Tessa, Vampire/Werewolf Romance, (Standalone) (Shadow Creek Shifters Book 3) (20 page)

Melody settled down in the cage even though she was tossed around inside as the woman carried her through the forest and into a large cabin. She was finally set down at that point.

The woman stooped down. “I hope you’re okay, my baby bird.”

Melody pecked at the woman, striking the end of her nose.

“You little bitch. If we didn’t need you, I’d squeeze the life out of you.”

A man came inside. “Where is the boy?”

“How would I know? I was capturing the hawk.”

Another man came in. “Hugh, the werewolf got away and found his own kind. Gwan went after him, but he was killed.”

“How? There’s no way a werewolf could do that, not even Raphael.”

“It was another werewolf like us, but much bigger. I could hear the screams of his shift. He has to be a new-blood.”

“How? Not even we can turn a human.”

“None of us has attacked any humans as of yet. I only attacked the hawk shifter like you told me to.”

Melody fumed, staring at the dark man. He was the one she needed to kill, but she wasn’t sure how when full-bloods were much bigger. Even in human form, it wouldn’t be possible to take him down.

The man came over and poked his finger at the cage. “At least we have the baby hawk.”

Melody pecked his finger, satisfied when she drew blood.

“Dammit,” he seethed, sucking on his finger.

“She has spunk, that one. She’s just as useful as the young werewolf. She lives amongst the werewolves.”

Hugh’s face reddened. “Don’t be an imbecile. We need that werewolf. He needs to die before he grows up and ends our way of life.”

“How can he do that?” the woman asked. “He’s a cripple,” Mira said.

“Don’t be a fool, Rowanna. I’ve heard of maimed shifters that were quite capable of carrying out their destinies. We can’t allow him to live.”

“How long will it take before the other full-bloods realize we’re leading them astray? How long will they really believe the shifters of Creeksboro killed our old alpha?”

“How will they ever find out? I’ve sent a band into Creeksboro to kill the humans. It won’t be long before we’ll have the shifters at their knees. Send a messenger to them that we have their baby hawk and if they don’t stand down, we’ll kill her. They are to be at the edge of Creeksboro and give up. Tell them that’s where they need to be, or the red-tailed hawk dies. We’ll only turn her over there.”

“And you think it will be that simple?” Rowanna said.

“Of course it will, because we’ll burn down their ranches while they’re away.”

Melody hit the cage at that remark. Not for her, but for the ranches. If they lost everything, where would any of them go then?

* * *

Jerome shifted into werewolf form and the humans backed up as he passed.

“Don’t worry,” Ewan soothed the crowd. “He’s on our side. Kill any werewolf that looks like him and comes across those cars. If any of them breach that line, your doctor here will take care of them.

A hawk flew over and landed in the middle of town. When she shifted, it was Carrie.

“They’re on their way.” She shifted back to hawk form and flew away.

Growls and howls were heard and they scrambled over the cars. Rifles and shotguns were fired and many of the full-bloods were killed, leaving two more to deal with.

Jerome circled one and was tackled, but he threw it aside. Ewan and his sons were in lion form and took on the other one. Growls and snarls split the air and Jerome fell down with a werewolf snapping near his ears, getting far too close. His ears were yanked back and Paige bit down, drawing back with blood peppering the ground. The full-blood fell to the ground and within a minute had died.

She then helped the lions out with the other full-blood; they pinned him as she was finishing him off. Two more full-bloods came over the cars, but they took one look at their dead patrons and retreated. Cheers were heard and Clayton slapped Paige on the back.

“Thanks, Paige. For a minute there I was worried the doctor would be a goner.”

That didn’t set well with Jerome. He was usually much stronger, but he had to admit it had been quite a while since he had to fight. It really wasn’t his thing. When he visited the full-bloods in Montana, most of them were of a peaceful kind except if someone invaded their territory.

* * *

A dove flew over to where Brendan and Chase were talking. They took a step backward as it took the shape of a curvy female.

“I’m here to deliver a message. Gather at the gates of Creeksboro and give up, or your little hawk will meet a most unfortunate end. She’ll be given back to you there.”

Maxwell hurled a rock, striking the woman in the head. She reeled back, flopping to the ground. She blinked several times before the light in her eyes faded.

“Maxwell!” Tessa exclaimed. “Why did you do that? You killed her.”

“I-I didn’t mean to, but they’ve taken Melody and I was so angry.”

“It’s not your destiny to kill, Maxwell,” Raphael explained. “You’re destined to be the peacekeeper.”

“Even peacekeepers have to kill sometimes, but she’s not dead. You know how birds can fly into a plate glass window and knock themselves out? This is just like that.”

Sure enough, the woman’s eyes lit up before she shifted into bird form and flew away.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” Chase said. “Maxwell was right.”

“If they want us at Creeksboro, that’s where we’ll be with Maxwell. He needs to be protected at any cost,” Brendan stated.

“And?” Chase urged. “You know they’ll plan to take over our ranches while we’re there.”

“I know, and not to worry. Angus is there at Shadow Creek. He’ll defend the ranches by scattering the livestock. That way they won’t be killed.”

“But Angus is only a llama shifter,” Tessa replied. “You can’t mean you’ll sacrifice him like that.”

“Angus is more resourceful than you think. Not to worry, like I said.”

Tessa wasn’t so sure, but she followed the men back to their vehicles. She took the ATV when it was obvious that Raphael and Maxwell wanted nothing to do with her, and who could blame them? She was responsible for Melody being taken. Why didn’t she tell them Jason was dead, at least? Especially when she found out he hadn’t been the one who attacked Carrie. She’d have to deal with her next. After it was all said and done, she’d not only have to leave Silver Creek, but Creeksboro, too. She’d no longer be wanted there by any of them.

Brendan and Raphael arrived at the edge of town before Tessa finally rolled up. She joined them in front of the cars that had been set up no doubt to protect Creeksboro. It was actually a pretty good idea. Hopefully, Katlyn and the babies were safe since there were bodies of dead full-bloods littering the ground and atop the cars.

“Looks like Creeksboro found a way to defend themselves,” Tessa remarked.

“Yes, and let’s hope they were able to take care of any full-bloods that might have made it across,” Brendan said.

* * *

Seth came up to the cabin and it was all he could do to be patient. He could hear his daughter squawking inside and he had to wait it out until whoever was inside brought her out. It wasn’t nearly the wait he thought it would be, though. He saw a dove take flight and return ten minutes later. When it left again, two men and a woman exited the cabin, the woman holding a birdcage he knew contained his daughter. Then something nothing short of miraculous happened: a bald eagle swooped low, snatched the cage from the woman’s hands by the loop, and flew away with it.

“What the hell?” the woman screamed. “I didn’t know Creeksboro had any bald eagle shifters.”

“It doesn’t matter, keep moving. By the time we have the shifters cornered, it will be easy to pick them off while the rest of our brothers burn down the ranches. It’s too late for all of them, but above all, kill Maxwell.”

Seth raced away. He had to warn Raphael and protect Maxwell. If the full-bloods wanted him dead that bad, his life had to be pretty important.

He took to the outskirts of the road, but not a car was in sight, nothing moving in either direction. It worried him to no end. What would happen to Creeksboro if the full-bloods won?

When he finally made it to the edge of town, Brendan and Chase were there with many more shifters he didn’t recognize. A bald eagle appeared out of nowhere, setting the cage down with Melody inside. Maxwell raced to open the cage, freeing her. Instead of transforming into human form, she perched on his shoulder.

“Watch the talons, would you?” Maxwell complained.

Four full-bloods came at them at full speed and Seth took on one while Tessa tangled with another. Dust took to the air as bodies rolled in the dirt until there was a cloud above their heads. Thunder from feet was heard as two grizzly bears entered the foray and by the time it was over and the dust settled, a wounded Tessa and Seth came out, falling to the ground. Seth changed back to human form with a wound to his chest and shoulder, whereas Tessa had lacerations across the back of her shoulders.

Shifters and humans alike came over the cars to assist them, and Tessa and Seth were helped to the other side and taken to Dr. Evans’s office.

* * *

All of the ranches owned by shifters were attacked, but the assailants were fought off by the shifters of Creeksboro. None of the ranches suffered any fires and the full-bloods not killed were taken prisoners. When Melody shifted back, she informed the prisoners how Hugh and Rowanna had killed their alpha and lied when they told them it was the shifters from Creeksboro.

The full-blood who had attacked Carrie, as well as their leaders Hugh and Rowanna, were among the dead, ending their leadership.

“What should we do with the rest of them?” Chase asked.

“Turn them loose,” Maxwell urged. “It wasn’t their fault they were lied to, but I think they should be allowed to stay here if they want to. Isn’t there an empty ranch next to Shadow Creek? It should be donated to any of them who want to stay.”

“Perhaps they are right about you, Maxwell. That you’ll be a peacekeeper one day,” Brendan said. “But I’m not sure how I feel about just letting them go.”

“I agree,” Raphael stated. “But perhaps we should let the decision be up to the judge. We can’t be looking over our shoulders and worrying about when they’ll turn on us again.”

“We’ll bring in the humans on this,” Brendan told him. “It would be the right thing to do. This affects them, too.”

Tessa grimaced as Dr. Evans cleaned her wounds and stitched them closed. In the next room was Seth who sustained a chest and shoulder wound. His injuries were much worse than hers, although at the moment, she felt hers were pretty bad.

She frowned because Raphael hadn’t acted like he even cared she was injured. Perhaps he felt she deserved it, or he might just have been too busy with wrapping things up. She didn’t know if the ranches were intact or if they were also attacked. She just hoped Angus was okay since he was like a brother to her.

Katlyn raced inside. “Oh, Tessa, are you okay?”

“I suppose, but my back hurts horribly. Did you see Raphael out there anywhere?”

“He’s at the jail right now. They’re trying to figure out what to do with the remaining full-bloods.”

“Oh.” She frowned. “I had hoped that he’d…oh, never mind. I screwed up big with him and I’m not surprised he’s not here to see me, but I thought he’d at least give a shit that I was injured trying to save the shifters and Creeksboro. He obviously can’t find it in his heart to forgive me.”

“Forgive you for not telling him Jason and Earl were dead and you thought you had killed them?”

“Paige told you?”

“Yes, and okay, perhaps you should have told him, but it’s too late now to change that. The full-bloods were coming no matter what you did. Melody is okay. Maxwell is okay. So ultimately, what you didn’t tell them didn’t hurt anyone.”

“I wish he saw it that way, but Maxwell hates me, too.”

“He’s a child and he was worried about Melody. Give it time; they’ll both come around eventually. There’s just so much to wrap up now.”

“You’re right, but I can’t help but wonder if I had told him what would have happened.”

“I guess there’s no way to know that,” Raphael said from the door.

Katlyn smiled and left, leaving them alone.

“How are you?” he asked stiffly.

Tessa didn’t want to smile, but tears filled her eyes that he was actually there. “Good under the circumstances, I suppose. Can you check on Seth? I’m wondering how he’s doing.”

“I did that already, but he’s been sedated. His injuries aren’t life-threatening, but he’s not out of the woods yet.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

Dr. Evans came into the room. “Time to take your temperature again, Tessa.”

He put the monitor into her ear and when it beeped, an alarm sounded.

“I’m not used to treating vampires so I’m not sure if a temp of 85 is good or bad. If you were a human it would be quite bad.”

“Like how bad?” Raphael asked.

“Hypothermia bad. I’ll get some heated blankets and ask Paige. She’s in the waiting room.”

Warm blankets were brought to Tessa, but Paige laughed when she came in. “Well, Tessa. How do the blankets feel?”

“Nice. Raphael wouldn’t climb in bed with me to warm me up.”

Raphael didn’t even crack a smile at the joke, excusing himself as he said, “I need to get Maxwell and Melody home. There’s no sense in them hanging around with Seth if he’s sedated.”

“Oh, the children are here?”

“Yes. Don’t take it the wrong way, but Maxwell is still angry at you. I’ll tell them you’re okay.”

When Raphael left, Tessa turned to Paige. “See? I told you the children hated me.”

“I think it’s just Maxwell, but give it time I tell you.”

“C-Can I come back to Shadow Creek? I won’t stay where I’m no longer welcomed.”

“Don’t make any decisions until you’re feeling better.”

Tessa nodded but couldn’t stop the tears, which flowed out of her eyes.

“Oh, Tessa,” Paige soothed. “I’m so sorry this has happened. I feel responsible. I should have told you to tell Raphael what happened and how you couldn’t remember.”

“I-It’s not your fault. I’m the one who made the decision. I had many opportunities to tell the truth, but disregarded them all.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. We all make mistakes.”

Tessa doubted what she said. It was impossible for her to think that anything she did or didn’t do would affect how Raphael felt about her anymore.

When Katlyn and Paige left, Tessa cried herself to sleep. Her life was hopeless, and it hurt to love someone so bad who didn’t love her back. She tried not to think about how it felt to be in Raphael’s arms and loved by him. She remembered the first time in the bathtub, how fun it had been and how very erotic. It hurt that it might be the only memories she had of Raphael. She loved the children, both of them. She had no idea that they’d hold a grudge, but she needed to give all of them time to forgive her, if they ever would.

* * *

In the early hours of the morning, Tessa went into Seth’s room. He was snoring and Carrie was asleep in the chair next to him until she opened her eyes.

“How is he?” Tessa whispered.

“Good so far, but he’s been out. I wanted to thank you for getting involved enough in who hurt me to go after them. Seth told me he was the one who killed Jason and Earl, and those poor sheep.”

“So that’s it? I didn’t think I did it. I must have been passed out.”

“Yes, Seth said when he came into the cabin Earl was trying to rape your unconscious body. He saw red and the rest is history.”

“How did he become a shifter like that?”

“I asked him, but he has yet to answer that question. He fell asleep when I asked, actually.”

“Can’t say I blame him. He’s injured quite badly.”

“Paige said he’ll be moved to Shadow Creek tomorrow where she can keep a closer eye on him. She’s really a great person to have around.”

“You have that right. She’s saved me more than once.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Sore. Look, I’m so sorry about not telling anyone Jason was dead. I never even thought Melody and Maxwell would try to go after him.” Tessa sighed. “Maxwell hates me now and Melody, too, probably.”

“I don’t think Melody does at all. She was happy that you got involved. Things will settle down soon.”

“I don’t expect everyone to forgive me so readily, but my heart was in the right place. Had I known where things would go, I’d have told Raphael right away.”

“You’re really too hard on yourself. Believe me, I’ve made too many mistakes to count. Whatever you do, don’t leave Silver Creek. Don’t let Raphael bully you to leave.”

“Thanks. I’ll try to stay, but I can’t stop myself from thinking that nobody at Silver Creek wants me there.”

Tessa went back into her room and stared at the ceiling, only falling to sleep once it was daylight again, which was normal for her.