Lunaria (A Soulmark Series Finale), page 36
"Hello." My greeting is met with abbreviated smiles. "How long have people been here?"
"Ten minutes. Maybe more?" Nova replies. "Once people get their orders, they leave, but more are right behind them to fill up the room."
"I haven't been paying attention to the time," Ronan states when Nova looks to him for confirmation. His voice is as gritty as gravel. "I need coffee," he mutters and looks over the three of us. "Any takers?"
"Sure, if you douse mine in blood," Nova says, her attention half stuck on Xander.
Ronan chuckles. "I'll see what I can scrounge up in the kitchen. You don't mind canine blood, do you?"
"It's the canine blood that minds me."
"And you two?" Ronan's eyes remind me of Winter's, though five shades darker. The pair of gray orbs rest heavily on us.
"Tea, please?" Ronan scrunches his nose at my request. I flush and stammer on.
"Gran says coffee makes me too wild."
"Well, on a day like today, we could use a wild card." I shake my head, and Ronan sighs, shifting his gaze to Adrian. "And you?"
"No."
Ronan doesn't bat an eye at the curt refusal and makes his way through the growing audience. I tune into Xander's orders amid the tide of questions assailing him.
"Cassie, remind the gamma team—unless they're childless, only one spouse may fight. I'm through butting heads. Lay down the order. They may want to fight and defend their people, but I won't leave any family parentless," Xander tells a woman with dark hair and honey brown skin in the middle of the crowd.
"You got it," she answers and maneuvers herself to the back of the room.
"What about me?" a male voice shouts.
Xander sweeps over the gathered heads until they stop on a figure I can't make out. "What about you, Devin?"
"I turned eighteen last week. I'm old enough to fight—" His speech is interrupted by someone nearby, but I can't make out the rest with the swell of voices that follows.
I consider Nova. She studies the congregation with bland interest. I clear my throat, capturing her attention after performing the action a second time. "Can you hear what they're saying?" I ask her.
She tilts her head and narrows her eyes. "A woman is speaking. She's the kid's mom," she reports. "She doesn't want him to fight."
"Settle down!" Xander's booming voice quiets the room. "Anyone of age is allowed to make the decision to fight—but weigh your decision carefully. Consider who you may be leaving behind as well; a brother or sister, your mother, and father. Devin, if you chose to fight, join Cassie's group. Catch her before she takes off for the east end where they're on guard."
Devin doesn't hesitate to wade to the front. A figure trailing after him.
"Alpha, he isn't trained. He's going to get himself killed—"
"Mara, we need every able-bodied wolf fighting tonight. I won't deny someone of age the right to make this decision."
I spot the woman through the crush of bodies, but only for a moment as the crowd closes in on her. Her frazzled hair pokes out from behind the bodies that obscure her from view. "At least let him join my group.”
Xander's face doesn't budge for her impassioned plea. "If more than one member in a household fights, they fight in separate teams. It's too distracting otherwise, you know the rules, Mara. He'll be looked after well on Casey's team. Your cousin, Tim, is in the group. He'll keep an eye on your son, and Devin will do the same for him."
I'm offered another glimpse of the woman, Mara, as the wolves shift about in anticipation. Her pain is unmistakable, but Xander's words are indisputable. Bowing her head in acceptance, a resurgence of voices clamber at Xander in requests.
"Here you are." Ronan carries two steaming mugs in one hand, and in the other, one that billows less fervently with a crimson tint.
"You're a saint," Nova praises Ronan, taking the mug from him. Her eyes shift to red just before she takes a sip. "Mm, is this—"
"Genuine, purebred, canine? Why, yes, it is." Nova wrinkles her lip at Ronan's embellishment, but her pleasure is evident, nonetheless. I take my mug from him with a small smile.
"Thank you."
Ronan pauses before indulging, sending me a side-long glance. "No problem. Zoelle's got the kitchen up in arms prepping for what's to come."
"Up in arms, eh?" Nova lifts a brow at Ronan's inflection. He slants toward her as if to whisper a secret.
"Bottles are sailing through the air in the kitchen. The chairs and table are rearranging themselves, along with a slew of other things. I had to duck to fetch you your precious blood."
Nova doesn't respond immediately to Ronan, her attention caught once more on the crowd. "How did you get this blood?" She asks point-blank.
Ronan grins. "I'm charming."
She snorts, an amused grin on her face as she continues to chug her provisions. Ronan, satisfied, reclines on the wall again and observes the happenings as well. I marvel at their collected calm, eventually drawing Nova's regard. She aims her raised brow-line at me, but it doesn't hold the same affection from moments ago.
"You're so... calm. Why?" How?
Nova loses some of her frosty edge. "This isn't my first time," she states, and I recall too late she was a Warden of Starlight, like Callie, not long ago. "Plus, I'm not viewing today as a battle per se. It's more of an 'all you can eat buffet,' and seeing as Jakob gave me the green light to chow-down without restraint that is exactly what I'm going to do."
I whiten. "Oh." Nova muffles her grin.
"I won't go overboard. I need to keep my wits about me, and big shot over there doesn't want me to kill 'haphazardly' or some bullshit like that. Xander says too many wolves on the other side are being forced to fight, and they don't deserve to lose their lives." Nova rolls her eyes and takes a swig of her morning brew.
"You don't agree?"
She lifts one shoulder and drags her eyes back to the depleting crowd. Adrian's hand settles on the small of my back and begins to rub small circles. I relax into the pressure, blowing on my tea before sipping the bitter concoction.
"The coven will be split—Anderson, I wanted you out the door five minutes ago. Go to your station now!" Xander shouts. A man hurries from the room. "The coven will be split. Eldritch witches are joining the fight as we speak, and the rest are at the designated medic stations. Go to your rendezvous points and fight with honor!"
People flood toward the exit, frenzied energy culminating around them. Though most go, several hang back to speak with the alpha privately.
"You three,"—Xander points at two women and a man nearing the front room entryway—"start the phone tree, make sure everyone is awake, and on their way out to where they need to go."
"Do you have a list?" One of the women asks.
Xander nods. "In my study upstairs. Go and make the calls. Everyone else, out! Now! You have your chain of command if something unexpected happens."
My heart pounds against my chest as the crowd hurries to leave.
"This is really happening," I say, more to myself than any of the others. Adrian kisses the top of my head.
"Drink your tea," he suggests, his hand curling around my hip, fingers massaging the area in reassuring circles.
My stomach gurgles. "It's not sitting very well," I admit.
"I'll take it off you then," Ronan pipes up.
I hand him the mug; he drains the rest of his coffee before setting both mugs on the fireplace mantle. Adrian's fingers begin to drum restlessly against me. Our adrenaline feeds off each other.
"You have to make him come back," a young girl demands loudly, earning every eye in the room. She's dressed in an overstuffed jacket, fussy hat and gloves, and furry boots. Xander hops down from his chair and reaches her in three strides.
He takes a knee before her. "Bailey—"
"He's not a fighter," she pleads. "He can't even beat me at checkers! He'll die out there."
"Bailey—"
"And then if he dies, I'll be left all alone with Jenny. I don't even like her!" Fat tears roll down her face. “She’s not even my real mom.”
Xander draws her into a hug, allowing the little girl to sob her discontent into his chest. My body stiffens at the sight. When they pull apart, Xander keeps his hands on her upper arms.
"Bailey, your father is a smart man. One of the smartest in the pack. Do you think he'd be stupid enough to be killed?" Her chin trembles, but she shakes her head. "We have everyone fighting in teams for a reason, so everyone can stay focused and alert, and so everyone has someone always watching their back. Your dad is looking out for Neil Harper. Neil Harper is looking out for old Harry Minestone. Do you know who's looking out for your dad? It's Chelsea Lee. She's the leader of the theta team and a damn fine she-wolf."
"What if something bad happens?"
Xander's body softens as he hunches and leans toward Bailey. Tears still make their way down her rosy cheeks. "I can't—"
"Hey, is that real blood in your coffee?"
My head whips around to see Ruby on the other side of Adrian. She's far more chipper than the rest of us and outstretches her hand to Nova. With a slight pout and a suppressed growl, Nova relinquishes the coffee and blood mixture to the other vampyré. Ruby finishes the drink with gusto, a bloodstained mustache decorating her upper lip. Ruby sighs her pleasure, crimson eyes assessing us.
"What's the news?"
"Full steam ahead on the war front," Ronan supplies. "We're just waiting for direction from our captain. He's having a heart-to-heart with that small child." Ruby casts a semi-interested look over her shoulder at the pair. My attention wavers between the captivating vampyré and the twosome near enough to overhear. "He's currently breaking her heart."
"Oh?" Ruby asks with far more interest. She turns to watch the scene play out, but by the looks of it, it’s already at its end.
"She doesn't want her father to fight and be left alone with her step-mother," Ronan states. "The alpha found himself with the unfortunate task of refusing her request to order her father not to fight."
"That's what happens when you're the leader." I shrink at Ruby's blasé tone. "Sorry," she apologizes half-heartedly noticing my reaction, "but it's the truth. Being in charge isn't all it's cracked up to be."
"Says the leader," Nova remarks.
Ruby smirks back. "Damn straight. Now, get your cute ass out there with the others. Oh, wait, are you wearing a watch?"
Nova flusters, her tan cheeks darkening ever so slightly. Ronan watches the duo in amusement. "No, I don't wear a watch."
Ruby mutters something under her breath that makes Nova's faint flush deepen and Ronan smirk.
"Here." Ruby snatches Nova's forearm and gives her the watch off her wrist. "In one hour, come back. We're playing tag team today, got it? Don't be cocky out there, Nova. You might kick ass in the Pits back at the Dark Court, but I don't want anyone handing you yours. Capeesh?"
Nova scoffs, avoiding Ruby's intense gaze and fired words. "I'll be fine. I can handle myself."
"Fine," Ruby snaps back. "Go."
The two partake in a small standoff, their glares accompanied by a chilly air. I'm not allowed the opportunity to analyze it further before Nova zips away. My hair and Ruby's sway in the wake of her departure.
"But—!" Bailey stomps her foot, stealing my attention once more. Her face is blotchy, red, and damp from her tears.
"Jenny loves you, Bailey. Now go back home, she's probably out of her mind with worry over your whereabouts. I'm relying on you to watch over the younger kids at the warehouse. Don't disappoint me." Her gloves are balled into fists at her side, but Xander releases a small but powerful growl. "Now. No more debating."
Bailey storms away, her strawberry red hair trailing after her.
"Now that's a girl who knows how to make an exit," Ronan comments.
"You're such a softie," Ruby teases after a light scoff.
Ronan grins again, his gray eyes sparkling. "She's got balls, I'll give her that. You don't usually see kids challenging their leaders so..."
"Vehemently," Adrian volunteers. Ronan snaps his fingers and nods at Adrian.
"Exactly." Ronan pauses. "Speak of the devil."
I turn and startle to see Xander a mere foot away. He's tense, and his hands are shoved into his jean pockets. "I'm glad you're all up. Ronan, are you and your brother still willing to scout for us?"
"Warren and I will be airborne in ten minutes, but I've got to steal him a bite to eat before, or he'll be hell to work with." Xander's brows draw together marginally, then he jerks his head in the direction of the hallway leading to the kitchen.
"Be sure to stay out of Zoelle's way."
Ronan gives Xander a mock salute and winds his way back to the kitchen.
"What do you need us to do?" I ask.
"Follow me." Xander heads to the front entrance. "Ruby, you're watching Deval?"
"Yep, with the help of the other raven shifter, Zach."
"Great, we'll see you later."
She peels off and up the staircase with a parting salute of her own. "Aye, aye, captain."
We stop briefly to grab our coats, hats, and gloves, piling it all on quickly to keep pace with Xander. My insides twist in trepidation. It's really happening. We're going to war.
"Hey, I hope we're not late. We got here as soon as we could." Callie is breathless as she swings open the door, the large hulking figure of Keenan behind her.
Keenan and I lock eyes, and my nerves are momentarily put on hold. The entryway goes quiet.
"Hi," I breathe.
Keenan swallows, and tears unexpectedly cloud my vision as my throat constricts. Without warning, I run and launch myself at Keenan. Callie barely steps out of my way in time, but Keenan meets my embrace full-on. His arms wrap around me and squish me to him.
"Hi," he responds at last.
Words build up in my chest but are unable to make their way past my mouth. Giving in to my tumultuous emotions, I release a soft sob. An unexpected weight lifts off my shoulders knowing Keenan is all right. After everything we’ve been through… another round of tears comes crashing down on me as I wrap my arms tighter around him. Keenan returns the favor.
Someone clears their throat after a time, reminding us of the situation at hand. Pulling away, my nose is runny and red, and my lashes wet. Keenan is only slightly more composed.
He opens his mouth to speak, but no words come out. Instead, Keenan cups my cheek and presses a kiss to my forehead.
"Not to break up this Hallmark moment, but I could really use your eyes upstairs." I turn in surprise at the voice. Quinn is halfway down the staircase, one hand on the railing, the other on her popped hip. She spares us a pointed look, then trots back up and out of sight.
"Unfortunately, she's not exaggerating," Xander concurs. "The past few weeks, Ryatt and Quinn set up some wireless cameras in the forest. Last night, they went out to deliver long-range two-way radio earpieces to a handful of the team leads." Xander explains, hitching a thumb over his shoulder to the staircase. "Ryatt's office is being used to monitor the situation. You can head up there Callie. If you or Quinn spot any trouble coming, let the team leaders know.”
Callie's head bobs along. "Quinn and I have been texting and talking on the phone. I know what to do. Keenan is going to keep Deval company while I work with her."
"You are?"
Keenan's face is stony as Callie relays their plans.
"He saved my life," Keenan tells Xander. His voice is far rougher than I remember. "Among others," he adds, his eyes distant.
Xander nods. "Say no more brother. Quinn will point you in Deval’s direction. And if you two are ready," Xander continues, his head gesturing to the back of the house, "I'll take you to your positions."
++
"Good luck." Xander's green eyes sweep over us as we stop before the edge of the forest. The entirety of our walk is devoted to the list of instructions he has for us. It is short and succinct, yet I find it hard to grasp. His posture is a strict line, determination riding every inch of his being. Gold flecks speckle his vision, and he passes on a small device to Adrian. "Keep her safe."
"Always," Adrian responds. "Fight well."
Xander responds with a curt jerk of his head and stalks off into the wilderness. The darkness is intimidating with a strange aura tainting it. Magic. I suck in a lung full of icy air. It stings all the way down to my lungs.
"What did he give you?" I ask.
Adrian's eyebrows hunch down as he regards me. "Weren't you listening?"
I blush. "I tried." Adrian grunts, his cheek twitching as his eyes flick to the dark woodland. He takes a moment to study the odd device before hooking it into his ear with some effort.
"Hello?" He rumbles tentatively.
"Is it—?" Adrian holds up a hand, his other remains pressed against the small device. I watch his dark eyes widen a fraction. For a long moment, he stays silent, lips pursing into a firm line.
"Copy." His hand drops, eyes alight with interest. "This contraption is one of the radios Xander spoke of. The females will speak to me through this should they spy trouble heading our way."
My shoulders sag only to hitch back up a moment later when a fierce wind barrels past us. "Good."
"If it’s within your capability, Xander wants you to keep track of your traps you set up last night.” Adrian pauses briefly to gauge my reaction when I nod hesitantly, he continues. “If they call—” he taps the ear device “—they want you to put up some kind of barricade. Whatever you can manage."
I offer my agreement while turning my back to the wind. "I can summon a root wall, if necessary, but the forest is tired. The magic they’re using in there is already taking its toll,” I say with a frown. “I'll need fair warning. Should I make one now?" I ask, voice rearing up at the end.
Looking over my shoulder, I spy Adrian shaking his head. "Xander said not to. The manor is a medical point. The wounded will most likely come by this way and we don't want to detour them."
