Spring's Wolf (A Court of Shifters Chronicles #2) Read online

“I just want to feel like myself.”

  “I know that feeling very well. This place is unnatural for me too.”

  Before I could work myself up more, a vehicle came to a stop in front of us. The window slipped down revealing Elron sitting right there with Jared manning a wheel. Jared leaned over Elron. “Fancy seeing you here.” He grinned. “Oh. Wait. I see you two used your time well.”

  Creighton pulled open the backdoor of the black vehicle. “Thank you for meeting us as designated.” He gestured for me to get in. I slid in right next to Frost, and Creighton followed behind before pulling the door behind him.

  I was a mix of nerves and excitement as we drove away from the hotel. Normally I longed to be outside, but not in a city like this. Thankfully the scenery changed as we drove further out.

  There were fewer and fewer vehicles and more and more trees. My eyes were heavy. We hadn’t exactly gotten a lot of sleep, so I decided to give in and rest. I must have dozed off, because I woke up to see us driving down a tree lined drive. Jared stopped the vehicle in front of a large white house with tall columns.

  Jared got out and the rest of us followed. “You all wait here. I’m going to explain to her guards what’s going on.”

  None of us argued. I was in no rush for the first time in days. I wanted to soak this place up. The trees, the fresh air. I was thankful to be far away from that city. It was quiet here. Nearly silent aside from the sound of a few birds and insects. I hadn’t felt so much at home since leaving Spring Court.

  “You are in your element.” Creighton smiled.

  “I am. Warm weather and nature recharge me.”

  “You recharge me.” He put his arms around me from behind. “In so many ways.”

  “I can say the same about you.” I closed my eyes and leaned back into him.

  Jared returned. “They are ready for you, but I will warn you the guards are skeptical.”

  “Skeptical of what?” Creighton asked.

  “Of why Levi is allowing you near Georgina. The guards are very protective of her.”

  “I can understand that. I was nervous having Elron around my mother.”

  “Were you?” He didn’t sound offended, but he did sound surprised.

  “Yes. I can’t help it. I’m protective.”

  “I understand.”

  “I can wait out here if that helps any,” Frost offered. “I’m not sure what help I’m going to be.”

  “I can also,” Creighton added. “But if you think my presence helps, I will absolutely come in.”

  “I may need you, but maybe keeping it to just Elron and me to start makes sense.” I wanted Creighton with me, but a smaller group might make it easier. I was already self-conscious about everything.

  “We will be right out here if you need us.” Creighton kissed me on the cheek.

  Elron started for the door, and I followed.

  A guard dressed all in black opened the door as soon as we approached. He walked us down a long hallway with tall ceilings.

  I slowed down as much as I could without falling behind so I could take in the pictures that lined the walls. They were mostly black and white photos of people. I wanted to know their stories, their names. But that wasn’t the reason we were in the house. If we were able to wake Georgina up, we had more pressing questions to ask.

  The guard stopped in front of a door guarded by two other men. They held open the double doors, and we walked into a grand bedroom with a giant four-post bed in the center. An older woman lay there resting. Only I knew it was far more than resting. She looked relatively peaceful, but every few seconds her face scrunched up making it clear the sleep was anything but calm.

  I felt the darkness as soon as I reached the bed. Elron and I exchanged looks. We were both feeling the same thing. The despair. The heaviness. At the same time we each took one of Georgina’s hands.

  I felt the rush of pain. I expected it this time, and at first it was jarring, but I got used to it much faster this time. I also felt something else. A power. A calmness. I looked over at Elron. His eyes were closed. I closed mine, and I realized the calmness was him, but also me. I could handle the pain this time, and I knew it was because of Creighton. Because of the well of strength he opened inside of me. He may have been outside, but his effect was with me as if he was beside me.

  There was no choking sensation this time. Just a sharp pain that I forced myself to focus on. The more I focused, the more the pain dulled. Until it was barely there.

  Fae.

  I heard the word and opened my eyes.

  Georgina’s eyes were still closed, her breathing even.

  I closed my eyes again. “You are Fae. Fae. One of the four. Earth. Air. Fire. Water. Earth. Air. Fire. Water. First of the Earth. The power to split the earth. Second of Air. The power to transfer through air. Third of Fire. The power of creating light. Fourth of Water. The power to control the seas. Fae. One of the four. Earth. Air. Fire. Water. Earth. Air. Fire. Water. First of the Earth. The power to split the earth. Second of Air. The power to transfer through air. Third of Fire. The power of creating light. Fourth of Water. The power to control the seas.”

  I listened to the words again. They were clearly an older woman’s voice but they sounded as if they were in my head.

  I opened my eyes. Elron was staring at me. “You heard that too, right?”

  He nodded. “I did. I am guessing the message was for you.”

  “Do you know what she meant?”

  “She is speaking of the elemental powers, but I never knew they tied into the Fae.”

  “Neither did I.” And if it was true, how was it possible? I didn’t know. Yet it was possible, because it felt right. I knew somewhere deep inside that the words she spoke were completely true.

  “But it makes sense,” Elron spoke excitedly. It was so different hearing him animated. “Wren must be earth. The power to split earth. And you are air. The power to transfer through air. The other two elements are essential to understanding.”

  “The other two?” I sighed. “That means Coral and Autumn.”

  “And you are not exactly friendly?”

  “Not exactly.”

  “Remember what Jared said. Friends and foes are not always easy to differentiate.”

  “I know.” I looked at the sleeping woman. “Do you think she will say more if we try again?”

  “I cannot know for sure. I am afraid of pushing her. I do believe we calmed her, but she is still in a stressful state.”

  “You are right. That was selfish.”

  “Wanting to save the worlds is not selfish. But all must happen at the right time.”

  “If only there was more time.” I picked up her hand again. “Let’s try to comfort her one more time.”

  “Okay. We can try.” Elron took her other hand again. Maybe I hadn’t healed her, but something had changed. And hopefully Wren would be able to help me make sense of her elemental message.

  Elron and I walked back outside and found Frost and Creighton sitting on the front porch.

  “How did it go?” Creighton jumped to his feet.

  “We soothed her some. And she spoke to us in her head.”

  “That sounds good.” Frost rose. “Right? What did she say?”

  “Fae. One of the four. Earth. Air. Fire. Water. Earth. Air. Fire. Water. First of the Earth. The power to split the earth. Second of Air. The power to transfer through air. Third of Fire. The power of creating light. Fourth of Water. The power to control the seas.” Elron repeated the words perfectly.

  “You have a good memory,” I marveled.

  “I am sure you have it memorized too. That happens when someone speaks in your head.”

  I closed my eyes, and the words flowed back to me. “You are right.”

  “Uh oh.” Frost groaned. “Wren isn’t going to like this, is she?”

  “I take it you agree this requires us to work with Coral and Autumn, huh?”

  “Is there another way to read it?” Creigh
ton asked. “First, Wren with the chasms…”

  “Exactly.” I knew we were all right, but that didn’t mean I was looking forward to it. Then something else hit me. “Where is Jared?”

  “He left. Something about an old friend needing his help underwater,” Creighton explained. “Weird, I know. But he said he set it up so you and I can get a ride to a gate back to Energo, and Frost and Elron can get back to the hotel to wait.”

  “Wait.” I needed to unpack his statement. “They are staying here?”

  “We can’t leave.” Frost crossed his arms. “We are marked. Remember?”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “We tried.” Elron put a hand on my shoulder. “We cannot get through anyway. You need to get back and get Wren on board to meet with the other two.”

  “And you have to find Preston. I know he can take care of himself, but what if he’s hurt?” Frost’s eyes filled with emotion.

  “If we can get back home…”

  “Well, might as well get to Wren either way.” Frost frowned. “I wish I could go back.”

  “We will find Preston, and if nothing else maybe we should bring Wren here.” I wasn’t sure why the idea just hit me. “I’m sure Allie, Levi, and Jared will protect her.”

  “That may not be a bad idea.” Creighton rested his chin in his hand. “But we can’t do that until we make it back to Icentris.”

  “But wait. Back to what you said, Creighton. What do you mean Jared had to help a friend underwater? I thought Pterons flew. Not swam.”

  “Yeah, I know. Maybe that’s why the friend needed help. But either way he left, and we are supposed to have transportation coming.”

  “Okay.” I leaned into Creighton. “No reason to worry about things that don’t concern us. Goodness knows we have plenty to worry about already.”

  “I’m still here.” Jared walked over from the side of the house. “I had to make a few calls. And you didn’t think I’d leave without saying goodbye, did you?” He waited a little ways off from the porch.

  I laughed. “You think we will meet again?”

  “Yeah. I’m pretty positive. Life has a funny way of bringing people together again and again, whether we plan on it or not.”

  “Thanks for not being the jerk I originally thought you were.”

  “Don’t tell anyone that. You might ruin my reputation.”

  “I’m sure you are very concerned with that.” I stepped off the porch. Creighton followed.

  “We all care about our reputation whether we admit it or not. Even if it’s because we don’t want one at all.”

  “Is that your dose of wisdom?”

  “I’ve been called many things, but I don’t believe I’ve ever been called wise.” He smirked.

  “If we meet again, please bring Vera.”

  He smiled. “I will. I’m getting tired of all the time apart.”

  “I am sure.” Creighton wrapped his hand around mine. “It is hard to be away from the one we love.”

  “Don’t let the years make you forget that.” He winked before releasing a huge set of black wings from his back.

  I watched mesmerized. “You really are a Pteron.”

  “You doubted me?” Jared winked.

  “No. But it’s good to see.”

  “Well, you’ll have plenty of time to see another set of wings when you take your flight over to Charleston.”

  “Charleston?” Had I missed an explanation of what that meant?

  “Yes, sorry.” Creighton adjusted his hand around mine. “That’s the city we are going to.”

  “Another city?” I was sure there was lots of disappointment in my voice.

  “We won’t be there for long,” Creighton assured me.

  “I’m off. Don’t be a stranger.” Jared waved before taking off into the sky.

  “Are you all ready?” A voice asked from behind.

  I spun around to see four men with long black wings walking toward us.

  I really hoped I didn’t get flight sick.

  Creighton

  I watched as the Pterons released their black wings again and took off back into the sky. In some ways I envied their ability to leave the ground behind, but I know the sky was not the place for me. Lacey rubbed her forehead a few times and had to steady herself. “I’m going to insist on a vehicle next time.”

  I smiled. At least I had no need to worry that she secretly wanted to trade me in for a mate with wings. Then again, I already knew there was no reason to worry. The connection we had was incredible, and it was unbreakable. “I feel exactly the same way.”

  “Let’s hope this next part of the journey is easier.” She slipped her hand into mine.

  “It should be.” I kissed her gently before turning to look at the large wrought iron gate covered with ivy. This gate is all that stood between us and Energo. It was time to go home. Well, to my home. Or the only home I had ever known. Eventually we needed to make it to Lacey’s home, the one that would soon become my own once things settled down.

  I would miss my mother and my people, but I had no regrets. Finding Lacey soothed an ache I never understood.

  “Nothing is going to change when we go through there, is it?” Lacey looked over at me.

  “Well, time may be different. The weather. Those sorts of things. But I am going to guess that is not what you mean.”

  “No. I mean with us.”

  “No.” I squeezed her hand. “Nothing is going to change with us.”

  “And we are going to stay together?” Her voice lilted. “Not like Frost and Wren. Right? I don’t want to be separated. I want us to stay together.”

  “I will do everything in my power to keep us together. It was a mistake for Frost to go off without Wren. I cast no blame though. I may not have been there, but after hearing him describe it, I understand he thought he had no choice.”

  “Do you think I really have the gift? I can heal?”

  “Hey.” I took her other hand in mine. “Where are all these doubts coming from?”

  “It’s just… I’ve liked myself since we got here. Not here, here. But this world here. I’ve liked my confidence. I’ve loved things with us.”

  “And why does any of that need to be left behind?” I released one of her hands and cupped her face. “I am coming with you. And you are coming with yourself. That means the confidence and your gift, and everything is coming too.”

  “Why is it so easy for you to believe in me?”

  “Because I love you. And I have seen what you can do.”

  I brushed my lips against hers. “I love you more than you will ever know.”

  “And I love you.” She kissed me back. I wrapped my arms around her and prepared to get lost in the kiss.

  I heard a sound. It was a light crunching of leaves. As much as I had no interest in letting go of her, I knew I needed to. I broke the kiss.

  She said nothing. She seemed to understand. I sensed something, and I knew it was nothing friendly. My wolf howled to be released. I wordlessly slipped out of my clothes. I knew I would need them later.

  She nodded, as if letting me know she completely understood what was about to happen. I reached out for my wolf and let him take over.

  My vision tunneled as I let go of my human form. My wolf senses were strong. I smelled something metallic. Evil. I stayed closed to Lacey, unsure what my next move should be. I could not bring whatever this evil was into Energo, but I also needed to keep Lacey safe at any cost.

  And then I saw it. A dark movement out of the corner of my eye. It was a black haze, but right before my eyes it started to multiply. The black hazy masses converged around Lacey. She cried out and made a choking sound. I lunged at the haze, but I slipped right through it. I was inside the vapor with her. It was tight around us, moving tighter and tighter, the small masses now all working together as one entity.

  We fought against the haze as I tried to avoid hurting Lacey. My wolf was strong, but that strength also came with claw
s and razor sharp teeth. I loved the power of my wolf, but it was the wrong form for whatever this evil was. I reached out for my human form, and my wolf let go.

  I waited a moment for my vision to even out before I tried fighting again. The haze only got tighter and tighter.

  Then she kissed me. It was fiery hot. Sparks flew. And the choking let up. I continued the kiss, having no clue why or how it was helping, but it was so I refused to question it.

  Eventually every inch of me felt free.

  We stood there in an embrace.

  “What was that?” She held onto me tightly.

  “I have no idea. Is that what you guys were talking about? The Shadows?”

  “Not like that. But similar. But these did not come from our Shadows, but the choking was the same.” She rubbed her forehead. “Could there really be two different creatures so similar?”

  “Perhaps they behave differently in different worlds?” I grabbed my clothes without fully releasing her. I never wanted her to feel alone.

  “Both are horrible, whether they are the same or related or whatever.” She shivered. “Horrible.”

  “I fully agree.” I pulled her into my arms again. “How did you know what to do there? The kiss?”

  “I remembered what Georgina said about fire having the power of light, so I thought about the strongest fire I knew.”

  “The fire between us.” I understood. “Quite clever.”

  “Desperate.” Her body calmed.

  “Desperate, but clever.”

  “I guess that’s me.” She rested her head on my chest. “Desperate, but clever.”

  “You are so much.”

  She lifted her head. “So are you.”

  “After that, I respectfully change my earlier answer.”

  “Which answer?”

  “The one about us separating. I said before I would do everything in my power to keep us together. Now I say I absolutely will not let anything keep us apart. We are far stronger when we are together.”

  “I agree completely.” She rested her head again. “I really hope we don’t run into more of those things on our way home.”

  “You and me both.” I reluctantly released her, but I took her hand. “But we will be ready for whatever comes our way.”