoingthesametoRiley,theyturnedgreen.Youmighthavetopetafewlateron—IthinkIscaredthemoffsexwithleopardfemales.”
Tammywaslookingabitgreenherself.“DoIwanttoknowmore?”
“Probablynot.”Sheranahandoverherface.“Enoughstalling,Tammy.Willmybabiesshift?”
“Yes,absolutely.”Hoppingoffthestool,shewentaroundthecountertopoursomecoffee.“Ididn’trealizeyouwereconcernedaboutthat.”
“Iheardthatwhentwodifferentchangelingsmate,theanimalscanceleachotheroutandthechildcan’tshift.”
“Oldwives’tale.”Tammymadeafaceasshebroughtthecupstothetable.“Makesnosensegenetically.Genesdon’tcanceleachotherout.”
“Butsomearerecessiveandothersaren’t,”Mercysaid.“How’sthatworkwithchangelings?”
“Wescrewupthoseneatgenomechartsthebiologistsliketokeep,”Tamsynsaid.
“Sowedon’tknowwhat’llhappen?”
“No.Wedo.Allhealerskeepextensiverecords,andI’vebeenonthephoneandone-mailwithhundredsofhealersacrosstheworldoverthepastfewdays.”Shetookasipofcoffee.“We’reprettysurewhatgoeson,eventhoughscientifically,wehavenoproof.”
“I’lltakehealersoverscienceanyday.”Especiallywhenitcametochangelinggenetics.Theyconfusednormalscientists.HavingbeenbestfriendswithDoriansincechildhood,sheknewthatbetterthanmost—theothersentinelhadbeenbornlatent,unabletoshiftintotheanimalformthatwashisotherhalf.HisparentshadtakenhimtothebestM-Psyoutthere.Nonehadbeenabletohelp.Ithadneededawomanlockedintohisverysoultodothat.
“Okay.”Tammyputdownhercoffeeandtookadeepbreath.“YouknowhowyouandRileyarealwaysfightingoverdominance?”
Mercynodded.
“Yeah,well,yourbabiesaregoingtohavethefinalwordonthesubject.”
MercystaredatTammy.“Howfinal?”
“Very.Whentwochangelingsofdifferentspeciesmate,it’sthemoredominantoneinthepairwhosegenesareexpressedasfarasshiftinggoes.”Tammy’seyesgleamedwithhiddenlaughter.“Ofcourse,nooneknowswhenthingsgetsetinstone—itmightdependonwho’sfeelingmoreferalthedayyouconceive.”
Mercy’shandfistedevenaswonderbloomedinsideofheratthethoughtofcarryingachild.“We’renotbondedyet.”TherewouldbenobabiesuntilherleopardacceptedRileywithoutboundaries,withoutconditions,withabsolutetrust
“Iguessed…doyouwanttotalkaboutwhy?”
“No.We’redealingwithit.I’mjustgladtoknowifwedomakeitthrough,ourbabieswillbeabletoshift.”
“Youdon’tmindthatyourkidsmightnotshiftintocats?”
“They’llshift.That’swhatmatters.”ShesqueezedTammy’shand,knowingthehealerunderstood.“Doriannevertalkedaboutit—he’ssofuckingmale—butIknowhowmuchithurthimnottobeabletogoleopard.I’vebeenwaymoreworriedaboutwhetherornotmykidswouldshift,thanwhatthey’dshiftinto.”
Ontheothersideoftheworld,CouncilorKalebKrychekdrovehomethroughthepitchblackofnightontheoutskirtsofMoscow.Puttinghisvehicleonautomaticnavigationhalfanhourfromhisdestination,heusedhisorganizertoconnecttothehouse’ssecuritynode—healwayscheckedhisdefensesbeforeheeverenteredthezoneheconsideredsafe.Hehadnopersonnelathishome,noonewhocouldbetrayhim.Buttheentireareaaroundhispropertywasalarmedandprotected.Heknewifabutterflylandedonhisbalcony.
Healsoknewwhenpeoplehadbeencreepingaroundwheretheyshouldn’tbe.
Tappingintothefullsecuritylogs,hesawthepresenceofanumberofbodiesahundredfeetbeyondhisouterperimeter.Ofcourse,thatwasn’thisactualperimeter.He’dsetalarmlineswellintothefieldsthatsurroundedhisisolatedhome,allthewayto,andacross,thepropertiesofhisneighbors.
Kaleblikedhisprivacy.
Hedouble-checkedthedata.Nowaytotellifthepeoplelyinginwaitwerehuman,Psy,orchangeling.Theirestimatedbodyweighttiltedthemtowardnon-Psy,asPsyofthesamesizeandheighthadaslightlylowerbonedensity.Herecheckedthedataforthethirdtime,puttingitthroughthefiltersofhisownmind.
HeknewtheBlackEdgepack—thewolvesthatcontrolledthegreaterMoscowareaasfaraschangelingswereconcerned.SelenkaDurev,theiralpha,didn’tlikehim,butshewaswillingtoworkwithhimtokeepthecitypeaceful,solongashekepthisnoseoutofherbusiness.TheagreementworkedbecauseKalebhadnointerestinchangelingaffairs—thoughhekeptaverycloseeyeonSelenkaandherpack.Wolvesweresmart,dangerous,andcouldbelethaladversaries,asNikitaDuncanhaddiscoveredinherownregion.
HisagreementwithBlackEdgehadputhiminclosecontactwithseveralchangelings.HewasaTk,usedtomanipulatingkineticenergy.He’dwatchedtheirmovements,notedthewaytheirmusclesandbonesshiftedwithoutevenrealizinghe’dtakeninthedata.Nowhecomparedthosemovementsagainsttheintruders.
Notwolves.Andnotbears,either,theothermajorgroupinthearea.Atpresent,theStoneWaterclanhadawarytrucewithBlackEdge.Thebearchangelingsmovedlessgracefully,butwithadistinctivestylethatwasasgoodasabrand.Neithermatched.AndsincebothBlackEdgeandStoneWaterwouldkillanyotherchangelingswhocameintotheirterritorywithoutpermission,thatmeantthiswasmostlikelyahumanassaultforce.
Helookedupthroughthewindshield,theentiresecuritycheckhavingtakenhimonlythreeminutes.Thenextquestionwas—whatdidtheywant?Surveillancehadtobetheanswer,astherewasnowaytheycouldgetpasthissecurity.Heglancedathisorganizerandpulledupthedataagain.
Andsawwhathe’dmissedinthefirstsweep.
Humanshadlearnedtocompensatefortheirlackofpsychicorshiftingabilities.Especiallyintheareaofweapons.Theportableguidedmissilelaunchersalmosthiddeninthemassofbodyheatwerelikelyprimedandreadytolevelhishousetheinstanthesteppedinside.Afast,quickkill.TheonlywaytotakeacardinalTkbysurprise.Toobadheknewtheywerethere.CHAPTER45
Severalhoursafterthewrenchofleavinghim,MercytrackedRileytotheformerAlliancehideoutontheEmbarcadero.Hiswolfflashedintohiseyeswhenhesawher,anditwasallshecoulddonottopressclose,andsimplysavorthewarmmasculinescentofhim.
Itwasn’tprofessionalismthatheldherback.Itwastheknowledgethattodowhatshecravedwouldbetotormentthemboth.“What’reyoudoinghere?”sheasked.
“Ialwaysdoapassthroughhereincaseoneofthemdoesn’trealizeit’sbeenmade.Mightgetanewtrail.”Hisgazenevermovedoffher,hisjawabrutallyhardline.
Suchcontrolhadtohurt.
Shecouldn’tlethimhurt.Closingthedistancebetweenthem,shestoodsotheybrushedshouldertothigh.Hesuckedinabreath,hishandshiftingtolieonherlowerback.“Ican’tbenearyouandnottouch.”
Shenodded.“Whowerewekidding?”Thehumorwasfragile,thetruthinescapable.“Butthat’snotwhyIcame.”
Rileywatchedashiscattookoutasmalldatapadandpulledupamapofthecityproper.“Somethingbugsmeaboutthetipswe’vehadaboutpossibleAlliancemovements.”Sheoverlaidthemapwiththelocationofthosetips.“Ifweremovetheclearoutliers,andfocusonlyonthetipsthatreallyhadsomesubstancebehindthem,weendupwiththis.”
Heleanedin,untilthewildfirevitalityofherfilledhiseverybreath.“Averyroughcircle.”Hestudiedthediagram.“It’sstillamassivearea.IncludesthewarehouseBowenandhisgroupareusing.”
“Iknow,butallthis”—shewavedahand—“thebombmaking,thecloak-and-daggerstuff—seemstoocoordinatedforasmallhitlikethat.”ShepulledoutalaserpenandbeganmakingXs.“Ifit’srevengethey’reafter,forthesquadwetookout,theycouldhitourpackHQ,thecentralCTXstation,acoupleofotherplaces,butmostofourstuffisspreadfartherout—towardYosemite.”
“YouthinkithastodowiththePsy.Thatcorpse?”
“Yes,andbecausethen,thecentralizationmakessense.PlentyofPsytargetsinthecity.”SheannotatedmajorPsyinstitutions,includingbanksand,nauseatingly,schools.
Heknewwhy—theAlliancehadgiventhemnoreasontobelieveithadaconscience.
“ButwhySanFrancisco?”heasked,playingdevil’sadvocate.“It’snotalogicalchoice—weknowtobeonthelookoutforthem.We’vealreadydisruptedtheiroperationstoadegree.”
Mercypursedherlipsinawaythewolffoundfascinating.He’dneverseenthatexpressionbefore,neverseenthatfacetofher.“Aparticulartarget?”Sheshookherheadalmostatonce.“There’snothinguniqueabouttheseplaces.They’reimportantandit’llcausechaosonamajorscaleiftheygodown,buttheAlliancecouldfindthesamecaliberoftargetinNewYork,LosAngeles,adozenothercities.”
Thewolfcametoattention.“Butwedohaveonethingnoothercitydoes.”Takingthepen,heputanXononeofSanFrancisco’smostwell-knownbuildings.
“Nikita?”Mercy’smouthdroppedopen.“No.”
“Whatbetterwaytoleaveamark?”
“Flamingidiots!”sheyelled,ignitingwithoutwarning.“Whoeverthefuckisdrivingthisoperationneedstohavetheirheadexamined,preferablyafterit’sbeenrippedoff!Nowaywouldanyonebethismuchofanimbecile!”
ToMercy’ssurprise,Rileychuckledandleaneddowntopressakissagainstherpartedlips.“God,mymomwould’velovedyou.”
Herheartalmoststopped.“Riley?”
“Shewasalieutenant,”hetoldher,hisvoicehusky.“Sowasmydad.Theydieddefendingthepack.”
Sheturnedtowrapherarmsaroundhim.“Theywereprotectors.”
“Yeah.”Henuzzledintoherneck,asifsoakinginherscent.“Mydad,hewasthestrongestmanIeverknew,butheusedtoturntoputtyinMom’shands.”
“Thatsoundsliketheperfectmating.”
Hechuckled.“You’dlikethat,wouldn’tyou?”
“Damnstraight.”Kissinghisneck,andsmilingathisresponsiveshiver,shehuggedhimextratight.“Ithinkyourmomanddadwould’vebeensoproudofthemanyou’vebecome.IfIeverhaveason,”shewhispered,“Iwanthimtobelikeyou.”
Heshuddered.“We’llfigureitout,kittycat.Somehow.”
Shewasabouttorespondwhenhercellphonerang.
Atensenessfilledhisbody.Itwasgoneaninstantlater.“Answerit,”hesaid.“You’reasentinel.”
Theleopardbattedathimwithplayfulhumor.“Damn,butyou’retryingtobegood,Kincaid.”
“Gladyounoticed.”
Hishandssettledaroundherhipsasshedugoutherphone.“Hello?”
“ThisisBo.LucastoldmetocallyoudirectlyifIfoundanything.”
Itwasavoteofconfidencefromheralphaandsheappreciatedit.“Whathaveyougot?”SheslappedahandonRiley’schestwhenhestartedtogrowl,havingheardBowenbecauseofthewaytheywerepastedtogether.
“IthinkIknowwhythey’rebuildingbombs.”
ShedugherclawsintoRileythistime,shootinghima“hush”look.Hewincedandtoneditdown;however,shecouldallbutfeelhisneedtotearBowen’sthroatoutwithhisbarehands.“Howgoodisyourintel?”
“Goodbutnotfoolproof.Thechairman’sbeenknowntoshutothersoutoftheloop.”
“Who’sthetarget?”
“Nottarget.Targets.”Andthenhetoldherthenames.
MercyclosedthephoneandstaredatRiley.“Someoneisthatmuchofanimbecile.Idon’tbelieveit.”
“Ifhe’srightandtheysucceed,it’llplungetheworldintowholesalewar.”Rileywasalreadypullingouthiscell.“I’llcallFaith.”
MercynoddedandpressedthequickcodeforSascha.“Pickup,Sascha.Pickup.”
Saschaclosedthecellphoneandswallowed.Itranginherhandmomentslater.“Lucas?”
“Sascha,Icanfeelyouhurting.Whatisit?”
Andthatquickly,herterrorwasburiedunderafloodoflove.“IneedtogetholdofNikita.”SherelayedwhatMercyhadtoldher.
“Damn.”Apause.“Youwantmetocall?”
“No,I’lldoit.I’llcallyouafter.”Hangingup,shecodedinanumbershe’dneverexpectedtouseagain.
Nikitaansweredonthefirstring.“Yougotmypackage.”
“It’snotaboutthat.”Shekepthertoneevenwitheffort—Nikitadidn’tunderstandherdaughter’semotionalnature.Sheprobablyneverwould.ButshewasstillSascha’smother.“We’vehadatipthatCouncilorshaveallbeentargetedforassassination.Checkthebuildingforexplosives.”
ItwasareflectionoftheworldshelivedinthatNikitadidn’targue,justhungupaftertellingSaschashe’dgetbacktoher.Shakingfromtheimpactofthatshortconversation,thefirstnonbusinessoneshe’dhadwithNikitasincehermotherdisownedher,Saschasliddowntheaeriewallandtothefloor.Tremorsshiftedoverherbodyfromheadtofoot.
ShewantedLucas.Ineedyou.Athoughtsentthroughthematingbond,needyandvulnerable.Itwasasifshe’dlostallherstrength,becomethefracturedcreatureshe’dbeenaftershefirstlearnedwhathadbeendonetoher,howhergifthadbeenstifled,hermindalmostdestroyed.Lucas.
Hermate’slovemovedtosurroundher,comforther,holdher.Sheclosedhereyesandwrappedthatfeelingaroundherverysenses,cocooningherselfinthesavagewildnessofhim.Butafootstepsoundedonthebalconywhatfeltlikeaninstantlater,breakingherconcentration.Shelookeduptoseeastrikingblondmalewiththemarkofasentineltattooedontohisarm.AndsheknewLucashadsenthim.
Doriansatdownbesideher.“Hey.”Whenheputhisarmaroundhershoulders,sheresisted.“Comeon,Saschadarling.”Agentletease.“You’vehelpedmemoretimesthanIcancount.JustthinkofmeasLuc’sstand-in.”
Softening,shelethimhugher.“WhataboutAshaya?”TheotherwomanwasbothPsyandnewlymated.Shemightnotunderstandthatatthismoment,Dorianwassimplygivingapackmatewhatsheneededtoholdherselftogetheruntilhermategottoher.
“She’sseeninsideme,seenhowyouhelpedmestaysane—”
“Youdidthatyourself.”He’dalwaysbeenimpossiblystrong.
Hesqueezedher.“I’msayingsheunderstands.She’stheonewhosentmetoyou.”
“Ithought—Lucas?”
“IgothiscallafterShaya’s.ShefeltsomethingfromyouintheNet.”Herubbedhischeekoverherhair.“Wegettolookafteryousometimes.”
Givingin,sheturnedintohishold,butotherthanaskinghimtocallVaughntomakesureFaithhadgottenamessagetoherfather,shesaidnothing…notuntilLucasappearedinthedoorway.ShewasbarelyawareofDorianleaving,hereyesfocusedonLucas.Hewassweating,hisT-shirtsoaked.Tearingitoff,hethrewittothesideandscoopedherupintohislapashesatdownononeofthehugecushionsthatservedastheirsofas.
Once,shewould’veconsideredherneedforhimaflaw,aweakness.Today,sheallbutcrawledintohim,thescentofhimasfamiliartoherasthesoundofherownheartbeat.
“I’mallsweaty,”hemurmuredsometimelater.
Shepressedakisstothesideofhisneck.“Youlookgoodsweaty.”Layingherheadonhisshoulder,shesighed.“Youmust’vebrokenafewspeedrecordsgettinghere.”He’dbeeninthecityoffice,whichmeanthe’ddrivenasfarintotheforestashecould,thenruntherestofthewayonfoot.
“We’llbepayingfinestillthenextcentury.”Astrokedownherback.“Youokay?”
“Ithitmehard.Hearinghervoice.”Sheswallowed.“I’vebeenavoidinganybusinessmeetingswithherlatelyandyou’vebeenlettingme.”
“Weallgetafewfreepasses.”Anotherstroke.“Shesayanythingtohurtyou?”
“No.She’scheckingforexplosives.”Atearstreakeddownhercheekevenasshefinishedthatsentence.“What’swrongwithme?”Frustrated,shedashedawaythestreakofwet.“I’mnotthisweak!I’manalpha’smate!”
“Hey.”Lucasgrabbedherfistedhand.“Youhadashock,theadrenaline’sprobablystillscreamingthroughyoursystem.”
“No.”Sheshookherhead,scowlingevenasanothertearescapedhercontrol.“Thisistoomuch.I’mnotthisfragile,notanymore.”Anditwastrue.Sheshould’vebeenabletohandleNikitawithoutfallingapart.“Myemotionshavebeenseesawingallovertheplacethepastfewdays.”
Lucaswentveryquietagainsther.Thenheburiedhisfaceinthecurveofherneckandbreatheddeep.Thejoythatshotthroughheraninstantlaterwassopure,sobeautiful,andsoutterlyprotectivethatsheturnedinhisarms,eyeswide.“Howcanyouknow?”
Hissmilewasfierce.“Iknow.”Hisarmtightenedasonehandspreadoverherabdomen.“Iknow.”
Puttingdownthebriefcasehe’dcarriedin,Kalebtookoffhissuitjacketandremovedhistiebeforeopeningthefirstfewbuttonsonhisshirtandrollinguphissleeves.Henevereverdidthelatterwhileoutsidehishome.
Noonecouldbeallowedtoseethemarkonhisforearm.Mostwouldhavenoideawhatitmeant.Perhapsnoonewouldknow.ButthePsyNetwasthebiggestdataarchiveintheworld—hecouldn’ttakethechancethatsomeone,somewhere,knewthestorybehindthemark.TheroomhadbeenprocessedbyEnforcement,afterall.Therehadtobepictures,thoughtheywouldn’thavefoundDNA.SantanoEnriquehadbeentoocarefulforthat.Andhe’dtaughtKalebeverythingheknew.
Now,havingneutralizedthethreatfromthehumans,Kalebconsideredhisnextmove.ThemenhadbeenfromtheHumanAlliance,butunfortunately,hehadn’tbeenabletoteartheirsecretsfromtheirminds.First,they’dhadsomekindofablock,andsecond,theinstantheeliminatedthefirst,theothershadallbeenkilledbyremote.
Helookedatthechipinhishand.Eachintruderhadhadoneinthebackofhisneck.Clearly,itwasequippedwithsomekindofasuicidestrategy—orperhapsmurderwasmoreapt.ButwhywouldtheAlliancetargetKaleb?Notthattheirreasoningmattered.Theassassinshadsignedtheirdeathwarrantstheinstanttheysetouttodestroythehouse.
Becausethiswasn’ttrulyKaleb’shouse.Hewasonlyacaretaker.Andhetookhisresponsibilityvery,veryseriously.
MercygotoffthephonewithVaughnandblewoutabreath.“Faith’sfatherissafe,”shetoldRileyastheystoodinthedrivewaytoherparents’home.Dinnerhadcomeuponthemsofast,they’dhardlyhadtimetoshower—luckily,Rileyhadbeguntocarryanovernightbaginhisvehicle.Mercy’scatwasalittleleeryofthathintofpermanency,butnotenoughtotakeastepback.Notnow.Notwhenthevinesaroundherhearthadgrownsofiercelystrong.“TheyfoundexplosivesatabuildingwhereAnthonywassupposedtohaveameetingattonight.”
Rileyglancedather,eyescontemplative.“HowaboutNikita?”
“Achargehiddenintheelevatorshaft—theworkingtheoryisthatsomeonehackedintothesurveillancesystem,intendingtodetonatethechargeonceNikitawasinside.Sinceshelivesonthepenthousefloor,itwasasmartplan.”
Rileyshookhishead.“Howisshestillalive?”
“Blindluck.ShemadeanunplannedtriptoNewYorklastnight,andwentstraightfromtheairportintonegotiationsonthemezzaninefloorwhenshegotbacktoday.Theotherpartykeptherlongerthanestimated.Almostcertainlysavedherlife.”
“Juddhasn’tbeenabletogetintouchwithhiscontact,butweshouldgetmoreinformationwhenhedoes.”
“Neverthoughtwe’dbehelpingCouncilorsstayalive.”Mercyreachedovertobrushawayalockofhairthathadfallenacrosshisfaceinagesturethatseemedexquisitelyfamiliar,exquisitelytheirs.Heatarcedthroughherfingertips,andittookherasecondtorealizeshe’dclosedthedistancebetweenthemuntiltheirbodiesmet.
“You’reconnectedtoNikitaandAnthonythroughSaschaandFaith,”Rileysaid,hishandsclosingoverherhips.“Youcouldn’tletapackmateloseaparent.”
“No,”sheagreed,wonderingwhathe’dsayifheknewAnthony’strueloyalties,wishingshecouldtellhim.“ButIthinkI’dhavedonethesameevenifwedidn’thaveFaithandSaschainthepack—afterMarshallHyde’srecentassassination,Idon’tthinktheworldcouldsurvivetheshockoflosingasecondCouncilor.”
Hestoodthereandletherrunherfingersthroughhishair,overhisjaw,alonghislips.“You’reright,”hesaid,eyesgoingwolfonher.“MuchasIhatetheCouncil’sguts,thePsyarestillthemostinfluentialraceontheplanet—iftheycrashandburn,we’llallpaytheprice.”
“AndtheNet’snotready,”Mercysaid.“That’swhatSascha,Faith,andAshayaallsay.Toomuchtoosoonandmillionsofinnocentscoulddie.”
“It’sliketheAlliancewantstodestabilizetheworld.”
Puttingbotharmsaroundhim,shedrewinthescentofhimuntilitwasinherveryveins,twinedwithherown.“Mytheory—someonesmartbutmorallycorrupthasathirstforpower.”
“Mucheasiertobecomekingiftheworld’sinchaos,”Rileysaid,hislipsbrushingherownashishandspressedherflushagainsthismuscularframe.
“Hmm.”Shewasrapidlylosinginterestintheconversation,farmore—
“Getaroom!”CHAPTER46
MercyreleasedRileytoturnandfacehermiddlebrotherasheloungedinthedoorway.“Youhavesomethingtosay,Herb?”
“Ican’tbelieveyou’resmooshingfaceswithawolf,”cametheacerbiccomment.“Youreallythathardup?”
Growlinglowinherthroat,sherantowardhim,awareofRiley’sbitten-offcurseashefollowed.Sage,theidiot,hadtakenoffthroughthehousetocometoastandstillbehindtheirmother’spetitefigure.Mercyskiddedtoastoponthekitchentilesandpointedafinger.“Wuss.”
Sagestuckouthistonguefrombehindtheirmother,wrappinghisarmsaroundherwaistasshestoodshreddinglettuceintoasaladbowl.“Thatwassoeasy,Mercy.Youmustbeseriouslyhormonal—ouch!”Heraisedahandtorubathislefttemple—wheretheirmotherhadreacheduptopullhishair.“Whatwasthatfor?”
“Forbeingabrat,”LiaSmithsaidwithoutstoppinginhertask.“Sometimes,Ithinkyou’reallstillinshortpants.”
“Onlywhenwecomehere,”Basdrawledfromthebackdoorway.“It’slikeIenterthishouse,andboom,Ilosetwentyyears.”
Mercy,adrenalineloweringnowthatSagehadgottenhiscomeuppance,foundthatshe’dsomehowendedupleaningagainstRileyashestoodwithhisbacktoawall,hishandaroughwarmthalongherarm.Hewaspettingher,calmingher.Doingwhatamatedid.
Awashinbittersweetjoy,shelookedatBas.“Where’sGrey?”
“Righthere.”Heryoungestbrothercameinthroughthekitchendoorwaywithherfather.“Hi,Riley.”
“Hi.”
Hereyesnarrowedwhennoonebotheredtointroducethemselves.EvenherfatherjustgaveacurtnodandkissedMercyonthecheekbeforegoingtohismate.ShelookedatBas.“DidyoufourganguponRiley?”
Absolutesilenceinthekitchenexceptforhermother’sexasperatedbreath.“MichaelT.Smith,Itoldyoutoleavetheboyalone.”
The“boy”heldhertighteragainsthim,obviouslynottheleastbitworried.“I’mfine,Mrs.Smith.AndIhaveasister,too.”
LiaturnedhergazeonRiley.“GoodGod,Mercy.Youbroughtanotheroneintothefamily?”
AndMercyknewitwouldbeagoodnight,nomattertheworrythatcontinuedtopierceherheart.
SaschastaredatTamsynintherosyeveningglow.“You’resure?”
“Sascha,darling,”Tamsynsaidwithteasingpatience,“it’sapregnancytest,notrocketscience.Evenifitwasn’tpositive,thefactthatLucassaysyouareisgold—you’reprobablyaroundtwoweeksalong.That’swhenmalestendtopickitup.”
“Hetoldmemyscent’schanged,thatmybody’salreadyshapingitselftoaccommodatethenewlifeinmywomb.”Hiseyeshadglitteredwithprotectiveemotion,hissoulthereforhertosee.
“Amatealwaysknows,”Tammysaidwithagentlesmile.“Therestofthepackwillbegintopickitupnowthathehas.”
“How?”
“Somethinghappenswhenthemalememberofapairknows—it’slikehisprotectivenesscoatsyou,andyourownscentchangeswithit,tosomethingunique,somethingthatspeaksoflifenewlybegun.”
Life.Saschalaidaflutteringhandoverherabdomen.“Istillcan’tquitebelieveit.”Asoftwarmthlaycurledinherbelly,apresencethatshesensedwitheveryempathicsenseinher.Itwasasparknow.No,atinyfractionofaspark.Sotinythatshehadtofocusallofherpowertofeelit.“Ineverexpectedtobeamother.”Perhapsthat’swhyshehadn’tunderstoodwhatherbodyhadbeentryingtotellher.
Tamsynlookedsurprised.“Really?Butyoulovechildren.”
“Yes.”ShereachedoutforTammy’shand,wantingtosharethedepthofherjoy.“ButwhenIwasintheNet,whenIthoughtIwasflawed,IsworeI’dneversubmitachildofminetothatkindofanexistence.”
Tammyleanedforwardtokissherlightlyonthecheek.Agift.Acomfort.“You’renotintheNetanylonger.”
“And,”adeepmalevoicesaidfromthedoorway,“youwereneverflawed.”
Sheraisedherheadtolookintothefaceofthepantherwhowasherheartbeat,andnow,thefatheroftheirunbornchild.“Youweresupposedtostaydownstairs.”
“Yeah,”Tammysaid,evenasshereleasedSascha’shandsandwalkedtothedoorway,“thiswasagirls-onlysession.”
AslowsmilecrossedLucas’sface.“Iwonderifit’llbeagirl.”
Tammypassedhim,brushingherfingersoverhisarminanaffectionategesture.“Waytooearlytotell.”
LucasstayedinpositionafterTammyleft,hisgreeneyesstrokingacaressoverher.“Scared?”
“Yes.”Shedidn’tknowhowtobeamother.“Nikitawashardlyagoodrolemodel.”
“I’mscared,too.”
“You’rethealphaofthepack,”shesaid,findingthey’dsomehowmovedtowardeachotherwithoutrealizingit.“You’reonlysayingthattomakemefeelbetter.”
Hetookherhand,placeditoverhisheart.“Listen.”
Itwasjagged,touchedwithatingeofsheerterror.“Why?”shewhispered.
“Myparentswerewonderful,”hetoldher,continuingtoholdherhand.“Buttheycouldn’tprotectme.ItterrifiesmethatIwon’tbeabletoprotectourchild.”
Sheshookherhead,pressedherhandmorefirmlyagainsthim.“Theydiedfightingforyou.Ifthat’sthelegacyweleaveourchild,thatchildwillgrowupknowingheorshewasloved,lovedsocompletely.”
“Suchfaithinme,kitten.”Hecuppedhercheekwithhisfreehand,histouchwarm,wonderfullyfamiliar.“Havethesameinyourself.”
Leaningintohim,shedrankinthebeatofhisheart.“Givemeafewmonths.Ihavetostudythemotherthing.”
“Ah,Sascha.”Helaughed,andthesoundofitwrappedaroundherlikeasensualblanket.“I’msureyou’llhaveagraduatedegreeinitbythetimethekiddecidestopopout.”
Shefistedherhandandthumpedhimonthechest,fightingthesmilethatthreatenedtoedgeherlips.“Don’ttease.”
Hekissedher,aquick,wildburstofeasymaleaffectionthatechoeddownthematingbond.“I’lltakeyoutothebookstore.”
“Willyoureadthebooks?”
“Iwon’thaveto—you’llreadthemtome.”Hesmiledanditwasaslow,felinecurveofhislips.“Idolovethethingsyousayinbed.”
Sheburstoutlaughing,theemotionalchaosofthedayburiedundertheincandescenceoftheirmingledjoy.
EveryonewasearlytotheCouncilmeeting.“Areweallsecure?”Nikitaasked.
Therewasaroundofconfirmations.
Kalebaskedthenextquestion.“Weneedtohaveanideaofwhatthey’recapableof.I’mwillingtosharewhatIfound—I’massumingIwasthehardesttogetto?”
“Correct,”Mingresponded.“Yourteleportationabilitiesmadeyouthemostdifficulttarget.However,Tatianaisalsoclosetoimpossibletogettowithoutwarning.”
KalebhadheardrumorstheotherPsycouldstripshields,enteranymindshechose.Shehadn’tyetbrokenhisshields,andhemadesurenevertobeanythingbutabsolutelyguardedagainsther.“Tatiana?”
“Iseenoharminsharingtheinformation,”theotherCouncilorsaid.“Downloadingthedetailsnow.”
StreamsofsilverydatabegantoflowagainstthepureblacknessthatwasthepsychicvaultoftheCouncilchambers.Kalebcaughtthevitalfactsonthefirstpass.“Theyplannedtopoisonyou.”
“Itappearsthatway,”Tatianasaid.“It’sdifficulttofullyguardagainstinsectsinmypartofAustralia.Theperpetratorsreleasedanumberoftoxicfunnel-webspidersaroundmyproperty.”
“Thatstrategyhasahighchanceoffailure,”Shoshannapointedout.
“Yes,”Tatianaagreed.“FromwhatIdiscoveredafterward,Ithinkitwasanopportunisticployaftertheirfirstonefailed.IwasmeanttobeonaprivatejettoPapuaNewGuineatoday—thatjet,I’mnowtold,developedmysteriousenginefailureandcrashedintotheocean,killingallonboard.”
“Howdidtheygettothejet?”Kalebasked.“Iassumeitwasyours?”
“That’sacriticalsecuritybreach—Iknowitwasn’tanyofmypeople.”Hertoneofvoicemadeitclearhowsheknew.“We’restillworkingonit.”
Kalebdecidedtospeaknext.“Theyattemptedtoblowupmyhousefromadistance.”Hegavethemthenecessaryfactswithoutbetrayinghisownsecurityprotocols.
Onebyone,theotherslaidouttheirdata.Surprisingly,itwasMingwho’dcometheclosesttobeingkilled.TheassassinshadmadenoattemptsatstealthforthemostmilitarilyinclinedCouncilor.Instead,they’dfiredathisarmoredvehicleusinghigh-explosiveantitankrounds.Thecarwassomuchtwistedmetal.ThesolereasonMingwasalivewasbecauseoneofhisArrows,atrueteleporter,hadbeenwithhimatthetime.Vasichadblinkedeveryoneoutofthevehicleintheminusculefragmentoftimeaftertheroundshit.
“Wehavealeak,”Kalebsaidafterscanningthedata.“Someoneintheuppertiers.”
“Thebodyofamanwhowasknowntosellsensitiveinformationwashedupyesterday,”Nikitatoldthem.“Ihaditsenttothelabforprocessing.”
“IagreewithKaleb,”Mingsaid.“Evenatop-levelinformationthiefcouldn’thavediscoveredallourlocationsonaparticulardayandtimewithoutmassiveeffort—evenifhewastheconduit,heneededtohavesources.”
“Theotheroption,”Nikitapointedout,“isthatthiswasalong-termplan.Theywatchedandwaitedfortheperfectopportunity.”
“Possible,”Henryagreed,speakingforthefirsttime.“Withtherecentdefections,theyconsiderusweak.”
“That’stheirmistake.”Kalebwouldallownoonetoshatterthatwhichheconsideredhis.Andfornow,thePsyNetneededhisfellowCouncilors.Whenitnolongerdid…
“Perhaps,insteadofspeculating,weshouldreconveneoncewehavefurtherdetailsoftheattacks.”Shoshanna.
“Wedohaveanotherissuetodiscuss,”Kalebpointedout.“Theprogrammedviolence.It’sstopped.”
ApauseofseveralsecondsastheotherCouncilorsbroughtuptheirfiles.Tatianawasthefirsttospeak.“CouncilorKrychekiscorrect.Allthemostrecentinterpersonalviolencehasbeenoneonone,orinfamilies.Nocaseswiththepotentialformassfatalities.”
“Thetimingiscertainlyfortuitous.”Nikita.
KalebwaitedforHenrytospeak.Hedid.AndconfirmedallofKaleb’ssuspicionsabouttheidentityoftheshadowypuppetmaster.
“Itmaybe,”theotherCouncilorsaid,“thattheaimoftheeventshasbeenrealized.Wearenow,afterall,offeringvoluntaryreconditioning.It’sastepintherightdirection—towardperfectSilence.”
Thedinnerpassedwithoutbloodshed.Mercywasn’tquitesurehow,butshehadafeelinghermotherhadagreatdealtodowithit.WhichwaswhysheleftLiatorideherdonRiley,Bas,Grey,andSagewhileshewentintothekitchentohelpherfatherputontheteaandcoffee.
“Sit,”shewastoldtheinstantsheentered.
Havingguessedthiswascoming,shepulledherselfupontothecounterandwatchedhimmoveabout.MichaelSmithwasabig,strongman.Amanawomancouldrelyon.
“So,”hesaid,“that’sthebestyoucoulddoforamate?”
Mercysnarledbeforeshecouldstopherself.Andaninstantlater,knewshe’dbeenhad.“Dad!”
“Aw,don’tbelikethat,babygirl.”Rufflingherhair,hetappedhercheek,asmilecurvingoverhislips.“IsupposeIshould’veknownyou’dneverdoanythingtheeasyway.”
Shemadeafaceathimandopenedthecookiejartotakeoutoneofthebiscottihermomalwayskeptinthere.Baslovedthethings.Therestofthemhadpickeduphisaddiction.Nibblingonthetreat,shesaid,“So?”
“Sowhat?”Heraisedonedarkredeyebrow.
“Doyoulikehim?”Itmattered,hisopinion,hermother’s.NotthatitwouldmakehergiveupRiley,butshewasapackanimal,andinsidethewallsofthishouse,withinthisfamily,MichaelandLiawerethealphacouple.Theyalwayswouldbe,evenifLucasandSaschacameoverfordinner.
Michaelglancedatherwithquieteyes.“Helooksatyouright.”
“Right?”
“Hmm.”Ateasingsmile.ItwasobviouswhereGreyhadinheritedhiswickedsenseofhumor.“Eatyourbiscotti.”
Knowingshe’dgetnothingmoreoutofhim,butherheartlighterattheconfirmationthatRileywouldbewelcomedintothefamily,shedidasordered.
RileystaredacrossatMercy’sbrothers,veryawarethatonlythesmall-bonedwomanonhisleftwaskeepingthemfromtryingtoplaytic-tac-toewithhisbloodybones.
“Grey,”Liasaid,puttingmoredessertontoRiley’splate,“whydon’tyouplaythesaxforus?”
Greylookedlikehe’dbeenaskedtostripnakedanddoalapdance.“OnlyifyoumakeRileysing.”
Asnickerwentaroundthetable.Liascowledanditimmediatelyquieted.Allatonce,RileycouldseeMercydoingthesameattheirowndinnertable.Theirchildrenwouldlikelybehellions,buthismatewouldkeeptheminline,noquestionaboutit.Hismate.Hisheartclenched.
Iwon’tbethesame.I’llbeless.
Howcouldhedothattoher?Andyet,howcouldhepossiblylethergo?
“Riley.”Fingertipsonhisarm.“Isupposeyoucan’tsinganote?”
Hesmiled.“Actually,Ican.”
Greylookedcrushed.ButitwasBastienwhospokenext.“Butcanyoutakecareofmysister?”
“Yoursistercantakecareofherself.”Nomatterhowmuchhewantedtodothejobforher.Thewolfwasalternatelyproudofherstrengthandfrustratedbyit.Perhapsitwouldbethatwaytheirentirelife.Or,perhaps,they’dfindamiddleground.“ButI’dwalkthroughfireforher.”
Liasqueezedhisforearm,andwhenhelookeddown,hesawablazinginnerstrengththattoldhimwhereMercyhadgottenhergrit.Reachingup,shepeckedhimonthecheek.“You’lldo,Riley.”CHAPTER47
ThingswereinanuproarinVenice.ThechairmanmadesuretotelltheothermembersoftheboardtogetthehelloutofDodgeandkeeptheirheadsdown.Helikedcontrol,buthewasnotraitor.Ashemadehisownescape,readytogoundertheknifeandassumeanidentityhe’dsetupyearsago,heconsideredtheeventsofthepasttwenty-fourhours
Somewouldconsidertheentirethingafailure.Heconsidereditafirststrike.ThePsywouldneveragainunderestimatetheHumanAlliance.Asabonus,iftheCouncilstucktoitsnormalmodeofoperations,Alliancepeoplewouldsoonbegintodie.Andthechairman’spointwouldbemadewithouthimhavingtosayaword—intheend,thePsywerekillers,monsters,andtheywouldcrushanyonewhodaredriseagainstthem.
Asforthechangelings,thechairmantrulyhadnodisagreementwiththem,buttheycouldn’tbeallowedtokeepgettingintheAlliance’sway.Tonightthey’dpaythepricefortheirinterference—let’sseehowtheylikedbeinghelplessforachange.
Raisinghishandalmostcompulsively,hetouchedthechipatthetopofhisspine,currentlycoveredbythestiffcollarofhissuitjacket.Itwasamodifiedversionofthechipswornbythesoldiers.ToobadBowenandhisteamhadhadthebetaversions—unlikethemenwho’dgoneafterCouncilorKrychek.Thechairmanfeltsadness,buthewasresolved.Thiswasawar.Andthosemenhaddiedinbattle.Theywereheroes.CHAPTER48
RileyknewMercywasuptosomething,butcouldn’tfigureoutwhat.Ashedroveherhome,hetriedtothinklikeacat.Hiscat.Itwasclosetoimpossible.Sheneverdidanythingpredictable.
“Doyouhavetoreturntothedentonight?”
Heshookhishead,hisbloodheating.“No.Iplannedtotalkmywayintoyourbed.”
“Talk?”
“Maybepush.”
Laughing,shefellsilentagain.Hedecidedtoletherbe,andbythetimehebroughtthecartoastopnearherplace,hethoughtshemightbeclosetoasleep.“Kittycat?”Hebrushedhisfingersdownhercheek,needingtotouchher,toreassurethewolfshewasstillthere,thatshehadn’tchosenthetiesofPackoverthoseofmating.
“Comeon,wolf,”shesaid,soundingnottheleastbitdrowsy,“I’vegotsomethingtoshowyou.”
Curious,hegotoutofthecarandwalkedalongsideherasshetookhimdeepintothenight-darkoftheforestshecalledhome.Itwaspeaceful,andperhaps,ifhissenseshadbeenhuman,quiet.Buthecouldhearthescurryingofforestcreaturesastheywentabouttheirbusiness,thewhistleofthewindthroughthetreetops,thesoundofhismate’sunboundhairslidingagainstherback.
Reachingout,heranahandoverthatshimmeringfire,enthralledalloveragain.“Whereareyoutakingme?”Notthatitmattered.Hisneedtosimplybewithherwassostrong,he’dwalkthroughtheforestforeverifthatwaswhatshewanted.
“You’llsee.”Smiling,shepickedupthepace.
Fifteenminuteslater,theyemergedintoagladescreenedbythemistofawaterfallheknewwouldshimmerwithrainbowsinsunlight.Butthemoonruledthenight,anditsraysreflectedoffthewatertocastasilveryglowoverthelushvegetation.Thingsglitteredtohisnightvision,fascinatingandwild,evenasultrafinedropletswhisperedoverhisskin.
Mercywalkedbehindhimashestoodsoakinginthebeauty.Notsayingaword,shewrappedherarmsaroundhiswaist,hercheekpressedtohim.Herealizedthenthatshe’dshownhimasecretplace,givenhimapresentwrappedintheintrinsicallygenerousnatureofherspirit.Hishearttightenedtothepointofpain,andthenthepainspreadoutinawaveofindescribablewarmth.
Closinghishandoverhers,hesaid,“Thankyou.”
Shenippedathim,butitwasplayful.Herpurrwassomethingelsealtogether.Fingersdancinguphisshirt,shetuggedatthebuttons.“Off.”
Hewasmorethanhappytooblige.Shepeeleditofffrombehindanddroppedittotheground,thensaid,“Everythingelse.”
Smilingatthecommand,hedecidedhehadnothingtolosebyobeying.Andeverythingtogain.Shedidn’tchangepositionevenwhenhewasnaked,hisskingleaminginthemoonlight.
Fingersrunningdownhisspine,skatinglower,thenbackup.Thistime,shespreadherhandsandstroked,petted,caresseduntilhefeltalightsweatbreakoutoverhisbody.Ashewaited,heldinplacebyherpleasure,shepressedakisstothepartofhisbackclosesttoher.“Ilikethewayyou’rebuilt,Riley.Allhardandsolidandbitable.”
Everydominantinstincthehadurgedhimtotakecontrol.Butsomethingelse,anothersetofinstincts,pulledhimback.Ifhismatewantedtoteasehimtoinsanity,thatwasherright.And,difficultasitwastorestrainhiswolf,helikedthis,likedknowinghismatefoundhimattractive.
Teethgrazingoverhisback.“Beautiful.”
“Comehere.”Ahuskyrequest.
“Notyet.”Butshestrokedherhandsuphisbodyandpressedherselftohim.Shewasstillcompletelydressed.
“Iwantskin.”
Handsglidingoverhisarms,testinghismuscles.“AndIwanttopetyou.”
Thewolfwasamasternegotiator.“Youcandoitasmuchasyouwantifyoutakeoffyourclothes.”
Softfemininelaughter.“It’lltortureyou.”
“Ilikebeingtorturedbyyou.”Damnifitwasn’tthetruth.“Mercy,kittycat.”
Clawsdiggingintohisskin.“I’mstillnotsureIlikethatnickname.”
“Tough.”Whendancingwithaleopardfemale,thetrick,he’drealized,wastogivealittle,butnevertoomuch.“You’llgetusedtoit.”
Thoseclawsdidn’trelease.“OrmaybeI’llpeeltheskinfromyourbones.”
Playing,hethoughtinwonder,hismatewasplayingwithhim.“Ididn’trealizeyoulikedtotalkdirtyinbed.”
Shelaughedthenandtheclawswereretracted,hisunbrokenfleshkissedoverbysoftfemininelips,flickedbyatonguehewantedtofeeloneverypartofhisbody.God,whenshe’dgonedownonhim…hisheadhadaboutexploded.Nowhiscocktwitched,eager.Shuddering,hefeltherdrawback,heardthesoftsusurrationofhersheddingherclothes…butnotherboots.
Hisentirebodyturnedintoonebigflame.
Heexpectedhertopressherselfupagainsthimagain,butshecamearoundtofacehiminstead.Groaning,heraisedahandtocupthelushheavinessofherbreast.“You’retheonewho’sbeauti—”Thewordendedinagrowlassheclosedherfingersaroundhiserectionandpumpedonce.“Mercy!”Hishandswereinherhair,andhismouthonhersbeforetheshoutended.
Shetastedlikefireandearth,trueandreal,strongandunique.Onhiscock,herhandwasabrand,andherealizedinthedimdepthsofhismindthathewasbeingtakeninaveryfeminineway.Sowhenshetoreawayherlipstorunthemdownhisneck—oh,God,thepleasureofit—hedidn’tforceherback.Instead,heangledhisnecksoshecouldcloseherlipsmoreeasilyoverhim…soshecouldcloseherteethmoreeasilyoverhim.
Thebiteshookhimtohistoes.Notwithpain—hehadsomanyendorphinsinhissystembynow,hedoubtedhe’dfeelanythinglessthanadeathblow—butwiththeheartbreakingpleasureofit.She’dmarkedhim,inaplacenoonecouldmiss.Itwasaclaiminganditsoothedhispredator’ssoulasnothingelsecould’vedone.
Perhapstherewouldbenoeasyanswertotheirmating,nosolutionthatwouldn’tteartheirheartstoshreds,buttheybelongedtoeachother.Nothingcouldchangethat.
“Youtastegood,Riley.”Asoftpurrofsoundagainsthispulseasshelavedhertongueoverthemarkshe’dmade.
Shuddering,hedecidedhe’dbeengoodquitelongenough.“Mercy.”Hetriedtopullherhandoffhiscock.
Shetightenedit.“YousaidIcouldpetyouaslongasIliked.”
“Didn’tsayIwouldn’ttrytofuckyouinthemiddleofthepetting.”
Hereyessnappeduptomeethis.“That’sfelinelogic.You’reawolf.”
“I’mlearningfromthebest.”Hecouldn’tgethertoletgoofhim,andtobehonest,hewasn’ttryingveryhard.Shewasahotgloveoverhisarousedflesh.“Iwantwetness,”hewhisperedinherear,nibblingonthelobe.
Shesqueezedhiscockinreactionandhealmostcame.Barelyabletostandupright,heswore.“Areyoutryingtomakemeaeunuch?”
Alaugh,aflushofairagainsthisskin.Strokesalonghiscock,slow,sure,possessive.“That’sonethingI’dneverdo—it’dbeacrimeagainstMercy.”Finally,afteronemoretortuouscaress,shereleasedhim,onlytostartslidingdownhisbody.
“No.”Hehaltedher,usinghissuperiorstrength.“It’smyturn.”Histurntolickandsuckandtasteandadore.Nippingathermouthwhenshegrowledsoftly,hecajoledherintoapronepositionontheground—thoughofcourse,hemadesurehewasonthebottom,withherlyingontopofhim.
Shekeptkissingthemarkshe’dmade,andeverytimeshedid,hefeltawaveofrawemotionpassthroughhim,aviolentmixoftenderness,possession,hunger,anddevotion.Desperatetoshowerthatdevotiononhismate,heurgedheruphisbody.“Higher,”hesaidwhenshestraddledhischest.
Hereyes,night-glowinthedarkness,shimmeredbrightgold.“Areyousure?”Andthenshestrokedherfingersdown,throughherowncurls,andletoutagasp.
Havinglostthepowerofspeech,hejustwatchedashiscatroseuponherkneesandshowedhimslick,femininefingersslidingthroughfoldshismouthwateredtotaste.Buthecouldn’tstopthis.Itwasthemosteroticsighthe’deverseen.Itwasalso,herealizedinaprimitivecornerofhisbrain,anactoftrust.Mercywasmakingnoefforttokeepaneyeoutfordanger,leavingthetaskuptohim.
Shewas,heunderstoodwithatwistinginhisheart,lettinghimtakecareofherinherownway.
Theywerelearningeachother.Findingamiddleground.God,headoredher.
Andthenhestoppedthinking.Asubconsciouspartofhismind,apartthatneverreallyturnedoffindominantchangelingmales,stayedwatchful,alertforanythingthatmightharmhismate,whiletherestofhimsimplygloriedinthebeautyandsensualdelightofher.Theglideofherfingersthroughfleshdampwithheat,withneed,itpushedhimonestepclosertoinsanity.
“Mercy,”hesaidwhenhecouldn’ttakeitanylonger,notknowingifhewassayinghernameoraskingforleniency.Grippingherwaisttight,hepulledherupandtookoverthetaskofpleasuringherwithhismouth.Therewaslittlepatienceinhimtonight,butsheseemedperfectlyhappywithhisroughstrokes,thegrazesofhisteeth,therelentlessdemandofhiskiss.
Shecameonhistonguethefirsttime,hotandwild.Andwhenheshiftedherlimpformbackdownhisbody,coaxingherintosittingupenoughtotakehiminside,shewasascaldingsilkenglove,onemadeforhimalone.Hedidn’tlastlong.
Thelastthingherememberedwashiscatlickingoverthemarkshe’dmade.CHAPTER49
TheGhostpreferredtomeethisfellowrebelsinpersonsohecouldgaugetheirvoices,theirbodylanguage.Hetrustednoone.ButJuddLaurenandXavierPerezhadbeenwithhimlongenoughthathedidn’texpectthemtobetrayhim.Thatinitselfwasaconcessionhe’dneverthoughthe’dmake.
Lookingdownattheuntraceablecellphoneinhishand,heconsideredwhichoneofthemtocall.Xavierwashuman,JuddaPsydefector.Xavierhadlivedwithemotionhiswholelife.Juddhadonlyjustbegun.
Perhapsthistime,themanwho’dknownSilence,andnowknewsomethingelse,wouldbethebetterchoice.Codinginthenumberashestoodinadesolatelocationnoonewouldevertracetohisrealidentity,hecalledJudd.
Theothermanpickedupafterfiverings.Hehadtohavebeenasleepbuthisvoicewasclearwhenhesaid,“Didn’texpecttohearfromyoutoday.GuessingtheNet’sinanuproar.”
TheGhostthoughtabouthisnextwords.“Towhatareyoureferring?”
“Stilldon’ttrustme?”Therewasnorancorinthecomment.“Councilorsarebeingtargetedforassassination.”
“Itwasn’tlimitedtoCouncilors,”hetoldtheotherman.“Severalhigh-rankingpeopleinthesubstructurearedead.”
“But,”JuddsaidinawaythatremindedtheGhosthe’doncebeenanArrow,anassassin,“it’snotthecatastropheitcould’vebeen.So,whatdoyouneed?”
“Theanswertoaquestion.”Helaidoutthefactsdealingwiththeofferofvoluntaryrehabilitation.“DoIhaveanyrighttostandinthewayofthosewhowanttostrengthentheirconditioning?I’veneverbeenconcernedwithdestroyingSilenceitself.”Hisgoalsweredeeper,older.Hewantedtocutouttherot,excisethesicknessthatthreatenedtodestroyhispeoplealloveragain…whiletheirCouncilwatched,complicitintheirdeaths.“ButtheProtocolisaweapontheCouncilusestokeepthepopulaceinline.”
Juddtookalongtimetoanswer.“There’sadifferencebetweenmakingafreechoice,andmakingachoicebecauseyou’reafraidofchange.NooneknowswhattheNetwillbelikewithemotion—”
“Weknow,”theGhostsaid.“BeforeSilence,ourracewasonthevergeofextinction.”Violenceandinsanityhadrunrampant,savagingthePsyNetfromwithin.
“Yes,exactly—beforeSilence.TheProtocol’schangedus,changedtheNet.I’malivetodaybecauseofwhatIlearnedfromtheconditioningprocess.Wewon’tgobacktowhatwewere.”
TheGhostconsideredthisnewavenueofthought,realizedJuddwasright.Therecouldbenocomparisonbetweenpastandpresent—thefuturewasatrueunknown.“Theweakoneswon’tsurvivewithoutSilence.”They’dbreakundertheweightoftheirgifts.
“No,”Juddagreed.“Letthemgo.Wecan’tmakethechoiceforthem—wecanonlyshowthemthatmaybe,theycanfindanotherway.Emotionisapowerfultool.”
Longaftertheconversationwasover,theGhoststoodinthedesolationofhislonelylocationandconsideredJudd’swords.Emotion…No,hethought.Thatwasapathhecouldn’ttake.Notyet.Perhapsnotever.
BecauseiftheGhostlostcontrol,theNetwouldtrulyshatter.CHAPTER50
MercyhadintendedtospendthemorningdiscussingtheiruntenablesituationwithRileyinthehopesoffindingsomekindofan“out,”buthegotrousedfrombedthreehoursbeforedawn.“What?”shesaid,barelyliftingherlidsasheansweredhiscellphone.
Hisclawsshotout.Realizingsomethingwasverywrong,shesatupandputahandonhislowerbackashefinishedthecall.
Hiseyeswerewolfwhenheglancedather.“Threeyoungmenfromthepackdidn’tcomehomelastnight.”
Fullyawarehowwildtheyoungonescouldbe,Mercyknewtherehadtobesomethingmore.“Noquestionit’sfoulplay?”
Anodashegotupandbegantodress.“Hawkecalledallthreeontheircells—thoseboysareovertwentyandintraining.Nomatterwhattheywereupto,they’danswer.”
Mercypulledonherownclothes.“We’llmobilizeourresources,helpyoulookforthem.Lastknownlocation?”
“Aclubinthecity.It’s—”HisheadjerkedtoMercy’sphoneasittrilledanemergencycode.
Grabbingit,Mercyanswered.“Vaughn,whatisit?”
“Gettothecity.We’remissingNicki,Cory,Mia,andI’msorry,Merce,butGrey’smissing,too.Theywentouttodinner,nevercamehome.”
Grey.Ifsomeonehadhurthersneaky,funny,youngestbrother…Stomachtightwitharawmixoffearandrage,shehadtostruggletofindthebreathtotellVaughnabouttheSnowDancerkids.Heswore.“Startdriving.Indigowasalreadydownhereforanightshift—I’llcoordinatewithhersoeveryonegoesoutinteamsofoneleopard,onewolf.”
Hangingup,MercytoldRileywhathadhappened.HervoicebrokewhenshegottoGrey’sname.
Rileygaveheracrushinglytighthug.“We’llfindthem.Yourbrotherstruckmeassomeonewhoknowshowtotakecareofhimselfandthosearoundhim.”
Shenodded.“He’stough.Hefoolseveryonewiththatmusicalgeniusfacade,buthecanputSageandBasinthedirtwhenhe’sinthemood.”Findingcomfortinthat,shedrewaway.“Let’sgo.”
Rileylookedather.“How’reyourhands?”
Startled,sheheldthemout.“Rocksteady.Why?”
“BecauseIthinkthissituationcallsforyourstyleofdriving.”
Mercyputherfootontheacceleratorandmadeittothecityinhalftheusualtime.They’dgotamessagetoconvergeatUnionSquare,wheresearchgridswerebeingassigned,soshedouble-parkedandtheyrantothespot.
“AnyonethinktocheckonBowen’sgroup?”sheaskedVaughn.Herleopardhadn’tsenseddeceitinBowen.Power,yes.Adeterminationthatcouldmakeamandomanythings,yes.Butnotdeceit.However,theleopardwasn’tinfallible.
Herfellowsentinelnodded.“They’reclean—they’rehelpinguslookforthemissingintheirsectionofthecity.Stupidnottouseacrackteamwhenwe’vegotthemsittingthere.”
MercyglancedatRileytoseehowhewastakingthis.Heraisedaneyebrow.“Iguesstheenemyofmyenemyismyfriend.”Quiettone,butthewolfwasinhiseyes—sheknewtheangerwasdirectedatthebastardswho’ddaredharmthoseundertheircare.
Feelingthatsamesenseofviolation,sheslidherhandintohisbeforereturningherattentiontoVaughn.“Areyousurethemissingarestillinthecity?”
“No,”thejaguarsaid,makingherstomachsink.“Dorian’sworkingairportandhighwaysurveillance;SnowDancer’scheckingsatellitefootage;Faith’srunningtelepathicscans.We’llleavenostoneunturned,Mercy.”
Sheswallowed,nodded.“Whatdoyouneedfromus?”
“WewantyoutwovisitingallknownAlliancesites.I’vealreadysentpeoplethroughbutyouknowtheirmovementsbetterthananyoneelse.”
“WhatmakesyouthinkthisisconnectedtotheAlliance?”Rileyasked.
Vaughnshovedahandthroughhisunboundhair.“OneoftheRatswaspartyingAboveandhe’salmostcertainhesawGreygetintoavanwithahuman.ButtheRatwasmorethanalittletipsy,soI’mcoveringallourotherbases,too—SaschaevenwokeupNikitatoaskifthiswasaPsyop.Nikitasaysno.”
“She’snotexactlytrustworthy,”Mercymuttered,“butthishasthesmelloftheAlliance.Psyteamsdon’tliketoattractattention.”
Rileynoddedinagreementastheyheadedoff,decidingtotakethecarsincetheyhadalotofgroundtocoverandotherswerealreadyworkingthestreets.TheycameupblankattheEmbarcaderowarehouse,andintheTenderloin,thoughtheygotoutandtraversedtheentiresuspectsectiononfoot.Allotherknownsitesyieldedthesameresult.
PanicthreatenedtotwistMercy’sheartintoaknot.Itwasallshecoulddotokeepittogether.“Whereelse?!Goddamnit!”
Sweatingdespitethecoldairastheystoodbesidethecar,Rileytriedtothink.Thatwashisstrengthwhenitcametochaoticsituations.Rightnow,thematingdancewasplayinghavocwithhismind,butwithMercybesidehim—evenadistraughtMercy—hefoundameasureofcontrol.“Let’sgobacktothebasicfacts,”hesaid.“OurgridcoverstheAlliance.SoweworkontheassumptionthattheAlliancedidthis.Noifs,nobuts.”
Shenodded,eyesfulloffire.
“Then,thenextquestionbecomes—whywouldtheAlliancetaketheminthefirstplace?”hesaid.“It’sverydeliberate—threeSnowDancersandfourleopards.”
“Eitheradeclarationofwar,”Mercymuttered,kickingatatire,“orabigfat‘fuck-you.’”
Heconsideredthat.
“Riley,thekillings—therehavebeentwoconfirmedcasesinTahoe.Whatif—?”
“Damn.”Hereachedouttobrushsweat-dampstrandsofredoffherface.“Iforgottotellyouinthemessyesterday—oneofthecommtechsforwardedmeabulletin.Seemsthetwovictimswerelovers.Enforcement’schargedthehusband.”
ThesheerbanalityofthecrimesseemedtoshockMercyoutofherburgeoningpanic.“Oh.”Aquicknod,ajerkybreath.“Okay,okay.”Sheshovedherhandsthroughherhairandhecouldalmostseeherpullinghersentinelskinaroundherself.
“Ifwecan’tanswerthewhy,let’strythehow.”Sheplacedahandagainstthehood.“Icanseehowyourthreeboysmight’vebeentaken—prettygirldistractsthem,anotherspikestheirdrinks,thenthegirls‘helpfully’leadthemout.Everyonethinksthey’redrunkboyfriends,nothingsinister.Butourkidswereouthavingdinner,notinaclub.”
Rileynodded.“Ifitwasme,andIhadtogetfoursoberpeopletodowhatIwanted,I’dgrabonewhileheorshewasseparatedfromthegroup,thenforcetheotherstofollowbythreateningtheoneIhad.”
“Thethingis,youknowabouthowloyalweare—wouldtheAlliance?”
“They’veproventobesmart.Theystudytheenemybeforestriking.”
“Soyourscenarioisapossibility.”Mercy’sclawswereout,thoughshedidn’tseemtorealizeit.“Butunlesstherewerealotofattackers,it’dbehardtocontrolthatmanychangelings,especiallyonceyouhadtheminavanortruck.”
“Unlessyouusethethreatofdeathagainstonetoforcetheotherstobehave”—hisbrainmadeacognitiveleap—“ortodosethemselveswithatranquilizer.”Everysinglecapturedchangelingwould’vetriedtofindanescapehatch,butifsomeonewasholdingaguntotheheadofafriend,theywouldn’thavedaredriskanactionthatdidn’tpromiseahundredpercentchanceofsuccess.Packmatesdidnotsacrificeonetosavemany.ThePsycalledthataweakness.Rileythoughtittheirgreateststrength.“Butevenifthey’reallknockedout,whatthen?”
“Exactly.”Mercybegantopaceupanddownthestreet,bothofthemdeliberatelyignoringthefactthatthetranqdosesintheirscenariocould’vebeenfatal.“Ifit’samessage,weneedtoreceiveit.Otherwise,wedon’tknowwhodidit,andtheydon’tgetcredit.AndtheAlliancelikestomakeasplash.”
“Weneedtofactorinanotherthing—thekidnappersneedtimetogetawayafterdeliveringthemessage.”Thewolfinhimsawahintofpossibility.“Weneedtobesearchingisolatedplaceswherethemissingwouldn’timmediatelybefound,butwheretheywouldn’tnotbefoundinareasonableamountoftime.”
Mercyapparentlylocatedahairtieinherpocketbecauseshebegantopulltheflowingstrandsofherhairintoamessyponytail.“They’renottotallyfamiliarwiththiscity,sotheywon’tgofarfromtheir‘circle’ofmovement.”
“Weneedtodumbthesearchdown.”Rileystraightened,seeingthetruth.“We’vebeensearchinginplacestheyprobablyhavenocluehowtoevenfind.”
Mercy’seyesturnednight-glow.“TherewerereportsofpossibleAlliancemovementsinthestreetsleadinguptothePalaceofFineArts.Itfits.It’snotsoisolatedthatthemissingwouldn’tbefound,butit’sisolatedenoughthatlikelynoonewillpassthroughitatthistimeofthemorning.”Theclockhadjusttickedoverfivethirty.
Theywerealreadymovingasshefinishedspeaking.AdoptingMercy’shell-on-wheelsdrivingtechnique,RileyhadthemonthePalacegroundsfiveminuteslater
Magnificentindaylight,thehugepillarsthatcurvedoutfromtherotundawereominousindarkness.Mercydeliberatelyavoidedlookingattheglassysurfaceofthelaketoherright.Nogoingthereuntilnecessary.
Usinghernightvisiontonegotiatearoundthepillars,shekeptherbodylowtotheground,tryingtopickupascent.Whatshefoundinsteadwasajaggedclawmarkinthegrass.“Riley.”Thishadbeenmadebyawolf.
Hewasbesideherinasecond.“Scent’sdissipated,butit’sfresh.”
Theyallbutcrawledontheground,alerttoanyotherhintthatthemarkmight’vebeenmadebyoneoftheirlostpackmates.Rileyfoundthenextbreadcrumb—anearringwithdanglingglassbeads.
Mercy’sheartjumpedintoherthroat.“Mia.She’slearningtoworkwithglass—she’ssocrazy-proudofthoseearrings,she’dneverhavedroppedoneaccidentally.Notifshewasconscious.”
Afewfeetlater,shesawaworn,handmadebutton.“Grey.”Helovedthatblueshirtdespitethefactitwasallbutthreadbare.Sagehadmadethebuttonsinoneofhisfitsofcreativity,andtheirmotherhadcutoutandsewntheshirtitself.“Theyleftusatrail.Maybetheyweren’tknockedout.”
“Orthedrugbegantowearoff.”
Itwastemptingtospeedthingsupnowthattheyknewthemissinghadcomethroughhere,buttheystucktothetrail.Thiswasalargearea—bettertobealittleslowthanmissthemaltogether.Itwasaswellthattheyfoughttheinstincttochaseblindly…becausefourminuteslater,theyfoundboththecatsandthewolves.Allwereproppedaroundapillarshadedbyovergrowngreenery,andsodeepinshadowMercyandRileycould’veeasilypassedthemby.Allsevenhadalsobeendousedinalightperfumethatwould’veplayedhavocwithchangelingnoses.
Theyappeareddead.
“No.”Droppingtoherknees,Mercybegantocheckpulses.Herreliefwhenshefeltthefirstsluggishbeatthreatenedtostopherownheart.“Alive,allofthem.”Herhandlingeredonherbrother’sface.“God,Iloveyou,brat.”
RileyrelayedtheirfindbyphoneandbothTamsynandLara,theSnowDancerhealer,arrivedwhatfeltlikesecondslater.Allsevenyoungmenandwomenwereonthewaytothehospitalwithinaspanofminutes.Lucasrodewiththehealers,whileHawkeremainedbehindtoseeiftheycouldgetanythingmorefromthescene.
MercyhadbeenplanningtogowithGreybutdecidedtostayatthePalacewhenherparentscalledtosaytheywerealmostatthehospital.Shewantedtofindthebastardswho’ddaredthis.ReturningtoRiley’ssideaftertheothershadleft,shefoundhimtalkingtoHawke.
“Themessagespinnedtotheirchestswereallthesame,”Rileywassaying.“‘StayoutofAlliancebusiness,ornexttime,theywon’tbebreathing.’”
“Niceofthemtoleaveacallingcard,”Hawkesaid,clearlyfurious.“WesureitwastheAlliance?”
“Techsarestillworkingonit,butinitialwordistheprintsonthenotesmatchthosewefoundatthewarehouse.”
Hawkeshookhishead.“Everythingpointstoapowerplay,butthetimingmakesmethinksomethingbig’shappeningsoonandtheywantusdistracted.”
“Couldbeboth,”Rileymurmured,hisbeautifulhairturningbronzeinthequietdawnlight.“Averydeliberatedemonstrationofpower,andasmokescreen.”
“TheyfailedwiththeassassinationattemptsontheCouncilors,”Mercysaid.“WhichleavesBowenandhisgroupasthemostlikelytargets.”
Rileywasthinkingalongthesamelines.“Weneedtowarnthem.”
“Andgetthebombsquadoutthere.”Mercypulledouthercellphone.
“Afteryoudothat,”Hawkesaid,“IneedbothofyoutoheaduptotheGlade.”
RileyfeltMercybristle.“You’renotmyalpha.”
“Technicality,”Hawkesaidwithhiscustomaryarrogance.“It’sforthemeetingwithWindHaven.”
Rileydecidedhe’dhavetopunchHawke—severaltimes—whenMercyturnedtohimaftertheothermanlefttotalktosomeoneelse,andbitout,“Idon’tcarewhatwehavetodo,I’mnotleavingmypackevenifwemate.”
“Evenif?”Hegrabbedherarm,pulledhertowardhim.“Youarenotdoingthistome.We’reasgoodasmated.”Ifshetookbackeverythingthathadhappenedbetweenthem,ifshesaidithadn’tmattered,itwouldfuckingbreakhim.
“I’mstillnotawolf.”Abaringofteeth.Then,tohissurprise,shekissedhimwithallthefirestormintensityofhernature.“AndI’llnevercallthatassholemyalpha.”
Rileydidn’tevenconsiderdefendingHawke.“TherehastobesomewaytoleaveyouconnectedtoDarkRiver.”
“Ican’tthinkhow.”Shesoundedfrustrated,angry,attheendofherrope.“IfIlosethat…ifthebloodbondsnaps…God,Riley,whatwillIdo?”
Heclosedhisarmsaroundher,understandingexactlyhowshefelt.Beingalieutenantwasn’taposition,itwaspartofwhohewas.“Mercy,I—”Whatthehellcouldhesay?Therewasnowaytofixthis.Oneofthemwouldhavetheirbloodbondtotheiralphabroken.Andifitwastiedtodominance,asitmostlikelywas,thentherewasahighchanceitwouldbeMercy.“IwishIcouldfixitsoI’dbetheonewho’dhavetoleavemypack.”
Herbodytensed.“You’dhategivingupyourbloodlinktoSnowDancer.”
“NotasmuchasIhatebeinghelplesswhileyou’rehurting.”Heheldhertight.Hewashermate,herprotector.Andyetheknewthatiftheybecameone,he’dhurtherasnoonehadeverbeforehurther.Thatwasunacceptable.
“Maybewecanmanipulatethedominancesomehow,”hesaid,seeingpossibilities,“fixitsoit’smewhoshiftspacks.”Itwouldripoutamassivechunkofhisheart,butifitwastheonlywaytoprotecthismate,he’ddoitahundredtimesover.“Dominanceisfluid,capableofchange.Allwehavetodoisfindtherighttrigger.”
“Riley—”
“Shh.Justletmeholdyou.Justforasecond.”
Shesoftenedinhisarms,showingacouragehewasn’tsureevenhepossessed.“Kittycat,we’llfigureoutaway.”BecauseheneverwantedMercytofeelless,feelbroken.He’dsavagehimselfbeforehe’dallowthat.CHAPTER51
TheInformationMerchantwasdead.Buthiscomputersweren’t.Theyranwithquicksilverefficiency.Andwhenthefinalcheck-indeadlinepassedwithnocontactfromtheirmaster,thecomputersshiftedoperations.
TheInformationMerchanthadbeenanhonestmanasfarasspieswent.He’dfoundinformationandhe’dhandeditoverfortheagreedprice.He’dneverheldanyonetoransom,neverusedwhathe’ddiscoveredforblackmail.Itwasbadforbusiness.
However,heknewthatnoteveryonewaslikehim.Sohe’dmadecontingencyplans—hesawnoreasontomaintainthefaithwithanyonewhowouldkillhim.Fivesecondsafterthefinaldeadline,hiscomputerssentcomprehensivedetailsofhislastemployer—theHumanAlliance—theinformationhe’dfound,andtheplansofhisassociatestotheCouncil.
Butthecomputersdidn’tstopthere.TheMerchanthaddecidedtoleaveamarkontheworld.Asecondsetofdata,thisonelimitedtothedetailsoftheotherplanshe’dmanagedtounearth,wassenttomediastationsintheaffectedareas,theinformationroutedthroughserversaroundtheworldtoconfusethetrail.
Onlyafterthosetaskswerecompletedidthecomputersbeginthetotalerasureoftheirfiles.Tenminuteslater,theInformationMerchanttrulywasdead.CHAPTER52
MercywasinthecaronthewaytotheisolatedwarehousethatBowenandhispeoplewerecurrentlyevacuating,whenherphonerang.“Sage?Whatisit?IsGrey—”
“It’snotSage,”saidanunfamiliarfemalevoice.“It’sClara,fromCTX.I’musingSage’sofficeline.Iknewhe’dhaveyournumberasaquickcode—”
“Slowdown,kitten,”Mercysaidoverthegirl’srapidspeed.Clara,sherecalled,wasahumanintern.Averyyoungone.“Whatdoyouneedmefor?”
“Ane-faxcamethroughaminuteagoandIcan’tfindanyone—”Apause,thesoundofairbeinggulped.“Sorry.I’mjustfreaked.ThereareprobablypeopleherebutIthoughtyoushouldknow—thefaxsaysthere’sgoingtobeabombgoingoffinthecityinhalfanhour.Exactly7:32a.m.”
Mercysatup.“Details?”
WhenClarareadthemoff,Mercyblewoutabreath.“Anythingelse?”
“ItsaystheHumanAllianceisbehindthisandotherfatalattacksaroundtheworld,andasksforaboycottoftheirbusinessesinprotest.ShallIsendthefaxtoyourphone?”
“Yes.”SheshotittobothHawkeandLucasassoonasitlandedinherin-box.“And,Clara—goodcall.”
Hangingupontherelievedgirl,sheturnedtoRiley.“Floorit.Wehaveadeadline.”
Rileydidasasked,andtheymadeittoBowen’sgroupinplentyoftime.WarnedbyMercy,theteamhadclearedoutwithmilitaryprecision.ThoughBowenwaspissed.
“Howthefuckdidtheygetabombinside?”Near-blackeyesnarrowed.“Ithadtobeoneofus,someonetheyturned.”
ThetinyEurasianwomanbesidehimfrowned.“Wecan’tknowthat.”
“WherethehellisClaudethen?Ihaven’tseenhimfortwenty-fourhours.”
MercyleftthemarguinginlowvoicesandheadedovertorejoinRiley.“Chanceofcollateraldamage?”sheasked,lookingaroundintheunexpectedlycloudymorninglight.Atleastthefogwasmanageable,barelylickingattheirankles.
Rileyshookhishead.“None.Otherwarehousesareempty.Bowenandhisteamsweptthemforvagrantsontheirwayout,andIdidasecondsweep.”
“Good.”Sherubbedherforehead.“Bombsquad’ssettingupnow—theymightbeabletofindanddisarmthedeviceusingoneoftheirbots.”
Glancingaroundtoensurethateveryonewasoutofthedangerzone,henudgedhertofollow.“Weneedtocleartheperimeter.”
Astheywalked,Mercycouldsensehiswolfclawingatthesurfaceofhisskin.Herleopardwasn’tmuchbetter.Butsheknewitwasworseforhim.Itwasjustthewaynatureworked—thematingdancecouldpushapredatorychangelingmaleclosetoinsanity.Rileywasholdingittogether.Forher.
Andforawolfchangelingofhispossessive,intenselyprotectivenaturetofighttheinstinctsofhisbeast…ithadtobeatripthroughhellitself.
IwishIcouldfixitsoI’dbetheonewho’dhavetoleavemypack.
Ithadbeennofalsepromise.Sheknewhe’ddoitifitwasinanywaypossible.Rileywouldgiveupeverythingtokeepherfrombeinghurt.
He’sgotaheartasbigasTexas—he’lldieforyouwithoutblinking.Buthedoesn’texpectanyonetodothesameforhim.
Maybe,shethought,herownheartexpandingpastallfear,allworry,itwastimeRileylearnedwhatitwastobematedtoaleopard.Thatleopardwasfinallyreadytotakealeapinthedark,trustinghe’dcatchherontheotherside.Andforher,itwasverymuchaconsciousdecision—shewastoostrong,tooindependent,tofallintothisbychance.
Sheslidherhandintohis,twiningtheirfingerstogether.Leopardandwomanwerebothinagreement—thisman,thiswolf,hewasstrong,hewassmart,andhewaswillingtofightforhismate,nomatterthecosttohimself.Theleopardcoulddonoless.
Rileyshotherasmilethatwasthemerestcurveofhislips.“Theregoesmymachoimage.”Buthishandtightenedaroundhers.Masculineheat,callusedpalm,thetouchofamanwho’dneverletgo.
Hersoulgrewpainfulwithneed,withanemotionunlikeanythingshe’deverbeforefelt.“Ihavesomethingforyou.”
Hetuggedherovertheperimeterline—giventhesizeoftheexplosivesmentionedinthee-fax,aswellasthosefoundinNikita’sbuilding,theblastwouldn’tmakeitevenhalfwaytothisdistance.Butnouseinbeingstupid—theyintendedtowaitbehindadeflectivewallsetupbythebombsquad.AndRileydidn’tstopuntiltheywereontheothersideofthatwall.“Yeah?What?Isitshiny?”
Hercatwantedtoteasehimback,butsomeoneinterruptedbeforeshecouldsayanything.ItwasIndigo.“I’vegoteveryoneelsemoving,”thelieutenanttoldthem.“Youtwogoingtostayhere?”
Attheirnods,shecontinued.“Firecrewsarewaitingonestreetoverlikeweagreed.Soonasanythinggoes,they’llhaulass.”
“Good.”Mercyglancedatherwatch,holdingontoherimpatiencewithherteeth.“Thetipsaiditwassettoblowinabouttenminutes.”
TheybothwaiteduntilIndigohadjoggedawaybeforeresumingtheirconversation.“So,”Rileyasked,“whathaveyougotforme?”
Takinghishand,sheplaceditpalm-downoverherheart.Itwouldhurtlikeabitch,shethought,buthewasherstoprotectasmuchasshewashis.“Me.”Andsheopeneduphersoul,laidherselfbare.
Thematingbondshovedthroughherbodylikewhitelightning,hotandwildandright.Incredibly,wonderfullyright.Hisenergywasdifferentfromhers—wolf,notleopard—butitlaceditselfwithherownuntiltheircombinedstrengthwasfargreaterthaneitherwould’veeverbeenalone.“Wow.”
Heblinked,swayingonhisfeet.“Damn.”
Shegrippedhischesttokeephimupright,adifficultfeatsinceshewasfeelingintoxicatedherself.Theybothalmostfellover,laughed,andthentheywerekissing.Thephysicalconnectionbetweenthemhadneverbeeninanydoubt,butthematingbondaddedanewresonancetoit,untilshecouldfeelhistouchineverycellofherbody.“Mmm,Ilike.”
RileyheardMercy’swordsbutcouldn’trespond,hiswolfstillstunnedfromtheimpactofabondhe’dalwaysknownabout,butnevertrulyunderstood.Thiswasn’tanythinglikehe’dimagined—itwasmore,itwasbetter,itwas…damnfuckingamazing.SweepinghistongueintoMercy’smouth,hegroaned.
Sometimelater,heraisedhishead.“Thatbuilding’ssupposedtoexplodesoon.”
“Hmm.”Dreamyeyeslookingintohis.“Whocares.”
Rileyfeltlikeagreeing.“We’redrunk.”Hedidn’tdareapproachthesubjectofhersentinelbond.HecouldfeelhisownbloodbondtoHawkestrongandsure,whichmeanthispreciousMercyhadlostachunkofherheart.He’dmakeituptoher,hevowed,lovehersodeepandtruethatitwouldburythepainofthatdevastatingloss.
However,rightthen,shelookedsocontent,hedidn’twanttobreakthemoment,didn’twanttodestroytheirmingledjoy.Hismate,hismatehadgivenherselftohim.Itwasmorethanhe’deverexpectedfromthiswild,independentleopardheadored.Strokingahandoverherhair,heheldthebeautyofthemomenttighttohisheart,asecrettreasurenoonecouldevertakefromhim.Mercy’sgift.“Ithink,”hesaidthroughthethicknessofemotion,“thisisbetterthanbeingdrunk.”
“Yep.”Shedroppedherheadtohischestandrubbedherfaceagainsthim.Heknewwhatshewasdoing—rollinginhisscent.Hewantedtodothesame.Preferablywithheralllong,lean,andnakedbelowhim.
Theystoodthereforseveralminutes,gettingthemselvesundersomesortofcontrol.Atlonglast,Mercyglancedatherwatch.“Oneminutetotimeofdetonationifthetipwaslegit.”
“Ihopeitwasn’t.”Becauseifitwas,thenthingsweregoingtogetugly.
“Yeah.”
“Idon’tknowaboutinternalAlliancepolitics,”Rileysaid,“butIdon’tlikethewaytheyuseuptheirpeoplelikethey’renothing.”
Mercynodded.“Andiftheykill—Oh,myGod!”
Rileyfollowedhergazeskywardtoseesomethingplummetinginwhatlookedlikeanuncontrolleddive.Itwastoobigtobeanormalbird.“Hell.”Helookedaroundforsomethingtocushiontheblow,buttheentireareawasold-fashionedconcreteandwood.“Flareyourwings,”hesaidtothefallingbirdbetweengrittedteeth.“Slowit.”
“Comeon,comeon.”Mercyroseontiptoe,asifshecouldreachupandcatchtheotherchangeling.
Threesecondsbeforeimpact,itwasasifthefallingoneheardthem.Hiswingsspread,thoughonelookedstrange…broken,Rileyrealized.Itslowedhisdescentfromkillingtocrippling.Thechangelingalsomanagedtoshifthistrajectorysoheslammedintoapileofoldwoodinsteadoftheconcrete,buthecamedownhard,afalconinfullanimalform.
Theywerebothrunningbeforehehit,headingbacktowardthebuilding.Rileyhatedthathismatewasgoingintodanger,buthiswolfrespectedherstrength.Thiswaswhoshewas,andshewasperfect.Thefalconlayasifdead,butwhenMercyputherhandonitsbody,shenodded.“Alive.”
Rileygaugedthebird’sweight.“Bigsonofabitch.”Carryinghiminanimalformwouldbeawkward,butifhewasthisbigasabird,hewaslikelybiggerasahuman.Birdchangelingsdidseriouslyweirdthingswiththeirweightwhentheyshifted,butingeneral,theiranimalformwassmaller.Intheend,ittookbothofthem.
Heslidhishandsunderthefalcon’sbackhalf,whileMercytookthefront.“Ready?”
“Go.”Theyheadedawayfromthescene,knowingtheyonlyhadseconds.
Buttheydidn’tevenhavethat.Theysmelledtheignitionatthesamemoment.RileylookedatMercy.“Shift!”Theiranimalbodieswerelowertotheground,wouldtaketheimpactbetter.
Layingdowntheirburdenevenastheyshifted,theycoveredtheinjuredchangelingwiththeiranimalformsastheworldturnedtofirearoundthem.
Thewolf’showlliftedabovethecity,mournful,sad,sodesperatelysadthateveryonewhohearditfelttheirhearttrembleinechoedgrief.RunningfromthePalaceofFineArtsataspeedthatmadethehumansinhiswaygaspandwonderifthey’dreallyseenwhattheythoughttheyhad,Hawkefollowedthesoundtoapatchofconcretenotfarfromacollapsedbuilding.Dustandsmokecloggedtheair,buthedidn’tneedtoseetofindthem.
Alargegraywolfstoodinfrontofanunconsciousleopard.Thewolfwaslickingathermuzzle,pattingherfacewithhispaw,tryingtonudgehertowakefulness.Buttheleopardlaystill,sostillthatitwasalmostasifshewasn’tbreathing.
Afalconlayalittletotheleft.Itwasalive.Goodenough.Hawketurnedbacktothosewhowerehisownandkneltdownbesidethem.Thewolfdidn’tturntolookathim,allitsattentionfocusedonthefallenleopard.WhenHawkewenttochecktheleopardforinjuries,hemovedslowly,ensuringthewolfknewhedidn’tintendtodoharm.Evenso,thewolfstoodreadytostrike,thoseambereyeswatchingHawke’severymove.
ThatwaswhenHawkenoticedthewolf’sleftbacklegwasbroken.Hedidn’ttellthemaletosit.Instead,hefocusedonfindingtheleopard’sinjuries.Themostdangerousonewasobvioustheinstanthelookedatthedownedfeline’sside.Amassivegashsplittheblackandgoldofhersoot-coveredfur,probablycausedbyflyingdebris.
HawkesworeandpulledoffhisT-shirttostopthebloodflow.Hecould’vehelpedthewolf,butsharingstrengthwithaleopardwasbeyondhisabilities.Itagitatedthealphawolfinsidehim—thisleopard,thiswoman,wasPack.Hehadtohelpher.“Holdon,Mercy,”hemurmured,shovingahandintohispockettoclosearoundhiscellphone.
Itprovedunnecessary.
Lucasranoutofthesmokyhazethatveryinstant,followedbyTamsyn.BehindTammyandLuc,hesawtwootherfalconslandandshift.Innormalcircumstances,they’dbedeadforhavinginvadedanotherpredator’sterritory,butHawkeknewthey’dlikelybeencominginearlyforthemeetingattheGlade.
“Larahadtostayatthehospital,”Tammysaidinaquick-firereport.“Oneofyouryoungmenishavingabadreactiontothetranquilizertheyused.”Aglanceatthewolfwhostoodinsilentwatch.“CanyoutakecareofRiley?”
“Hewon’tletme,”Hawkeinformedher.“NotuntilMercy’sokay.”
“Men,”Tamsynmutteredbutshewasalreadyremovinghiswadded-upT-shirtandcheckingthewound.“It’sbad,butshe’safighter.Comeon,Merce.”Puttingherhandsoverthewound,sheclosedhereyes.
Hawkecouldfeelthehealingenergyemanatingfromher,thoughherenergywasunfamiliar—feline.Healerscalmedeveryonewhentheybeganworking;however,theinjuredwolfstoodguard,earsraised,butmouthclosed.Watching.Waiting.Ifanyonemadeawrongmove,thatunfortunateindividualwouldfindtheirjugularslicedcleanthrough.
Rileywasinnowayrationalrightnow.
PlacingonehandonMercy’sheadbesideHawke’s,andtheotheronTammy’sshoulder,Lucasfrowned.“Sascha’sgother,Ithink.”
HawkeknewLucandSaschahadastrongconnection,buthehadn’trealizeditwastelepathictoadegree.Atwingeofenvyuncurledinhisgut.Liketheleopards,changelingwolvesmatedforlife.He’dneverhadthatchance—thegirlwhowould’vegrownintoawomanheadoredhaddieddecadesago.Andnowhiswolfwalkedalone.
Itwasaswell,hethought,thatRileyhadmated.Theyneededastrongmale-femalebondatthetopoftheleadershipstructure.Itwouldcenterthepack,anchorit.NowhefeltthestrengthofthatmatingbondflowintoTammy,andthroughher,backintoMercy.Changelinghealersfixedthingswithtouch,buttheenergyhadtocomefromsomewhere.RileynudgedatMercy’snosewithhisown,touchingherwithonecarefulpaw.
ThatwaswhenHawkefeltsomethingtugathim.SimilartowhenLaradrewpowerduringacomplicatedhealing.HeglancedatTamsyn.“Youfeelthat?”
Adistractednod.“It’sfromRiley.”
No,Hawkethought,itwasn’t.Itwascomingfromhim,too.AndthatmeantRileyandMercyhadcompletedthemating.HisgazemetLucas’s.
“Youcan’thaveher,”theleopardalphasaid,asifhe’dreadHawke’smind.
Theireyesclashed,alphatoalpha,wolftoleopard.Theairstilled.
“Fightoverherlater,”Tammyhissed,hervoicealaceratingwhip.“Comeon,Mercy,wakethehellup.”
Butshedidn’t.Nomatterhowmanytimesthewolftriedtonuzzleherbacktoconsciousness.CHAPTER53
TheCouncilorsdidn’tbothertohaveafullmeetingtodealwiththeAllianceissue.Theysimplyagreedonacourseofactionanddispatchedsquadstotakecareofit.IftheAlliancewantedawar,they’dgetawar.
Butthechairmanhadmiscalculatedononecrucialpoint.TheCouncilchosestealth,notpublicviolence.WiththerecentsurgeofhostilebehaviorbyPsy,overtbloodshedwould’veruncountertotheirattemptstocalmthepopulace.Instead,thingsweretakencareofwithsuchsubtlety,itwasimpossibletoprovePsyinvolvement.
AndthePsydidn’tkilleveryone.Instead,mindswerescannedanddossiersbuilt.Theonecalled“thechairman”hadescapedthenet,butthreeofthoseatthetopofthefoodchainhadbeentrackedandeliminated.Theotherswouldbefoundsoonerorlater.Theworkerbeeshadbeenleftalone…withtheirmemoriesofwhathadhappenedintact.Theirleadershiphadabandonedthemtotaketheheat,knowingtheassassinswouldcome.
ThePsyhadhadacenturytolearnthecoldlogicofdemoralizingtheenemy.
Now,theparamilitaryarmoftheAlliancewascrumblingfromwithin.CHAPTER54
LucasandHawkestoodlookingdownatthebadlyinjuredmaleproneonthehospitalbed.“Whatthefuckhappened,Adam?”
“Igotshotoutofthesky.Likeadamnplane.”Ignoringthemyriadotherwoundsthatmarkedhisbody,thetall,heavilymuscledmanstaredathisshatteredwing,havingremainedinhalf-shiftformtoallowthewingtosetproperly.“Fuck,that’sgoingtotakeweekstoheal.”
“Onlyreasonyou’renotdead,”Hawkepointedout,“isbecauseyou’realphainwaiting.”
“Wingleader,”Adamcorrected,anoddcatchinhisvoice.“It’syoufour-leggedbeastswhohavealphas.”
“Insultingus?”Hawkedrawled,thoughhismoodwasanythingbutbuoyant.
Lucaslookedover,hisownfacedrawn.“Idon’tthinkherealizeshe’sinourterritoryandwecanburyhisbodywherenoonecanfindit.”
“Ha-ha.”Adam’ssarcasmwasrenderedlesseffectivebythefactthathisnormallycopper-coloredskinwasdullwithinjury—whereitwasn’tblack-and-blue.“IsNaiahere?Ourhealer?”
“Yeah,shewasonyourtail.Withoneofyourwing-seconds.”Hawkeraisedaneyebrow.
“Shutit,”Adamsnapped.“She’soneofthehighest-rankingmembersofthewing.Sheneededtobeatthemeeting.”Awince.“Jesus,myheadhurts.”
“Naiahadtoshaveoffyourhairtocheckforinjuries,”Lucassaid.“Turnsoutyou’retoohardheadedtohurt.”
Hawkefoldedhisarms,forcinghimselftofocusonthisproblemandnottheonehecoulddonothingtosolve.“Butyou’renotasprettyanymorewithoutthoselong,silky—what’stheword—yeah,tresses.”
AdamwasgivingHawkethefingerwhenasoftlycurvywomanwiththemysteryoftheGreekIslandsstampedontoherfeatureswalkedintotheroom.“Out,”shesaid.“Bothofyou.Heneedstoheal.”
“We’llgo,Naia,”Lucassaid,hisvoicequiet.“ButweneedtoknowwhatAdambroughtintoourterritory.”
“Nothing,”Adamsaid.
“ImightbelieveitifIhearditfromAria.”Hawkescowled.
“There’sbeenachangeinthestructureofourwing.”
“Whatchange?”Lucasaskedwhentheothermanfellsilent.
“Aria’sdead.”
Hawkesuckedinabreath.“Hell.Ilikedher.”
“Shehadagoodlife,”Naiasaid,eyesdrowninginsorrow.“Shewasagoodwingleader.”AshortglanceatAdam,andHawkeunderstoodwithoutwordswhyNaia,andJacques—nowthesecond-highest-rankingmemberofWindHaven,hadcomewithAdam.Ariahadn’tonlybeentheirwingleader,she’dbeenAdam’sgrandmother.They’dprobablybeenworriedhe’dblowthenegotiationbypickingafightwitheitherLucasorHawkejusttoletoffsteam.Bothmenwould’veunderstood,butitwould’vedelayedthings.
“Shewas,”Lucasagreed.“Sowehavetodealwithyourfeatheredassnow.”
“You’vebeendealingwithmeforyears,”Adamremindedthem.“Nowthere’snofiltersowehavetobecomefriends.”Thesarcasmfairlydripped.“Didyougetthebullets?”
“No.Onewentthroughyourbody,theothershreddedyourwinganddisappeared.”Hawkedidn’tlikeit.Hismenwouldshootdownanenemy,butonlyaftercheckingwithhim.Lucashadalreadytoldhimithadn’tbeenoneofhispeople.“We’llfindoutwhoitwas.”
“Jacquesknowsthelocation,”Adammurmured,thewordshazy.“Hewas…”
NaiawavedthemoutasAdamlostconsciousness,exitingherselfafewminuteslater.
“HowdidAriadie?”Lucasasked.
“Oldage.”Naia’sfacewassad,andyettherewaspeaceinit.“Weknewitwascoming.Shesomehowsurvivedhermate’sdeath,perhapsbecauseshewaswingleader,butthelifewentoutofher—sheonlylastedsixmonthsafterhetookhislastbreath.Therewasnofoulplay.”
WhichmadeitlesslikelythatsomeonehadtargetedAdam.SinceneitherLucasnorHawkelikedunknownthreatsintheirterritory,theywentoutwithJacques.Whattheyfoundwasunexpected—spentshellsandeightdeadmenwithchipsinthebacksoftheirnecks.
MiaandKenyon,oneoftheSnowDancerboyswho’dbeenamongthemissing,identifiedthreeoftheeightashavingbeeninvolvedintheirkidnapping.
“I’mgoingtocallBowen,”Lucassaid,“seeifhecanshedanylightonthis.”
TheAlliancemanarrivedtwentyminuteslater,tookonelookatthedeadmen,andnodded.“Twoofthemworkeddirectlyforthechairman,probablysawhisface.”Hebentdownbyoneparticularbody,sorrowineverylineofhim.“Damnit,Claude.Why?”
“Yourchipsseemtohaveakillswitch,”Lucassaid,feelingastabofpitydespitehimself.“Theirbrainsareliterallyleakingouttheirears.”
Sorrowmorphedintocoldrage.“Noonetoldus.”
Buttheevidencewasplaintosee.WhetherthesemenhadattackedAdaminretaliationforDarkRiverandSnowDancer’sinterferenceintheirplans,orwhetherthey’dbeengivenorderstosimplycausechaos,itdidn’tmatter.
Becauseitseemedthechairmanwascleaninghouse.
RileyhatedseeingMercysostill,soquiet.Hecouldfeelherinhissoul,avibrantpresence,butinfrontofhim,shewaspale,unmoving.Tamsynwasworriedaboutahiddeninfection—Mercyshould’vewokenbynow.Riley’swolfgrewfranticwitheverypassingsecond.God,he’djustfoundher.Hecouldn’tloseher.Who’djerkhischainwhenheneededitmost?Who’dmakehimlaughathimself?
Heclosedhishandaroundherfingersandsqueezed.“Wakeup,kitty,”hesaid,tryingtoreachthewildnessinher.“Ineedyou.”Hehadn’tsaidthattoanyonesincethedayhisparentsdied.
Deepinhissoul,hethoughthefeltapulseoflove,ofwarmth,butthematingbondwasnew.Hedidn’tknowifithadbeenrealorifhe’dimagineditbecauseheneededitsomuch.Inhishand,herfingerslayquiescent,sounlikethewomanheadoredwitheverypartofhim.
Allthoseyearsthey’ddancedaroundeachother,allthoseinsultsthey’dhurledateachother,allthosetimesthey’dstoodnosetonose,toetotoe,ithadbeenpreparation,hethought.Theyhadn’tbeenreadyforeachotherthen.Butnowtheywereanddamnifhewasgoingtoletfatestealthefuturefromthem.
Gettingintobedbesideherwitheffort,heheldhertohisheart.Andthenhedroppedeveryremainingshield,everybarrier,andwilledhertoheal.
BowenandhisteamleftSanFranciscotwodayslater,headingforVenice.Bowenhadbeenrecalledbytheremainingmembersofthesecurityteam.“Ican’tbelieveyou’retakingoverthechairman’sjob,”oneofhismensaid,shakinghisheadindisbelief.
“I’llbemakingitmyown,”Bowensaid,hismindfulloftheimagesofdeath.Somanyofhisfriendsgone,allsothechairmanandhiscroniescouldrulesupreme.“Iwillnotsendmypeopleoutlikecannonfodder,andI’mthroughwithpickingfightsjusttoproveIcanbeatthebigboys.Fromnowon,wedoitlikethechangelings—becomesostrongwithinourselvesthatnoonedarespickfightswithus.”
“Thetemptation,though,Bo,”Lilysaid.“It’sgonnabeakicker.Andyou’renotapolitician.”
“Yeah?”Hegrinned.“ThenhowcomeIhavethebeginningsofabusinessagreement—maybemore—withthetwostrongestchangelingpacksintheUnitedStates?”
Lily’smouthdroppedopen.“How?Ithoughtyouwerepersonanongrata.”
“Ifuckedup,”Bosaid,stillangryathimselfforhispartinterrorizingachild.“ButIowneduptoit,too.Honestymatterswithchangelings.WhenIgotrecalled,Isetupameetwiththealphasandsaidmaybewecouldturnabadstartintosomethinggood.”
“Andtheylistened?”
“It’saworkinprogress.They’veagreednottoboycottAlliancebusinesses—it’satemporarydeal,butit’sadeal.”DarkRiverandSnowDancerhadn’treachedwheretheywerewithoutbeinghighlyintelligentoperators.TheywerefullycapableofslicingawayallcontactwiththeHumanAlliance—asyouwouldadiseasedlimb—ifBowendidn’tmanagetocleanupanorganizationthathadgonefromhopetoviolenceonthebackofoneman.
ThechairmanhadfouledsomethinghumanshadcreatedaftertheTerritorialWarsasawaytorebuildtheirlives.Nowthatpowerfulbusiness/educationnetworkwasunderfirearoundtheworld,withinnocentmenandwomenbeingaccusedofmastermindingviolence.BowenhadtoprovetheAlliancewasmorethanthat—firsttotheirmembers,thentotheworld.“We’vebroken,Lily,”hesaid,thinkingofClaude.“Iwanttobringthepiecesbacktogether.”
“Doyouthinkyoucan?”
“Yes.”Itwasn’ttoolate.Thechairman’sevilhadn’tyettakenroot.“The‘leadership’might’vetriedtofindglorythroughwar,butwecangiveourpeoplesomethingconcrete—usedcorrectly,thechipscouldleveltheplayingfieldonceandforall.”
Hernodwasslow,herglossyhairreflectingthelight.“Noonewouldbeabletostripourshields,stealoursecrets.”Therewasoldpaininthosewords,memoriesofterror.
“Yes.”Bowensqueezedherhand.“Iwanthumanstobecomeintegraltothefabricoftheworld.Todothat,wehavetobewillingtostepoutoftheshadowsandtakeourplaceonthenegotiatingtable.Nomoreblood.”
Hisadoptivesisterlookedathim,astrangeclarityinherlargegrayeyes.“You’renotgoingtostaysecuritychiefforlong.You’lllead.”
Ontheothersideoftheworld,TatianaRika-Smytherosefromachairanddranktwoglassesofaproteinmix.Herbodywasclosetoskeletal.She’dpaidahighpriceforthisgamble,butifithadallgoneaccordingtoplan,she’dnowbethesolesurvivingmemberoftheCouncil,andnoonewould’veconsideredherafactorinthedeathsofherpeers.AstherewerenoaspirantsstrongenoughtobecomeCouncil,shewould’veeffectivelyownedtheNet.
Atthetime,thecost-benefitratiohadseemedsatisfactory.Thatwasnolongerthecase.
Ibelieveyouhaveservedyourpurpose.
Shewaitedasthechairmanpausedandconsideredifhischipwasfaulty.
Yourchipisdefective.ImadesureofitthenightIfoundyou—yourmentalshieldmakesyoucarelessaboutmorephysicalmeansofattack.Suchahumanfailing.
Trembling,themanslidahandunderhishair.
Mindcontroltakeslargeamountsofenergy,andIreallycan’tspareanymore
Thechairmandrewhimselfabathwithnoprescienceofdanger.Hewasdeadfiveminuteslater.
Tatianasighedinexhaustionassheretookherseat.Shewould’vepreferrednottolosehim—asatool,he’dbeenperfect.Whenshe’dfoundhimthreeweeksago,hismindhadalreadybeenfullofbothhatredtowardthePsy,andawillingnesstouseviolencetoachievehisaims.Allshe’dhadtodowasnudgehimuntilhe’dsetouttodestroytheCouncilitself.
Everyotheraction,frompushingthekillswitchonhismen,togoingafterthechangelings,he’dtakenonhisown.TatianahadnointerestinanythingunconnectedtothemurdersofherfellowCouncilors.Butthatveryindependenceofthoughthadmadethechairmantoodangeroustoleavealive.
Itwould,ofcourse,havebeenbetterifshe’dbeenabletocontroltheAllianceasawhole,butevenonemind-controllinkwasdraining.She’dbeenforcedtowatchthecontinueddevelopmentofthechipandthedrug,butthat,shedecided,wasaminorissue,oneshecoulddealwithwhenshewasstronger.
Rightnow,shehadtorecover…andreassesstheotherCouncilors’weaknesses.Perhaps,shethoughtasshewalkedhaltinglytoherbed,shemighteventuallyprogramthenextleaderoftheAlliance.Humansmadesuchperfectstalkinghorses.CHAPTER55
Mercywokeinaspaciousbutunfamiliarroom.No.Sherememberedseeingitbefore,buttheimageswerehazy.Mostlikely,she’dwokenearlier,thenslippedbackintosleep.Hersideached,andwhenshereacheddowntoinvestigate,shefoundbandageswrappedaroundhermiddle.Still,shethought,itdidn’tfeeltoobad—notlikewhenthatpieceoftinhadslicedintoher.
Yawning,shesnuggleddeeperagainstthefamiliarmalebodybesideher.“Riley?”
Silence.
Surprised,sheraisedherselfuponherelbowandlookeddown.Hisfacewasdrawn,linedwithfatigue.Stupidman,shethought,he’dbeenstayinguptowatchoverher.She’dfelthimassheslept,knewhehadn’tleftherside.Eventhoughtheplascastonhislegandthightoldherhe’dsufferedaninjuryhimself.ThebreakhadtobeabadoneifLarahadcasthimsosolidly.Heshould’vestayedinanimalformforthehealing,butitdidn’tsurpriseherthathehadn’t.Shewouldn’thave,either,hadtheirrolesbeenreversed
Kissinghimonthejawandpettinghischestuntilhisfacerelaxed,shegroanedandgotoutofbedonwobblyfeet.Riley’sfingersimmediatelyclenchedonthesheetwhereshe’dbeen.“Sleep,”shesaid,holdingontotheheadboardashermusclesgotusedtobeinguprightagain.“I’mrighthere.”
Afterafewmoresoothingwords,heslippedbackintoadeeperrest.
Itwas,Mercythought,standingtherelookingathim,inexpressiblywonderfultohaveamateshelovedwitheverybreathinher.Withnoonearound,shecouldbeassappyasshewanted.Butofcourse,therewerepeoplearound.However,theyweregivingherandRileyprivacyandthat’sallthatmattered.
Draggingherselftothebathroom,shedidwhatneededtobedone,thenshowered.Fromtheputridcolorofherbruises,shefiguredshe’dbeenoutfordays.Herbodywasclean,whichmeanteitheroneofthehealersorRileyhadtakencareofit.Shedidn’tfeelanyembarrassmentatthethought—hewashers.Ofcoursehe’dcareforher.Asshe’ddoforhim.Inaheartbeat.
Feelingrefreshed,shewentbackouttothebedroomencasedinafluffywhiterobe.Herbandageshadsomekindofplascoatingsothey’dsurvivedunscathed.Aftergrabbingahairbrush,shesatdownbesideRileyandbegantosmooththetangles.Heinstantlyturnedtowraphisarmsaroundherwaist,hisfaceatherhip.
Shesmiledwhenonehanddroppeddowntonudgeasidetherobeuntilhefoundskin.Strongfingersclosedoverherthigh.Hewasstillasleep.Buteventhere,hewaspushy.Exactlyasshelikedhim.
Puttingthehairbrushonthebedsidetable,shestrokedhishairandshoulderforalongtime.Perhapsanhour.Itdidn’tmatter.Shewassimplyhappytobehere,withhim.Madelazybythepetting,sheslippedoutoftherobeandintobedbesidehim.Halfanhourafterthat,hishandmovedonherthigh,histhumbmakinglazyarcs.Yawningintohischestthoughshewasn’tsleepy,shepushedhimdownwhenhebegantorolloverontopofher.
“Watchyourleg,”sheordered,theleopardinhertone.
Hetuggedathercurlsinrevenge.Andnottheonesonherhead.
“RileyAedanKincaid,”shesaid.“Iknowyou’reawake.”
Hecuppedher,boldandpossessive.
Sheshuddered.“Onyourback,wolf.”
Heobeyed,removinghishandfrombetweenherlegs.She’dhavebeendisappointedifshehadn’thadsomethingsomuchbettertolookforwardto.Sittingupinacarefulmotion,shelookeddownathisnakedbody,checkingtomakesurehehadn’tbeenharmedanywhereelse.Onlywhenshewassatisfieddidshegiveintotheneedtobeonewithhermate,toanchorthebondwithtouch.“Yum,yum,allmine.”
“Youdon’thavetheenergytodothis.Doyouknowhowmanydaysyouwereout?”
“Ineedthis,”Mercysaid,anditwasthetruth.“Ineedyou.”
Darkeyesdidn’tsmile.Hishandsbrushedoverherbandages,andthedarknessintensified.Shecouldn’tallowthat.IfRileyputuphiswallsagain,itwouldbreakherheart.“Grumpy.”Shenippedathisjaw.“Ifyoubrood,Iwon’tgodownonyou.”
Heblinked.Thenatinysmileedgedthosefullmalelips.
“That’sbetter.”Shepressedakisstoeachsideofhislips,herheartsofull,shedidn’tknowhowsheboreit.“IknowIwashurt,butsowereyou.It’slife.It’swhoweare.”
“Youalmostdied.”
“Butyoubroughtmeback.”Shecuppedhisfaceinherhands.“Ialwaysknewyouwerethere.Deathdidn’thaveachanceagainsttheWall.”
Alongsilence.
“Ireservetherighttogoalittlecrazy,”hesaidatlast.
Shespreadherselfoverhim,skintoskinacrosstheirtophalves.“Ditto.”Anotherkiss,hishandsslidingacrossher,gentleoverherbandagesandbruises.Sheacceptedhistenderness,hiscare,givinghimbackthesame.“Thisfeelssoright,”shewhisperedagainsthislips.
Wolf-ambereyeslookedbackather.“Good.”
“Arrogant.”Butshewassmiling,becauseherRileywasback.
Theyemergedanhourlatertofindthecabindeserted.Mercygrinned.“Wescaredthemoff.”
Riley’ssmilewaspurewolfashebalancedhimselfoncrutches.“Madethemjealous,too.”
Chuckling,shewalkedouttotheporch…andfeltherheartsighinutterdelight.“Thisisstunning.”Theyweren’tinthehighSierra,butneitherweretheydowninDarkRiverterritory.Thefirsweregreen,theaircrispbutnotcold,andthehouse—“Wow.Swisschaletfusedwithmountaincabin.”She’dglimpsedastonefireplaceinside,andnowsawtheoutsidewasmadeoutoflogsthatblendedthehomeseamlesslyintotheforest.“Whoseplaceisthis?”
“Ours.”
Shestaredathim.“What?Sincewhendoyouownthis?”
“Fiveyearsago.”Heshrugged.“Ihaditbuiltformymate.”
“Thecutelittlehousewife?”
“I’manidiot,”hesaid,“butobviously,I’manidiotwhoeventhenknewhewasanidiot.”
Shefoldedherarms,staringdaggersathim.
“Mercy,lookaroundyou.It’sruggedashell.Canyouseesomesubmissivelittlecreaturesurvivingouthere?”
Blinking,shedidtakeagoodlookaround.“She’dpeeherpantsatthefirststrangenoise.”Armslowered,shewalkedoverandpokedhiminthechest.“Haveyouhadotherwomenhere?”
“Noone’sbeenhere.I’veneverevenspentanightinside.”Droppingoneofthecrutches,hereacheduptocuphercheek.“Ibuiltitfortwo,notone.”
Well,shehadtokisshimforthat,didn’tshe?
“Kittycat,”hesaid,facesolemn.“I’msorry.”
Shefrowned.“Forwhat?Youhadnothingtodowiththeexplosion.”
“No…aboutyoursentinelbond.”
Herheartclenchedandthenreleasedassherealized…“Idon’tfeelanydifferent.”
“Youshould.”Rileylookedhalfworried,halfrelieved.“IdefinitelyfeltitwhenIgotbonded,andthere’saconnectiontoHawke,totheotherlieutenants.It’shardtoexplain.”
“Iknowwhatyoumean—it’slikebeingnearafireandfeelingthewarmth.”Sheshookherhead.“AndItellyou,Icanstillfeelthatwarmth.”
“Well…”Heranhishandoverherhair.“That’sgood.Butifyouwanttobephysicallyclosertoyourpack,wecanmove.”
Ah,damnbutthemanhadawayofsayingthemosttenderthingsinthatdeep,solidvoiceofhis.“I’mgood.”Anditwasthetruth.Beingwithhermatewas…joy.Suchjoythatitfilledeverycell,madeherbloodgoldenwiththebeautyofit.
Hisheadloweredevenassheroseontiptoe.
“Ahem.”Apointedcough.“Didn’tyoutwoalreadygetthatoutofyoursystem?”
“Goaway,Hawke,”Rileysaidwithoutlooking.
ThewolfalphacameupthestairsandtuggedonMercy’shair.“Red.Pretty.”
Mercysmiled…andflashedupherclaws.ButHawkewasalreadyontheothersideoftheporch,asmirkonhisface.
“Now,now,”hesaid,“I’myouralpha—”
“Bullshit.”MercysheathedherclawsandturnedsoherbackwascradledagainstRiley’schestasheleanedontherailing.“I’maDarkRiversentinel.”
Thewolfalpha’seyesgleamed.“Yousureaboutthat?”
Catchingacoupleoffamiliarscentsonthebreeze,shewaited.LucasandSaschasteppedoutoftheforestafewminuteslater.Mercytookonelookatthemandbitbackagrin,butHawkedidn’tbothertoresisttheurgetomakeacomment
“Youhavealeafstuckinyourhair,cat.”
Nonchalant,Lucasreacheduptopullitoff.“Jealous,wolf?”
“Boys,”Saschasaid.“We’reheretodiscusssomethingimportant.”Walkingupthesteps,shehuggedMercy.“I’msogladyoutwoarealright.”Therewasachangeinhereyes—animpossiblenewdepthofsoul,ofempathy.Andherscent…
Mercy’sleopardallbutpouncedonSaschainexcitement.“Holycrap!Congratulations!”
Saschasmiled,andglancedatLucas.“Idon’tthinkIcanquantifyourexcitement.”Thensheturnedback.“Butthat’snotwhyI’mhere.It’sabouttheWebofStarsandtheequivalentthingwiththewolves.”
“Youshouldsit,”Lucassaid,andhewasn’ttalkingtoMercy.
Saschastaredathim.“Ididn’trealizepregnancyoffourweeks’durationmademeincapableofstandingupright.”
“Itmakesmeincapableofreason,”Lucassaid,charmineveryinchofhim.“Humorme.”
Rollinghereyes,SaschaturnedbacktoMercy.“Weshouldgoinandgrabseats—Tamsynwasherewhenyouwokethismorningandshesaidyou’regoingtobefine,butyouneedmorebedrest.Laragavethesameorderstoyou.”ShepointedanadmonishingfingeratRiley.
“Saschadarling,Idon’tknowwhatyouandthecatgetuptoinbed,butthosetwoaren’tresting.”Hawkepaddedover,andMercynoticedthatthoughhewaswearingjeansandawhitetee,hewasbarefoot.Crazywolf.
LucascutHawkeoff,openingthedoortousherhismateinside.MercywentinwithSaschaandRileyfollowed.Theyheardathumpaninstantlater,andthensomeswearing,butwhenthetwoalphaswalkedin,therewasn’tabruiseoneitherofthem.Saschagavethembothanarrow-eyedglance,gotchoirboysmilesinresponse.
“I’massuming,”Mercysaid,tryingtocontrolherlaughter,“thatsomethingweird’shappenedwiththeWeb?”
Saschanodded.“WhenyouandRileyfirstmated,itwasasiftheWebandtheSnowDancernetworkdidn’tknowwhattodo.Inmostcases,Ithinkoneofyouwould’vebeenpulledoutofyournetwork—aconnectionacrossnetworksistheoreticallyimpossible.”
Riley’sfingersplayedoverherhip.Worried.Possessive.Sheleanedintohim.“Sowhathappened?”
“Theimpossible.”Sascha’seyessparkled.“Thematingbondsnappedintoplacebetweenyoutwo,withoutremovingeitherofyoufromyourrespectivewebs.”
Rileystirred.“AreyousayingyoucanseeboththeSnowDancerandDarkRivernetworksnow?”
“Notexactly.”Saschablewonthesurfaceoftheglasscoffeetabletosteamitup,thenusedherfingertodrawtheconnectionsassheexplained.“LucasandHawkehaveabloodbondbecauseofthealliance,sothepacksarealreadybondedonsomelevel.”
HawkeshiftedandMercy’scatpickedupanedgeinhismovements.Notdirectedatanyoneintheroombutthere.“Whydidn’tournetworksmerge?”heasked.
Saschalookedfromwolfalphatoleopardalpha.Onewasbythefireplace.Onebehindhismate.Oppositesidesoftheroom.“Becauseneitherofyouwillsubmittotheother.”
“Hell,no!”Fromtwodifferentthroats.
“See.”Saschathrewupherhands.“Ithinkachangelingnetworkhastohaveanalphaatthecore—andyoucan’thavetwoalphas.Butthealpha-to-alphabloodbondhasobviouslyhadsomepsychiceffect.Ican’tseethewolfweb,”sheexplained,“butIcansensethatit’snowsidebysidewithDarkRiver’swebonthepsychicplane.ThematingbondgoesfromMercyanddisappears,andsinceyoutwoaremated…”
“Itmeansitreappearsontheotherside.”Mercythoughtaboutit.“Ifthebloodbondhadn’tbeentherebetweenDarkRiverandSnowDancer?”
“Honestly,”Saschasaid,“Idon’tknow.Couldbewe’dhaveendedupwiththesameresult.You’rebothsodedicatedtoyourpacks—withchangelings,suchthingsseemtomatteragreatdealwhenitcomestothepsychicplane.”
Rileystraightenedhisunbrokenleg.“Youwantustochoose.”AglanceatHawke,thenbackatLucas.
“It’snecessary,”Hawkesaid,paleeyesintent.
Lucasnodded.“Youranimalswon’tlikenothavingaconcreteanswer.Plus,weneeditforthestabilityofthepackstructure.”
MercyturnedtoRileyandraisedaneyebrow.“Okay?”
Nodding,helookedtoHawke.“I’llstaySnowDancer,she’llstayDarkRiver.”
“Therewon’tbealoyaltyissue,”Mercysaid.“Myloyaltyistomymatefirst,thenmypack.”Itwashowithadalwaysbeen.Packwasbuiltonthetiesoffamily.Andfamilybeganwithmating.“Don’taskustokeepsecretsfromeachother.”
Lucasmadeamockobeisanceatherpointedreference.“Asifwe’deventry,”hesaid,risingtohisfullheight.“Matescomefirst.”
RileybrushedhislipsoverMercy’shairinacaresssotender,hertoescurled.“Itwouldalso,”hesaid,“makeourdomesticlifeeasierifyoutwodidn’tdeclarewaragainsteachotheranytimesoon.”
“Whywouldwedothatwhenwenowhavetheliaisonteamofourdreams?”Lucaswasallbutrubbinghishands.So,forthatmatter,wasHawke.
“Ihateyouboth,”Mercysaidwithoutheat.
Rileyputhisarmaroundher.“Me,too.”EPILOGUE
TherewasacelebrationinthePackCircleaweeklater,afterTamsynandLarahadclearedbothMercyandRiley.Itwasajointcelebration—ofthenewlifecomingintothepack,andofRileyandMercy’smating.
BasthumpedRileyontheback.“LookafterherorI’llscalpyouinyoursleep.”AsmilesoferalthatifMercyhadn’tknownbetter,she’dhavethoughtherbrotherdidn’tevenknowwhatasuitwas,muchlessafinancialmarket.
“Juddsaidonedayitwouldcomebacktobiteme,”Rileymuttered,leaningonhiscrutches.
“Hewon’thurtyou,”Mercyteased.“Ifhedoes,I’llusehiskittendefurringtoolsonhim.”
Basshowedherteeth.“I’mbiggerthanyou.AndIintendtocheat.”
Laughing,shepulledhimdownforakissonthecheek,thenpushedhimintothedancers.“Gomakesomewoman’snight.”AndtherewerealotofthemgivingBastheeye.
Grinning,heblewherakissandmergedintothedancers.Grey,shesawwithasurgeofwarmthinherheart,wasflirtingoutrageouslywithMia,bothofthemnonetheworsefortheirshortkidnapping.Sagewasoperatingacamerasomewhere,recordingthisforKeely’sarchivalfiles.
“Thisisnice,”shesaid,leaningintoRiley’ssideastheystoodwiththeirbacksagainstalargetreetrunk.“Bothourpackshere.”
“Andeveryonebehaving.”Henoddedatthetwogroupsofjuveniles,oneoneithersideofthePackCircle.Thattheeventwasbeingheldherewasanotherstepintotrust.ChangelingsguardedtheirPackCircleszealously.DuringDorian’smatingceremony,certainwolveshadbeeninviteddown,butithadbeenalimitednumber.
ButwithRileyandMercy’smating,Lucashaddecideditwastimetoextendthehandoffriendship.Hawkehadsnarled,buthe’dtakenit.TherewasgoingtobeanotherjointpartyupintheSnowDancercircleamonthfromnow.However,theSnowDanceralphahadonlymadeafleetingappearanceatthisparty—Mercyhadagoodinklingwhy.
“Hey,aslongastheydon’tclawintoeachother,”shesaid,puttingtheissuefromhermind,“Idon’tcarehowmuchtheyglare.”
“PoorSascha,”Rileysaid,alaughinhisvoice.“Shecan’tfindaminutetoherself.”
MercyglancedovertoseeSaschabeingofferedfood,drink,ablanket,suggestionsforbabynames,andGodknowswhatelse.Changelingsadoredchildren,buttheirfertilityratewasn’tashighasthatofhumansorPsy.Asaresult,anybirthwascherished.Andanypregnantwomanwascosseted,petted,andgenerallydrivenoutofhermindbytheothersinthepack—maleandfemale.
AsMercystoodthere,amusedbytheknowledgethatLucaswouldmostcertainlybegettingastriptornoffhishidelatertonight,sheglimpsedKitslippingoffintotheforest.Thatwasn’tunusual.Hewasatwenty-year-oldmale,afterall—agorgeousone.Whatwasunusualwasthegirlholdinghishand.SiennaLauren
Oh,shit.
Mercywasabouttogoafterthetwo—ifonlytostopaninterpackincident,whenRileysaid,“Lookather.”
ShefollowedhisgazetofindBrennalaughingupatJudd,hergoldenpresenceastarkcontrasttohermate’squietintensity—butnomatterwhathelookedlike,therewasnodoubtingthebondbetweenthetwo.“They’regoodtogether.”
Rileyhuggedhertohisside.“Yeah,theyare.”Andforthefirsttime,therewerenoshadowsinhiseyeswhenhelookedathissister.Itwas,Mercythought,anexcellentstart.“God,”hecontinued,“Ican’tbelieveIusedtoplayhorsieforherwhenshewasalittlebit.”Heshookhishead.“Whatgamesdidyouplaywithyourbrothers?”
“IconsideredBasmyownpersonaldoll.Iusedtodresshimupinsentinelgearandtakehimonraids.”
Rileylaughedanditwassucharich,opensoundthatherleopardwasenchanted.“Dance?”sheasked.
Helookeddownathiscast.“Ifyoudon’tmindstayinginoneplace.”
“Ifthat’spastedupnexttoyou,soundsaboutperfecttome.”
Rileyprovedadeptatbalance.Andfullycapableandwillingtoholdontohismatewhenthegoinggotshaky.
Laterthatsamenight,tiredbutunabletosleep,SaschawenttothesafeandtookouttheEldridgebook.
“Sascha?”Lucascalledout.“Comepetme.”
“Onlyifyoupetme,too.”
Theresponsewasquick-fast.“Deal.”
Smilingthroughhertrepidation,shewalkedintothebedroomandlaybackagainsthermate’sseatedform.“Beforewedothat,Ithinkit’stimewereadthis.”Becausethiswasn’taboutheranymore.Itwasaboutherbaby,too,achildwhomightbebornwithhisorhermother’sgifts.
Lucasranahandthroughherhairandnodded.“Let’sdoit.”
Takingadeepbreath,sheflippedtothefirstpageoftext.
Introduction
TheE-Psy,orempaths,astheyarecalledinthevernacular,aresomethingofapeculiarity.Thepowerfulamongthemcanhealthemostdevastatingofemotionalwounds.Folkloresaystheycancureinsanity.Thathasneverbeenproven.Whathasbeenprovenisthattheycancertainlyhelppeoplethroughdifficultemotionaltimes,absorbingnegativeemotioninawaythatdefiesevenpsychicexplanation.
Duringthecourseofmyresearchforthisthesis,IwasprivilegedtointerviewonehundredE-PsyinthegreaterNewYorkregion,ofwhichthreewerecardinals,twentywerehigh-range(Gradients6.5-9.9),thirty-sevenweremidrange(Gradients4.0-6.4),andfortywerelow-range(Gradients0.1-3.9).
“Lucas,that’salotofE-Psyinonelocation.Ifshegotthatmanyforathesisproject…”
“MeanstherewerealotmorearoundintheNet.”
Saschanodded.“BacksupwhatFaithtoldus—theNetMindishidingsomanyothers.”Snugglingagainsthim,shecontinuedreading…andfoundAliceEldridge’sthoughtsmirroringherown.
E-Psyhaveneverbeenrare,butnotmuchisknownaboutthem,perhapsbecausewestudythatwhichweareafraidof.Andnooneisafraidoftheempaths.Afterhavingnear-constantcontactwiththemforclosetotwelvemonths,Ifeelitissafetodrawthefollowingconclusion:E-Psyaresomeofthewarmest,mostwelcomingpeopleontheplanet.Theyarequitedelightfulcompanionsandarerarelyseenalone.
However,itisthisverywarmthandgenerosityofspiritthatmakestheotheraspect,orinsomecases,expression,oftheirabilitytroublingtomany.ItistheethicaldilemmawhichdisquietsthemthemostandoneIwillbefocusingoninthesecondhalfofthisbook.
SaschabrokeofftolookatLucas.“Thatdoesn’tsoundgood.”
“Wasn’tityouwhotoldmenothingcaneverbeblackorwhite?”
Shethoughtaboutit.“Shadesofgray.”Shenodded.“IfIwasutterlygood,I’dneverunderstandbadness.”
“Ontothenextpage?”
“Oh,yes.”
Rileydidn’tsayawordforseveralminuteswhenMercymentionedtheKit-Siennathingsometimeintheweehoursofthemorning.“That,”hemurmuredatlast,“couldbeaproblem.”
“That’swhatIthought.”
“Wecan’tdoanythingaboutit—they’readults.”Heranhishanddownherback.“Butwecankeepaneyeonalltheplayers.”
“Agreed.”Alaughbubbledoutofher.“Lookatus,inbedandtalkingPackbusiness.”
Apause.Then,“Youmakemyheartbeat,Mercy.”
Herheartjumpedintohishandsalloveragain.Hewassodamncalmandhemadethosestatementsasiftheywerefactsoflife.“Riley.”
Kissesonhercheek,alongherjaw.“So,howmanybrat-letsdoyouwant?”
“Asmanyasittakestodriveyouinsane.”Herthroatwashuskywithemotion
“Thenoneredheadedlittlegirlshoulddoit.”
“Iloveyou.”Beyondthematingbond,beyondthesensualdraw,shequitesimplylovedRiley.“Moreeverysingleday.”Andshedidn’tcarehowsappythatsounded.
Aslow,perfectRileysmile.Justforher.TurnthepageforapreviewofNaliniSingh’snextPsy-Changelingromance
BlazeofMemory
AvailableNovember2009fromBerkleySensation!
DEATH
DeathfollowedtheForgottenlikeascourge.Relentless.Withoutpity.
They’dsoughttofindhopewhentheydroppedfromthePsyNet,wantingonlytobuildanewlifeawayfromthecoldchoicesoftheirbrethren.ButthePsyintheNet,theirheartsicedoverwiththeemotionlesschillofSilence,refusedtoletthedissidentsgoinpeace—fortheForgotten,withtheirhopesanddreamsofabetterlife,werearoadblocktothePsygoalofabsolutepower.
Amongtheirnumbersthedefectorscountedalargecontingentoftelepathsandtelekinetics,medicalspecialists,menandwomengiftedinpsychometry,andsomuchmore.Thesepowerfulindividuals,theserebels,stoodastheonlyrealpsychicthreattotheincreasinglyomnipotentPsyCouncil.
SotheCouncilcutthemdown.
Onebyone.
Familybyfamily.
Father.Mother.Child.
Againandagain,andagain.
UntiltheForgottenhadtorun,tohide.
Intime,memorieswerelost,truthswereconcealed,andtheForgottenalmostceasedtoexist.
Butoldsecretscannotbekeptforever.Now,inthefinalmonthsoftheyear2080,thedustisrising,lightisshiningthrough,andtheForgottenstandatacrossroads.Tofightistofacedeathoncemore,perhapsthetotalannihilationoftheirkind.Buttorun…isthatnotalsoakindofannihilation?CHAPTER1
Sheopenedhereyes,andforasecond,itfeltasiftheworldshifted.Thoseeyes,theoneslookingbackather,theywerebrown,butitwasabrownunlikeanyshe’deverseen.Therewasgoldinthere.Flecksofamber.Andbronze.Somanycolors.
“She’sawake.”
Thatvoice,sherememberedthatvoice.
“Shh.I’vegotyou.”
Sheswallowed,triedtofindherownvoice.
Arawhissofair.Soundless.Withoutform.
Themanwiththebrowneyesslippedahandunderherheadandtilteditupasheputsomethingtoherlips.
Cold.
Ice.
Shepartedherlips,workingdesperatelytomelttheicechipsinhermouth.Herthroatgrewwetbutitwasn’tenough.Sheneededwater.Again,sheattemptedtospeak.Shecouldn’tevenhearherself,buthedid.
“Situp.”
Itwasliketryingtoswimthroughthemostviscousoffluids—herboneswerejelly,hermusclesuseless.
“Holdon.”Heallbutliftedherintoasittingpositiononthebed.Herheartthuddedinherchest,aflutteringtrappedbird.
Beat-beat.
Beat-beat.
Beat-beat.
Warmhandsonherface,turningherhead.Hisfaceshimmeredintoview,thentwistedimpossiblysideways.
“Idon’tthinkthedrugsarefullyoutofhersystem.”Hisvoicewasdeep,reacheddeep,rightintoherbeatingflutteringheart.“Haveyougot—Thanks.”Heraisedsomething.
Acup.
Water.
Shegrippedhiswrist,herfingersalmostslidingoffthevividmasculineheatofhisskin.
Hecontinuedtoholdthecupoutofreach.“Slow.Understood?”Itwaslessaquestionthananorder—inavoicethatsaidhewasusedtobeingobeyed.
Shenoddedandlethimbringsomethingtoherlips.Astraw.
Herhandtightenedonhim,shewassothirsty.
“Slow,”herepeated.
Shesipped.Rich.Orange.Sweet.Despitetheruthlessedgeinherrescuer’svoice,shemight’vedisobeyedandgulped,buthermouthwasn’tworkingright.Shecouldbarelydrawupthethinnestofstreams.Butitwasenoughtosoothetherawfleshofherthroat,filltheemptyacheinherstomach.
She’dbeensohungryforsolong.
Aflashofsomethinginthecornerofhermind,toofastforhertograsp.Andthenshewasstaringintothosestrangelycompellingeyes.Buthewasn’tjusteyes.Hewasclean,almostharshlinesandgolden-brownskin.Exoticeyes.Exoticskin.
Hismouthmoved.
Hereyeslingeredonhislips.Theloweronewasalittlefullerthanseemedrightonthatuncompromisinglymasculineface.Butnotsoft.Neversoft.Thisman,hewasallhardnessandcommand.
Anothertouch,fingersonhercheek.Sheblinked,focusedonhislipsagain.Triedtohear.
“…name?”
Shepushedawaythejuiceandswallowed,droppingherhandstothesheets.Hewantedtoknowhername.Itwasareasonablequestion.Shewantedtoknowhisname,too.Peoplealwaysexchangednameswhentheymet.Itwasnormal.
Herfingersclenchedonthesoftcottonsheets.
Beat-beat.
Beat-beat.
Beat-beat.
Thatflutteringbirdwasback,trappedinherchest.Howcruel.
Notnormal.
“What’syourname?”Hiseyeswerepiercingintheirdirectness,refusingtoletherlookaway.
Andshehadtoanswer.“Idon’tknow.”
Devlookedintothatcloudyhazelgazeandsawonlyaconfusedkindoffear.Theneedtoprotectignitedinhisgut,butitwasaneedhecouldn’taffordtoindulge.“Glen?”
Dr.GlenHerrifordfrownedfromtheothersideofthebed.“Couldbeaside-effectofthedrugs.Shewasprettydopedupwhenshecamein.Giveitafewmorehours.”
Nodding,Devputthejuiceonthetableandreturnedhisattentiontothewoman.Herlasheswerealreadydropping.Notsayinganything,hehelpedherdownintoapositionflatonherback.Shewasasleepmomentslater.
Jerkinghisheadtothedoor,hewalkedoutwithGlenfollowing.“Whatdidyoufindinhersystem?”
“That’sthefunnything.”Glentappedtheelectronicchartinhishand.“Thechemicalsalladduptoplainoldsleepingpills—notevenanoverdose.”
“That’snotwhatitlookslike.”Shewastoodisoriented,herpupilshugelydilated.
“Unless…”Glenraisedaneyebrow.
Dev’smouthtightened.“Chancesshedidittoherself?”
“There’salwaysachance—butsomeonedumpedherinfrontofyourapartment.”
“Iwentinsideattenp.m.,camebackoutattenfifteen.”He’dlefthisphoneinthecar,hadbeenirritatedathavingtostopworktoreturntothegarage.“ShewasunconsciouswhenIfoundher.”
Glenshookhishead.“Nowayshehadthecoordinationtogetthroughsecuritythen—she’dhavelostherfinemotorskillswellbeforehand.”
Fightingtherushofangerprovokedbythethoughtofhowhelplessshemust’vefelt,heglancedbackintotheroom.Thebrightwhiteoverheadlightglintedoffthewoman’smattedblondehair,highlightingthescratchesonherface,thesharpbonesslicingherskin.“Shelookshalf-starved.”
Glen’susuallysmilingfacewasagrimmask.“Wehaven’thadtheopportunitytodoafullcheckupbuttherearebruisesonherarms,herlegs.”
“Youtellingmeshewasbeaten?”Rawfurypulsedthroughhisbody,hotandviolent.
“TorturedwouldbethewordI’duse.”
Devsworeunderhisbreath.“Howlongbeforeshe’sfunctional?”
“It’llprobablytakeforty-eighthourstoflushthedrugsoutcompletely.Ithinkitwasaone-timehit.Ifshe’dbeenonthemlonger,she’dhavebeenevenmoremessedup.”
“Keepmeupdated.”
“AreyougoingtocallEnforcement?”
“No.”Devhadnointentionoflettingheroutofhissight.“Shewasdumpedinfrontofmydoorforareason.Shestayswithusuntilwefigureoutwhatthehellisgoingon.”
“Dev…”Glenblewoutabreath.“HerreactiontothedrugssayshehastobePsy.”
“Iknow.”Hisownpsychicsenseshadpickedupan“echo”fromthewoman.Mutedbutthere.“She’snotathreatrightnow.We’llreassessthesituationaftershe’supandaround.”
Somethingbeepedinsidetheroom,makingthedocglanceathischart.“It’snothing.Don’tyouhaveameetingtodaywithTalin?”
Takingthehint,Devdrovehometoshowerandchange.ItwasjustaftersixthirtywhenhewalkedbackintothebuildingthathousedtheheadquartersoftheShineFoundation.Thoughthetopthreefloorswerebrokenupintoanumberofguestapartments,themiddletenweretakenupwithvariousadministrationoffices,whilethefloorsbelowthebasementhousedthetestingandmedicalfacilities.Andtoday—aPsy.AwomanwhomightyetbethelatestmoveintheCouncil’sattemptstodestroytheForgotten.
But,heremindedhimself,rightnow,shewasasleepandhehadworktodo.“Activate.Voicecode—DevrajSantos.”Theclearscreenofhiscomputerslidupandoutofhisdesk,showinganumberofunreadmessages.Hissecretary,Maggie,wasgoodatweedingoutthe“canwaits”fromthe“must-responds”andalltenonscreenfellintothelattercategory—andtodayhadn’tevenbegun.Leaningbackinhischair,heglancedathiswatch.
Tooearlytoreturncalls—eveninNewYork,mostpeopleweren’tattheirdesksbysixforty-fivea.m.
Thenagain,mostpeopledidn’truntheShineFoundation,muchlessactastheheadofa“family”ofthousandsscatteredacrossthecountry,andinmanycases,theworld.
Itwasinevitablethathe’dthinkofMartyatthatmoment.
“Thisjob,”hispredecessorhadsaidthenightDevacceptedthedirectorship,“willeatupyourlife,suckthemarrowfromyourbonesforgoodmeasure,andspityououtontheotherend,adryhusk.”
“Youstucktoit.”Marty’drunShineforoverfortyyears.
“Iwaslucky,”theoldermanhadsaidinthatblunt,no-nonsensewayofhis.“IwasmarriedwhenItookonthejobandtomyeternalgratitude,mywifestayedwithmethroughalltheshit.Yougoinalone,you’llendupstayingthatway.”
Devcouldstillrememberhowhe’dlaughed.“What,youhaveaverylowopinionofmycharm?”
“Charmallyoulike,”Martyhadsaidwithasnort,“butwomenhaveawayofwantingtime.ThedirectoroftheShineFoundationdoesn’thavetime.Allhehasistheweightofthousandsofdreamsandhopesandfearsrestingonhisshoulders.”Aglancefilledwithshadows.“It’llchangeyou,Dev,turnyouhardifyou’renotcareful.”
“We’reastableunitnow,”Devhadargued.“Thepastispast.”
“Dearboy,thepastwillneverbepast.We’reinawar,andasdirector,you’rethegeneral.”
IthadtakenthreeyearsintothejobbeforeDevhadtrulyunderstoodMarty’swarning.WhenhisancestorshaddefectedfromthePsyNet,they’dhopedtomakealifeoutsidethecoldrigidityofSilence.They’dchosenchaosovercontrol,thedangersofemotionoverthecertainsanityofalifelivedwithouthope,withoutlove,withoutjoy.Butwiththosechoiceshadcomeconsequences.
ThePsyCouncilhadneverstoppedhuntingtheForgotten.
Tofightback,tokeephispeoplesafe,Devhadbeenforcedtomakesomebrutalchoicesofhisown.
Hisfingerscurledaroundthepeninhisgrip,threateningtocrushthemetal.“Enough,”hemuttered,glancingathiswatchagain.Stilltooearlytocall.
Pushingbackhischair,hegotup,intendingtograbsomecoffee.Instead,hefoundhimselftakingtheelevatordowntothesubbasementlevel.Thecorridorswerequiet,butheknewthelabswouldalreadybehummingwithactivity—theworkloadwassimplytoobigtoallowformuchdowntime.
BecausewhiletheForgottenhadoncebeenasPsyasthosewholookedtotheCouncilforleadership,timeandintermarriagewiththeotherraceshadchangedthingsintheirgeneticstructure.Strangenewabilitieshadbeguntoappear…butsohadstrangenewdiseases.
However,thatwasn’tthethreathehadtoassesstoday.
Iftheywereright,theunknownwomaninthehospitalbedinfrontofhimwaslinkedtothePsyNetitself.Thatmadeherbeyonddangerous—aTrojanhorse,hermindusedasaconduitthroughwhichtosiphondata,andimplementdeadlystrategies.
Devwouldallownoonetoharmthatwhichwashis.
Thelastspyhe’dfoundhaddiscoveredverywellthatDevrajSantoshadneverlefthismilitarybackgroundbehind.Now,ashelookeddownintothewoman’sbruised,scratched,andemaciatedface,heconsideredwhetherhe’dbeabletosnapherneckwithcold-bloodedprecisionshouldthetimecome.
Hisfingersdugintohispalms,instinctcominguphardagainsttheicypracticalitythatdrovethedirectoroftheShineFoundation.Itwasaswellthatthedecisiondidn’thavetobemaderightthen.Turningawayfromthatstillyetoddlycompellingface,hewasabouttoleavetheroomwhenhenoticedhereyesmovingrapidlyunderherlids.“Psy,”hemurmured,“aren’tsupposedtodream.”
“Tellme.”
Sheswallowedthebloodonhertongue.“I’vetoldyoueverything.You’vetakeneverything.”
Eyesasblackasnightwithabarefewflecksofwhitestareddownatherasmentalfingersspreadinhermind,thrusting,clawing,destroying.Sheswallowedascream,bitanotherlineinhertongue.
“Yes,”hertorturersaid.“ItdoesseemasifI’vestrippedyouofallyoursecrets.”
Shedidn’trespond,didn’trelax.He’ddonethisbefore.Somanytimes.Butthenextminute,thequestionswouldbeginagain.Shedidn’tknowwhathewanted,didn’tknowwhathesearchedfor.Allsheknewwasthatshe’dbroken.Therewasnothingleftinhernow.Shewascracked,shattered,gone.
“Now,”hesaid,inthatsamealways-patientvoice.“Tellmeabouttheexperiments.”
Sheopenedhermouthandrepeatedwhatshe’dalreadyconfessedoverandoveragain.“Wedoctoredtheresults.”He’dknownthatfromthestart,thatwasnobetrayal.“Wenevergaveyoutheactualdata.”
“Tellmethetruth.Tellmewhatyoufound.”
Thosefingersgougedmercilesslyatherbrain,shootingredfirethatthreatenedtoobliterateherveryself.Shecouldn’tholdon,couldn’tprotectthem,couldn’tevenprotectherself—becausethroughitallhesat,alargeblackspiderwithinhermind,watching,learning,knowing.Intheend,hetookhersecrets,herhonor,herloyalty,andwhenhewasdone,theonlythingsherememberedwastherichcopperscentofblood.
Shecameawakewithajaggedscreamstuckinherthroat.“Heknows.”
Browneyeslookingdownintohersagain.“Whoknows?”
Thenameformedonhertongueandthenwaslostinthemiasmaofherravagedmind.“Heknows,”sherepeated,desperatethatsomeoneunderstandwhatshe’ddone.“Heknows.”Herfingersgrippedhis.
“Whatdoesheknow?”Electricityarcedlikeaninfernobeneathhisskin.
“Aboutthechildren,”shewhispered,asherheadgrewheavyagain,ashereyesgrewdarkagain.“Abouttheboy.”
Goldturnedtobronzeandshewantedtowatch,butitwastoolate.
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