Psyche Shield (15 page)

Bono hated Wolves but feared them too much to do anything
about it. He loved his sons too much to leave. Penelope believed the twins
needed their father despite his faults. The Alpha and Beta would respect her
decision so long as Bozo didn’t threaten the pack. Billie had disliked the man
instantly. He lied too easily and hated too readily. “What did he do this
time?”

Ruth felt the same way about Bono and wanted to run him out
of town entirely. She deferred to her daughter’s wishes but loudly voiced what
she’d rather do to the man. “The twins refused to visit him last weekend and
won’t take his calls. He’s taking it out on Penelope. It’s all talk and he’s
careful not to cross the line. But he knows what buttons to push with her.”

Billie didn’t take her word for it. “Do you have any idea
why the twins won’t talk to him?”

The old Wolf shrugged. “They’ve been listening to him
badmouth Wolves and Pack most of their lives. Maybe they’re finally done with
it.”

William added, “Dad looked into it and didn’t find anything.
Nothing recent anyway.” Glenn could discover just about anything from his
computer, and when it came to his family or pack’s safety, he didn’t worry
about legalities.

With Bono’s history, she wouldn’t take chances. “If he
crosses the line at all, tell us right away.”

“We will,” they promised.

Billie returned to more pressing matters. “What about Amy.
Is she staying here?”

William shook his head. “No. I invited her. She’d rather
stay with Nathan. Those two are getting cozy quick. He won’t let anything
happen to her. Dad’s staying here, not that he’ll be around much. But we’ll
keep each other up to speed.”

“Excellent. Do you need anything?” Billie asked them both,
pleased at their initiative. William had quit Matthew’s team for his family
before she came to the pack. She wouldn’t worry about anyone under the capable
Wolf’s protection.

“Could you send Kathryn by now and again? Everyone’s already
anxious, and it’s likely to get worse,” Ruth requested.

“Of course,” she replied. Keeping the Wolves calm would keep
Kathryn busy, and it could be a good training opportunity for Sierra.

William brought up his wife’s indiscretion at the Pack
Meeting. She’d questioned their child’s safety under Sadie’s watch. “Lina
didn’t mean any insult, not to you. Sadie scares her, and she spoke rashly.”

“She questioned our judgment. She grew up Pack. She knows
better.” Billie kept her tone mild but firm. Billie didn’t care about Lina’s
unintended insult. Lina questioned her Alpha and Beta’s ability to keep the
pack safe, undermining their ability to do so. William had lived in the pack
his entire life, and he understood better than most the importance of unity in
a crisis.

“She knows better,” Ruth agreed, refusing to excuse her
niece’s behavior. “She has always been impetuous. She’s matured, but it still
comes out sometimes.”

Billie didn’t leave room for debate. “We are Pack. That’s
the only way we’re going to get through this, by sticking together and trusting
each other. Those who’ve bothered to get to know Sadie don’t question her
loyalty. Everyone else needs to trust me and Jason.”

William’s expression shadowed. “Most aren’t ready to trust
Sadie, but only a few are still questioning your judgment. I’ve already talked
to Lina. Sadie’s an enigma. If she was going to do anything, she would have
done it by now. Matthew’s made that point several times.” William had lost his
mother and aunt to Mages, and he’d eagerly joined the hunting party. Somewhere
along the way, he’d changed his mind about Sadie.

Ruth added her own two cents. “I don’t know Sadie. I know
you and Jason, and you’ve never let us down.”

“Thank you for that.” They talked a little longer. Wolves
trickled through in pairs, following their Alpha’s instructions to stick
together. She answered questions and addressed concerns. A few needs arose, and
she took care of them. As Beta she did more than protect her pack. She ensured
their needs were met.

She’d come to the pack as an overly dominant, out-of-control
Pup, crazy, hot-tempered, and dangerous. Most of her packmates had feared and
avoided her for months. Those same traits, once she’d found balance and
self-control, served her packmates well. Jason and Matthew saw her potential
from the beginning and knew if she survived, she’d become one of their
strongest warriors. They trained her to fight and taught her to channel her
volatile temperament. In only a few years, she transformed into someone that
every packmate felt safe around. She would protect them no matter what and
against any odds. Everyone knew it.

When the time came for a new Beta, her packmates expected
Jason to name Matthew. Billie surpassed his skill in hand-to-hand combat, but
Matthew had decades more experience. Personality made the difference. Her
packmates felt comfortable around her and expressed their opinions and needs.
Matthew would get the job done every time, but too many of his packmates would
never approach him with a problem. To her surprise, Jason named Billie as Beta,
and Matthew never once expressed disappointment or resentment for the decision.
Together they could handle just about anything, and they’d proved it many
times.

Sadie’s mental voice arose suddenly in Billie’s mind,
interrupting her conversation with William.
Shit. They’re here.
William
cocked his head at the mindspeech. He’d sensed it before, and it no longer made
him want to snarl. His Beta’s response to whatever she heard did.

“What’s wrong?” He asked.

“The Montana Wolves are here.” He set his jaw, ready to take
on anyone who threatened his pack or family. His Beta continued her silent
conversation, and he waited patiently. She indicated the Wolves under his care
and ordered, “Stay with them. Jason and I will handle the trespassers.” She
darted out of the house, slowing enough to look Human to the neighbors once she
reached the door.

Chapter 10

Sierra, Kathryn, and Kato discussed their family
all afternoon, sharing stories and memories. The lost look that hovered over
Sierra drifted away as she explored the new relationships in her life. Kathryn
told her about Isingoma, her Great-grandfather’s brother. She’d heard many
stories about the Wolf who’d founded her pack, but Kathryn turned the legend
into a person. I listened quietly and enjoyed every minute.

Something indistinct caught my attention, a nagging feeling
that came from the outer limits of my range. It grated on my nerves, but I
couldn’t identify it. A few minutes passed while the feeling grew, and the
conversation in front of me drifted into the background. Finally it came close
enough to recognize. Two strange Wolves moved quickly into our territory, a
clear destination in mind. I reached out mentally to Billie and spoke aloud for
the benefit of those in the room. “
Shit. They’re here.
”

Where are they?
Billie asked, and I gave her the
general direction.

Kathryn already had her cell phone out, calling Jason as I
followed the invading Wolves’ progress into the city. She had the Alpha on
speakerphone by the time he answered. “Sadie senses the Montana Wolves in our
territory.”

Jason’s gruff voice came through clearly, his first question
the same as Billie’s. “Where are they?”

I spoke to the air and trusted he’d hear me. “They’re about
eight miles that way and moving this way quickly.” Using my arms to explain
myself, Kathryn translated it into compass directions. I knew the location of
every packmate, and with a sudden panic, I realized the Montana Wolves’
destination. “
They’re headed towards Amy! They know where she is somehow.
There’s two of them.
”

“I’m all the way across town. Where’s Billie?” The urgency
in his voice increased several notches.

“
She’s at Ruth’s. Matthew’s even further away
,” I
replied, certain every Wolf in the room could smell my fear.

“I’m not far. Tell her to meet me out front. Call Amy and warn
her.” He hung up.

“
Please don’t let anything happen to Amy
,” I begged
my mate, not even realizing I spoke aloud.

You know I won’t
, she replied, impatiently waiting
for Jason to arrive.

I began to pace. Kathryn called Amy but received no answer.
Through my extended awareness, I sensed the two Wolves closing in on my friend.
They circled her, hunting her, and then stopped, waiting. From their peripheral
emotions, I sensed growing excitement and knew she had little time left.

“
She’s walking right towards them.
” I gave everyone
an update. “
They’re waiting for her, and I don’t think she knows. She’s on a
public street, but they don’t seem to care.
”

Jason’s here. We’re on our way. Did someone call Amy?

My frustration showed through. “
Kathryn’s trying, but
she’s not answering.
”

She always answers her cell. Can you tell if she’s okay?

“
She’s fine except that she’s walking right into a trap!
”
I replied. “
I don’t know why she’s not answering her cell.
”

Keep trying.

Amy had no idea of the danger as she walked the street
alone. No Wolf would risk exposure, and she felt safe in broad daylight with
Humans around. Kathryn hung up each time she reached Amy’s voice mail and
dialed again. “They’re not going to make it in time. No one’s close enough to
her to help,” I complained to Kathryn. The Montana Wolves’ excitement
escalated, and I clenched my fists in frustration. I couldn’t stand by and do
nothing, but my hands were tied. Surely my promise didn’t include watching my
friend get killed.

The void scared me, and I knew using magepower risked its
return. My packmates kept the void away. Amy accepted me instantly despite my
heritage, the only Wolf to do so without questions or proof. I couldn’t abandon
her for fear of the consequences. Nathan brought me out of the void, and he
loved Amy. I probably wouldn’t need magepower anyway. Abruptly I stopped
pacing, my decision made. “Screw it.”

Amy, it’s Sadie. Act normal.
My sudden presence in
her mind made her jump. I heard her thoughts differently than Billie’s or
Kato’s. The one-way communication worked because I could read her thoughts, but
she couldn’t project them. It felt hollow compared to my conversations with
Billie, but it worked.
The Montana Pack is hunting you. Help is on the way,
but they’re not close enough.

I needed more information and merged with Amy’s senses. I
saw, smelled, and heard everything just as she did. Answering the foremost
question in her mind, I continued.
They’re downwind, on the other side of
the brick building to your left.
She thought they’d jump her as she
approached her car, and I concurred. Neither of us knew how they planned on
doing it without Humans noticing.

I don’t know if they even care about getting away with
it. But you’re walking right into them. Go into that coffee shop and wait.
Billie and Jason are coming.

She did, and I began breathing again. I had to fill Billie
in, and I hoped Jason would understand.
Amy’s safe for now.
I gave her
the location of the coffee shop and the Montana Wolves.
She’s waiting for
you.

You went into her mind?
Billie asked, appalled.

She was about to get jumped. I had to do something
, I
defended my decision.

The damage is done. Let’s make it worth it.
A plan
formed in her mind, and she shared it with her Alpha. I followed her idea and
saw how it would work.
He agrees.
I told her what she needed to know.

Amy, it’s Sadie. We have a plan. Stay put until I say the
word.
She sat at a table, anxiously holding a cup of hot chocolate. She
tapped her fingers absently on the table as she waited.

Miles away, I drummed my fingers against my leg waiting for
Billie and Jason to reach their destination. Sierra watched me, her prior
wariness returning. The distrust on her face made me question my actions. Kato
sat beside her, once again in wolf form, studying me closely while Kathryn
maintained her typical state of calm.
Am I doing the right thing, Muso?
I asked hesitantly.

You do what you must
, he replied somberly.

Sierra whispered a barely audible prayer for her packmates’
safety. When done I informed her of our plan. “They’re confronting your
packmates in a public place. We’ll stop this without anyone getting hurt. Jason
keeps his promises.”

The news didn’t reassure her. “I believe you. That doesn’t
mean everyone’s going to get out of this alive.”

As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t dispute it. “They’re
almost in place.” Turning my undivided attention back to the Wolves on the
other side of town, I waited for Billie’s signal.

We’re in place, Billie declared.
We can be at Amy’s side
in about two minutes. Quicker if no one’s watching.

I’ll make sure of that
, I promised her.
Amy,
they’re ready. Walk to your car like nothing’s wrong. The Montana Wolves should
make a move on you, and Billie and Jason will move in.

Amy took a deep breath and set aside her fear. As Pack
Medic, she had long since mastered compartmentalizing her emotions. It didn’t
help an injured Wolf to smell fear or hear anxiety. She called on those skills
and stood casually. Walking out the door carrying her untouched cup of cocoa,
she began whistling an old tune from her youth. Covertly, she observed her
surroundings as she headed to her car. I signaled Billie and waited.

The scene unfolded through Billie’s and Amy’s perceptions.
Two sets of enhanced Wolf senses filled my own, adding to my normal
observational methods. The kaleidoscopic effect made my head swim, but I
managed to juggle all of the different sights, sounds, and smells. Humans
walked the streets, unaware of the Wolves in their midst and the imminent
confrontation.

Billie wouldn’t risk exposure even to save Amy’s life, and I
wouldn’t risk losing Amy. Secrecy kept Wolves safe, and I believed the
trespassers wouldn’t risk it any more than we would. They had a plan to stay
unnoticed, and Human witnesses kept them from doing more. Wolves couldn’t sense
illusion. I could untie Jason’s and Billie’s hands without doing the same for
the Montana Wolves.

I raised an illusion to protect all of the Wolves from Human
eyes and ears, but it didn’t work well so far away. I needed magepower to
accomplish what I’d promised. Gathering a little bit of power, I felt it
crackle lightly over my skin. Even the small amount needed filled me with its
familiar euphoria and confidence. Distantly I heard Sierra shriek in surprise
and sensed Kathryn’s silent startle. I ignored them and focused on the task at
hand.

As soon as I sensed the Montana Wolves move from their
hiding place, I informed Billie. At top speed, she and Jason raced silently
across an empty lot, staying downwind of the intruders. They jumped a fence and
ran along the back of an old strip mall to a narrow alley between two
buildings. Illusion still didn’t work, but my promise to Jason didn’t extend to
the nearby Humans. Anyone who noticed my packmates forgot instantly, enabling
the Wolves to move quicker than humanly possible without drawing attention.

Amy heard them before she smelled them. Jerking her head
around, she saw two strange Wolves approach at a brisk walk. One stood only a
little taller than her, thickly muscled like most Wolves. The other had a
leaner and taller build. By Human standards, they looked completely nondescript
and drew little attention from the busy bystanders. Nothing about them appeared
menacing. They pretended well, and even their body language didn’t alert anyone
to their intentions. To save herself, Amy would have to bring attention to the
danger, risking police involvement and unwanted questions. Graham knew how to
strike in plain sight.

Amy calculated their speed and estimated they’d catch her
just when she reached her car. She quickened her pace, careful to keep her
actions casual. Instinctively she darted her eyes back and forth, looking
around for an escape route. She didn’t have any good options and reminded
herself that Jason and Billie would come. She forced herself to not turn and
look at the hunters again, relying on her nose and ears. Her heart beat fast in
her chest, and she fought the instinct to bolt.
Keep going, Amy. Billie and
Jason are almost there
, I assured her when it seemed that she might run
despite the plan.

Billie and Jason stepped out from between the buildings
behind the trespassers. Both fought the urge to attack the Wolves who hunted
their packmate, Jason’s promise holding them back. Their footsteps gave them
away, and the Montana Wolves turned. Amy noticed their arrival, her eyes
transforming from barely concealed terror to obvious relief. She veered and
circled widely around the hunters towards her Alpha and Beta until she stood
safely behind them. With her protectors between her and the threat, the last of
her fear dissipated. She trembled lightly with spent adrenaline.

“Graham,” Jason challenged the other Alpha, his voice
rumbling dangerously though he kept his volume low. “You’re trespassing and
hunting one of my Wolves. Tell me why I shouldn’t kill you both.” I directed
Humans past the confrontation, near enough to make Graham hesitate but not
close enough for him to suspect anything out of the ordinary. The Humans barely
glanced at the Wolves and wouldn’t remember them at all.

The Montana Alpha stood his ground with sheer determination.
His plan had failed. Billie appraised both Wolves and anticipated an easy win
if it came to a physical confrontation. She wouldn’t be the one to start it,
but she would finish it if needed. Graham returned Jason’s challenge. “You have
my Wolf. Give me Sierra, and I’ll leave.” When the Alpha mentioned Sierra’s
name, the Wolf by his side projected utter rage and grief. He didn’t say a word
or show it outwardly, standing beside his Alpha in silent readiness. Sierra was
more than just a packmate. She was his friend.

Jason dismissed the other Alpha’s demand. “No. I won’t hand
her over until I know she’ll be safe with you.”

“She’s safer with me than with a Mage. If there’s anything
left of you, you know I’m right.”

Jason frowned at the Wolf’s stubbornness and let the other
Alpha hear his absolute exasperation. “I am not collared, Graham. None of us
are.”

“We’ve already explained this to you,” Billie said coldly,
speaking for the first time.

He’d never met Billie, but he recognized her voice. “You’re
the Beta.”

She continued. “My mate is not like other Mages. I know what
other Mages have done and how hard that is to believe. That’s the only reason
you’re still alive after the stunt you just pulled.” Amy stood safely behind
her Alpha and Beta, watching with wide eyes.

Graham appraised Billie with unveiled regret. “Your
reputation precedes you. I wish I could have met you before.”

The Montana Alpha believed he spoke to collared Wolves, mere
shadows of their former selves and essentially dead. The conversation went
nowhere. Jason’s voice rumbled threateningly. “Don’t be a stubborn ass, Graham.
You don’t want a Pack War any more than I do. What will it take to convince
you?”

Graham’s eyes flashed and he finally spoke as if to Jason
the Alpha, not a collared Wolf. “You want to convince me? Kill the Mage. You
should have done that the moment you smelled her.”

Billie took half a step forward, and Jason raised his hand
warningly. She stopped. Merged with her mind and sensing everything she did, I
felt her shoulders relax. The Montana Wolves didn’t know her tell and thought
she yielded to her Alpha’s authority. Amy and Jason knew she readied to fight,
and I knew even her Alpha couldn’t hold her back when it concerned my safety.