Resurrection (11 page)

The thought of Lycan fur being used as a coat should have horrified her, but the idea actually appealed to her—as penance for harming her family.

He grabbed the man by the hair and pulled him three feet to a door. He jerked the door open and put the man in the opening. He partially shifted, so he had one back leg of his horse, spun and kicked the guy to the back of the room, then slammed the door shut before resuming human form. After testing the door to be sure it was locked, he took a deep breath. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”

With her hands firmly on her hips, she gasped. “Well I nearly ripped his throat out, so don’t apologize to me. Come on. Let’s go see Grace and the others.”

He took her hand in his and led her up the stairs. She felt a bit numb as she’d been overwhelmed with anger, concern, and fear. This was the second time something tragic happened after making love to him. She’d have a tiny moment of happiness before something horrifying took place. The bombing had scared her, made her feel panic like she’d never felt. She was concerned about everyone she was getting to know, and those she’d yet to meet.

The poor Pixies had barely recovered from their loss.

Things seemed to have quieted down when they reached the top of the stairs. People moved swiftly about, but didn’t look as panicked or fear-stricken. Most of the shifters remained in animal form, feeling more apt to handle themselves in their stronger form. The Fae all had eyes burning blue with anger. They may not have glowed like Lycan eyes, but they were burning and fierce. Her heart gave a little start. She’d never seen an angry Fae. They were intimidating.

His grip was firm but not crushing as they ascended the final flight of stairs and made their way into the conference room.

The first sight upon entering the room was of Beauregard, King of the Fae, standing with his arms folded over his chest. He was a mountain of a man and towered over Zoltar, who stood almost six and a half feet tall. His eyes burned with the same crystal blue hue as the other Fae she’d passed. Standing next to him, tapping his axe against his hand was Oden, King of the Dwarves and his mate, Lela the Queen. Her short, squat, four foot frame matched her mate’s. Her raven curly hair a mess, framed a face blackened by soot and streaked with tears.

Ella, the Pixie Queen, might have looked the most demonic. She was so furious her eyes, normally ocean blue, were blood red with a tiny black dot in the center. Wendy had never seen an angry Pixie and seeing Ella with eyes that looked like pools of blood was unsettling. The woman vibrated as she tried to wait for the others.

Roman and Grace entered the room; both had the same scowl, furrowed brow, tightened jaws.

“The Lycan Wendy managed to hold had some useful information that sheds some light on the violence we’ve experienced.” Roman scratched his jaw. “It seems Grace’s plan to integrate us all and bring peace has caused uproar among some packs,” he looked at Grace and took her hand and his, “and not just Lycan packs.”

Grace gave Roman’s hand a squeeze and took a seat. Wendy followed suit, her knees buckling as the thought of more violence weakened her.

The others followed suit and took seats around the conference table. Zoltar sat next to her, putting a protective arm on the back of her chair.

“I looked into his mind.” Grace shook her head as a tear spilled down her cheek. “The Pixie murdered in the woods was step one of their plan to rip us apart. The bombing of the school was intended to scare students and our human professors away.” She took a deep breath. “They’re calling themselves Separatists because they believe all species should be separated. Their biggest fear is inter-breeding and thinning out the bloodlines.” She cleared her throat and shot a quick glance at Wendy then resumed addressing everyone.

“There is a plan to murder one of my Lycans for fraternizing with a male of another species.” She pounded her fist on the table. “I will
not
allow them to succeed.”

She knew. She knew it was her. The plan to murder a Lycan was a hit on her, because of Zoltar. Everyone around the table pounded their fists against the surface, Wendy included. She was a
Lycan
and she was not going down without a fight. Others had often seen her as meek and mild mannered. Most didn’t know she fought in the last war, just a young adult at the time, or that she’d been trained by Tom, head of the Belfast pack’s security.

She’d put the past behind her. Her days of bloodshed had haunted her for nearly forty years. They were in for a surprise if they thought she’d lay there and take it. She
would
fight. She would love who
she
wanted.

“It’s me, isn’t it Grace?” When she spoke, she did so in a low, even voice.

Grace nodded, her mouth turned down in concern. “Don’t worry. We’ll protect you.”

“Let them come.”

“What? No.” Zoltar looked at her, his eyes wide.

“You’re the combat tactics professor
and
my mate. They want a fight—they’ll
get
one!” She growled. The reflection of her glowing eyes illuminating his face. Adrenaline soared through her veins causing tiny vibrations in her extremities.

“Mate? When did that happen?” Tiffany asked as she entered the room.

Wendy spun around in her chair. “Tiffany! You’re okay!” She leaped from her chair and hugged her.

Mary’s car skidded into the room. “Hey! Wait!” She jumped out of her car and ran to Wendy.

She picked her up and placed her on the table top before reclaiming her seat.

Beauregard stood and leaned over, his knuckles on the table. “I know we wanted to wait. I know we wanted to take time to form a law enforcement branch and a government. But we need to put a tactical team together now. We need to hunt these vermin in their den and decimate them.” He flexed the long, lean muscles of his arms. “We can make changes as necessary, but this threat needs to be eradicated.”

Everyone banged on the table again. Ella placed her hand on his bicep. “We are really talented at reading auras. I have one man in mind for the job, if you’ll allow it. He can help assemble your team and his particular talents would also help you spot someone with a guilty conscience.”

“That’d be fine by me.”

Roman stood to command attention. “I don’t think any of us have objections to you heading this new, uh, department, Beauregard.”

Zoltar stood, Wendy shooting up next to him. “You can have as many of my men as you see fit. They’re at your service.”

Lela climbed on top of her chair. “All my people are fierce warriors. You may elect any of them to serve your cause.”

Mary stood and put her hands on her hips. “Listen, we don’t have leaders, but since I’m the first to make a true friend here, the Gnomes have asked me to speak on their behalf. I know we’re little. I know we can’t move as fast, nor can we fight like you. But we do have stealth on our side, and we are excellent climbers. We can sneak into places you can’t. We can hear better than any of you. You should take one of us with you. We can help.” She lifted her chin.

Beauregard smiled down at her. “Of course. It would be an honor to have one of you with us. We’re all in this together. We all have strengths and weaknesses. This is
our
pack now.”

Ella’s eyes had calmed to their normal blue shade. “Mary, I’ll have Grant, one of my Pixies, read your auras to find the fiercest among you. Would that be suitable?”

Wendy’s bottom lip quivered. Everyone in the room showed so much respect toward one another. Species that had mistrusted each other in the past, coming together, truly. It touched her deeply. It wasn’t only possible for the different species to form an honest-to-goodness pack—it happened in front of her eyes.

“Tiffany,” Grace’s voice was low, solemn. “Please fill us in on the damage.”

She stepped forward slowly and placed her palms on the table. “There were many injuries, but thankfully, most of us heal fairly quickly. One of the Dwarves died from falling down the stairs when the first bomb hit. She just…um,” tears spilled over her eyes and ran down her face. “She broke her neck. One of the Fae tried to heal her but it was too late.” She looked at Lela and Oden. “I’m very sorry.”

Beauregard bowed his head and whispered silently with his eyes closed as if in prayer. Oden and Lela pounded their chests twice and said something in their native tongue Wendy didn’t recognize.

“Ella, you have two in the infirmary. They’re using your brand of magic to heal, so there really wasn’t anything for me to do. None of the Gnomes were injured beyond bumps and scrapes. Other than that, everyone seems to be okay.” She shook her head. “Honestly, this castle is so durable it was the shockwave of the blast that did the most damage to the people inside.”

Wendy grabbed Zoltar’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “I know what our moral code says about interrogation.” She cleared her throat. She looked at Roman and Grace and furrowed her brow. “But can you two dig in our hostage’s head and find a location of where these Separatists hide?”

Roman jutted his chin at Zoltar. “I think
we
should go. You up for it?”

“Absolutely.” He puffed out his chest.

“I’m going too.” Ella’s voice cracked. “He killed one of mine and I want answers!” She crossed her arms over her tiny frame.

“Don’t kill him,” Grace said as she wagged her finger. “Not yet.”

“Not a problem.” He looked at the Fae King. “Put a team together. We’ll give you all of the information as soon as we have it.”

Zoltar leaned over and whispered in Wendy’s ear. “I’d like to discuss this
mate
idea when I return. Be safe.” He kissed her cheek.

She leaned against his kiss, feeling warmth and a sense of calm ooze into her.

Everyone filed out of the room. Everyone except for Grace, Tiffany, and Wendy. The three moved in closer to each other. Grace threw her arms around them both and pulled them in. “Oh girls, I’m so relieved you’re both okay.”

“Let’s talk about this mate thing now!” Tiffany squeaked.

If she wasn’t so spent from the evening’s ordeal she probably would have blushed. “I don’t know what to say. I just feel…at ease with him. It feels natural, like it’s always been.”

A smirk spread across Grace’s face. “That’s how I felt with Roman. He seemed familiar from the beginning, like it was just, normal to be with him. Like no one else could suit me better.”

“But it’s put a target on my back.” Wendy’s shoulders fell. “Honestly, I just wanted to, be a bit more than friends because I didn’t know if I’d still be accepted.”

“Of course! Don’t be dense. This is a new pack—an integrated pack. Roman and I only want to see you happy. Honestly, I’m glad you have your cookies and milk.” A wicked grin spread across Grace’s face as she wiggled an eyebrow.

“Oh Grace. Poor form.” She gave her a weak smile.

Tiffany scratched her head. “Cookies and milk?”

“Oh yeah, Wendy couldn’t figure out whether to strip him naked or dunk him in milk and eat him up.” Grace laughed and winked at her.

Placing a palm on her forehead, she tried to cool her embarrassment. “Ya’ just had to share that, didn’t you?” If she were honest with herself, she was grateful for the humor. “This is so inappropriate, given the circumstances.”

Theron jogged into the room. “Sorry, where’s Zoltar?”

“Interrogating someone. What’s up?” Grace asked.

He smiled, apparently pleased at the thought of interrogation. “The building is still structurally sound. The Pixies with their ability to fly around are scrubbing the upper floors on the exterior, removing the soot. We should have this place like new before the students arrive. Your vampire has brought a witch with him. She’s casting protective charms around the perimeter of the property. Everyone okay?”

“One Dwarf lost, some other injuries but that seems to be the extent of it.” Tiffany shifted her weight and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Oh,” His eyes widened. “Uh, sorry.”

Wendy sniffed. Theron hadn’t had control over himself and Tiffany was reacting.

Wait! Why didn’t I notice immediately?

“Because you claimed a mate.”
Grace spoke in her head.
“We can still scent it, but the effect isn’t as strong.”

Receiving Grace’s thought she looked at her Queen who had a large smile plastered on her face.

“It’s a very powerful thing. Your wolf must be very serious about him to prevent you from picking up on Theron’s scent.”

She rolled her eyes. If her wolf had her way, they’d have been bonded their first time alone together. “Thank you, Theron. I’ll let Z know.”

He nodded at her before turning to give Tiffany a wink then spun on his heel making his exit.

“Down girl.” Grace whispered in the young Lycan’s ear.

Tiffany spun around fanning her blazing red face. “Holy hotness!”

“Ladies, we’re in crisis mode here. Focus!” She chuckled.

With a wink at her, Grace turned and smiled. “Tiff, can you give us a moment. Go get cleaned up and try to get some rest.”

She nodded and waved as she left the room.