Dreams of the Forgotten (9 page)

The next two days were hectic. We got the pups settled in. Nathan examined the girls to assess the scope of the abuse. I had Daniel's assets frozen. Now we waited for the leech to come back. I couldn't sleep, so I spent a couple of hours in my office wrapping up Theo's estate as much as possible. Everything was placed into a trust for the children.

The sun breached the horizon and I turned the chair to watch the scene from the double windows behind me. There on the window seal gazing in were five copper birds staring at me with small, dark, and intelligent eyes. They began hopping around each other as I regarded them.
Come out and play
, they seemed to say to me, and I smiled at their antics.

I headed for the back door. I sensed Ushna in the direction of our room. I was glad he slept. He had worried about the upcoming confrontation with Daniel. He too struggled with self-recrimination over the state of Theo's pups' welfare.

When I'd expressed my distrust of Daniel, Ushna chastised me. He'd believed I held a grudge. When I told him Daniel smelled rank, wrong to my predator, he'd thought I hadn't dealt with Theo's betrayal. He didn't believe me when I told him Daniel and Theo were welcomed to each other. They had paid the price the Law required for Theo's deception and Daniel's seduction of a mate. There weren't written laws that penalized Lycans for stealing another's Twin Flame. It wasn't done and so a lesser law regarding mates was used to judge Daniel. The trespasses had been paid in full and I was satisfied. My dislike of Daniel Sullivan was deeper, more instinctual, corresponding to the danger my predator and I'd perceived he brought to our tribe.

The problem was Daniel appeared to be a likeable guy on the surface. Until now, he'd exhibited model behavior. He was charismatic and congenial. People gravitated to him and his brilliant smile. For the longest time it had pissed me off no one had seen what I did.

Now Ushna berated himself because he hadn't listened to me. He thought he'd let us down. The fact of the matter was, as insufficient and unsatisfying as it was, we weren't responsible for Daniel's actions. The knowledge hadn't made either of us feel any better.

Ushna had fallen asleep holding me after we focused on a plan of action away from the "should haves". But my mind wouldn't shut down, so after a couple of hours I went to the office to get a jump on the day.

Shoving the ring on my finger, I walked out the back door. The birds perched along the porch railing greeted me. They chirped as if they were laughing at me as I sucked in my breath when my warm feet hit the icy wood planks.

The Earth sang out a joyous greeting, warming me starting with my smarting feet. I let her ease my aches away. I ignored this sense of impending… I don't know what. Something hovered at the edge of my perception that would eclipse my current worries and problems. It was like working a puzzle blindfolded, striving to line everything up even though I couldn't see the pattern. I heard the ticking of the clock as it wound down. When it stopped, I had to be ready, or everything I'd built would collapse around me.

A noise from the horse barn caught my attention. The tawny hind end of a lion stuck out of the door. Dammit! I had told him to leave her alone! I walked out to the barn to get Corleone, the Shirdal who endeavored to seduce my horse, Dancing Socks, out of her stall. Shirdals were lion-eagles of myth and legend. Obviously, they were alive and well in the twenty-first century, and he was bound and determined to mate with my mare.

I'm not sure how a creature with eagle eyes and a hooked beak could appear abashed, but Corleone pulled the look off when I walked into the barn trailed by my two guards. He was caught. He knew he wasn't supposed to be there but he couldn't seem to help himself.

We were all awed when the Shirdals first appeared. The creatures had made their home in my territory and surprisingly joined the fight when the serial killer, Craig Stoiler, attacked the ranch some months back. They were very much individuals with their own personalities and this one was a horn dog for my horse, attempting to get under Sock's saddle for a bit of fun.

"Corleone, you're not supposed to be in here," I said aloud as I reached out for him through the Earth.
We'd had this conversation a couple of times. He was enamored with Socks and she ignored him. In his mind he was strong, his lion's coat golden and his feathers soft. He couldn't understand why she didn't want him.
I was secretly proud of my girl Socks for not giving in to the Shirdal. Though he was persistent, I hoped he'd eventually give up his quest. No matter how many times I'd told him she was a horse, he continued his pursuit.
I stepped in front of Corleone, put my hands on his feathered chest, and pushed him gently backward out of my horse barn. The two guards who shadowed me settled a small distance away to keep from crowding me but close enough to come to my aid if needed. Corleone sat on his haunches and huffed in an oddly hissy way. I felt how lovesick he was but there were consequences if Corleone received his heart's desire.
"You might consider having Socks seen by the vet and fixed, just in case." The huge cowboy, taller than Ushna and wider across the shoulders, stepped out of the horse barn. With one hand, he settled a tan Stetson on his head and covered the curly black hair he'd tied at the nape of his neck.
I smiled. Randy had come out of the barn carrying a small lumpy bag, which immediately caught Corleone's attention. His laughing black eyes regarded the Shirdal as he dug in the sack.
"What? You think Socks will give in to the horn dog?"
Corleone grunted in displeasure as he lay down on the ground. Randy took an apple out of the bag and the Shirdal carefully removed the round morsel out of the rancher's hand. Rolling the fruit on his tongue, Corleone crushed it with his beak as he unabashedly stared back into the stable. When he finished, he silently begged for another from Randy, who fished in the sack for a delicious red treat.
"I think Corleone is persistent and Socks isn't as unaffected as she acts," Randy replied, scratching the feathered head of the Shirdal. "In the days of Sumeria, it had been considered a great honor among kings if a Shirdal chose to reside with them. A pair, such as you have, would make rival Kingdoms insanely jealous and the monarchs would strive to woo the lion-eagles to their kingdom. Of course, it never worked so they captured and caged the creatures, keeping them as trophies."
Corleone regarded me, the large golden eyes full of ancient knowledge.
"Why? What was important about Shirdals claiming a territory in a kingdom?" I asked.
"They're symbols of celestial power, guardians of the divine. The kings who had Shirdals were identified as true children, offspring born of the Gods, making them demi-Gods. But the draw wasn't only that, these grand beasts were an outward testament to the character, integrity, and honor of the king. When one graced your lands it was a blessing, but to have two, those were the greatest kings."
I released a snort of laughter, causing Randy to frown at me. "Oh, yeah, I've done a bang up job so far."
Randy reach over, his large hard smacked me on the arm. Corleone's head swiveled, pinned Randy with a fierce stare as he hissed in warning. Randy fished another apple out of the bag but the Shirdal ignored the offered fruit.
"Don't dishonor yourself with such words. I forget sometimes how young you are," he murmured the last more to himself than to me.
"I'm not
that
young," I said indignantly.
"You're but an infant to those who've been around for centuries," Randy said, his lips twisted with humor. I opened my mouth to ask him what the hell that was supposed to mean, but Randy ignored me and continued. "You've yet to spread your wings in the role of Kingship. In time, you'll gain experience and become more confident in your abilities. Until then, fall back on the teachings of your father. Ramsey taught you exactly as your grandfather taught him. Even though he was second born and not destined to claim the Seat of Zeev, The Wolf Throne, his father trained him as if he would. Ramsey didn't plan for you to rule, Tristan, but he still armed you with the tools to do so."
I regarded Randy with a keen eye. The man spoke as if he had known my father but he couldn't be much older than me. I was ready to demand he explain himself when Corleone's head snapped around, his eagle eyes searching the road that came onto the ranch.
The radios my guard carried squawked. The front gate sent a warning of several approaching vehicles that had breached the gates and were headed toward the main house. The road had been widened and paved to accommodate the traffic of the new warriors. There were a shit load of motorcycles coming down the road.
The yard became a flurry of activity. Corleone raised his wings, extending the twenty-five foot span in the air above us, the downdraft pushed cold morning air around me as he postured, imposing and threatening. The Shirdal moved in front of me, a piercing screech ripping through the air in warning. An echoing reply came from the sky as the other Shirdal circled over us.
Randy drew a curved sword from behind his back I hadn't noticed he'd been carrying. We would have a long talk soon about his sword, his age, and his knowledge of my family.
Warriors flooded the yard and surrounded me in a protective circle. Ushna shot out of the house dressed only in blue jeans, two sheathed scimitars gripped in his hands as he ran straight for me. He examined me for injury but I knew he wouldn't be satisfied with my safety until he could put his hands on me. It was telling that my apprehension bled away when his free hand cupped my cheek before sliding to the back of my neck. Together we turned to the road. The new pavement broke, spitting tar-covered rocks behind the last motorcycles from the impact of bright magical explosions. The riders were pursued by a half dozen black SUVS, people hung out of the windows and hands glowed as magic was used against those who were fleeing from them.
My temper flared quick and hot. I was indignant these intruders dared to use magic as a weapon in front of me on my territory! Using
Alpha Command
so my warriors would hear me, I boomed, "The SUVs are not allowed entrance!"
The lines opened to allow the motorcycles in the ranch yard. Rifles were raised, and to the surprise of the Magi inside, the vehicles were fired upon. The first SUV swerved erratically before it turned on its side, the momentum caused it to flip once, coming to rest on its side. The second vehicle swerved to miss the first only to encounter the unstoppable force of Gregori's stone golem. The front crumpled around the unmovable force, the rear wheels coming off the ground at the sudden stop. The next two vehicles wrecked into each other but the last SUVs turned around to leave. Warrior-laden jeeps shot out of the equipment barn, giving chase.
The whole encounter lasted only a couple of minutes. Dust swirled in the air, smoke clouded around the wrecked vehicles. My ears rang in the wake of the cacophony of sounds that ended abruptly. Men and women abandoned the ruined SUVs. Running away from the ranch, the intruders changing into their wolves as they fled my territory.
Juan, followed by his troops, pursued the trespassers. In three strides his clothes shredded in an explosion of black and silver fur. The others under his command followed suit, their transformation not as fast or as abrupt as Juan's.
Corleone crouched and then leapt into the air, stirring dirt and dust with the powerful downward push of his broad wings as he took to the air. He screamed a war cry as he pursued the fleeing Magi.
Gregori joined Ushna and me in the eye of the protective wall formed by the warriors. He was barechested; his blue sleep pants rode low on his hips and were hastily tucked into his cowboy boots. He scowled at the motorcyclists who were parked in the ranch yard. The riders were kneeling on the ground, their hands clasped behind their heads. Barking an order in Hebrew at the stone golem, he ordered the guardian to him.
Nervously, I twisted the ring of illusion I wore on my finger. I had come to rely on it heavily the longer I was pregnancy. Although I trusted those who made up my personal guard, the more who knew my secret the harder it would be to keep.
I hadn't tested the illusion with any of the Magi with the exception of Gregori. I hoped the illusion held. Gregori swore the only thing that would break the illusion was touch. The Magi could discern I wore a ring of power but they wouldn't know what exactly. The warriors wouldn't allow anyone touch me; I was confident I could confront these new arrivals without revealing anything.
Shoring up my courage, I grasped Ushna's bicep, signaling to him I wanted to move closer. He guided us through the line of my Royal Guard. The warriors opened the way but clustered close to me on all other sides. Corey Bahar stood outside the circle, a sword in one hand, and a Glock in the other.
I anchored my toes in the soil and tested the energies of the men before me. "Who's in charge?" My voice was clear and strong. There was close to fifty Magi kneeling in front of us, and the only thing remotely similar among them was the motorcycles.
"I guess that would be me, Alpha Janick." Near the front, a man who was long, thin, and gangly glanced up at me with cloudy blue eyes. He had shaggy brown hair streaked with orange framing a face of sharp angles. His clothes were loose and baggy, obviously overly worn and slightly frayed around the edges. He dropped his gaze to my feet. He stared so intently, it made me want to look down at them too, not that I'd see anything.
"Do you have a name?" I watched him closely, trusting the warriors to be on guard for trouble from the others.
"Oh! I'm sorry. The power rolling off of you is so strong. You're the strongest alpha I've been around and not one has come close to the power you exude. It's overwhelming, to say the least. My name is Jynx Roth. We've come to seek council with the
Sami
, Gregori Borchette."
All the warriors shifted on their feet, expectant and alert. It wasn't long ago a Magi had tried to kidnap Gregori and Ushna from my territory. Was this a ruse? Sending another to do what they'd failed to do a couple of months ago? My blood started a slow boil. They wouldn't catch me off guard this time. I pushed my feet farther into the soil, pulling power to me.
"Please! Wait! Gods, don't kill me yet. We aren't here to take or harm the
Sami
or the
Alpha Mate
. I swear to you by all I hold holy." Jynx's voice was frantic, sweat stinking of fear.
Ushna slid a hand down my back, calming as he anchored me. I leaned back into him and gazed behind me to Gregori. He appeared pale and uncertain. Before I could say anything I was interrupted by a bellow of denial. Stan pushed through the men, eyes blazing, arms bowed in challenge. Jory hurried close behind him.
"No!" Stan stormed toward Jynx growling. "It's too dangerous. They ran the checkpoint chased by others who were attempting to kill them. How do we know they aren't here to kill Gregori?"
Flushed with irritation, Gregori's face hardened as he regarded Stan. He straightened, standing taller with his shoulders pulled back as he addressed our friend. "It is forbidden for Magi to use magic for destruction unless decreed by the king. These men were pursued by those who'd broken the law. Until I am proved wrong, I will accept Jynx's oath."
Gregori walked past me and ignored Stan's stuttering protest. As soon as those kneeling saw Gregori, they all bowed deeply. Gregori sighed loudly in exasperation. "Dammit, Jynx, you know how much I hate that title, and how I despise the bowing and scraping. What in the hell do you think you're doing? Are your fingers broken? You could've called me!"
A wry smile ghosted across Jynx's lips. "I know what you prefer but your alpha is another matter. I couldn't afford to offend him if I was less than what he deemed appropriate and respectful with you. We've seen what he's able to do to a Magi who offends him in his territory." Jynx raised his head and took in Gregori's attire, or lack of it, and then regarded Stan and Jory standing behind him. "Much has happened at home and a phone call wasn't safe. The Magi College is no more. The Order has split. Those of us who refused to pledge to Kevah Khortdad have scattered."
"Gregori," I said as I stepped up to him. "This is a discussion to have behind closed doors. I'm cold, barefoot, and hungry. Settle the Magi in the Dining Hall. We'll meet with a small delegation of no more than three in the conference room. Gather Randy, Stan, Jory, Corey, and three of his captains to attend the meeting."
Stan opened his mouth to protest and I couldn't help myself. I reach up and bopped him on the back of the head. "Do as I say. You can express your objections later in private."
Jory stifled a laugh as Stan glowered mutinously at me while rubbing the back of his head. He swore when he realized Gregori had left without him and he ran to catch up.
"Aren't you going with them?" I asked when Jory didn't move.
"Nah, as amusing as it is to watch Stan stumble all over himself…" Jory shook his head. "I don't know if there is anything we can do to make it up to the three of you. I let someone use my fears against me and it's put a strain on our friendship. We weren't here when you needed us. Elder Koller had video of the inquisition." That shocked me. I hadn't known the council had that type of security. "I should've been there, Tristan. I don't know how to tell you how sorry I am."
I placed an arm around his shoulders and turned to walk toward the house. "Apology accepted." He gave me a disbelieving look. "Jory, we aren't infallible. We make poor choices, we say things we regret, and do things we shouldn't. It's not the be-all and end-all. You're my brother and I love you. All of you. Unconditionally. Now if you actually want to make it up to me, you can convince Ushna to let me have some coffee. I'm dying here."
His eyes turned a brilliant liquid blue and he blinked several times. "I'll make you a deal." Jory cleared his throat, his arm tightened around me. "I value my life and though coffee may seem like an innocuous drink, Ushna is convinced it'll kill you if you have any while you're pregnant. What I'll do is after the pups are born, I'll have a year's supply of your favorite coffee delivered to the ranch, and you can drink your heart out."
"Deal!" I exclaimed. I was relieved the rift between us had started to mend.