Pack Bonds, page 6
part #4 of Amarok Series
“Dugen should be coming by,” Viktoriya answered from the other side. “He wants to talk to your mother about working together to secure the city. She might be able to wrangle information on the Council’s assets from Pruella. Then we need to figure out the best way to spread the news about those tattoos without the other alphas going ballistic and murdering every halfling they can get their hands on.”
“And the cure?”
“Not yet, I don’t think. Most changers get uneasy when they hear blood wolf. And maybe I’m being selfish here, but I don’t like the idea of all of those people looking to bleed Dean dry.”
Dean rumbled to show her approval.
“Oh, you’re done pretending to be asleep.” Rachel leaned down, looking into her eye. “Up and at ‘em. You’ve got some things to handle too. The halfling woke up.”
Dean perked up, shaking off Viktoriya’s hand. In her mind, the animal stepped back and she came forward. Fur retracted through her skin and she cracked her jaw as her teeth shrank to their normal size. She stood up, rolling her shoulders to work out the knots. “Been a while since I slept the whole night that way. Did the boy say anything?”
Viktoriya’s eyes widened and she quickly looked away. “N-nothing much. He told us his name and a little of his story but wants to talk to you.”
Dean looked at her flushed face then down at her own naked body. She shook her head. “What are you embarrassed for? It’s not like it’s the first time you’ve seen me.”
“That was different. Hunters had just tried to kill us, and the air was still hazy from the smoke and it was dark. I couldn’t see…” She peeked at Dean from the corner of her eye before turning all the way around, putting her back to both of them. “Just put something on!”
“Don’t get on her case too much. Her little privacy issues are cute.” Rachel grinned, ogling Dean without a hint of embarrassment. “But for the record, I think you’re fine the way you are.”
“Almost.” Dean sniffed herself loudly. “I need a shower.”
“Great idea. I was thinking of hopping in myself before breakfast.”
“That an offer?”
“Uh-huh. I’ll even wash your back for you. Though—” Rachel crouched, putting her hands on the ground for balance as she leaned over Viktoriya’s shoulder. “It might be easier for someone taller.”
“What? No. It’s, um, too cramped.” Viktoriya nodded quickly, avoiding the other girl’s eyes. “Yeah. There’s not enough room in there.”
“Oh, that’s true. The shower isn’t too big, and it runs out of hot water. I’m sure it’ll be more than a little…intimate in there.” Rachel popped to her feet. “Or, you know, you can wait here and take a cold shower, alone, when we’re done. Up to you.”
Viktoriya fidgeted as she heard their footsteps leaving the room. The fidgeting became a bouncing leg as she heard them enter the bathroom and the water cut on. Rachel’s laughter made her swallow heavily. Before she knew it, she’d gotten to her feet and was moving toward them.
-
Dean entered one of the downstairs bedrooms drying her hair with a towel. The room was a little more cluttered than the rest of the house as two people occupied it. On one end of the room, Izekiel sat on the corner of a thin mat, his eyes shut as he leaned his head back against the wall. An IV was in his arm, the bag of fluid hanging from the pole glimmering in the morning sun.
William sat hunched in the opposite corner crouched over a book in his lap, wearing a lab coat over a gray hoodie and sweats. The hood was thrown up, casting a shadow over his eyes and making his murky irises appear milkier. He looked up as she entered, inclining his head briefly before returning to his book.
Dean nodded back. She stepped in front of Izekiel, putting the towel on her shoulders. “You awake halfling?”
Izekiel’s eyes snapped open. “Alpha.” His hands came up, reaching for her. She took in the heavy bandages along his arms and hands. Her claws had done that to him. Dean didn’t feel bad about it, but he seemed pretty pitiful grimacing against the pain as he struggled to raise them.
She crouched down, reaching out a hand that he clasped between both of his own. “How do you feel?”
“I feel…I’m not sure. The control was placed on me when I was very young. I’ve had thoughts and feelings, I think, but it's hard. They were always so distant. I was always so numb to everything. Except for the pain. Master Law truly did not see us as anything more than tools and treated us with indifference but others in his House were far crueler.”
“Alright, but I was asking about your injuries.”
“Ah, nothing I can’t handle. I have limited mobility in my arms and a few fractured ribs, but it’ll be healed before you know it. Please do not be concerned about it.”
“Good.”
She removed her hand from his grip and sat up, staring at him impassively. She had decided to save him but that didn’t preclude trust. His lost expression and wide eyes as he watched her could all be an act. “Turn around. I want to look at your back.”
“Yes, alpha.”
He slowly turned. His hands tried to push up the thin shirt he wore but he faltered as the pain became too much. Huffing, she guided his arms back to his side and lifted the shirt herself. She leaned forward curiously as she observed the writing on his back had turned from blue to a dull brown.
William appeared at her shoulder, looking at the writing with interest. “You know anything about this?” she asked him. He shook his head. “Fine. Can he walk and eat solid foods?” A nod. “Good.”
Dean dropped his shirt. “Your name. What was it again?”
“Izekiel,” he said, turning back around. “Izekiel Storm.”
“I’m Deanna but call me Dean. Everyone’s gathering in the living room for breakfast. You’re going to tell us your story. The short version.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea? The other changers did not seem happy at my presence. It could result in violence.”
“Huh? Are you stupid? Changers aren’t senseless animals. They can restrain themselves, at least long enough to finish a meal. And none of them will attack you. I’ve claimed you. I don’t know what I’m going to do with you yet but it’s my decision. They’ll have to go through me first.”
Something broke through his vacant features. It was a smile, but it was the smallest one Dean had ever seen. His lips only turned up a fraction and if she weren’t watching him so intensely, she might have missed it. “As you wish, alpha.”
-
The members of the Salvatore family, Dugen, and Viktoriya sat in a circle in the living room. A cloth had been thrown across the floor and various foods arranged across it, the changers devouring the pile of carbs voraciously.
Dean entered, half carrying Izekiel. The others in the room looked up as she did. True to Izekiel’s prediction, they were not happy with him being among them. Clementine demonstratively tore apart the muffin in her hand while staring right at him.
Dean bared her teeth silently at them as she walked. Viktoriya moved over, creating a space between her and Rachel. She motioned for Izekiel to sit behind her after she sat him down. He could barely be seen beyond her. The move was symbolic. You’ll have to go through me to touch him.
The other changers went back to eating, the whole situation handled without words needing to be exchanged. Dean smirked, reaching forward to grab a plastic-wrapped sandwich for herself. She searched what was available, snagging three smaller sandwiches that looked easy to handle and passing them back to Izekiel along with two juice boxes.
When most of the food was consumed, Rosa cleared her throat, grabbing their attention. “It’s been a rough couple of days, for all of us. Unfortunately, there’s no time to slow down and take a breather. If we don’t make some things happen, things are going to start happening to us. Dugen?”
“Thank you, Salvatore. I know there’s been some tension between our two groups. That isn’t going to disappear overnight, but I want to reassure you that I don’t have the same animosity toward felines as my predecessor. I plan to respect your goal of helping young rogues. It is a noble gesture.”
Rosa smiled at him and he nodded gravely. “Saying that, with the threat of the Council looming over this city, I would appreciate any help you can give in the defense of Freewood.”
“You’ve got it, Alexy. You had something specific in mind?”
“I’ve been thinking you could talk to Kyle. I’ll handle the pack’s finances, but Franklin sat on a few boards and the like. Maybe not now, but there will be a time when he needs to stand in public and handle the crowds you associate with. Besides that, he could use some guidance and you are far more qualified in that arena than I am.”
Rosa sighed. “Don’t know how well that’s going to be received but sure. Tell him to come around in the evenings. I’ll have to go back to work tomorrow. Rachel, Jerome, Clementine. I need you three to check in at the center. Talk to everybody, tell them to keep their eyes out.”
“You got it,” Jerome answered.
“Another thing. Pruella called. Dean, she wants me to tell you no hard feelings and she expects the three of you back as soon as you’re able.”
Dean snorted. No hard feelings after she killed two of the vampire’s men and tried to kill her? She didn’t believe it for a moment. Pruella Blood was scheming something, but Dean couldn’t figure out what she had to offer. Blood was the name of the royal family. The vampires had status, wealth, and power. Being involved with someone with no clear motives made her uncomfortable.
“That should be all—”
“Wait,” Dean said, interrupting Dugen. She stood up and motioned Izekiel forward into her place, standing at his back authoritatively. “The boy is going to speak now.”
“Boy is right,” Rosa said, leaning forward. “How old are you kid?”
“Sixteen, Ms. Salvatore. I want to express my gratitude to you for allowing me into your home though you believed me to be an enemy.”
He bowed his head formally, taking the red-headed woman aback. “You’re welcome then.”
“I’m not being taken in by this!” Clementine shouted, scowling. She raised an accusatory finger. “That is a halfling that was trying to kill us. He’s from the Council. Why the hell is he sitting there like everything’s alright?”
“Because I said so!” Dean barked, snapping her teeth. “He bares the tattoos. You have a much higher opinion of our enemies than I do if you cannot believe they’d put the cursed writing on one of their own. I am giving him a chance to tell his story. You don’t have to stay in the room if you can’t control yourself.”
The look Clementine gave her was venomous. “Whatever.”
“Fine.” She gently nudged Izekiel with a foot. “Go on.”
“Yes, alpha.” The comment raised a few eyebrows, but Dean ignored their reactions as he continued. “My name is Izekiel Storm. Though I share the name of the main family, my parents were branch members. Our bloodline is far removed as my grandmother chose to marry outside the family and my father married a human woman.
“For families connected with the Council, those without magical ability are garbage. My parents weren’t gifted with power. We saw little of the vast resources hoarded by the main families. They saw the dark side of the seven Houses and the horrible things they do to obtain power.
“When I was born, it was clear I had a powerful gift. They didn’t want me to be used by House Storm, so they attempted to defect. For a year, we ran, always looking over our shoulder. In the end, the Council caught up to us. They killed my parents. I was eight at the time.”
Enemy or not, his story garnered the appropriate response. The changers all registered sympathy, even Clementine through her anger.
“I witnessed the murder. They took me back with them. I had talent but there was no way I would willingly work with them. They handled me the same way they handle all talented halflings who don’t want to work with them. I was given to House Law.”
Dean scowled. “Are you telling me they force anyone who doesn’t agree with them to fight by stripping them of their will? Even children?”
“Yes.”
“How can your people accept that?”
“It is a simple matter. The marks are considered a badge of dishonor. Anyone who bears them must be traitors or the vilest of criminals. Halflings associated with the Council are taught to shun them and we, I mean they, are abused regularly. It has simply become a part of the culture.”
His voice didn’t hold a hint of emotion as he talked. Somehow, it was worse than if the boy had broken down into tears. Dean reached down and ruffled his hair. His expression came alive when he looked at her, eyes practically shining. “Your mercy has saved me from that fate. I only know of the Council related to Master Law’s dealings with them, but I will do my best to support you, alpha.”
“Yeah, sure thing.” Dean grabbed his arm, helping him to his feet. “You should probably get some more rest. Can you make it back to the room by yourself?”
“I will be fine.”
“One more thing.” She turned him so his back faced the others and lifted his shirt. Dean met each of their gazes as they observed the now brown lettering before dropping it. “Go on and get some sleep, Izekiel. I’ll talk with you again later.”
“Yes, alpha.”
He left the room and Dean reclaimed her place between her mates. “He may be a halfling, but I believe his story. There was no sign of him lying.”
“We detect lying by picking up on differences in breathing, heart rate, and minute changes of expression. Your charge barely twitches when he takes a breath.” Dugen held up a hand. “I’m not questioning your judgment, Dean. He’s yours and yours to deal with. But at the moment, I wouldn’t be prepared to share any secrets with him.”
“Fair enough.”
Rachel shook her head. “To think they do that to their own. And they try to call us savages.”
“Indeed. Then I will be on my way. There is much to do.”
“Hold on.” Rosa followed Dugen as he got to his feet, trailing him out of the room. “I need to talk to you about some work. You wolves run a construction company, right? I’m thinking we can work up a contract, maybe with a friendly discount worked in?”
“I’ll see what can be done to accommodate you.”
They disappeared around the corner. Viktoriya got to her feet. “I think I’ll head out with them. There are some things I need to look into regarding Franklin’s finances. Since we’re all allies now, I need to help where I can.”
“Same here.” Rachel gestured to the others as she stood. “No reason not to go to the center today. Dean? You want to come with?”
“Hmm. If I had to choose, I’d go with Vikky but not today. I plan to have a long talk with Izekiel, find out everything he knows about the Council and their plans. Know thy enemy.”
“Like I said earlier, lots to do.” Rachel bent down to kiss Dean. “I will see you—” She stood up and motioned for Viktoriya to come over. The other girl hesitated only a moment before approaching, leaning down for a similar gesture. “—and you, later. Bye loves.”
Rachel left with the other members of the Salvatore family, leaving Dean and Viktoriya alone. Dean watched with amusement as her other mate shuffled her feet. “…Did you want one from me too?”
Viktoriya jumped. “I should get going.”
“If that’s what you want.”
“Right.” She made it to the doorway and then suddenly paused. Dean could see her back straighten with the deep breath she took before she marched back into the room. “We’re mated. There’s nothing awkward about this.”
“Nothing at all.”
“Right.” Viktoriya dropped to her knees, leaning forward for a kiss. At the last second, she lost her nerve, biting her lower lip as she struggled to close the remaining inch between their lips. “Dammit.”
Dean struggled not to laugh. “Come on, puppy. You can do it.”
“Not you too. Red told you not to tease me.”
“Too much. I’m pretty sure this is the right amount.”
“Dean—”
Her next words were cut off as Dean leaned forward, bringing their lips together. She was chuckling when she pulled back. Viktoriya shoved her onto her back and stood up in a huff. “I’ll see you later.”
Chapter 5
Pruella stood in front of her desk with an impassive expression while Addison fiddled with a tablet beside her. It would be impossible to know looking at her immaculate exterior, but anxiety wormed in her gut.
Not much could unsettle her. After centuries of life, she’d become one of the most feared inhabitants of the night. She had the boundless resources of the Blood Court at her disposal, along with her fortune and extensive network. She had strength.
