The Ravenous Dark, page 16
Deval's shoulders sagged as a breeze sifted through their ranks. Bailey tilted her head back and breathed in the crisp autumnal air sipping idly at the remainder of her beer.
The stars were muted behind a hazy gathering of clouds, but Bailey didn't mind. She had unrestricted access to the Lunarium if she wanted a glimpse of the stars, thanks to the Vranas' royal status. She was simply happy to be out in nature instead of in an over-glorified tomb.
An earthy dampness clung to the air that suggested change soon for the fauna and flora of the hidden oasis. Their position on the northern slope of the Teufelstein mountain supplied a perfect view of the quarry lake. Bailey tilted her gaze in its direction. She'd keep to the trees rather than run by the lake, in the extreme off chance she bumped into any strangers this late at night. From up above, the inky stain was undisturbed and glowed faintly by the moonlight.
"And what about me?" Irina batted her lashes.
"I've been telling anyone who'll listen that you're a different kind of beast altogether, lass. S'not my fault no one has the good sense to listen."
Irina's smile was as wicked as it was sharp. "Don't call me lass."
William gave a hearty laugh that roused a chuckle from both Deval and Bailey. A deep who-who bounded from the treetops in the following silence. Bailey set her empty bottle between her feet and slouched back in her seat. She scanned the withering foliage for the culprit. Finding no owl despite its persistent calling, she returned her attention to the group.
"Shall we shift?" A rumble of agreement met Irina's proposal. "Fantastic, why don't—"
"Do you mind if I cut out early?" Deval asked as he stood. Irina's brow furrowed.
"I suppose not," she replied in a tone that suggested otherwise. A breeze mused Irina's hair as she stood in tandem with William. The latter stretched as Irina tucked a few lengthy stray strands of blonde hair behind her ear. "What's dragging you away from us?"
The faintest hint of color painted the tops of Deval's cheeks. "A lady friend."
Bailey, who was the last to rise, paused momentarily as a grin stretched her lips wide. "Who's the lucky lady?"
"None of your business," Deval countered. He removed his shoes and socks before moving swiftly to the accordion-style privacy screen.
Irina scoffed. "I beg to differ. Your actions, including who you spend time with, are a reflection on our household." The female hybrid looked to both William and Bailey for backup. They remained silent. She sighed. "When will we get to meet this mystery woman?" she asked, crossing her arms.
"Never."
Irina made a noise of affront as Deval's shirt came hurtling over the screen. She caught the garment before it hit her face and tossed it on Deval's vacant seat.
"Why not?" she demanded.
"Because it's none of your business who I sleep with—" Irina restated her noisy affront. "—and because our arrangement is nearing its end." The three perked with renewed interest.
"What kind of arrangement—"
The remainder of Deval's clothing vaulted through the air. Irina huffed as her second question was aptly ignored and muttered angrily as she picked up his scattered clothes. Bailey picked up something about “messy men her entire life” before Irina set his clothes on his chair in a neat pile. Irina observed her work with a self-satisfied nod and waited quietly with them for Deval’s shift to sound. They didn’t have to wait long. A series of cracks and low-pitched grunts signaled his shift behind the screen. Bailey swiveled her gaze to the moon. A thrill of excitement rolled over her.
Deval's muzzle peeked out from the screen, nose twitching as he adjusted to the unadulterated sensory and physical transformation. He sneezed. Then stepped out. Bailey smirked at the large brindle wolf.
"I suppose it will just be the three of us till dawn then." Irina's ire softened as Deval padded over to her side and bumped his head against her abdomen. She absently scratched behind his ear as he sat by her side.
"Actually," William rumbled as he strolled over to the screen. Irina's features scrunched together in disappointment.
"Not you too."
"I'm afraid so. Fox and I have late dinner plans." William tossed a smirk over his shoulder. "She doesn't want me too tired from our run either. She'd rather I save my energy for—"
"Don't say another word!" Irina cried, thrusting both hands outward. William laughed as he disappeared behind the privacy screen. Irina crossed her arms, ignoring Deval's whine at the loss of attention. She turned her scowl Bailey's way.
"And you?"
Bailey gave a sheepish shrug. The female hybrid possessed the uncanny ability to weasel out the truth from unwilling lips. Alone in her company after the shift, she was sure her recent exploits would come tumbling out.
Irina groaned, her eyes tilting heavenward. "Seriously?" She growled. "Don't tell me; it's about a boy, isn't it?"
A blush tore across Bailey's face. Her soulmark throbbed as her thoughts turned to Ronan. His handsome, furious face was astoundingly clear in her mind's eye. Staunch regret stifled the timid joy that arose at the reminder of their union.
"No." Bailey ducked her head to avoid the penetrating regard of both Irina and Deval. "No, of course not."
Irina hummed knowingly. "Then your early departure wouldn't have to do with the Wildings, would it?" Bailey shook her head. "What are you going to do then?" Irina asked as William set down a pile of folded clothes outside the privacy screen, along with his boots. Irina collected them and set them on his chair.
"I was going to meet up with River." The lie crossed her lips easily.
Irina eyed her with surprise as a series of cracks and pops echoed in the night air. "Oh, really? You've seen her recently, then? I haven't been able to cross paths with her in nights. What was she doing when you talked to her?"
Bailey rolled her eyes. "What else? Trying out a spell to unlock her lycan side." Irina's lips parted in disbelief.
"Excuse me? She swore to me she wouldn't try any spell, potion, or ritual without first running it by myself and Jax. Was anyone there with her?" At Bailey's apologetic grimace, Irina released a groan. "She could have been hurt, and we wouldn't have known where to find her. And what if somebody other than our household found her? There's no telling what some random courtier might deign to do citing the full moon as plausible deniability!"
Bailey cringed and held her tongue. She didn't disagree with Irina's alarm, but she wished she wasn't on the receiving end of it. "Don't worry, she's not hurt, and she got an earful of the same from me when I saw her."
Irina's vexation hardly diminished. "She needs to start practicing more common sense, or else, I can't in good faith, allow her to stay."
"At least she's been able to keep the true reason behind her search under wraps."
"Has she?" Irina's voice was full of wary skepticism.
Bailey shrugged. "People think she's interested in creating some kind of hybrid." Bailey toed the ground absently as she met Irina's glinting copper eyes head on.
"So, the court thinks my niece is some power-hungry witch? Fantastic," she drawled. William trotted out from behind the screen. His coat was russet, with a lighter tan fur dressing his underbelly.
"More like a novelty," Bailey said, kicking the ground. "That goes for both of us."
Something close to sympathy washed over Irina's features. She spoke softer, "Yes, I remember my days as the lone she-wolf of the court. It was… difficult. The courtiers obsessed over how hot I ran." Bailey's head bobbed along with Irina's words.
"I noticed." Her snark reply was accompanied by an eye roll. It was typical for a lycan's body temperature to run higher than the average human or supernatural. "Outside of their blood guzzling, I swear their favorite pastime is who can grope the resident she-wolf the most."
Irina smirked and tossed her hair over her shoulder, eyes sparkling with mirth. "Who do you think inspired the game?" Both women chuckled. "I'm sure the attention will soon abate, and if it doesn't, you'll rise above. All you need to do to curb their appetite is show them your bite is worse than your bark."
Bailey let her regard drop to her abdomen. The shallow cut created by the demoness had healed on the way over but was still tender. "They called my bluff tonight," she said blandly.
"Ah." The knowing remark was followed by a raised brow. "Not enough bite from your end, then?"
Bailey smirked and laughed, head shaking as she breathed a little easier. "Something like that."
Irina headed for the privacy screen, running her hand along the length of William's back as she passed. The large wolf leaned into the touch.
"If you ever feel you've gotten in over your head or their attention becomes too much, you can always rely on us to have your back."
The three hybrids gazed solemnly at Bailey. She shifted her weight from foot to foot under their scrutiny and shoved her hands into her back pocket.
"I know. Family first."
"Always," Irina tacked on meaningfully. "I know River's been absentminded and neglectful these past few weeks, but you may depend on us for our support. You don't have to face this court alone, Bailey."
The she-wolf swallowed as her pulse picked up its pace. Her soulmark tingled. She didn't have to worry about being alone anymore.
"Thanks," Bailey said. Irina smiled, but before she could reach the privacy screen, Bailey straightened with sudden remembrance. "Has River, by chance, talked to you about Stella?"
Irina frowned. "She hasn't. Perhaps she's spoken with Jakob? Why do you ask?"
"Stella's looking for a new employer since her contract with the Delacroixs ended."
"She hasn't found new employment yet? I find that hard to believe. The banshee's gift has always been coveted by the highest-ranking houses. I was friends with the last banshee in residence." Irina shuffled behind the screen. "She even foretold my death with the most sorrowful song I've ever heard."
Bailey blinked, folding her arms over her abdomen. "I had no idea."
Irina hung her shirt over the top of the screen. "That part of the story always gets left behind. Everyone's far more interested in embellishing how Jakob saved me and defeated the villain." Irina scoffed loudly. "As if I needed saving. I had the situation well in hand before he came along. I found his family's rings. I defeated a villain too." William woofed. The short exhalation gave Irina pause. "We defeated a villain; my apologies, William."
Bailey heaved a sigh, having heard the tale of Irina's turning and the Vrana's rise to glory more than her fair share of times. "Right, well, back to Stella…."
"Yes, what about her? She's still looking for employment, is she?" The rest of Irina's outfit found its way over the top of the screen. "I was under the impression she'd received a few offers recently."
"She asked that we put in a good word with you and Jakob." Silence greeted Bailey's admission. A hesitant frown drew her lips down. "I'm sure she'd be amicable to any negotiations or concessions you might have in mind."
"I have no doubt that's the case." Bailey's mouth thinned irritably at the neutral tone Irina used. It's what she used to mollify courtiers or when executing some evasive answer. Bailey had a feeling she was about to experience both. "But what you're suggesting is not as simple as negotiating a contract."
"I'm pretty sure it is."
Irina peeked her head out. She eyed Bailey's stance—arms crossed and face arranged into an admirable frown—and sighed softly. "The Vranas don't employ. We're family. Those we accept must be all in."
"What does that make me?"
Irina leaned back, eyes widening before hardening in admonishment. "We might not be blood, but you've known River all her life and looked out for her. You're family, Bailey Hart. Regardless of your association with the Wildings or any other." Irina cocked a brow imperiously. "If I say it a third time, will you finally understand?"
"That's not necessary," Bailey muttered. A flush crawled up her neck in embarrassment. "Should I tell Stella no, then?"
Irina slipped back behind the privacy screen, but not before Bailey caught sight of her bunched lips. "I'll speak with Jakob on the matter, but I wouldn't expect a reply immediately. We're still trying to deal with the Delacroix's campaign to enact restrictions on the court's magical community." Irina sighed. "I can't tell you how many talks Jakob and I have had on the matter in the common room over bottles of 2019 A-negatives. Until that matter is settled, something as significant as adding another member to our family won't be touched."
Bailey breathed a sigh of relief. It was something. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Irina sang back before the requisite shifting and reshaping of her form brought about a litany of noises much like the two before. Bailey snagged the she-wolf's discarded clothes from the screen as she emerged and set them aside.
Bailey admired Irina's dark fur and its effortless radiance in the moonlight. Bailey's coat was more like William's, with a darker undercoat that left patches of deep brown spotting her.
The women swapped positions, and Bailey peeled her clothes off, hanging them off the top as Irina had. Once bare to the night, she cleared her mind of all its doubts and worries to align with her wolf spirit.
Her body relaxed in stages. Her shoulders sank. The muscles in her arms loosened. An exhalation lingered on her lips as the tension slipped from her other limbs. And then the shift slid over her as naturally as breathing.
It was a seamless transition, handing over the reins to her wolf spirit. A special kind of magic enveloped her, dancing through her veins as her shape pulled this way and that. Each new settling of bone, muscle, and tendon felt like coming home, despite its worrisome sound.
A coarse shiver bristled her fur as she completed her transformation. Bailey shook her body as her consciousness shared equal ground with that of her wolf spirit. Then she inhaled.
The forest was saturated with earthly scents, from the packed dirt beneath her paws to the heavy perfume of pine surrounding them. A gentle bark sounded before Irina's dark head appeared.
The female hybrid pawed the ground in excitement, swinging her head in the direction of the trees. Adrenaline shot through Bailey. She barked a reply, darting after Irina as the other she-wolf took off. The men flanked them as they sprinted downhill, heading southwest where the terrain thickened with shrubbery and tree trunks.
Bailey and her wolf spirit relished each bounding stride.
Out in the wilderness, unencumbered by the ever-grappling politics and inflated egos of the Dark Court, she felt true freedom. Her wolf agreed. In unison, they pushed themselves harder until they were running side by side with Irina. Their bodies bumped against one another until they found synchronicity.
Bailey's wolf spirit made no secret of its delight in running alongside the other female. Bittersweet memories flashed in their shared mind of runs taken with the Adolphus pack. Her experience with the hybrids was far different from what she'd grown up with but no less invigorating or bonding.
Deval flanked Bailey's other side, brushing up against her hip, before he too, was nose to nose with the she-wolfs. Bailey wondered what the shift was like for them as hybrids.
In their transition from lycan to hybrid, their wolf spirit was lost, or so Irina said. The knowledge saddened her. To possess the ability to shift and other heightened senses of a lycan but not keep your wolf spirit was a cruel price to pay for eternity.
Her wolf spirit agreed.
Their tight formation separated to accommodate the slim, winding path William chose to lead them on. Softened dirt caved to their run, stirring the air with mosslike fragrances and wetted earth. Creatures scampered out of their path, cutting back to avoid the predators—not that the foursome cared.
Far too soon, not even the teeming night could distract Bailey from her worldly concerns. Her thoughts bounced from Stella's fate to River's reckless behavior before settling firmly on her own. She’d sealed the soulmark while they were both under the influence of something, and it would haunt her for the rest of her days.
Her wolf spirit perked up at the reminder of their soulmark and made its sentiments clear.
Consensual or not, her wolf was happy to have staked their claim on their mate. They were stronger for it in the end, and Ronan would be a fool not to realize it.
Bailey only hoped her wolf spirit was right.
"Are you sure I can't convince you to come to the Pits?" Irina asked as she waved off Deval and William. "We might still catch the last fight."
Bailey shook her head. "No, but thanks. I need to make sure River hasn't cut out on me."
Irina's lips twisted into a wry smile. "Very well. Enjoy the rest of your evening, and try not to get into any more trouble." Her copper eye gleamed from their recent run. "Oh, and one more small suggestion. Perhaps you might consider changing?" A blush rose swiftly to Bailey's cheeks. "A shower might not hurt either."
Bailey scratched the back of her neck and forced out a chuckle. "Good idea. I'm meeting River around the fourth subfloor, so I'll just hit up your old apartments on the third subfloor. I think I still have some spare clothes there and I can grab a shower too."
A frown folded down Irina's features. "Do be careful not to disturb anything. Jax has turned the entire suite into a mad scientist's dream and filled it with booby traps."
"Booby traps? Seriously?" Her arched brow and tone prompted a sigh from Irina.
Irina glanced about, waiting for a break in the meandering courtiers, whose laughter and shrill voices bounced off the walls before speaking. In a lowered voice she said, "As you know, the Mirror of Ways was destroyed a few weeks after your arrival."
Bailey frowned but nodded. She was there when it happened. Fox had come to dinner that night, and it had ended in absolute chaos, with River having to extract Ronan and Jax from the Otherworld forcibly. The mirror had broken in the process.
