I stare at the Sweat lodge Rikka and Andrenior built, ready to take someone's head off. This is never going to work. Smoke drifts through a few cracks of the exterior walls made of wattled willow branches. The sharp scent of the incense makes me sick. How can anyone stand this?

"Calm down, Kendrick."

I glare at Cassum. Come to think of it, she is the root of this evil by concocting this crazy idea in the first place. Maybe I should start taking my anger out on her.

Pacing back and forth in the clearing, I ball my hands to fists until my knuckles turn white. When I had led Raelyn to the lodge, terror had jumped from her eyes. The memory pricks like sharp needles under my skull. She didn't want this. Her face said it all, even if her missing tongue hampered her from voicing her objection.

My attention shifts to my healer. "What do you think, Arabella?"

Shrugging, she can't hold my gaze.

I growl at her. "C'mon, you must have an opinion."

"That type of curative power is considered dark magic. It goes against nature. As a healer, I can't condone it."

That's what I thought. I huff. "I should stop this."

"Remember, it's Raelyn's only chance to ever speak again," Cassum says. "Don't take this from her."

"We were fine without her tongue."

"Were you?"

I kick against a tree. Truth is that without her tongue, Raelyn would've had to rely on me to provide for her for the rest of her life. This is her one shot to regain her independence. But what if she rejects me as soon as she's able to care for herself again? I don't want her to leave.

A terrible howl cracks the still night air. I leap for the Sweat lodge, just to be stopped by my sister's snapping teeth.

"Relax. They said it would be painful."

I scrape my fingers over my skull, ignoring the sharp burn my extended claws leave on my skin. "I can't stand this."

"Maybe you should give them their space. Take Niccolo and go for a run. Kill a deer."

I shoot Cassum a dark look. I won't leave Raelyn. Without me, she's at the warlocks' mercy. If push comes to shove, I need to be able to intervene.

A heart wrenching groan floats up toward the half moon, followed by a shrill cry.

"That's enough." I push Cassum aside.

When I'm almost at the lodge, Arabella steps in my way. "They've already started, and disturbing their energy flow might have severe consequences. It's too late, Kendrick. You chose this, and now you have to let them do their thing."

"But they are hurting Raelyn." Where was her choice in this? I shouldn't have forced this decision on her.

"Don't worry, once she gets her tongue back, she'll be grateful." Cassum squeezes my arm. "What about that run? I'll come with you."

"No. I don't want to leave her." I sound like a stubborn, small pup, but I don't care. Why can't this be over already?

The cries get louder. My wolf is in uproar, trying to take over my skins by force. Fur rips along my spine. I breathe deeply in and out. I haven't lost control of my nature since I was able to crawl. What's wrong with me?

As heat rushes to my eyes, my vision blurs; even without a mirror, I know that my irises have turned the amber color of my ancestors. My wolf roars angry in my chest. He wants to come out and protect this innocent female. My fangs break through my gums. I bare my teeth at Cassum and Arabella.

"Compose yourself, my son." My mother's sharp words force my wolf to retreat. No matter what, she deserves my respect, not only because she's still the Luna of this pack, but she also gave me the gift of life. As she joins me, I bow my head to her.

She extends her arm to the woods. "Let's walk."

Like a scolded pup, I trail behind her. She waits until we are out of earshot before cutting into me. "You brought warlocks onto the territory?"

"It was for Raelyn."

"I don't care. You're endangering our kind—our pack. Warlocks are our sworn enemies. They can never be trusted."

"It was Cassum's idea. She's friends with one of them."

My mother raises a brow. "Which one?"

"Andrenior. She saved his life."

"Interesting." She stares up at the moon. "I made some inquiries. Andrenior is next in line to become a Sentinel. He's very powerful in their world."

"Cassum trusts him."

"Still. He's a warlock, able to destroy us. I want him and the other one gone."

I smile down at her. "No offense, Mother, but I'm the Alpha of this pack. This type of decision isn't up to you."

She tilts her head in an agreeing motion. "Of course, but keep in mind that you might not be thinking clearly. These feelings you have for Raelyn"—she hesitates, as if wanting to choose her next words carefully—"they might be different from what you've experienced before."

"Cassum is convinced we are true mates."

"That's one possibility."

"What's the other one?"

"I sense something different about her. A force I can't explain. She is headstrong— too headstrong for a female."

"Well, she's an Alpha born."

"Still. Her body can't keep up with her—not yet anyways—but I could see her challenge you one day."

I laugh. "Now you're exaggerating. Raelyn isn't a threat to me."

"Like I said, there's something different about her. A dark energy I don't like." Her smile is slow. "Just be careful as you get to know her."

"You almost sound as if you're afraid of her."

"The forces of nature can be very powerful. At times, they are unpredictable, and emotions can make you vulnerable. Don't forget that."

"I promise I won't." Now I'm in the mood for a run. After this conversation, I need to clear my head.

The half-moon shines brightly upon me as I chase through the underbrush. The air smells sweet of wildflowers and honeysuckle. At the creek, I drop down on my belly, resting my chin on my paws. I stare at the gurgling water. The last time I was here, I was with Raelyn. She was so vulnerable back then. My mother is crazy to think she could ever turn into anything but a sweet female.

A sudden unrest has my snout rise toward the moon. I sense her distress. Sudden pain shoots in hot waves through my body. My gut is about to tear apart. When the smoke of invisible incense chokes me, I gag. Rising to my feet, I shake. The agony takes over, forcing me back on my knees. I howl into the night.

Consumed by pain.

Trembling.

Terrified of death for the first time in my life.

My tongue seems to swell in my mouth. I struggle to breathe, the pressure on my chest and skull threatening to crack my bones. I whimper. The pain raging through my veins eats me from the inside out. Unable to move, I lie perfectly still. What the fuck is happening to me?

Just as every nerve end in my body is curled in utter torture, the pain subsides as sudden as it had appeared. With the next blink of my eyes, the torment is wiped from my mind. I pant to slow my racing heartbeat. Every new breath is liberating. I'm full of energy, ready to take on the world. A new howl turns into cackling laughter.

A sudden urge to check on Raelyn overwhelms me. With long leaps, I run through the forest to get to the clearing. The Sweat lodge is broken down. No sign of Raelyn or the warlocks. Only Cassum has chosen to stick around.

I shift. "Where is she?"

"Mother took her to the packhouse, so she can freshen up and rest. This whole ordeal made her really tired."

"And her tongue?"

"She didn't speak much, but from the few words, she seemed okay."

Thank the Moon Goddess. "Where did Andrenior and Rikka go?"

"Mother banned them to the barn. They looked pissed. Andrenior mumbled something about leaving soon, so I wouldn't agitate him, if I were you."

Let my sister deal with them; after all, Andrenior is her buddy. "You got this?"

"Yeah. You go and check on Raelyn."

She doesn't have to ask twice. With one leap, I shift back and race down the path to the packhouse. Nicollo, Arabella, and the rest of my family are setting the table for breakfast. The dishes with fresh kill stimulate my taste buds and my stomach rumbles. I'd love to sit down for a quick snack, but checking on Raelyn has priority. Ignoring Kenna's quizzical look, I head up the steps. Just before I storm into the guest bedroom, I grab the robe from behind my door. Even though it's silly, facing Raelyn in only my skins feels awkward.

Chill, Raynes. No need to be so nervous.

Slipping on the robe, I click my tongue. Stupid. There's absolutely nothing to be afraid of. When I slowly open the door to the guest room, my hand shakes.

She stands in front of the full-length mirror with her back turned to me. Her hair is damp and the tightly wrapped towel hides her form. Before I can restrain him, my wolf rumbles with lust. She doesn't turn around. Venturing into the room, I lock eyes with her in the mirror.

She smiles. "Hi."

I step behind her. Nestling my nose into her hair, I take in her scent. Coconut. She must've used my sister's shampoo. When I turn her around, goosebumps cover my arms.

"How are you feeling?"

"Terrific would be an understatement." Her voice is as smoky as the misty gray of her eyes.

"I'm sorry—"

Her finger comes to rest on my lips. "You don't have to be sorry for anything. You've only been good to me."

I'm mesmerized by her moving tongue. When she smiles, her teeth shine. My wolf twitches in my skin. I force him down. He caused enough uproar.

"Do you have something to wear?"

"Your mother gave me a few clothes from your sister."

I follow her gaze. Everest's jeans are neatly laid out on the bed together with one of her sweaters.

Raelyn snickers. "Believe it or not, I haven't worn pants in ages. Dante—my old pack—they didn't approve."

"Forget them. You're a part of this pack now."

She stares at a family picture on the wall, the sudden awkwardness unsettling. "Why are you doing all this for me? I mean, you barely know me."

That's a tricky one. I sure wouldn't have gone through all this trouble for any other female. "There's something about you. . ."

When I don't continue, she turns her head. Her smile warms my insides. "Whatever it is, I'm grateful." Getting on her tiptoes, she stretches to peck my cheek. Her lips burn on my already heated skin.

"Don't mention it."

Getting down, the towel slips. I take in a sharp breath. Even though I've seen every female of my pack and then some naked over the years, her beauty is riveting. Flawless skin, curves in all the right places, breasts to die for. My fingers twitch. I want to reach out for her, touch this impeccable body, but I instinctively know that this will cross a line. She is mated to another wolf, and until Dante is out of the picture for good, I'm not prepared to overstep this boundary.

I bend down and retrieve the towel, wrapping it back around her and tucking it in tightly under her right armpit. "You should get dressed. The hunters brought over some fresh kill and you must be absolutely famished."

"Arabella said that it will take time for my system to fully recover and that I should take it easy on the food for the next few days. She recommended I'd start with some bread and soup."

"Then that's all I'm having, too."

Her laugh is like chimes, blowing softly in the wind. "Don't be silly. You are an Alpha who needs his meat. Besides, you've done enough for me already."

Until every one of her old pack paid for what they did to her, it will never be enough. "Well, I'll wait downstairs. And I'll make sure no one touches their breakfast until you join us."

"I appreciate that."

Walking down the stairs, my steps are light. The tongue thing worked; Raelyn can talk again. I'm so thrilled for her.

When I stroll into the dining room, Kenna looks up. "Man, I hope this grin doesn't stay permanently on your face. You look like a lovestruck idiot."

My mother shoots her a warning stare. "Shush, and let your brother be happy for once."

"Yeah, who knows how long that'll last." Cassum smirks at me.

I fold into the chair at the head at the table. Nothing and no one will be able to ruin my good mood. "Let's wait for Raelyn. She'll be down in a minute."

Kenna pulls a face. "I'm starving."

"Chill, sis. Patience is a virtue." I cup my hands behind my head, studying the rest of my family and friends seated around the table with somber faces. Without exception, they are ready to dig in, but none of them would ever go against my orders. Alphas rule.

The door opens and Rikka waltzes in as if she were top banana. "Good morning." She plops into the chair that is earmarked for Raelyn, rubbing her hands. "Boy, I'm so hungry, I could eat a wolf." When everyone at the table glares at her, she smirks. "Don't look so serious. I didn't mean it literally."

"You were supposed to stay in the barn until your departure," my mother says.

"The barn is boring and the food you left sucks." Rikka yawns behind a raised hand. "And Andrenior did his snipping-fingers-and-disappear thing, leaving me to do the clean-up."

My brows furrow. "What clean-up?"

"Didn't Andrenior tell you? The kind of magic we performed leaves traces. Those need to be remediated, unless you want to alert the Sentinels to what we did. Trust me, the last warlock you want snooping around here is Marush. Even a big Alpha like you can't stop him from turning your head into a wisp of smoke. And that I meant literally." Licking her fingers, she grabs a huge piece of meat off the table and sets it on the plate in front of her. "And I'd appreciate it if you can cook this the next time. I'm not a savage." Yet, that doesn't stop her from taking a big bite.

My mother's attention shifts to me. Her scowl is clear: get rid of the witch.

"Uhm, Rikka, how long will the clean-up take?"

"A while. Besides, you promised you'd show me the Northern Lights." She takes another mouthful, glancing around the dining room. "I think I'll like it here."

My mother's glare turns murderous. I gaze at Cassum for help, but she's preoccupied with the zipper of her cardigan. Niccolo clears his throat, giving me a hidden thumbs down behind Arabella's back. Kenna giggles for no apparent reason. I manage a crooked smile. Man, from here on in, meals will be awkward.

~~~~

© Sally Mason 2018

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