Page 14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

H ysteria took over my mind as I linked to our entire pack, Grenade! Stop! Cold tendrils of fear choked me as I watched my sister barrel toward her death.

My wolf howled in my head, and the warm magic within me started churning.

The red brake lights flashed, but it was too little, too late. The grenade was right on it.

I screamed, “No!” hoping like hell to somehow stop it.

The grenade hit the car with a sound that resembled metal skidding across stone... and ricocheted back toward the vampires.

The grenade spun, flipping over itself once… twice… and then exploded.

“What the hell?” Ryker gasped, twisting in his seat just as a deafening boom shook the earth.

Fire erupted several feet in front of the cloaked vampires, spraying flames toward their shadows in a blast of blinding light. Mulch and dirt sprayed upward in a violent cloud as shrapnel exploded, embedding into the trunks of trees, slicing off branches that crashed to the ground, and stripping bark.

The vampires screamed—high and sharp—but the noise cut off fast as smoke rolled through the woods.

“What was that ?” Cassi gasped, peering between the front seats.

“A grenade hit the other car and somehow blasted back toward the vampires.” The words felt like sandpaper against my throat. I linked with everyone again, Are you guys okay?

Yes, Briar replied, but that was all I got.

“They’re fine.” Ryker reached over and rubbed the tops of my hands. “I can feel them. They’re just in shock.”

I tore my gaze from the Accord and looked at my hands, noticing how tight I was holding the steering wheel. Despite their death grip, my hands were shaking, and that’s when what had just happened truly hit me. I had nearly lost my sister and three of my pack mates.

That was fucking badass, Gage interjected.

“How was that even possible?” Sun asked, her breathing ragged.

“All I can come up with is the strange man,” Reid growled. “He’s still watching Ember.”

“He protected our people again,” I added, wanting to believe this stranger had good intentions.

Still, his help could vanish any time. We couldn’t depend on it, especially when everything else around us broke so easily.

“Not trying to be inconsiderate—because I know we almost lost half our group—but we need to move,” Reid said urgently. “That blast will bring more of them, and I suspect they’ll alert the vampires at the mansion.”

He was right. We took a moment to collect ourselves; dealing with the emotions would have to come later.

Ryker’s frustration flared, causing more anxiety to race through me as he linked, We gotta go. The surprise could be ruined, so we need to get there and get this done quickly.

Briar’s Accord shot forward, the tires ripping into the soft earth as she veered around a burning tree limb. I floored Kevin’s old Mazda, which jostled over roots and narrow trails like it remembered the path as well as I did.

“They’ll be coming faster now.” Ryker scanned the woods despite his inability to see the shadows. “We need to ensure they’re not chasing us before we hit the road.” His frustration continued to grow.

My heart slammed against my ribs as I tore through the woods behind Briar. The backup exit sat hidden behind a collapsed barn on the outer edge of the Sinclair land with no signs and no markers. Just a narrow path between two trees that led to a forgotten gravel service road.

What’s wrong? I asked. I couldn’t figure out what was bothering him so much.

Reid had to tell us to drive. Ryker’s disgust seeped through the bond. I’m the alpha protector. That should’ve been my call.

I’d always thought Ryker was hard on himself, but feeling his emotions made me realize it was worse than I’d ever imagined. You almost lost four of your pack members. He wasn’t going to lose any of his. That’s completely different.

That’s why I had the fucking spell placed on me. He fisted one hand in his lap. But I couldn’t even get it to pull up when I tried just now.

My gut clenched hard, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the trail to glare at him. Instead, I pushed toward him all my hurt and disgust. Even after everything, you’re trying to use the magic? She said it would change you.

All of a sudden, Briar jerked to the right and linked, Fallen tree!

The Accord skidded around it, revealing a huge-ass oak tree lying in front of us. Luckily, we were at the end where the roots stuck out, so I yanked a hard right like Briar to get around.

Our car tipped and rolled up on the passenger side wheels as the driver’s side tires hit the tips of the roots, causing a few to break off and fly. One hit the windshield and cracked it as we cleared the tree by inches.

The Mazda slammed back onto the dirt path with a sickening thud, and Reid groaned painfully from the backseat.

“Is everyone okay?” I rasped, focused on watching for other surprises that might appear out of thin air.

“We’re fine, seeing as we’re all still alive.” Sun sighed.

I didn’t need to look in the rearview mirror to know that her words were sincere.

“For the love of the goddess, please tell me we’re almost out of this path from hell?” Cassi’s voice was tight and timid.

Before I could answer, Briar pulled out onto the gravel road just about ten yards ahead.

“We’re here.” I sagged slightly, thankful that we were on an actual road. I’d known the secret path would be challenging, but I hadn’t expected a grenade.

Our tires spat gravel as we raced toward the end of Sinclair territory.

Ryker’s emotions were still on edge, but a little bit of peace seemed to envelop us.

Babe, having emotions isn’t a bad thing. Now that I didn’t have to focus on the road so intentionally, I could pick up our previous conversation. The sun was rising, blanketing the sky in pinks, purples, and oranges. Sometimes emotions help us focus on what really matters. Cutting them off can have you making a decision that you would regret for the rest of your life.

Being a leader means making hard calls, lil rebel, he replied, placing a hand on my thigh. You know that. It’s easier to not let emotions confuse things.

Like when you wanted to leave me for dead after pulling me from the river? I arched a brow.

Intense agony shot through our bond, and guilt returned. He inhaled sharply. Point made, he replied.

Briar cut left onto the main road that led past town and toward the vampire mansion. I followed, tires spitting dust and tiny rocks, creating a cloud behind us.

For a second, everything went still. All we could hear was everyone’s breathing, heartbeats, and the rumble of the engine.

The oak trees thinned as the terrain changed, the shadows growing smaller as the sun continued to rise.

If the drive was any indication of what’s to come, I want everyone to know that I’m not above shrieking before being blasted to pieces. Gage popped into our heads.

Man, not funny, Xander shot back. Don’t go freaking out before we even get there. We need to keep our heads on straight.

I understood that Gage joked as a coping mechanism, but right now, I didn’t think any of us were in the mood.

Too soon, Ryker replied. Not all of us deal with stress the same way as you.

All I care about is getting that spell off Ryker, Kendric added. I don’t want them to be able to track us. I hate that we’ve informed them of everything to this point as is.

I didn’t need the alpha link to know Raven’s betrayal was making Kendric extra bitter. In fairness, we’d all been sucked in by her act, especially after that night when we’d retrieved Briar and Ryker had nearly died in the back seat of a car. She’d had all these words of wisdom about love and what was important, like she’d wanted to guide me to do what was best for me, when all she’d really wanted was to get me to trust her. We need to focus on the goal and not let our mistakes get in our way. Take our actions one at a time.

I agree. Ryker smiled tightly as we passed by the small downtown of Shadow Brook.

A few lights were on. A lot of people were getting ready to start the day.

A lump formed in my throat. We were nearing the mansion, and we wouldn’t have the dark to cover us. Getting out had taken longer than expected.

Everyone, gather your thoughts, and get ready for what lies ahead, Ryker commanded.

I couldn’t help but notice that Briar remained silent, so I linked to just her. Is everything okay?

No, not really. But I’ll be fine, I promise. I’m coming to grips with the fact that there are going to be more chances of death as we continue this fight. The explosion brought the risks to the forefront of my mind.

If only I could reassure her and vow that it would never happen, but I couldn’t. We were at war, and death would be the cost. We could beg Fate to not take any more lives, but even I understood that would be foolish.

Freedom came with a cost. History has proven that time and time again.

The town disappeared in the rearview mirror, and tension began building in my body once again. We’d be in vampire territory soon.

“Can you utilize your magic so Ember isn’t the only one who can see the shadows?” Reid asked Cassi.

“That’s not possible. I’m not even able to see them. I can just sense their magic.”

“Cassi’s magic use needs to be limited until there’s no other option.” Ryker looked over his shoulder. “The vampires have guards in place to detect magic. I know it works because they detected the cloaking spell over me.”

“Wait.” I just realized a huge issue with our plan. “Cassi mentioned that other witches may have a workaround in place to allow access for other witches, but as soon as she uses her magic, they’ll know we’re on the premises.” The fact that I hadn’t considered that until now made me want to scream.

“Then we’ll need to move quickly.” Sun fidgeted in her seat. “Because our plan stays the same. We’ve got to get that witch to remove the spell from Ryker.”

Kendric, tell Briar where to park and enter to get us to the prison faster, Ryker linked. We need to move in and out quickly because they probably know we’re coming, and they’ll sense Cassi’s magic.

Got it, he replied.

Soon, the familiar woods that marked the queen’s territory appeared. My stomach roiled. This was going to be messy. I could only hope that our small group could get in and out without detection.

We drove past the road we’d normally take to the mansion and headed toward the other end of the land.

My heartbeat quickened. This would probably turn out abysmally.

Soon, Briar pulled onto a grassy shoulder and parked. I followed suit, pulling up behind her.

We all climbed from the cars, and I glanced upward to see the fading signs of sunrise. Morning had started pushing through, and the air felt wrong—thick and sharp—like it knew what was coming.

Ryker caught up to the rest of our pack and Bruce.

Bruce shook his head. “I should’ve brought some men after all. The vampires have to know we’re coming.”

“Yes, but they don’t know we were able to locate the witch.” Ryker rubbed his hands together. “So they’ll be expecting us to attack them.”

A little bit of tension was released from my body. He was right. They wouldn’t expect us to go for the prison.

Reid leaned against the Mazda. “How far away are we from the entrance?”

“It’s about two miles in the woods from here.” Kendric crossed his arms. “So about a mile from the mansion. There were no guards around, at least that I could see. It was hidden.”

I linked with Ryker, Even though Reid is holding up well, I don’t think he should come. He’s still injured, and if we’re traveling four miles total, he’ll slow us down. I turned to look at Sun, Cassi, and Reid, and I could see Sun’s strained expression as she studied Reid.

She had to be worried about the same thing as I was.

You’re right. Ryker pivoted and tilted his chin up, ready to play alpha.

Yeah, that wouldn’t go over well, so instead, I spoke before Ryker could. “Reid, I know this is important to you, but with all the pack link connections and everything, it would be best if you and Briar stayed here for when we return. We’re going to need the cars ready to take off and not try to be fumbling with everything then.”

Ember, no, Briar linked. I want to be beside you.

Selfishly, this plan helped ease some of my worry. Reid is sweaty and pale. He’s not going to make it, and you know the area and its hiding spots better than most. We’re one of the packs that know the surrounding areas well. It makes sense for you to stay with him.

“What? No—” Reid started.

But Sun jumped in. “I agree with Ember.” Her eyes glowed, and I had no doubt she was speaking to him.

After a moment, he frowned and exhaled. “Fine, I can do that, but I need Bruce and Ryker to swear they’ll take care of Sun.”

Both alphas agreed, and Ryker pushed his pride toward me.

He knew what I’d done.

“Then let’s move. Time is running short.” Bruce pointed to the lightening sky.

“Gage, Xander, and Kendric, I need you three to shift. Leave your guns on the car so the rest of us can double up.” Ryker rocked on his heels. “Ember, Sun, and Bruce can have two guns each.”

Everyone nodded.

Kendric removed his holster and placed it on the trunk then jogged to the tree line. Xander and Gage followed suit, and the three of them yanked their shirts over their heads as they disappeared behind three large trees. Within seconds, bones began to snap.

While we waited, Reid and Sun hugged, and I could see the lines of worry already deepening his forehead. He didn’t want his mate to go, but at the same time, he knew he couldn’t stop her.

Taking my hand, Ryker turned me toward him. He kissed my lips and linked, Please, don’t do anything reckless. I can’t handle losing you.

I won’t do anything I consider reckless. I returned his affection, but I couldn’t agree to his terms. There were things I’d done in the past that he’d thought risky, and I hadn’t agreed with him.

He huffed. I guess I’m going to have to accept that.

The guys emerged in wolf form and waited for us.

Kendric’s massive black wolf shook his head, his hackles already raised. Xander’s wolf—a dark brown—flanked him, and Gage’s blonde coat bristled.

Do you want us to scout ahead? Xander asked, pawing at the ground.

No, but we do need your enhanced hearing in animal form. Ryker stepped back. If they’re cloaked, only Ember can see them, so I don’t want to put you at unnecessary risk.

Maybe Cassi should ride on one of their backs? I bit my lip. Since Cassi was a witch, she couldn’t move as quickly as we could. We needed to be as fast as possible and silent.

She can ride me, Xander trotted over.

Ride you, aye? Gage laughed, sounding more like a choke.

Rolling her eyes, Briar hung her head. So not funny right now.

Xander stopped in front of Cassi and hunkered to the ground. Cassi tilted her head back.

“He wants you to climb on his back so we can move quicker,” Ryker explained.

Placing her satchel around her body, she obliged, and Xander stood with no problem despite the additional weight.

“Let’s go.” Bruce walked to Gage and Kendric.

Briar threw her arms around me, and I heard similar movements from Reid and Sun.

You better come back, Ember. Briar tightened her grip even more.

I returned the squeeze and pulled back so we were eye to eye. I will do everything possible. Knowing that if I didn’t leave now, it’d be harder, I spun on my heels and went toward the woods. Ryker appeared at my side, taking my hand as Sun flanked my other side.

We ran.

No one spoke, and no one stumbled. Our feet fell in perfect rhythm on the mossy earth, muffled by the thick undergrowth and damp morning dew.

The sun filtered weakly through the trees in ribbons of gold and pink, casting long shadows between the trunks. However, none of the shadows were the threatening kind.

But the woods themselves were silent—too silent.

No birds. No insects. Not even wind.

The kind of quiet that warned of blood ahead.

Still, we pressed forward.

Kendric led us with long, purposeful strides, his black wolf weaving expertly between the trees. Gage and Bruce flanked him, while Ryker, Sun, and I trailed close behind. Xander padded just ahead with Cassi, who gripped his thick fur tightly, scanning the woods.

The closer we got to our destination, the colder the air grew.

The trees thinned as we neared the rise where Kendric had said we’d find the prison entrance. A boulder the size of a small car was supposed to mark the trailhead, though it was concealed in vines and half-covered in moss.

But when we reached the top of the incline, we all stopped short.

Cold pressure slammed into me just as Kendric linked, The rock is gone.