A Witch in Time: Special Preview for ARC Readers

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A special preview just for ARC Readers

 

Prologue

 

1810

London, England

 

Reed William Atherton Townsend, Marquess of Wakefield, glanced around at the other dinner guests, trying to stifle the yawn that desperately wanted to escape his mouth. It certainly wouldn’t be proper for anyone to show boredom at such an affair, more so for him, being the future Duke of Huntington and Alpha of London.

His inner wolf too, was bored, and longed to be released from this stuffy, dinner party. We’ll be out of here soon, he assured his animal. I’m as eager as you are to be back home.

The wolf snorted at him, as if in disagreement. Hmm. He would think it would be even more anxious to get back home considering—

“I do hope Lady Wakefield feels better soon, my lord.” Lady Louisa Abernathy interrupted, peering up with her beady little eyes as she sat next to him.

“Your lovely wife is always a welcome sight at these affairs,” her husband, Lord Horace Abernathy, Earl of Chilton, added. “She is very much missed.”

“I agree,” Reed concurred. He especially missed his wife tonight, not only was she the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid his eye on, but she had a vivacious nature that made these droll dinners much livelier. He knew the moment he saw Lady Joanna Aspen that he would marry her. He had been awestruck when he gazed at her from across the room. Golden blonde hair, the greenest eyes he’d ever seen, pretty plump lips made for kissing.

It was a boon, of course, that she was also a Lycan and had just come out for her first Season. She and her mother were visiting his mother, the Duchess of Huntington, hoping to have her favor to help in her debut to society. Her father was the Viscount of Clearwater, but he also happened to be one of the Lycans under the Duke of Huntington’s protection.

As it turned out, Joanna didn’t even need any help wither debut; Reed spent weeks courting her and their engagement was announced even before the Season ended.

“Yes, her absence tonight is a disappointment. To everyone.” His mother, the Duchess of Huntington, caught his eye as she took a sip of her wine. He didn’t miss the slight smile that made the corner of her lips curl up.

He smiled at his mother knowingly. Before the dinner party began, he had told his parents the reason why Joanna was absent tonight: she was resting in bed because she was currently carrying his future heir. To say they had been thrilled was an understatement, and for what seemed like the first time since Reed announced his engagement two years ago, the Duke and Duchess of Huntington seemed genuinely happy about their son’s marriage.

When Joanna begged off for the evening, citing fatigue, he didn’t protest. Seeing as such topics were not discussed in public, they refrained from telling their guests the real reason the Marchioness of Wakefield was absent tonight.

“I hope you all enjoyed dinner,” the Duke of Huntington said once the footmen cleared the dessert plates. “How about we retire to the library for coffee and tea, and perhaps something stronger for the gentlemen?”

Everyone heartily agreed, and followed suit as the Duke and Duchess stood up. However, before they could all leave the dining room, Reed stopped his father and mother with a hand on each of their arms.

“Father, mother,” he began. “I hate to leave so early, but I should check on my wife.” He looked at the other dinner guests. “My sincerest apologies, everyone.” Normally, these after-dinner refreshments went on and on until the late evening, and Reed couldn’t stand being away from Joanna, especially with her carrying his pup and heir.

Lowell Townsend gave his son a curt nod and turned to the half dozen guests. “Please, do go  on ahead to library. The Duchess and I will join you shortly.”

Soon, the dining room was empty, as even the footmen had discreetly left, probably at the orders of their observant and efficient butler, Neville.

Now that they had some privacy, it was his mother who spoke first. “What’s bothering you, my wee one?”

Though two decades living in England had all but eradicated his mother’s Scottish brogue, Annabelle Townsend used it when they were alone. The soft burr reminded him of his childhood, when she would sing to him or soothe him in her native tongue.

His father laughed. “Our son hasn’t been ‘wee’ for a while.” He winked at his son. “Nothing about him is ‘wee’.” Reed has sprouted like a weed when he was fifteen, towering even over his own father by half a foot. Though he got his dark hair and ebony eyes from Lowell, his physical stature obviously came from his mother’s side of his family. He’d met his Scottish uncles and cousins a few times, and compared to them, he was, indeed, ‘wee’. His grandmother had bemoaned his size, saying it was unfashionable for a gentleman to be of such height and width.

“He will always be my baby, not matter how old he is,” Annabelle declared. “Now, tell your mother what’s wrong.”

 “Nothing’s wrong. I’m fine.” He let out a deep sigh and ran his fingers through his hair.

“Ah, you’re concerned about Joanna and your pup.” Lowell patted his shoulder. “Absolutely understandable, my boy. When your mother was carrying you, I wouldn’t let her out of my sight.”

“He kept hovering around me. All the time.” Annabelle rolled her eyes at her husband. “Despite the fact that I was practically indestructible, as I kept telling him.”

Females who were pregnant by their True Mates could not be harmed, that was a known fact. Reed’s mood sank, and it must have been written all over his face.

“I didn’t mean—”

“It’s fine.” He pursed his lips together. Although Joanna was a Lycan and would be carrying his pup, they were not True Mates. There was always that feeling that his parents were disappointed he didn’t marry the one who was supposedly the other half of his soul. But to Reed, that never really mattered. He was in love with Joanna from the moment he laid eyes on her.

Annabelle looked despondent. “Reed, I’ve always treated Joanna like my own daughter, you know that,” she insisted. And Reed knew his mother tried hard, she really did.

“And so what if you’re not True Mates?” his father added. He put an arm around his wife. “What happened to your mother and I have was rare. I mean, who ever heard about a Lycan who could immediately tell who her True Mate was?”

She smirked at him. “Ah, after all these years, you still don’t believe me, mo ghràdh?”

Reed had heard the story a million times: that the Lycans of the Caelkirk clan knew their True Mates upon meeting them. It had caused quite a stir when Annabelle MacDonald, Alpha of Caelkirk, had met Lowell Townsend at a gathering of the Alphas of Europe and declared him her True Mate. They fell in love instantly, and married only days after knowing each other. Growing up, he asked his mother what it was like, to know one’s True Mate. She would only smile at him knowingly, saying, “Oh, you’ll know a bhobain, you’ll know.”

Perhaps if she had bloody told him how, he wouldn’t have fallen in love with Joanna so quickly. But, blinded by her beauty, his feelings had run away. When his mother had asked him if he felt ‘it’ upon first laying eyes on Joanna and he had only stared at her blankly and asked what ‘it’ was, the disappointment on her face had been obvious.

Though his father wasn’t ecstatic about the news, being English he was at least glad he was marrying a member of the ton and another Lycan, which should at least guaranteed him a suitable heir to both the Dukedom and the Alpha title.

As his father and mother continued to stare at each other with love and admiration, he cleared his throat. “In any case, I’m loathe to disturb her sleep if I were to come home at dawn.”

“I’m sure she’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness, my boy.” Lowell patted him on the back. “And just so you know, son, I’m happy for you. Being a father is one the best privileges I’ve had in my life.”

Reed smiled at his normally stuffy father, whose eyes were shining with tears. His mother, on the other hand, placed a hand over his, her expression warm.

“I know we said we thought you were too young to marry at twenty-one,” Annabelle squeezed his hand. “But I’m glad you don’t have to wait longer to hold your pup in your arms.”

“I should warn you, it will be difficult for you and your wolf,” his father warned. “It won’t want to be away from her. Mine would growl at me if I stayed away from her too long.”

Huh. Reed thought that was strange. His wolf, at the most, was lukewarm toward Joanna, which he thought was normal, as that’s what it felt for most people and Lycans around him, save for his parents and his sister. 

“You’ll do well,” Annabelle assured him. “I know it.”

“Thank you, mother.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “If she’s up for it, I’ll have Joanna invite you over for tea.”

Her smile was genuinely warm. “That would be lovely.”

“Grandmama will be invited as well.”

His mother winced, though to her credit, not as severely as she used to. According to his father, the relationship between the current and Dowager Duchess of Huntington had mellowed over the years. If that was the case, Reed wasn’t sure he wanted to have seen what it was like in the beginning, especially after his father had broken off his engagement to the Belgian Alpha’s daughter when he met Annabelle. Miranda Townsend was probably not happy, but she didn’t have a choice. In Lycan society, True Mate pairings trumped any other type of arrangement, sometimes even marriage. And, knowing that True Mates conceived upon their first coupling, he wouldn’t be shocked if that was the reason his father had procured a special license to marry his mother right away.

“Try to be surprised when Joanna announces her condition, Mother,” Reed said. “You know Grandmama will be cross at me if she found out you knew first. Don’t vex her, please? Or I’ll never hear the end of it.”

“I’ll try,” But the expression on his mother’s face said, not very hard.

“Shall I bid Ellie goodbye?” His younger sister, Eleanor, was only fourteen years old, and was probably upstairs in her bedroom. Growing up, he always doted on her, though since his marriage, he hadn’t spent as much time with Eleanor as they used to.

“She should already be fast asleep,” Annabelle said. “But, I’ll let her know you asked after her.”

He nodded goodbye to them, and pivoted on his heel, then walked down the long hallway of Hunter House, his parents’ London mansion. Neville was already by the door and no doubt, the trusty butler had probably informed his driver that he wanted to go home early.

“Good night, Neville,” he greeted as he passed the other man.

Dressed impeccably, salt-and-pepper hair combed back neatly, and his upper body stiff as a board, the older man gave him a short nod before opening the door. “Good night, my lord.”

He headed directly to his coach, and soon was on his way home. As a wedding present, his father had presented them with the lovely little townhouse on Cowley Street. Joanne was disappointed at the size and location, thinking that it was unfair of his parents to give them such a small place, especially compared to their sprawling mansion. He had to explain to her that Hunter House was the home of the Duke of Huntington, a title which Reed would not—and hoped not to—inherit for a long while, seeing as his father was still young and healthy.

It was really the only time he’d argued with her, as he thought she was being ungrateful. She apologized quickly, and that was that. Indeed he counted himself lucky, as a love match was rare for someone of their standing. And now, he would secure his legacy with an heir, and maybe a spare if he was lucky.

His inner wolf let out a dissatisfied sound.

What the devil was wrong with it?

The coach stopping interrupted his thoughts. His driver opened the door and he quickly alighted, eager to be inside and slip into bed with his wife. His pacing was rather fast, so he did wait a few seconds for the door to open, but found himself frowning when it stayed shut despite having reached it. Usually, the butler would have opened it by now.

That damned Foxworth. Joanna had insisted on taking on her family’s under-butler to run their own house, but Reed never liked him. Not only was he too young and inexperienced, but he had an air impertinence Reed never cared for.

Faced with the choice of standing outside the whole night or the indignity of having to knock at his own door, he chose the latter.

His keen ears picked up footsteps, followed by the sound of the key slipping into the lock. “What the bloody hell—my lord!” Wide brown eyes stared up at him, and Foxworth’s face was as pale as a sheet. “W-w-what are you … I mean—” He cleared his throat and ran his fingers through his unkempt hair. ”Good evening, my lord. Apologies, we—I was not expecting you home so early.”

His eyes narrowed Foxworth, and his sensitive nose picked up the scent of alcohol from his breath. Hopefully the butler had his own bottle stashed away, and hadn’t been dipping into the decanter of fine Scottish whiskey in the study. “I was feeling rather weary after a long day.”

“Of course, my lord.”

“Foxworth?”

“Yes, my lord?”

“Do you think I could come into my own home?” He raised a brow at the butler, who was standing in the doorway, blocking his way.

If it was possible, Forworth got even paler. “Uh, of course, my lord.”

As the butler stepped aside, he resolved to talk to Joanna tomorrow about finding a new butler. It really wan’t proper—

His wolf’s hackles raised, and Reed instantly went on alert. His body went stiff, and his animal’s ears perked up. There was unusual movement coming from the second floor—the bedroom. Joanna.

He raced up the stairs, using his supernatural speed to get to the bedroom in no time. Still, it seemed like forever and his mind raced with possibilities. A burglar who thought the house would be empty. Or maybe someone who saw him leave alone for the evening, out to target his vulnerable wife.

The door made a thunderous thud as is hit the wall when he threw it open. The bedroom was dark, but his Lycan eyes could see everything clearly. And this was not what he expected.

A shriek pierced the air, followed by a large thud as a very male—very naked—body hit the floor.  “I specifically said I did not want to be disturbed—” Joanna’s eyes went wide as she yanked the sheet over her naked breasts. “Reed?”

Anger vibrated through him and he turned his sights on the figure getting up from the floor. He stalked toward the man, his hands reaching out for his throat. His wolf roared, urging him on and he let out a growl.

“No!” Joanne leapt from the bed, sheet around her naked body, and stepped between the two men. “Reed, be reasonable.”

“Reasonable?” he choked out. The muscles under his skin began to contract and ripple as his wolf begged to be let out.

Joanna’s eyes bulged. “He’s … he’s not …”

 A quick sniff in the air told him what she was trying to say. Human. Using every ounce of his control, he tamped his wolf’s instincts down. Thank goodness he didn’t shift into his wolf form or their secret would be revealed.

Focusing his eyes, he recognized the other man. “Sherrington?”

Lord Jeremy Sherrington nodded as he swallowed audibly. “Wakefield,” he mumbled. “I … I must say this is awkward.”

That word didn’t even begin to describe the situation.

Sherrington scratched his head. “I suppose you’d like to call me out.”

“Call you out?”

“Pistols? At dawn?”

He glanced at his wife. His cheating, harlot of a wife. Duel for her? Sherrington had to be kidding. “No, I don’t suppose I will.” He pivoted on his heel, his rage freezing over the white hot sting of betrayal, and he walked out of the door.

“Reed? Reed!”

He was halfway down the hallway when he heard the footsteps behind him.

“Reed, please!” Joanna cried, her claw-like fingers digging into his arm. “It’s not what you think—”

“It’s not what I think?” He stopped, then turned to face her. “Then explain to me what I saw in there.”

“It’s just … this is …” Her face went scarlet and she blew out a breath. “He was just a distraction, to pass the time.”

“A distraction? From what?”

“Until I became Duchess and Lupa!” she spat. “But with my luck, I’ll be old and fat before I get to be called ‘your grace’.”

Dear God, did she even know she was saying? What it would mean for her to gain either title? She wanted his parents … “Get out.”

Joanne blinked. “Reed?”

“I’m going to take a ride. One hour. By that time, I want you out of this house.”

She sucked in a breath as her eyes filled with tears. “You’re joking.”

“I’m serious. One hour. If I see you, then I won’t be held accountable for my actions.”

Stamping her foot like a child, she let out a cry. “B-b-ut you can’t! Think of the scandal—”

“You should have thought of the scandal before you jumped into bed with Sherrington.” Did she really think he would just stay quiet to avoid avoid gossip? She was a fool, then.

No, he was the fool. For being so blind in love and not seeing what was obvious. And what his wolf was trying to tell him. His gaze zeroed in on her belly. “Is it even mine?”

She bit her lip, her hand going to her stomach. “I … I don’t know.”

“Yes, you do.” He knew. Rather, his wolf knew. That’s why it didn’t feel protective toward Joanne. And why, since she announced her pregnancy, it seemed even more wary of her. “For God’s sake Joanne, Sherrington is human! What were you going to do when the child’s wolf didn’t manifest?”

“I … I didn’t think …”

“You’re right. You didn’t think.” Ice froze the blood in his veins as he pried her fingers off. “One hour. Not a second more.” Without another thought or backward glance, he walked away from her.

---

The tentative knock on the door didn’t break Reed’s concentration as he stared at the column of figures on the ledger he was working on. For the last two weeks, he’d been busy with estate affairs. He didn’t really care much about it while he was growing up, but he figured now was a good time to learn. His father hadn’t objected when he asked for more responsibilities.

Continuing to ignore the next knocks, he stared at the neat numbers on the page, trying to make sense of them.

“Ahem.”

He peered up at the sound of the feminine cough. “Hello, Mother.”

The Duchess of Huntington stood at the doorway of his study, a tight smile on her face. “How are you, Reed?”

“I’m fine.” He turned back to the ledgers, but they made as much sense now as they did an hour ago, when he began. Feeling his mother’s eyes on him, he looked at her again. “Is there anything else?”

She walked over to his side and placed a hand on his shoulder. It took all his strength not to flinch. “You know, you can always talk to me or your father about anything. We are here for you.”

Of course they knew what happened. He didn’t exactly have a choice. As he told Joanne, he went out for a ride and came back an hour later. She was gone, and he slept on the sofa in his study. In the morning, he told Foxworth to pack his things, as he did the rest of the staff because obviously, they all knew what had been going on and had some part in covering up their mistress’s affair. It was sometime late evening when his mother and father arrived, perhaps wondering why the invitation to tea never came and discovered Reed alone in the house, finishing the last bottle of spirits in his liquor cabinet.

He told them everything. They were shocked of course, and much to their credit, didn’t tell him to go after Joanne, to avoid scandal. In fact, they were quite supportive of him, tiptoeing around the subject for the last two weeks. And as for Joanne, he didn’t really care where she was. She could go to the devil.

He didn’t answer his mother, but instead stood up and walked over to the window, where he had a clear view of the street. “Did you come here to say ‘I told you so’? To gloat that you were right about her?” he said with a contemptuous sneer.

“Reed William Atherton Townsend, I am your mother and you will not speak to me that way!”

This time he did wince and turned to her, feeling like he was seven years old again and had just broken her favorite tea pot. “Forgive me, Mother.”

 Her eyes softened. “Always, a bhobain.”

My darling. He couldn’t remember the last time he had called her that term of endearment. He was probably a young boy, scared of the dark, unable to sleep until she told him stories about knights and kings who vanquished monsters and dragons.

“I know you don’t want to talk about it,” she continued. “But you must decide what to do. The Ton will start to talk. In fact, there have been a few unsavory tales spinning the rumor mill.”

“And do you care?”

She smirked. “Of course not.” And why should she? Annabelle Townsend didn’t give one whit to what the ton thought of her, a Scottish countess who had ensnared one of the most eligible bachelors in England. “But, your father and grandmother …”

Well, there lay the problem. His very English father and grandmother. The scandal would ruin the family, plus there was Eleanor to think of. Sure, she was a Duke’s daughter, and it would be a few more years until she came out, but the stories would be mucked up by the time her first Season came about. It would definitely affect her chances of making a good match.

 But what could he do? He could not be in the same room, much less look at that traitorous viper, not after what she did and said. It was obvious now, all she was after was the Duchess’s coronet and the honor of being called his Lupa. Did she even love him truly?

“Have you heard from Lord and Lady Clearwater?”

“No.” He could only guess that their daughter’s actions had shamed them into staying away from him. At least Joanne had the decency to tell her parents the truth, not some convoluted version where he was the villain.

“You can’t hide forever.” She looked distastefully at the pillow and blanket on the sofa. “Or live in your study for the rest of your life.”

He could not bring himself to sleep in their bed again. Indeed, he hadn’t even entered the bedroom since that night. “If I had a choice, I would divorce her.” His mother didn’t react. “But, I can’t, not without bringing scandal to the family name.”

“But you can’t raise a child that’s not your own. Especially not a human child who could never be Alpha.”

And that was the conundrum. Damned Joanne. What was she thinking? If they were human, he could pass of any child as his own. But his family had held the Alpha position longer than they had the Dukedom. He would either have to sire another Lycan child with Joanne or pass it to another family. The thought of even touching that vile bitch again made him want to retch.

“So, we are at an impasse,” he said glumly. Maybe he’d be lucky and Eleanor would find a Lycan husband and have a son who could inherit the Alpha title, if not the Dukedom.

“Excuse me, my lord,” said the footman, Mercer, who was standing by the door. After he had dismissed Joanne’s servants, his parents had sent over some of their own staff for the time being. “You have a visitor. A Mr. Archibald Barrow.”

Reed frowned. “I don’t know anyone by that name.”

“He says it’s an urgent matter and he must talk to you immediately. I can tell him you’re indisposed and perhaps to call on you another time?”

He shrugged. It wasn’t like he was getting any work done today. “Let him in.”

A few moments later, Mercer escorted an older man with pure white hair carrying a leather letter case into the study. “I’m sorry to disturb you, my lord.” His voice was scratchy and hoarse. “My lady,” he said with a nod to Annabelle.

“My footman said it was an urgent matter. What is it?”

“Er, yes.” He took out a sheaf of papers from his letter case. “My name is Archibald Barrow, and I work as a solicitor for the West-Moreland Shipping Company. They’ve tasked me … I mean, they … my job is …”

“Just spit it out man,” he barked. This man was trying his patience.

Barrow’s spine went stiff as a board. “Your lordship. I regret to inform you that your wife, Lady Joanna Townsend, Marchioness of Wakefield was aboard the Voyager bound for the Caribbean when it sank a few days ago.”

Annabelle’s gasp was audible. “S-s-sank?”

“Yes, my lady.”

“It’s ‘your grace’,” Reed snapped.

“Excuse me?”

“She’s a duchess.” His voice was flat, emotionless. “You are to address her as ‘your grace’.”

Barrow’s eyebrow shot up and he looked like he wanted to say something, but refrained himself. “Er, your grace. I mean, yes. The ship encountered terrible weather two days after they set sail from England.”

“And you’re certain she was on it?” Annabelle asked, her voice frantic.

“Her name was on the manifest, as was, er, her companion in the first class cabin where she was staying.”

“Companion?” his mother echoed.

“A Lord Sherrington,” he said. “Before I came here, I spoke with his father, the Marquess of Arden, and he confirmed that his son, had indeed, set sail for the islands.”

“Dear God.” Annabelle cleared her throat. “Mr. Barrow, I trust that all this information is kept confidential?”

“Of course, your grace,” he said.

“Even so, my husband, The Duke of Huntington, will have his solicitor call on you tomorrow morning.”

“As you wish, your grace.”

“You may go now.”

“Thank you, your grace.” Barrow bowed low, then turned to leave the study. She turned to Reed. “A bhobain.” Her voice was barely a whisper. “Say something,” she said, her voice catching in her throat. “Anything.”

Reed stared ahead, at the rich, dark paneling that covered the walls of his study. He should have felt grief at the news that his wife was dead. Or, if he were the type of man, expressed relief that there would be no scandal to mar their name. But right now, he felt …. nothing.

Turning on his heel, he walked back to his large, oak desk and sat down on the leather chair. Then, proceeded to tally the figures he had left behind earlier.

 

 

Chapter One

 

Present Day

New York City, New York

“What do you think, darling?”

Elise Henney watched as her mother twirled around in the private dressing room at Bloomingdales, the green skirt of her dress swirling around her slim legs. “You look great, Mom,” she replied. “Just perfect.”

“Oh, you should try it on then,” Lara exclaimed as she sat down on the sofa next to her daughter. “If it looks good on me, then it’ll look good on you too.” They were, after all, identical in stature—same petite, curvy frame and flaming red hair, though Elise’s electric blue eyes were inherited from her father.

Elise chuckled. “When you told me you wanted to go shopping, did you really mean for me or for you?”

“Why, for me of course, but you can pick up one or two things for yourself, you know. I mean, what are you going to wear tonight?”

Her mother was talking about Lucas Anderson’s ascension ceremony, the reason they were in New York in the first place. Her own father was Alpha of the San Francisco clan and had close ties with the Andersons, but he couldn’t make it due to a scheduling conflict, and neither could her brother, Donovan.

So that meant her mother had to go, and she insisted on Elise coming to join her for the long weekend. She initially protested because that wasn’t much time, but Lara was insistent. “We’ll take the jet, fly in on Thursday night and leave Sunday morning,” her mother had said. “Besides, we’ll be staying with with Daric and Meredith. She was complaining she didn’t get to spend time with your the last time you were there.” It wasn’t like she could protest; it was an official function, and as the eldest daughter of the Alpha, she had to go.

“I brought something to wear,” she sighed. “It’s perfectly fine. Besides, I can’t afford that dress.”

Lara sat down next to her. “Then I’ll buy it for you.”

“No, Mom.” She’d been on her own for nearly a decade now, and besides accepting rides on the jet to go to official Lycan functions and the occasional vacation with her family, she paid for everything she needed and wanted with her hard-earned money. “It’s fine. No one’s going to be looking at me there anyway.”

“Are you sure?” Lara said in a playful voice. “I mean, there will be lots of single—”

Elise stood up. “Maybe I will try it on.” God, she would rather do that than have this discussion with her mother. Again. “Where’s that personal shopper they assigned us?”

Lara’s eyes lit up. “Wonderful, darling. But,” she stood up and placed a hand over her daughter’s hands. Or rather, over the gloves she was wearing. “Why don’t you take those off? They don’t exactly match the dress.”

She yanked her hands away, as if burned by fire. “No, I don’t think so,” she said in a flat tone. “I’ve changed my mind about trying on the dress. I’ll wait for you outside. Take your time.” Taking a deep breath, she walked out of the dressing room, closing the door behind her. She swallowed the lump in her throat and walked out to the main floor, pretending to browse through a rack of clothes.

Her inner wolf whined in a soothing manner. It was funny, how she always felt at peace with her Lycan side. Her animal had always been caring, sensitive creature, so in tuned with her moods that some days it felt like it knew her better that she did herself.

I’m fine, she told it. We’re fine.

She loved her mother, she really did. But sometimes Lara just didn’t understand. Or maybe she was disappointed in her. Of course, she would never say it out loud, but Elise didn’t miss the disappointed looks on her mother’s face when whenever the subject of her eldest daughter and magic was brought up.

But that’s what she was. A disappointment. She was the first hybrid—half Lycan, half-witch—child born of a True Mate pairing and yet she was squandering away all her potential.

“Elise!”

Painting a smile on her face, she turned her head and saw her mother rushing out of the dressing room. “Yes, Mom?”

“I just …” Lara swallowed a big gulp of air. “Darling, I’m sorry. For being such a stubborn about the whole … I mean, I won’t take you shopping again.”

She knew that Lara didn’t want to say the words. And frankly she was glad not to hear them. “It’s fine, Mom. I do like spending time with you. And it’s been a while since we had a girl’s weekend. Just you and me.”

She really was happy to spend time with her mother and since they weren’t in San Francisco, it didn’t remind her of the past. After she came back to California when she graduated, she moved to Napa Valley where she worked for a non-profit animal shelter. It was perfect for her—the location and the job. For one thing, she loved being out in nature and her home in the middle of the vineyards meant plenty of privacy where she would often shift into her wolf form and roam the hills. And for another, she adored her job. For some reason, animals loved her; her brother often joked she must be some kind of Disney princess. Growing up, she had always rescued stray dogs and injured birds.

She couldn’t help it, not when she was a child and not now. It was like her inner wolf came with the nurturing nature witches naturally had. At least that was one thing she got from her magical heritage.

“I’m famished.” Lara looped her arm through her daughter’s. “Why don’t we head back to the loft? Your Aunt Meredith said she’s got lunch ready and Aunt Jade’s joining us too.”

“Sounds great.”

Elise grabbed a few of the bags from Lara, and they headed outside to catch a cab downtown. As soon as they stepped out of the air-conditioned building, she stopped.

 Lara cocked her head. “Elise?”

Her wolf went into alert and a prickling sensation crawled over the back of her neck. Like someone stepping over your grave. Or they were being watched. The sidewalk was crowded, so if anyone was watching or following them, she wouldn’t have been able to tell. She shrugged. “It’s … nothing. I just remembered something.” Her inner wolf, however, was not calming down. Its ears perked up, and it sniffed the air, as if trying to find a scent of something.

Her mother had raised her hand to signal a passing cab. “All right, let’s head back.”

Traffic during this hour of the day was surprisingly light and soon, they were walking into the loft in TriBeCa where Lara’s two best friends, Jade Creed and Meredith Jonasson, lived with their husbands. The large former industrial space was actually split into two separate apartments that housed the two families.

As she and Lara walked into the Jonasson apartment, Elise felt a wave of nostalgia. Growing up, she would visit New York often with the rest of her siblings and she had lots of fond memories in this place. Playing dolls with Deedee and Astrid on the living room carpet. Going to the rooftop garden with Cross and Gunnar. Sleeping over at the Creed apartment and eating junk food and playing video games all night with Bastian and Wyatt. Or the big, family-style dinners they would have—and they were big, since Lycans ate a lot.

And today was no different. It was Chinese takeout day, based on the white boxes heaped on the kitchen table. Two women hovered over the mountain of food as the kitchen TV blasted in the background.

“And now, for news abroad,” boomed the nasal voice of the famous gossip TV news anchor “It’s been a few weeks since the death of his father, King Nassir Assam Salamuddin, but Prince Karim Idris Salamuddin still hasn’t taken the throne! Is the playboy prince going to be crowned soon? Palace insiders says he doesn’t want to give up his freedom, though official statements say that the coronation will happen after an appropriate mourning period.”

“And when is that?” the flamboyant co-host interjected. “I’m dying to see His Highness wearing that crown.”

“Who knows?” the host replied. “Zhobghadi is a such a mysterious country, and it’s only recently they’ve even been on anyone’s radar. As you know, the late king set the tongues wagging when he married an English—”

Jade Creed grabbed the remote control and pointed it at the TV, silencing it. “Ugh, I don’t know why you listen to this trash.”

“Hey!” Meredith Jonasson protested. “I can’t watch the real news anymore, it’s too depressing. I’d rather learn about which celebrity is screwing who.” When she saw Lara and Elise walking into the kitchen, she turned to them. “Did you get guys get any good stuff?”

“A couple of things.” Lara raised the shopping bags in her hand in the air.

Jade’s light green eyes sparkled with mirth. “That’s more than a couple of things.” She walked over from where she was sitting on one of the stools, and hugged her friend before turning to Elise. “Hey Elise, did you survive shopping with your mom?”

“Mostly,” she joked.

“Did you have Daric head to Shanghai for all of this?” Lara gestured to the food on the table. While most people would think that sounded crazy, it was a normal occurrence in the Jonasson household since Daric was a warlock who could travel great distances in the blink of an eye.

“Nah, he’s too busy,” Meredith said. “I got takeout from Emerald Dragon.” She pointed to the empty stools. “C’mon, eat up.”

Elise took the seat next to Aunt Jade, who handed her a plate of rice and a pair of chopsticks. She thanked her and began to dig into the vast amount of dishes piled on the table.

“How’s Astrid doing?” Lara asked Meredith. “And the baby?”

“She’s doing amazing, of course,” Meredith answered through a mouthful of General Tso’s chicken. “The job’s stressing her out a bit, but I know she’ll do well there too.”

“I can’t believe Lucas chose her to be Beta.” Jade reached for an egg roll and plopped it on her plate. “I mean, I know she’ll be great and hello—a female Beta? It’s about time. But, it was still a surprise.”

“To me too,” Meredith admitted. “But I’m so fucking proud of her.”

“And you let her know by arguing with her, right?” Lara snickered. “You guys are so much alike.”

“Hey, she’s the one who thinks she knows everything, while I’ve only been working as second-in-command for the Lycan Security Team for almost three decades.” Meredith swallowed and turned to Jade. “Speaking of daughters, how’s Dee? Is she enjoying the field work?”

Perhaps it was because of her sensitive, nurturing nature that Elise noticed the fleeting, pained expression in Jade’s eyes. But, the other woman quickly composed herself and took a sip of water. “She’s doing great. Calls every few days, though I wish it was more often. But it’s not like they have cell reception in the middle of nowhere.” Deedee Creed was a professor of Archeology at New York University. Elise had heard from her mother that she had left New York a couple of weeks ago after receiving a grant to do some field work.

“What is she doing again?” Lara asked. “And where is she?”

Jade pursed her lips. “Her focus is on the ancient cultures of Mesopotamia, so she’s going all over the Middle East. When she last called me, she was in Lahore. She’ll be there for a couple of months before she makes her way to Afghanistan.”

“Sound exciting,” Meredith said.

“And dangerous,” Lara added. “I’m surprised Sebastian let her go.”

“Well, she’s a grown woman and she loves her job.” Jade looked around, as if someone was listening in, then lowered her voice. “Don’t tell anyone, but of course Sebastian has people looking out for her. He found out who was doing the security for Deedee’s team and underbid them and got the contract instead. He’s got eyes on her at all times.”

“And Deedee doesn’t know?” Lara asked.

Jade shook her head. “She’ll be furious if she found out. You know how daughters are. They can be so hardheaded.”

“Yeah, we only want what’s best for them,” Meredith said. “Why can’t they just listen to us? And do what we tell them?” She shook her head. “Oh Lara, you’re so lucky Elise is a good girl. She listens to you, right? And she’s got a good, stable job that doesn’t require her to go into dangerous situations?”

Elise nearly choked on the piece of broccoli that she was chewing, but stifled the urge to spit it out until her eyes watered.

Lara laughed. “Elise has always been a dream.” She smiled warmly at her. “You were never a fussy a baby. Always slept through the night, rarely cried, ate anything we put in front of you. Plus, you were  a A straight student and never got into trouble.”

Yes, that’s who she was alright. The good girl.

“And you work with animals,” Meredith said.

“She loves her work and she’ll probably be made director of the shelter soon.”

“Mom.” Elise slapped a hand over her forehead. “It’s not sure yet. My boss just talked to me about retiring the other day.” Shelly, the current director of the animal shelter, had called her into her office and told her she was thinking of taking early retirement so she could move to Arizona to be with her daughter and grandkids. She wanted to see if Elise would be interested in the position. While she was flattered, Elise wasn’t so sure she wanted to become director. It would mean spending more time behind a desk and less with the animals.

Meredith wagged her brows. “So, are you seeing anyone?”

“Meredith!” Jade sent her a warning look. “Elise doesn’t have to answer that! She’s got her career. A woman is more than the man she’s with.”

“I’m just curious.” Meredith held her hands up. “I mean, Elise is a gorgeous girl.”

“And smart,” Jade said.

“Yeah. But, I heard how dating is so hard there days.” Meredith’s whisky brown eyes lit up. “Hey, there are like, tons of single Lycan guys here in New York, maybe you’ll find someone here.”

“No thanks,” Elise suddenly said. “No offense, but most of the single guys from the New York clan are like family to me. It would be like dating my brother. Gross.”

“Hmmm, yeah, I guess that would be weird,” Meredith said. “I mean, my brother’s kids are all single, but you used to hang out with them a lot too.” She paused. “Hey, aren’t Alynna Westbrook’s sons single? What’s the name of the older one? The one who looks like his dad?”

“Nathan,” Lara said.

“Yeah, he’s only what, a year younger than you, Elise?”

Elise wanted the earth to swallow her up. “Uh—”

“You know, Alynna and Liam went out on a couple of dates,” Lara offered. “Wouldn’t it be funny if—”

“Eww! Mom, that’s even grosser,” Elise cried. “And Donovan says he hangs out with Bastian a lot—no offense, Aunt Jade.” Bastian Creed was a notorious womanizer, after all.

Jade rubbed her temple with her fingers. “No worries, I know my son well.”

“Really?” Lara said. “I always thought he was such a quiet boy.”

Meredith waved a finger at no one in particular. “Wooo, it’s those quiet ones you have to watch out for.”

As if sensing her daughter’s discomfort, Lara changed the subject. “So, what time do we have to be at The Enclave for the ceremony?”

Elise sighed in relief, glad that her dating life was not under the scrutiny anymore. Not that I have one. And really, she was fine being by herself. Because being alone meant she couldn’t hurt anyone.

Pushing herself off the stool, she got to her feet. “I think I’ll go lie down,” she announced.

“Are you feeling okay, darling?” Lara asked.

“Yeah. Jet lag,” she lied. “I’m going to go take a nap. I’ll set my alarm and make sure I’m ready by the time we have to leave.”

“All right darling, have a good nap.”

She left the three women, who seemed happy enough to chat and catch up by themselves, and headed to the guest bedroom where she was staying. As soon as she got inside, she strode toward the bed. Maybe I will lie down for a bit. Curling herself around a pillow, she closed her eyes and let sleep take over.

---

 

Elise immediately woke up from her dreamless nap. “Oh crap!” Sitting up, she glanced around her, her eyes focusing on the clock by the bedside. Her body relaxed and she sank back into the covers. Thank goodness, it was only three o’clock, but still, she had slept longer than she wanted to.

Uncurling her legs, she swung them over the side of the bed and got up, stretching her arms over her head. She walked over to her open suitcase to grab her toiletry case when she realized she had given her shampoo to her mom last night. Better go grab it.

Her mom was in the room just across from hers, so it wasn’t a big deal. However, as she stepped out of the room, the sound of voices drifted down the hallway and she stiffened when she heard her name. Was someone talking about her? Curious, she turned and tiptoed towards the living room.

 Jade’s voice faded in as she got closer. “… and nothing’s improved?”

“You’ve seen it for yourself. She still wearing gloves. When I tried to take them off, from the way she reacted it was like I was trying to peel her skin off.”

Elise swallowed, hard. They were definitely talking about her.

“There has to be something we can do,” Meredith added. “Maybe she just needs help? What does your mother say?”

“We’ve spoken about it at length,” Lara replied, her voice despondent. “And we’ve run out of ideas. I just … I wish I could have done more.”

“No!” Jade exclaimed. “This isn’t your fault.”

“Isn’t it?”

It was like an invisible hand clamped around her chest, making it hard to breathe. The walls were closing in on her, making her feel like she was being crushed. She didn’t want to stay there, but she couldn’t move either.

Of course Lara wasn’t disappoint in her, she was disappointed in herself. That somehow she was the one lacking in trying to raise Elise as a blessed witch with magical powers. And that made her feel worse about the whole thing. But Elise knew the truth: Lara didn’t lack anything. I’m the problem, Mom.

Biting her hand to keep her from making a sound, she found the strength to move, slowly backing away to make her way toward her room. However, before she could reach it, she bumped into something.

“Oommph!” She spun around. “I—Uncle Daric!”

Even though she was all grown up, the sight of the Viking-like warlock never ceased to intimidate her. Of course, she knew Daric was as gentle as a lamb, but the power emanating from him sometimes hit her like a sack of bricks. Blue-green eyes the color of the ocean stared down at her. “Elise? Are you all right?”

“I—” Tears were threatening to spill and she turned away from him. “I’m fine!” she cried as she raced back to her room. She rushed inside and closed the door quietly behind her.

Goddammnit! She stared down at her gloved hands. Some days, she really did want to take them off. But she couldn’t.

A knock on the door made her startle. “Y-y-yes?” she stammered.

“Elise,” came Lara’s voice through the door. “Are you awake?”

“Yes, Mom.”

“Hurry up and get dressed then. Aunt Meredith’s been called to The Enclave to help with security and Aunt Jade and I thought it would be nice to get there early and see Frankie.”

“I … I …” She didn’t want to go. She didn’t even want to be here right now. I wish I was back in California. Back in her home in Napa Valley, where she could shift into her wolf and be at peace. “Mom, I can’t be ready in that time.”

“I’m so sorry darling. I know it’s last minute but maybe you can move a little quicker?”

“Yeah, I’m not really ready.” For any of this. But if her mother knew anything was wrong, she would be like a rabid dog. “You know, I’ve been to The Enclave dozens of times. I can get there by myself. I’ll grab a cab.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah.”

There was a resigned sigh. “All right, we’re leaving in an hour if you can manage to get ready by then then you can just drive over with us.”

“Sure.”

Elise sat on her bed, flopping on her bed. The hour passed in an excruciatingly slow manner, and when Lara knocked again to check if she was ready, she told her that she wasn’t and to go ahead without them. She listened carefully to the sounds outside—the three women rushing about and gathering their things, and the door closing behind them. Finally, she was alone. Maybe I can—

A knock on her door made her bolt up in bed. Who could that be?

“Lara, it’s me.”

Uncle Daric? Confused, she got up and walked to the door. “I thought you’d left with them.”

Daric smiled at her weakly. “You heard them talking.”

Her shoulders sagged. “Yes.”

His expression became doleful. “She did what she could.”

“She did,” she shrugged. They all did. Him. Grandma. Even the powerful warlock Merlin couldn’t do anything. “It’s me. I’m the one who can’t control my powers.” Her gaze dropped down to her gloved hands. They had been a crutch, they said. It was all in her mind. She had to strength to control her powers, but she wasn’t trying hard enough. Well, there was no way she was going to risk anyone’s life again, which is why she resigned herself to wearing the gloves forever.

“I’m sorry there wasn’t more I could do for you.”

“I—” She stopped short, an idea forming in her head. Why didn’t she think of that before? “Uncle Daric, when we were young, you bound our powers, right? All the hybrids?”

“It was a necessary precaution.” The warlock’s golden brows drew together. “Cross caused an accident when he was an infant, so we decided that all hybrids would have their magic bound until they were older.”

“So … could you do it again? This time … permanently?” She reached out for that small bit of hope, dangling in front of her. Without her powers, she could live a normal life. Maybe even touch another human without the damned gloves.

Daric shook his head. “I cannot, Elise.”

“But why?” came her bitter reply. “The mages that you sent to the Lycan Siberian prison … you bound their powers, right?”

“Yes, but that’s different. They were pure magical beings. You, on the other hand, are a hybrid. Your powers are intricately bound to your wolf.  I do not know what a permanent binding would do to your wolf in the long term or your ability to shift.”

She could lose her wolf? So her choice was to lose a part of her or to live like this forever. Living half a life, her powers within her reach, but unable to use them. “I … there has to be a way. Maybe if …” The lump in her throat made it difficult to breathe.

“Elise, this is not the answer.” He lifted up her gloved hands. “I know you can control your power. It’s you who won’t believe it. What happened was tragic—”

She yanked her hands away. “Please! I-I don’t want to talk about that now.”

The warlock nodded. “As you wish.” A heavy silence hung between them. “I shall head to the Enclave. If you would like—”

“I’ll find my own way, thanks.” She yanked on the door knob and shut it. It was rude to do that to her host, but she was too angry and disappointed to care.

She waited a few more minutes, using her razor-sharp hearing to observe the sounds in the apartment. When she could no longer sense Daric’s presence, she sighed in relief.

What do I do? She didn’t really know how she could stand being around people right now, or face her mother after what she overheard. But it wasn’t like she could just not show up to ceremony; it was tempting but disrespectful to the Andersons, one of their closest allies.  There was going to be a lot of people there. Maybe she could just blend in, maybe find a couple of acquaintances. She knew Lucas’s sisters casually, plus Aunt Cady and her family would be there too. You’re the daughter of Alpha, she told herself. And she had a duty to her clan to represent them.

She took her time getting ready, showering and putting on her makeup, then the plain, long black dress she had chosen. As she reached for the matching gloves, she paused. Did she dare …

“No.” She couldn’t risk it, and put the gloves on. Grabbing her purse, she exited the loft and took the elevator to the street level to find a taxi.

Fifteen minutes passed and there was still no taxi. At this point, I’ll be really late, Elise grumbled. Turning on her heel, she decided to walk a block up, maybe to try and catch a taxi before other people hailed them first. She had only taken three steps when she felt her wolf’s hackles raise for the second time that day. But unlike the first time when they were outside Bloomingdales, this sensation screamed danger at her.

She attempted to spin around, but a hand going over her mouth and around her waist prevented her from any kind of movement. When she tried to scream, a coldness washed over her and she saw her surroundings shimmer away. Magic. Magic was being used on her but it was a strange kind. It felt different … it felt unnatural and wrong.

There was a loud pop in her ears and when she blinked, her surroundings changed. She was inside some kind of cavernous, abandoned warehouse. Summoning her Lycan strength, she broke free of whoever was holding her down.

“Get her!”

She whirled around, but was met with a cloud of green smoke. It must have been some sort of confounding potion because she suddenly felt weak and lost control of her motions. Arms wrapped around her again, and her vision began to fade in and out. Fight it, she screamed in her mind. Her Lycan metabolism would be able to burn through it, but they might dose her with more of the potion if they thought she was regaining her senses. So, she remained limp.

“Excellent work, Regus,” said a voice on her left. “I can’t believe they left her unguarded.”

“The mother would have been better, but she will have to do,” said the man who held her. “We don’t know if the confounding potion will be enough to subdue her since she’s one of those half-breeds. So make sure you have enough ready.”

Regus, Elise thought, filing the name away in her mind.

“Come on then, we can’t waste anymore time,” Regus said. “Hand me that knife.”

Elise braced herself, anticipating the cut. Something sharp poked at her palm and it was a good thing her mind was still cloudy as it didn’t feel as painful as it should. Warm, sticky blood flowed out of the wound, but she didn’t make a sound.

“Will her blood be strong enough?” Another voice, this time, female, asked.

“It should, Melinda,” Regus said. “All we need is the blood from the spell caster. A drop of this one’s blood and the spells used to protect The Enclave will be broken.”

Despite the fogginess of her mind, fear rushed through her, paralyzing her as she realized what they were going to do. Long ago, her grandmother, Vivianne, and her mother had added spells of protection to The Enclave, to strengthen them and make sure no humans and magical beings would be able to enter their walls without permission. Since she was related to them, they must mean to use her blood in a spell to break the protections. And since they used blood magic, that only meant one thing.

Mages.

“That’s it … and now, break the spell and send us into the Enclave. The ceremony should be starting, which means the artifact will be out in the open.”

Artifact? What were they talking about.

The arm around her waist tightened and propped her up. “Awake yet, little half-breed?” came the raspy voice in her ear. “Oh, this is even better than I planned. They won’t have any choice now.”

She let out a soft whimper, but remained a dead weight in his arms. Her mind was almost free and the feeling in her limbs was starting to come back. Can’t let them know. Can’t let them dose me again.

Her heels scraped on the concrete floor as Regus dragged her around like a rag doll. She opened her eyes to the tiniest slit she could managed and saw three figures in red robes surround them. They then began to chant. The coldness gripped her again, though their trip wasn’t as quick this time. Her body felt like it was ripping apart and a loud sound rang in her ears, like the shattering of glass. When her feet landing on solid ground, she opened her eyes.

“No one move or she dies.” Fingers wrapped around her neck as Regus held her tight against him.

“Elise!”

Her mother’s voice broke through her confusion. Oh no.

They were standing in the middle of the Enclave. She recognized the main courtyard, all decorated for Lucas’s ascension ceremony. The future Alpha himself was standing a few feet away from her on the dais where they had appeared.

The magic moving around her mother was unmistakeable. Lara Henney was a blessed witch after all, with the power to control air currents. Wind swirled around her, as did the power she was summoning.

“I said don’t move!” The fingers tightened around her throat and she let out a choked sputter. She saw her mother’s anguished face as she put her hands down and the magic surrounding her drained away. However, with Regus’s attention on her mother, he didn’t notice two figures jump up on the dais and put themselves between him and Lucas Anderson. Elise recognized Julianna Anderson, one of Lucas’s sisters, and Cross Jonassan, Uncle Daric and Aunt Meredith’s eldest son.

“Don’t hurt her,” Lucas said in a calm voice. “What do you want, mage?”

Regus laughed, the sound making Elise’s flesh crawl. “I want that.”

She couldn’t move her head to see what the mage was talking about. What did he want?

“You can have it. Just let her go.”

“You! Bring it here.”

Julianna grabbed the something  from her brother and held it up towards Regus. It was a dagger with a green jewel at the hilt, the blade covered in blood.

“You stupid dogs!” Regus sneered. “Using the dagger in your idiotic rituals. You have no idea what you’ve had all this time.”

“Elise.”

She froze and her eyes met Cross’s gaze. His eyes were so like his fathers, though now they were a dark, stormy blue-green. And deadly serious. “Elise, do it.”

“No, please, Cross,” she begged. “Don’t make me.” She couldn’t possibly do it. He didn’t know what he was asking her.

“Do it!” Cross shouted. “Elise, NOW.”

The fabric covering her hands disappeared and she realized he was one hundred percent serious if he used his powers to remove her gloves. Regus’s eyes went crazy and she felt his fingers digging into her throat, crushing her windpipe. And she knew, it was death or use her power.

And so she chose to live.

She called up every ounce of magic in her veins and gathered it in her hands. White hot currents of electricity shot through her and to the mage. Regus screamed as ten thousand bolts of pure energy shot through him, and he let go of Elise. Threads of current kept them connected, and when she saw Julianna and Cross leap towards her, she screamed too, trying to warn them away. She tried to pull back her power, to stop the energy building and flowing out of her, but she couldn’t.

It was too late. A hand held her on either arms and her feet began to lift off the ground. Her body felt like it was being pulled back, like a rubber band, then releases, hurtling forward into a deep, dark tunnel, dragging Cross and Julianna with her.

Chapter Two 

Time seemed to slow down as Elise felt her body careen forward in an endless spinning vortex. Cross and Julianna kept their hold and she gritted her teeth as her arms were nearly pulled out of their sockets.

“Ouch!” came a feminine shout.

They all landed in a tangle of limbs and bodies, rolling on the damp ground. Elise ended up on her back, and she blinked a few times, wondering if she was hallucinating. Above her, the skies had turned gray and foggy, while the scent of earth and grass wafted into her nostrils. Her wolf immediately went on alert.

“What the hell—” Julianna gasped as she sat up and looked around her. “Where are we?” She tuned to Cross. “Where did you bring us?”

Cross’s golden brows knitted together. “I didn’t bring us anywhere.”

Only a handful of people knew that Cross had inherited most of his father’s powers. Aside from changing the form matter, which he must have used to remove her gloves, the other one was the ability to transport himself and others to long distances. But why was he denying that he brought them away from the Enclave?

“Elise?” Julianna’s strange bi-colored eyes—one green and one blue—zeroed in on her.“What happened back there?”

“Don’t look at me,” she answered.

“But your hands … What did you do?”

Elise clenched her fists. “I used my powers.”

“You can control electricity?” Julianna asked.

“I can create electricity,” she clarified. Controlling electricity was another matter. “You shouldn’t have done that,” she told Cross.

“It was the only way, Elise,” Cross said. “He would have hurt you.”

“Well, I hope we got rid of that mage, whatever it is you guys did.” Juliann got to her feet and brushed the blades of grass sticking to her pants. “Let me see if I can call Papa or Lucas.” She slipped her phone out of her pocket and tapped on the screen. An audible tone made her frown. “No reception. How about you guys? What carrier to you use?”

“Sorry, I must have dropped my purse.” When the mages kidnapped me, she added silently. A shiver ran through her.

“I don’t usually carry one,” Cross shrugged.

“Damn. Hopefully we’re not too far from New York.” Her eyes darted around. “This place doesn’t look too familiar. And, uh, why does it smell like shit?”

Elise’s nose wrinkled. It did smell awful out here, worse still because of her enhanced senses. “Maybe we’re near a sewage plant?”

“There should be several just outside the city,” Julianna said. “Oh, I hear something …” Her gaze moved into the distance, to a road just beyond the field. “What the … is that a horse? And a carriage? Oh my God, are we in Amish country?”

Cross followed her gaze, then his entire body went rigid. “I think you two should stay here.” His voice was oddly calm.

“Stay here?” Elise asked.

“We don’t know where we are exactly,” he said. “I think it would be better if I went and asked.”

Julianna shrugged. “Fine, go ahead. Let me see if I can try to find one or two bars.” She raised her phone up, waving it around.

“Yeah, we’ll stay here,” Elise said.

“I’ll be back in a moment.” Cross turned and suddenly disappeared.

“Jeeze, I can’t get over how creepy that is,” Julianna said. “But, you’re probably used to it, being a hybrid and all?”

Despite the fact that they were both the daughters of an Alpha, Elise didn’t really know Julianna Anderson too well, being a few years older than her. “Uhm, kind of. Why don’t we try going up that hill? Maybe you can find reception there.”

The hill was farther than it looked, but they managed to trudge up—a feat considering the ground was muddy and they were both wearing heeled shoes. It took them a good thirty minutes, and when they reached the top, Julianna examined the screen on her phone. “Ugh, this darned thing. Hey, maybe you can use your electric powers to boost my signal or something.”

“It doesn’t really work that way,” she said glumly.

“How does it work then?” She continued to move her phone around. “I mean, I’ve seen Astrid use hers while in training. It’s pretty handy. How do you use yours? Can you like, jumpstart a car or something?”

“Er … I wonder where Cross is? He’s been gone a awhile. Maybe we should head back to where he left us.”

Thankfully, Julianna agreed with her and didn’t ask anymore questions about her powers. They walked back down the hill, and as they approached the area where they landed, a soft pop startled both of them, and Cross reappeared in the same spot. “I have some … news.” He shook his hair, sending droplets of water everywhere.

“What happened to you?” Elise asked.

Julianna seemingly ignored the fact that Cross’s shirt and pants were dripping wet. “Well? Where are we?”

Cross actually looked hesitant, which made Elise worry. In all the years she’d known him, Cross was always so confident and sure of himself. “I’d tell you both to sit down, but there’s no place to sit.”

“For fuck’s sake, Cross, just tell us where we are,” Julianna said in an impatient tone.

“We’re in England, just outside of London—”

“That’s not so bad,” Elise interrupted.

“In 1820.”

“Where’s that exactly?” Julianna asked. “Is that a zip code?”

Elise’s head snapped toward Cross. “Excuse me?”

“We’re in England. In the year 1820.”

The silence between the three of them was deafening and Elise thought she wasn’t understanding him correctly. “We’ve … we traveled through time?”

“That can’t be right!” Julianna said. “You can’t travel back in time.”

“I’m afraid we did.” Cross rubbed a hand down his face. “It took me a while to get back because I had to make sure. I traveled to London to this place I knew well and, uh, landed in the Thames.”

“The river?” Elise asked.

“Yes. Uncle Sebastian has an apartment there, he lets me and Dad use it when we need a safe place to transport to.” He shook his head in disbelief. “The building isn’t there and I dropped straight into the Thames. After I got out, I walked around. I was definitely in London, but …” He took something out of his pocket, unfolded it, and held it up. “See?”

It was the front page of a newspaper, and when Elise examined it closer, she let out a gasp. “Oh my God.” The date definitely said 1820.

“What the fuck?” Julianna snatched the paper from Cross’s hand. “What the fuck, what the fuck, what the fuck!” Her mismatched eyes trained back on Cross. “Is this really happening?”

“It is.”

“Why? What did you do?” she railed. “Oh my God.”

“Julianna, calm down,” Elise said.

“Calm down! Calm down?” the younger woman exclaimed. “How can I be calm, Elise? We’re over two hundred years in the past!” She turned back to Cross. “There must be something we can do?”

“I have a few ideas.” Cross’s jaw hardened. “And I’ll tell you both everything. But first, we need to find some shelter. While I was going around London, I found an abandoned house at the edge of town. We could stay the night there.”

Elise looked at Julianna. “I don’t really think we have much of a choice.”

Julianna opened her mouth, but only a small squeak came out. She clamped her lips together then spoke. “Okay.”

Cross took their hands. “All right. Brace yourselves.”

Elise closed her eyes, feeling the coldness grip her. It was similar to the way the mages had transported her, but not quite the same. Cross’ magic definitely felt more natural and familiar to her. When she opened her eyes they were indoors in a dark room. The musty, damp smell reminded her of the attic in her Gracie Manor, her parents’s home in San Francisco. She let out a shiver.

“Wait.” Cross waved his hand and a fire began to blaze in the fireplace in the corner.

Julianna sucked in a breath. “I can’t believe this.” Surprisingly, her voice sounded much calmer. “We’re really here. This is happening.“ Though she began to pace, she was no longer hysterical.

“I’m afraid so,” Cross said. “There’s no furniture around, but this place should be secure.” With another wave of his hand, three sleeping bags appeared on the floor around the fire. “It’s not much, but we can get some rest. I can make you guys some clothes, if you want.”

“Whoah.” Julianna froze. “What the—”

“Cross can change the form of matter,” Elise explained. “Transmogrification.” It was a powerful form of blessed magic, and as far as she knew, only Cross and Daric could perform it.

“Can you make anything?” Julianna asked.

“Not quite,” Cross said. “For me to change one thing to another, I need know how it works and what it’s composed of. For example, I had to study the composition of fire to create it,” he pointed to the fire place, “and learn about fibers and sewing to make the sleeping bags. The more I make something, the easier it gets though.” He waved his hand, and in an instant, Elise’ black dress and Juilanna’s pantsuit turned into pajamas.

“Wow!” Julianna ran her hands down her new outfit. “Lined with flannel too!”

“Thank you,” Elise nodded at Cross gratefully.

“Are you hungry?” With a wave of his hand, bread and cheese appeared on the floor, as well as glasses with water. “It’s not much. Cooked food is really complicated to make, because aside from knowing the composition of ingredients, I would have to know the recipe. Meat is especially difficult.”

“I guess I won’t be able to order a cheeseburger then?” Julianna asked.

“Afraid not.”

“This is fine Cross,” Elise said. “Though I’m not really very hungry.”

Julianna, on the other hand, was already stuffing half a loaf in her mouth. “Oh my God, I didn’t realize how starved I was,” she said through a mouthful of bread. She had already claimed one of the sleeping bags and was sitting cross legged on top of it.

Elise, not knowing what to do, followed suit and sat on the sleeping bag on the farthest left. “Cross, why don’t you tell us what you know?”

Cross nodded, then took the last open sleeping bag, curling his gigantic body down. “I guess I should start from the beginning.” In the firelight, his ocean-colored eyes seemed to liquefy. “A year ago, my father felt a dark shimmer of power rising up. Then he began to have dreams of the future.”

Elise shivered, despite the warm fire. “I didn’t know he could do that.”

“Neither did he,” he said. “His premonitions only come when he touches someone. It’s usually my grandmother, Signe, who has active premonitions. And she was having the same ones. And so did …” His lips clamped shut.

“What did they see?” Elise asked.

“That the mages would rise in power and finally defeat us.” Cross face turned grim. “So we went to the Alpha. Grant Anderson didn’t want to cause any panic, so he sent me on a mission to find out more.”

“The mages started attacking us a few weeks ago,” Julianna said. “First, at Blood Moon, then at the first ascension ceremony. They also tried to get other Lycans to turn against us.” She scratched her head. “Growing up, we didn’t really learn about mages, but since those attacks, I’ve been trying to learn more.”

“Mages are basically witches and warlocks who have gone against nature by using blood magic,” Cross explained to Julianna.

“Blood is forbidden to use,” Elise added. “Because you often have to hurt or kill someone to get their blood.”

“However,”  Cross continues. “A long time ago, a powerful mage named Magus Aurelius was able to concentrate his power into three artifacts.”

“Artifacts?” Julianna echoed.

“He infused three objects with the blood of a thousand humans and Lycans.”

The words made Elise shiver. “Why?”

“So that his power would be preserved,” Cross explained. “This was about a thousand years ago. Magus Aurelius controlled a large part of what’s now Central and Eastern Europe, but he was losing his power because the people were rising up against him, with the help of the Lycans. So, he placed as much of his magic into these three artifacts, hoping that one day, the mages would rise up and rule the world. He sacrificed five hundred humans and five hundred Lycans.”

 Julianna’s face went pale. “That’s sick.”

“They came back, but we defeated them,” Elise said. “Rather, our parents did. In the battle of Norway, most of the mages were killed, then your dad gathered whoever was left and bound their powers before sending them to the Lycan Siberian Prison.”

“A small faction survived.” Cross’s eyes hardened. “And they found out about the artifacts. It took them nearly three decades but they were able to get their hands on one of them. A necklace that could control people, even without the use of blood rituals.”

Julianna’s eyes widened. “Where is it?”

“It’s still with the mages,” Cross said. “It was used by the mages to try and frame Lucas for murder. They wanted to put him in jail so they could kill him and take his blood, but didn’t succeed. They did get manage to keep the necklace.”

“What about the other artifacts?” Elise asked. “Where are they?”

“I’ve been trying to track them down and I had my suspicions.” His expression turned serious. “And now I’m definitely sure.”

“Sure of what?” Elise’s heart pounded in her chest as she waited for the answer.

“We had it all along. That is, the Lycan High Council had it.”

“The dagger,” she finished. “It was the dagger.”

“Yes,” Cross said in a somber voice. “I was so close … but I wasn’t sure.” He bowed his head. “I’m so sorry. This shouldn’t have happened if I was certain of what the dagger was.”

“But how could it have transported us here?” Elise said.

“I think …” Cross cleared his throat. “Here’s what my theory is: the mages have been desperate to get at Lucas and Adrianna not to kill them or stop them from ascending. Rather, they want their blood.”

“But why?”

“I think it’s because as children of two Alphas, their blood must have some special property. It didn’t click into place until now, but I believe that, when infused with double Alpha blood, the power of the artifacts are magnified. The necklace, as far as we knew, could control humans, but with Alpha blood, it could control Lycans. I believe the dagger would have allowed them to transport people across long distances.”

Elise pictured the scene in her mind. Julianna holding the bloody dagger. The mage reaching for it. “But why did we end up here?”

Cross looked sheepish. “I didn’t anticipate it, but it was you Elise.”

“M-m-me?”

“Your powers. I didn’t know … I’m really sorry. I think your powers must have amplified the artifact. Along with Lucas’s blood … it’s the only explanation.”

“Wait! Where’s the dagger?” Julianna exclaimed. “That’s our way home, right? All we have to do is charge it up with Elise’s powers.” She slapped her palms together. “Badabing, badaboom, we’re home!”

“It’s not that simple,” Cross said. “I did try looking for the dagger when I realized where we were. It’s not here.”

“No.” Elise felt a dark despair take over her body. “We’re stuck here?”

“There has to be a way,” Julianna’s eyes narrowed at Cross. “You have an idea, right?”

Cross nodded. “When I first suspected that the dagger could be one of the artifacts, I learned as much as I can about it.”

“Why didn’t you ask to see it? Or tell the Lycan High Council?” Julianna asked. “Why all this secrecy? You and your father should have said something the moment you suspected the mages were coming back.”

When Cross didn’t say anything, it was Elise who spoke. “Because he’s a hybrid,” she said in a quiet voice. “They wouldn’t have believed him or his dad.” Despite the fact that there were many hybrid Lycans now that the witches and Lycans were no longer on opposite sides, there were still a few who didn’t trust either side. As a hybrid, Elise knew this and contributed to her feeling that she wouldn’t never be part of either world.

Cross cleared his throat. “As I said, I learned as much as I could about the dagger.”

“And what did you find out?”

“Lycans didn’t always use of that particular dagger for ascension ceremonies. Any dagger or sword was used to cut the hand and make the vow.” During the ascension ceremony, the future Alpha had to seal their vow to protect their clan by slicing their palms with the dagger. “The dagger the Lycan High Council uses belonged to the London clan. It was a heirloom from the Townsend family.”

“Why do we use it now?”

A line appeared between Cross’s brows. “The historical records are murky, but this is what I pieced together: during the ascension ceremony of one of the London Alphas, they were attacked by ‘evil forces’. The London clan fought them off, but unfortunately, they killed the would-be Alpha.”

Elise gasped. “Were they mages? How did they kill him?”

“Like I said, the details are murky. But from what I could interpret, Reed Townsend never became Alpha. Since he didn’t have any children, the title passed on to his nephew. But, the Lycan High Council wanted to honor Townsend, so they’ve been using the dagger ever since.”

“How does that help us now?” Julianna asked.

“If my research is correct, we should be in the right year when Reed Townsend is ascending to Alpha.”

Julianna’s face brightened. “That means the dagger is here!”

“And Townsend is also the first son of the two Alphas, about to ascend himself.” Cross added. “We could potentially be able to recreate what happened at Lucas’s ceremony.”

“But how can we be sure?” Elise asked. “It’s not like we intended to come here in the first place.”

“I’d like to believe we were brought here for a reason,” Cross said. “The dagger and another child of two Alphas are right here, where we are now. It can’t be a coincidence that we were brought here. With the dagger, Reed Townsend’s blood, and Elise’s power, we have a way home.”

But she didn’t want to say aloud what they were all probably thinking: that it might not work. But then again, what else could they lose? “I suppose … we should give it a shot.”

“Great!” Julianna looked much more positive about the whole thing than Elise felt. “So, how do we get close to that dagger?”

Cross stood up. “I need to gather intel.”

“We can help,” Julianna offered.

He shook his head. “It will be easier if I go alone for now.”

“But—”

“At least for now. We don’t know what to expect out there.” he said. “I’ve taken precautions and put protection spells around this house. But, don’t try to leave until I’ve come back.”

“Where are you going?” Elise asked.

“I have to learn more about Reed Townsend.”

“And how do you plan to do that?”

“I’ve picked up a few tricks here and there,” he said cryptically. “I’ll be back in the morning.”

And once again, he disappeared.

Elise stared at the empty spot where Cross had been, wondering where he had gone to. A heavy silence crept over them.

“We’ll be home in no time. Right?” But Julianna sounded like she had lost some of the confidence she had earlier.

“Of course.” Elise slipped into her sleeping bag. This had to work. Otherwise, she didn’t know what else to do.

---

 

Dawn was breaking by the time Elise was awakened by the heavy footsteps walking across the wooden floor. Her wolf didn’t sense any danger, which meant it knew who was in the house with them. She sat up immediately. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she looked up at the tall figure by the fireplace.

“Its me,” came the reply.

Cross.

Her vision came into focus in the darkened room, and she sighed in relief. “What did you find out?”

“And what are you wearing?” Julianna’s sleep-rasped voice piped up from the sleeping bag beside her.

Cross grinned. “I had to blend in while I gathered intel.” Dressed in skin-tight pants, boots, and a loose white shirt, he looked more like a pirate than a Viking.

“You wouldn’t have happened to gather some coffee, did you?” Julianna sat up and brushed her hair back with her fingers.

With a wave of his hand, two mugs of steaming hot coffee appeared on the floor next to the sleeping bags. “My father insisted that coffee was the first thing I learn to make, after water.”

“Oh. My. God.” Julianna’s eyes widened as she took in a whiff of the rich aroma. “You can make coffee?” She took a sip of the liquid and let out a sigh. “Marry me, Cross. Right now.”

Elise chuckled and to her surprise, Cross actually blushed. “Thank you, Cross,” she said as she took sip from her own cup. “What did you find out?”

He sat down cross-legged next to them. “As I suspected, Reed Townsend is about to ascend to Alpha sometime soon, possibly in the next week or two. His parents passed away over six months ago in an accident.”

She didn’t know why, but she felt a pang of sympathy for this Reed Townsend, despite never having met him. But she supposed, anyone would be devastated if they lost both their parents suddenly.

“The Lycan High Council has approved his ascension,” he continued. “They’re ironing out some details, but as soon they arrive, they’ll proceed with the ceremony, and that can be any day now.”

“How did you find this all out?” Julianna asked.

“I located his home,” Cross explained. “It was surprisingly easy, given that he’s also the Duke of Huntington. I just asked around and some people directed me to where he lived. I waited until everyone was asleep and I went inside and read through his mail. It took a while, but that’s what I was able to piece together, based on his correspondences with the Lycan High Council”

“Good job,” Julianna said. “Did you find the dagger?”

He shook his head. “There was no time to search the entire house. I went to the study first, since I guessed that’s where his most important papers and items might be, but no sign of the dagger.”

“It might be in another home, especially if it’s an heirloom.” Elise said. “I mean, if he’s a Duke, he probably has several estates all over the country. You might have to check them all.”

“How do you know that?” Julianna asked.

“Er, I mean … I do read books.” She felt her cheeks go hot. “Jane Austen and uh, some of those romance novels Aunt Jade used to lend me.”

She thought Julianna would mock her, but instead, the other woman clapped her hands together. “Great! Maybe you can figure out what clothes are appropriate for me to wear.”

“Clothes?” she asked. “Why?”

“Julianna,” Cross began. “You should leave things—”

“Oh for God’s sake, Cross!” Julianna got to her feet and placed her hands on her hips. “If you think I’m going to stand around and do nothing, you’re mistaken.”

“But Julianna, it can be dangerous out there for you two.”

“Is it because I’m a girl?” Her voice raised by a decibel and a dark brow raised. “Cross, I’m going to go crazy if I have to stay here another day. Besides, I’ve been a member of the Lycan Security Force for years. I can certainly protect myself and I know how to lead investigations. With you and me searching together, we can cover more ground.”

“It’s not that I don’t think you’re capable.” Cross shook his head. “I’m already taking a risk by talking and interacting with the people in this time period. Who knows what kind of damage we could cause to the future if we were at the wrong place at the wrong time?”

“But, if you have my help, we can find the dagger faster and get home sooner, right?” Julianna reasoned. “Don’t forget, finding the dagger is just the first part. After that we somehow need to get some of Townsend’s blood on it and then have Elise use her power to zap us back home. How were you going to do that all by yourself?”

“I was going to do it clandestinely. Maybe place a sleeping potion on him and then taking some of his blood.” Cross said. “But I suppose you’re right. If we wait too long and he dies during the ascension ceremony before we find the dagger and get his blood, we might lose our only way home.”

“Hey, I’m not going to stay here if you guys are going off to look for the dagger,” Elise said. “I’m coming with you. Don’t even think of saying no, Cross.” And if she were truly honest with herself, although she was scared of going outside, part of her was curious. What would it be like, walking around in Regency London? She’d really only seen it in movies and read about it in novels.

“All right,” Cross said with a defeated sigh. “Looks like I’m outnumbered. But, you both have to stick close to me when we’re outside. And don’t talk to anyone.”

“Aye aye, Captain!” Julianna said. “Now, how do we get some clothes so Elise and I can go outside without causing a scandal or ripping the space time continuum.?”

Acquiring the necessary clothing for the two females was harder than it seemed. For one thing, it would take Cross too long to learn how to recreate the fabrics and how to construct the clothes. So, they decided he would have to steal the necessary clothes instead, popping in and out of some of London’s finest dressmakers’ salons without being detected.

Even then, it took him several trips because he forgot the three or four layers of underthings that ladies wore in Regency times, plus a few other accessories and personal things they needed to look presentable to the outside world. “I never realized how hard it was to be a woman,” Cross had said with much humor.

Elise was actually glad to be wearing real clothes and the fact that she could wear gloves without  looking weird. From the piles of outfits Cross had provided them, she chose a light blue empire-cut gown in a rich satin fabric and gloves that went up to her elbows. “I’m just glad we didn’t get transported someplace where corsets were necessary.”

“Hey, this actually isn’t too bad,” Julianna said as she twirled around in a gold and white silk gown. “I’d rather wear something like that,” she pointed at Cross’s buckskin pants, shirt, and boots with her chin, “but I might make these stuffy London ladies faint.”

“You look great, Julianna.” Elise tapped her finger on her chin. “There’s just something it needs …”

“The hair,” Cross gestured to Julianna’s short bob. “You have the wrong hair.”

Julianna ran her hands through her cropped locks defensively. “What’s wrong with my hair?”

“From what I’ve observed while I was outside, ladies here usually have long hair in these times.”

The look of horror on Julianna’s face was unmissable. “Don’t you dare!”

But it was too late. As Cross waved his hand over Julianna’s head, her short dark hair began to grow and lengthen until it reached down to her waist.

“No!”

“It’s not that bad,” Elise said as she pinned up her own long, red hair up. “I can help you fix it.”

“Ugh!” Julianna gave a strand a tug. “It’s so heavy.” 

Elise thought the long hair actually suited Julianna as it softened some of the more angular lines of her face. Not that Julianna wasn’t pretty, but Elise suspected she often got compared to her mother or her two other sisters, who were beautiful in that exotic, sensuous way as all three women were petite and curvy, while Julianna was more on the tall and athletic side, like her older brother and father.

Reaching for the hairbrush, she ran it through Julianna’s now-lengthy locks until it gleamed, then used the leftover pins to put it up. “There,” she said. “Now it looks perfect.” The thick, ebony curls were piled on top of her head artfully.

“I can’t wait until we get home,” Julianna grumbled. “I’m going to take a nice, long hot shower, then I’m going to chop all this off.”

Elise smothered a laugh. “I think we should be all good.” Both of them certainly were wearing enough layers of clothing. “What’s the plan?”

“I’ll take us to Hunter House,” Cross said. “That’s where he lives. From what I’ve read, the ascension ceremony is set to take place there.”

“We won’t get too close, will we?” Elise asked.

“No,” he answered. “We’ll observe from the outside, across the street, but no closer.”

“Good thinking,” Julianna said. “It’ll give us an idea of what the house is like, then maybe we can figure out how to infiltrate it or possibly observe Townsend’s daily routine. We’ll need to know the best time we can nab him and get some of his blood.”

“The street where he lives isn’t too busy, but we’ll have to be careful no one notices us. I’ll transport us a block away, in an empty alley I’ve been using. From there, we can walk by the house.” His voice turned serious. “For now, we’ll take one lap around. That’s it. Don’t talk to anyone, and try to blend in.”

“We’ll do our best.” Julianna winked at Elise. “Right?”

“Right.” Elise tried to sound as confident as Julianna. But in truth, she was nervous as a lamb. What would the outside be like?

“Ready?”

She looked at Cross’s outstretched hands, her heart beating like a drum in her chest. “Ready.” As his fingers closed over her gloved hands, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. A cold sensation washed over her, and after a split second, she opened her eyes.

“Fucking hell.” Julianna let out a gagging sound. “What is that smell?”

As they stood in the shadowed, narrow alley, the stench hit Elise’s nose. “I guess romance novels tend to gloss over what history smelled like.” She pinched her nose.

“How do people stand it?” Julianna moaned.

“They probably get used to it,” Cross said with a grin. “Come on, it’s better out there, I promise.”

They each took an arm he offered, and followed as he guided them out of the alley. A fresh breeze greeted them as they turned the corner and Elise took big gulps into her lungs.

“We’re close,” Cross whispered as they continued their stroll into the busy pedestrian street. They passed a few shops, as well as people milling about. A few of them glanced their way as they walked by.

“Why are they looking at us?” Julianna’s eyes darted around. “God, I’m so tempted to tell these people to fuck off.”

While no one was outright staring at them, Elise could definitely feel eyes on them as they passed by. “Do you think they know?” Her wolf didn’t seem alarmed by anything. In fact, it had been oddly calm this entire time. Still, the looks they were getting from the people around them were disconcerting and she did her best to ignore them.

“The house is around the corner.”

Cross directed them to turn right and as soon as Elise saw the building, she held her breath. So this was Hunter House. ‘House’ was a misnomer—it was more of a grand mansion, taking up the entire block. It was imposing, but not garish, and done in a neoclassical style. It kind of reminded her of the house she grew up in, though this building was at least twice as big.

Julianna let out a low whistle. “Wow. It’s gonna take us a while to search the entire place.”

“I’m told it has at least ten bedrooms.” Cross slowed down as Julianna tugged on his arm, and they stopped right across the house.

“That might be a problem.” Julianna pursed her lips. “Ideally, we could wait until everyone’s asleep and search one section each night.”

“But if we don’t find it in here, we’d have to search all his other estates,” Cross said. “That could take weeks.”

“How about if we get jobs inside the house? I could be a maid or something,” Julianna said. “Like undercover work. As a maid, I could probably access all the rooms easily.”

“Good idea,” Cross said. “Now ….”

A small movement from the corner of her sight made Elise snap her head back toward the house. Cross and Julianna were deep in so deep in conversation that they didn’t seem to notice that the large gate was ajar.

“Guys,” she said. “There’s someone …”

It happened so fast, Elise barely blinked when she spied the small figure slipping out between the gates. Her wolf instantly went on alert and she suddenly became aware of her surroundings. The small footsteps across the cobblestones. The pounding of hooves and the rattle of wheels. When she turned her head, she saw where the thunderous sound was coming from. A coach was speeding down the road, heading straight for the—

Her wolf’s instincts seemed to kick in and she wrenched free of Cross’s arm. Her Lycan speed allowed her to reach the center of the street and grab the young boy frozen like a deer in headlights before he was run over by hooves and wheels. The momentum was too much, however, and she and the boy were sent sprawling across the sidewalk. He screamed and she held tiny body to her, shielding it as best she could as they rolled several feet until her back hit the metal gates.

“Ooomph!” she groaned as she lay sprawled out on the sidewalk. Good thing for Lycan healing, her bruises would heal by tomorrow, but she was still going to be black and blue for a couple of hours. But, at least the boy was safe. She peered down. “Are you all right?” she whispered.

“Y-y-yes,” said the small voice. “I just wanted to …” He let out a sob.

“There, there,” she soothed. “You’re fine. Just—” She stiffened as she took a whiff of the boy’s scent. It was undeveloped, but distinct enough that she knew he wasn’t human. A pup.

“Ahem.”

She startled at the low baritone. A shiver ran through her, but instead of being afraid or defensive, her wolf’s ears perked up and it stood very still, as if waiting for something. When she looked up from where she was sitting on the ground, she found herself staring into the darkest ebony eyes she’d ever seen.