Authors: M. R. Merrick
“Well, that was fun,” I said.
********
“Ch–, Chase, what have you done?” Willy asked.
“You mean standing up for you? A thank you would do just fine.”
“You don’t understand the pa–, pack.”
“Then enlighten me.”
“What you sa–, saw back there, that’s how they operate. There’s nothing you can do to make it st–, stop. I have to earn my place.”
“No, you don’t. You’re a person, Willy, not a punching bag. You’re better than that.
“Says who?”
“Says me.”
“And me.” Rayna turned in her seat. “Willy, you’re a great guy. You don’t have to take that crap from people.”
“Yeah we–, well, it’s not like I have a choice.”
“You always have a choice,” I said.
“You obviously don’t know much about the Shadowpack.”
I slowed the Jeep down and pulled up tight to the curb. The glamour collapsed as I stepped into the alley, and a bright neon sign flashed
Revelations
.
“I might not know anything about them, but I know you have a lot of people that care about you. If you wanted to leave, we’d stand behind you.”
Checking our weapons at the door, we made our way past a few crowded tables before we found a spot near the back.
“It’s not that simple,” Willy said.
“You’ve spent this entire time telling me how hard it is there. What’s so difficult about not going back?”
“I ca–, can’t leave. It’s against the rules. You can’t stand behind me, Chase. There is an entire pack behind Radek. They’re ter–, terrified of him, and they’re loyal because of it. You can't protect me all the time.”
“I’m sorry if I made things difficult, but I have a hard time watching people treat my friends like that.”
“I appreciate you looking out fo–, for me, but don’t.”
“I didn’t come here to argue. Rayna’s leaving tonight with the Hollowlights, and I need you to give her some insight into pack life and shifting.”
“
Maybe
leaving,” Rayna said.
“You’re joining their pa–, pack? You haven’t even shifted yet, and as you both just discovered, the Hollowlights and the Shadowpack aren’t exactly friends.”
“This isn’t about the wolves, Willy, it's–”
“Chase, let him talk,” Rayna said.
I held back my urge to argue and sat back in my seat, arms crossed.
Rayna rolled her eyes and turned back to Willy. “They think they can help bring out my beast. Their leader, along with everyone else, is convinced if it doesn’t come out soon…”
“If it doesn’t come out soon, what?”
Silence fell over the table and Willy lowered his gaze. “Oh…Then it doesn’t seem like a very dif–, difficult decision.”
“Maybe not, but now that I’ve learned my father is alive and part of the pack, I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”
Willy’s eyes opened wide. “I guess that comp–, complicates things. What ca–, can I do though?”
Rayna shrugged. “I hoped you could tell me about shifting and your pack, but after what I saw, I’m not sure I want to know.”
“Do–, don’t let that discourage you. The wo–, wolves are different from most. They don’t have anything good to say about the werecats, but fr–, from what I’ve heard outside the pack, the Hollowlights are a peaceful pride.”
“What’s with that anyways? The war between the two?” I asked.
“I don’t know the spec–, specifics. All I know is that it had something to do with the Hollowlight’s old leader.”
“But he’s gone,” Rayna said.
“Yeah, but Radek isn’t the forgive and forget type.”
“What about our friendship? Chase nearly got himself killed just bringing you here with me.”
“It won’t mat–, matter if you’re a Hollowlight or not. You’re a werecat. They’ll hate you just for that. But that doesn’t matter. If they can help, you sh–, should go.”
“And have to
earn
my place? No thanks.”
“Chief told you it was up to you if you wanted to join,” I said.
Rayna shook her head and sighed.
“It’s not as bad as it se–, seems,” Willy said. “I’m doing alright.”
“Are you kidding me? They treat you horribly!”
“The wolves may seem harsh–”
“
May
seem harsh? That’s an understatement.”
“They’ve still helped me. They taught me to shi–, shift, and they’re teaching me to control the beast. I know the pa–, pain you go through, but it’s already getting easier for me. If the werecats can help and it ke–, keeps you alive, I don’t see any other choice.”
Willy jerked as a loud noise came from his hip. He lifted up his shirt, giving us a glimpse of his hairy belly and a black pager.
“Since when do you have a pager?” I asked.
“Everyone has to have one.” Willy struggled to unclip it from his belt and squinted to read the screen. “I’ve go–, got to go.”
“We just got here,” I said.
“I’m sorry. Emerg–, emergency meeting. I have to.”
“You don’t
have
to do anything. Just stay.”
“I know it doesn’t se–, seem like much to you, Chase, but this is important to me.
I haven’t earned my place yet, but I will, and when I do, they’ll respect me.”
I sighed. “Well…just wait and I’ll drive you back.”
“That’s okay. They’re already on their way to get me.” Willy slid off his chair and turned to Rayna. “I’m so–, sorry if I wasn’t much help, but if it’s a choice between living and dying, you should go.”
Rayna smiled. “Sorry if my smell gets you in trouble.”
“I’ll survive. See you gu–, guys later.” Willy waved awkwardly and walked out of the club.
I watched him leave and shook my head. “I can’t believe he lets them do that to him.”
“You can’t? Really?”
“Yes. He’s better than that. He doesn’t need them.”
“You don’t get it. This isn’t about how he’s treated or where he ranks. Willy’s never belonged to anything. Never fit in. He’s always been the goofy kid whose skin changes color and who can’t talk right. They might not treat him great, but he’s one of them. It’s something he can belong to. That’s a big deal for him.”
“He’s part of something here with us.”
Rayna glared at me. “It’s not the same.”
“Whatever you say. So, what now? That wasn’t much help.”
“Actually it was just what I needed. Finding out my father is alive is…something I’m not ready to deal with, but it proves that Chief might be able to help. Hunters aren’t supposed to be able to shift. It’s supposed to kill them. If he can help a full-blooded hunter survive, then maybe he can help me. Willy’s right; staying alive is what’s most important right now.”
“That’s what I’ve been saying all along.”
Rayna arched a brow.
“So you’re going then?”
“No, we’re going.”
I threw a duffle bag on the ground and opened the door. Karissa, Garrett, and Chief stood in the hallway, and Chief was wearing his usual warm smile.
“Rayna, time to go,” I said.
“Be right down.”
Rayna struggled down the steps dragging an enormous suitcase and two smaller ones clutched under each arm.
“You know we’re coming back, right?”
“Don’t start. There are two more upstairs.” Rayna glared, but her eyes weren't angry; they were nervous.
I met her halfway up the stairwell and took the large suitcase. “What did you pack?” I asked, heaving the bag to the door.
“You’ve got superhuman strength; don’t act like it’s heavy.”
“I don’t think that allows me to carry suitcases full of concrete.” I laughed.
Marcus came down the steps behind Rayna with two more bags. “Charlie, if I may, I’d like a word with you in private.”
“Of course. Garrett, will you and Karissa take the…luggage down, please?”
Garrett nodded and he and Karissa both loaded themselves up with suitcases, while Chief followed Marcus into the training room.
“You ready for this?” I turned to Rayna.
“Is it too late to turn back?”
“Yes.”
“I’m not sure I can do this.” Worry painted Rayna’s soft features.
“I’ll be with you the entire time. You’re ready.”
“I don’t feel ready.”
“You are. Trust me.”
The door opened and Chief slipped back into the hallway. “All set?”
“We are,” I said, before Rayna could reply.
“Excellent. I’ll wait for you downstairs.”
Rai fluttered down the stairs, landed on my shoulder, and chirped into my ear.
“No; you’ve got to stay here with Marcus.”
Rai chirped again, flapping her wings in a rush against my ear.
“Sorry girl, you can’t come this time.” Rai dug her claws into my shoulder before jumping off and disappearing. “Ouch!”
“You two take care,” Marcus said. “I’ll see you in a week.”
“That long?” Rayna pouted.
Marcus smiled and stepped in front of her. He placed a massive hand on each of her shoulders and leaned down to look her in the eye. “You’ll be fine. I know you can do this.”
“We’ll see.” Rayna tried for a smile, but her nerves were showing.
“You made the right choice. I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks,” Rayna whispered.
“I love you,” Marcus said awkwardly, leaning in and kissing Rayna on the forehead.
“I…love you too.” Rayna sounded surprised.
“Wait!” Tiki came down the steps into the kitchen, a small bag hanging over his shoulder.
“Sorry, Tiki; you can't come either.”
Tiki's orange eyes stared blankly at me. “I don't understand.”
“I don't think we can convince them to let another non-shifter join in.”
Tiki frowned and looked up at Marcus.
“He's right,” Marcus said. “Plus, I’m going to need your help with a few things around here.”
Tiki sighed and his caramel features showed his disappointment. “I should not have been spending time at Revelations. I'm supposed to help you on your journey, Chase. It's been seen. Do not punish me.”
I laughed. “You have helped Tiki. Nobody is punishing you, but right now I need to go help Rayna. Trust me; there will be plenty left to do when we get back.”
Tiki nodded.
Rayna and I made our way downstairs, picked one of the three black SUVs that lined the front of the condo, and climbed in. I didn’t know where we were going or what to expect, but I tried to keep my nervousness to myself. The last thing Rayna needed was to know I was feeling uneasy too.
********
The drive took us several hours south of Stonewall and the majority of it was spent on gravel back roads. We turned off the gravel road and into the trees, riding over a dirt path that was too narrow for the large vehicle.
Branches and leaves hit the window and scraped the sides of the SUV. The road was bumpy and I spent most of my energy holding onto the door, trying not to hit my head on the roof. When the path finally smoothed, we pulled into an open space.
Tall, healthy trees towered into a sunless sky, moving back and forth against the wind. Heavy black clouds were rolling in from the east and the faint sound of thunder rumbled miles away.
Garrett drove through the clearing and under an archway made of two large wooden poles. Rusted hooks hung from the thick, square beam that connected them, but the sign that they were meant for was missing. We stopped in front of rows of cabins, and I was eager to get out and stretch. It didn’t matter how big the vehicle, I wasn’t built for backseats.
The fresh air tasted sweet. Birds chirped and leaves rustled together, filling the clearing with the melody of wildlife. The smell of the coming rain hung around us, and the air was thick with the static charge of the storm.
“It’s beautiful,” Rayna said.
A booming screech came from the sky above and I looked up to find Rai. She soared through the air, four small wings gliding against a bright blue backdrop.
Rayna laughed. “I think someone is tired of playing the pet.”
“I think you’re right.”
“Welcome to our home away from home,” Chief said. “Let me show you to your cabin!”
We followed him down the row of cabins and into the last one on the right. Wooden steps led up the front porch and I brushed away an outbreak of cobwebs. The boards creaked with each step and a large rocking chair sat off to one side. On the other side, a small swinging bench hung from the rafters. Chief opened the door, releasing an oaky musk of stale air desperate for a taste of the wilderness outside.