The Willow (15 page)

“Lazarus had said he wanted to drain your magic. He believes the power you hold will give him what he needs to succeed a takeover of the Otherworld.”

I gave Kyden a knowing look and he gave one back. Zia was right. He thought I had my magic. How could he be so stupid? He was killing again for nothing. For no damn reason at all. What he was after? He couldn’t possibly get it since I didn’t have it to give. Rage was threatening to explode, I clamped down on it. No one here deserved that anger directed at them.

“Do you know where Lazarus is?” Finn asked.

“No,” Calder answered. “He never stays with the wolves, and even if he did, I still wouldn’t know. The wolves never stay in one place long and I haven’t been with them for days. The last time I saw them they were staying at the Paramount Hotel, but I can promise you they will not be there now.” He brushed his hand through his long, dark silky hair. “As to finding Lazarus, you will have some difficulty there. He is well hidden. Only one wolf knows his whereabouts. Archer. Trust me when I tell you he will not give this information up easily. He has a claim on Lazarus that I am unsure of. He seems desperate to please him.”

“Well, that makes it difficult to find him,” I grumbled.

“Hrmph,” was Kyden’s response. Then, he examined Calder. “Would you be willing to act as an informant? You can get in contact with your brother somehow.”

Calder closed his eyes for a moment, then snapped them back open. “No. I will not set my brother up to die, which is exactly what will happen if you discover them. I cannot participate in that.”

“You know we could force you,” Finn said.

“But we won’t,” I interjected. Kyden and Finn both gave me an annoyed look. “If you were in his situation you would do the exact same thing. He has been helpful and he hasn’t killed anyone. Obviously,” I pointed to his tears, “he doesn’t want to be involved with Lazarus. We have to give mercy to those who deserve it. If we don’t we’d be no better than Lazarus.”

Kyden’s face instantly softened—I’d struck a chord. “Come on, Calder. We will take you to Briggs. He will help you either rejoin the Texas pack or will find you a new pack to belong to. You can trust him.”

There it was. Kyden was off to Briggs’ dealing with boring wolf business. My mind swirled with questions and concerns—mainly just plain old worries.

The thing was I wasn’t quite sure who I was worried for. Myself definitely. Kyden was right up there too, but basically, I was just worried for all mankind. What would the world become if Lazarus gained control?

Needing some air, I had come out to the beach, resting on the edge of the peninsula looking out at the water. There wasn’t a breeze in the air, which left the water still and silent. It was exactly what I needed. I didn’t want noise or disturbance. I wanted tranquility and this place provided that in abundance.

Abruptly, soft footsteps came behind me. Suspecting it was Kyden, I kept my gaze focused on the water and waited for his approach.

When he met up with me, he pulled his legs tight against my body. Reaching back, I ran my hand up his leg—a little stunned to feel pants beneath my hands. “You put pants on?” I asked, confused as I angled my head back.

Fear instantly sliced through me.

It wasn’t Kyden. It was Lazarus.

Jumping to my feet, I twirled away, instantly realizing I was in deep shit. I didn’t have my sword. I had left it back at home. How could I be so stupid? This isn’t the Otherworld. This is Scotland—I wasn’t safe here.

“Get away from me,” I snarled.

“Ahh, my beauty, I cannot grant that request. You have what I need.” He began to walk slowly toward me. “This will be easier than I anticipated. I was expecting to have a fierce fight on my hands.”

As I began to back away, moved farther away from him, a deep yell came from a distance away. I couldn’t make it out—my focus was locked on Lazarus.

It came again, this time it was clear. Someone was yelling my name. I quickly snapped my head toward it and saw Kyden running at full speed toward me.

Lazarus began laughing—cackling with evil pride. “A Guardian defending his mate, how romantic.”

Kyden was only a foot away. “Run.”

Tears filled my eyes. “No, I will not leave you here.”

“You cannot fight,” he shouted and lunged at Lazarus. “Get Talon.”

His words instantly hit home. He was right. If I stayed to help I’d only get hurt or killed. The longer I stood here the longer it would take me to get Talon to help him.

With one last look and a clenched heart, I ran.

Ran faster than I’d ever run in my life. I hit the ground hard, sending my shins screaming out in pain.

“Get her,” Lazarus shouted.

In a flash, a wolf was right on my heels, growling deep and snapping frantically at my legs.

I kicked him twice to send him away.

Then, loudly, thumping paws surrounded me. They were everywhere. Never once did I look back. I kept on. Running harder. Screaming louder.

Seconds later, I rippled through the gateway and let out the breath I’d been holding. The wolves didn’t follow, they wouldn’t dare. Rushing toward the castle, I slammed into the door, threw it open, and ran into the Council’s Hall.

My breath was exhausted. My words came out in panicky whispers. “It’s Lazarus—you have to come—Kyden.”

Talon was running toward me. “We know.”

He took my hand and started to run out of the hall. Zia and Finn appeared beside us as we ran through the foyer. Talon opened the door to the portal and we slammed back to the beach.

We all spun around in circles, looking, trying to find Kyden or Lazarus. They weren’t there. I ran over to the edge of the cliff, praying with each step that Kyden wouldn’t be lying dead at the bottom.

Peering down, relief instantly washed through me. I glanced back at the group. “He’s not down there.”

Talon snapped orders immediately.

Some I heard. Some I didn’t—unable to escape the guilt crippling me. I had caused so many deaths—so many lives taken—all to get to me. Now, because I acted stupidly, Kyden was in danger.

This was my fault.

A slap across my face broke me away from my internal hell. Slowly raising my head, I scowled at Zia. “What the hell was that for?”

“You need to snap out of this. You have done nothing wrong here. It is Lazarus that has done this and you need to remember that.” She reached up and rubbed my stinging cheek. “This will remind you that every time you begin to think that way—you are thinking wrong.”

Talon interrupted us. “Zia, show me what happened here.”

She raised her hands, and in an instant, the fight between Kyden and Lazarus was before us.

Lazarus slammed a hard punch across Kyden’s cheek, which sent him flying back. “You will not win against me, Guardian,” he snarled.

Kyden jumped to his feet and charged forward. “I will damn well try.” He drew his sword, stabbed forward, and landed it directly in Lazarus’ stomach.

Lazarus laughed cruelly. “You will have to do better than that to kill me.” He pulled the sword from his stomach and threw it to the ground.

The fight continued.

Kyden hadn’t unleashed himself on me, because now, what he truly was capable of was being shown, and it was almost beautiful. He was brilliant. His strength was unparalleled.

It was increasingly obvious that Kyden had gained the upper hand. He threw a hard punch, which slammed Lazarus across the face and sent him at least twenty feet away. Kyden charged forward just as Lazarus vanished and reappeared on the other side of the peninsula.

“I do not have the time for this,” Lazarus said in an impatient tone. “Wolves, deal with this.”

My breath stopped. My body froze in pure terror as more than ten wolves stepped out of the shadows. They stalked toward Kyden, began to circle him while they closed in. Kyden closed his eyes. When they opened again, it was as if he was staring right at me. His face was full of desolation. His eyes defeated as he began to accept his fate.

“No,” I screamed. This couldn’t be happening. The wolves quickly lunged and attacked furiously. “No,” I cried, sinking to my knees and closing my eyes tightly. He was going to die—die right in front of me and nothing I could do would stop it.

My breath caught in my throat. Breathing was impossible. My throat was closing. My entire body began to convulse.

The sound of the wolves breaking his bones, tearing into his flesh—hearing him scream out, was horrible. My stomach started to turn. My body hot with panic and grief. Sickness overtook me and I began to throw up violently. My heaves were hard and deep. My stomach wrenched with every inch of its power trying to deny the truth of what was happening.

Soon, my stomach was as empty as my soul. Rolling onto my side, I pulled my legs up to my chest to hug myself. Drawing in, trying anything to survive this moment.

Lazarus shouted. “Stop, you idiots. We cannot kill him. We need him. Move away now!”

I raised my head with a moments hope. The wolves began backing away—growling as Kyden lay beaten and moaning on the ground.

A second later, the scene slowly faded away.

“He’s not dead,” Finn said, helping me to my feet. “There’s still hope.”

“What would Lazarus want with him?” I cried.

“I have no idea but I’m glad he wants something. It gives us time to find him.”

I glanced away from Finn to see Talon on his knees. His head bowed toward the ground, his body shaking as tears fell.

“Talon,” I whispered and ran to him. I wrapped my arms around him. Who knew if he wanted this, but it didn’t matter. I needed it—needed to feel the closest connection to Kyden.

“My son,” was all he said as he pulled me tightly into his arms.

We stayed there for a moment. Finding comfort in each other, needing something to hold onto, anything that would keep us from crumbling.

Minutes passed before Talon backed away from my embrace and stood, tears gone and determination rising. “Let’s call a meeting to discuss strategy to locate him.” He swept me off my feet, kept an arm around my waist as we landed back in the foyer. He gave me a tight squeeze, then let go. “Go to your residence. You will be called when the meeting has been arranged.”

“We will get him back, sweetie,” Zia said sternly to me before she followed Talon into the Council’s Hall.

Finn took me outside and wrapped me into his arms. He felt so much like Kyden. He was big—strong. Even smelled a little like him. I sank into him and begged him to tell me that this was all some terrible nightmare. Begged him to tell me Kyden would be back at any minute.

He didn’t. All he said was, “I will go find Haven.” And with that, he left.

My breath gasped as the pain sank deep into my gut. The agony ripped my soul apart at the loss of him. Emptiness spread through me that was strong enough that it took force to keep breathing.

All the things I wished I done—wished I said. Kyden had never heard me tell him I loved him. He never knew how important he was to me.

“You haven’t moved,” Talon said, fixed with worry. He was right. I hadn’t moved. I couldn’t. If I didn’t move I didn’t have to acknowledge this as true. I could stay in limbo where everything was fine and Kyden was safe. “Nexi,” Talon shouted and gave me a hard shake.

I felt foggy. “Sorry…what?”

“The meeting has been called to order. You need to come.”

“Right. Sorry.”

He sighed deeply and loosened his grip. “Do not be sorry. This is a trying time. It is understandable for you to be out of sorts right now.”

“I don’t know what I am right now.”

Talon took my hand and began to walk into the castle. “That is understandable too.”

The second we cleared the door to the Council’s Hall, Haven came barreling toward me. I dropped Talon’s hand and ran straight into her arms.

“This is horrible,” she said. “Finn only found me minutes ago. I was doing some shopping in the Earthworld. I could kick myself for not being here earlier when you needed me the most. I knew you were upset. I could feel it, but I thought maybe you and Kyden had a fight so I didn’t rush back. I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you. I should’ve been here.”

I interrupted her. “You’re here now—that’s all that matters.”

Finn appeared beside me, took my hand in his. When I met his gaze, I gulped in misery. I wasn’t the only one suffering here. Finn and Kyden were practically like brothers. I squeezed his hand tight and he responded with a need to hold on—clenching my hand for all the same reasons I did his.

When he backed away, I asked, “What’s with all the wolves?” The Hall was stuffed full of supes with over half of them being wolves.

“That is a big chunk of the Texas pack,” he answered. “Brax contacted them immediately after Kyden’s disappearance. They rushed here to be involved in the battle against Lazarus.”

One of them was Calder. He lifted his hand and gave me a gentle wave, which I returned.

“Who’s that?” I asked, noticing to the wolf next to Calder. His importance was obvious. The other wolves’ stance around him was clearly protective.

“Thor. The Texas Alpha.”

This was an Alpha? There was nothing that stood out to define him as an Alpha. He still had a baby face for cripe’s sakes.

“As we all know, Lazarus has taken Kyden,” Talon called out, quieting the room. “The reason why has yet to be discovered, but that does not mean we will not rip New York apart looking for him. Go out in pairs. Anything less will get you killed. Do what you must to find him and show no mercy in the face of what has happened tonight.”

“As Alpha of Texas,” Thor said next. “You have my authority to destroy any of our wolves who have assisted in this treason.”

Suddenly, there was a nudge on my elbow. When I glanced toward it, Briggs looked utterly tormented. I threw myself around him, he caught me in his arms and rubbed my back. “We will find him, darlin’.”

Just as I backed away, Zia said, “I will send witches along with each group to assist in casting wards. Boundaries, so if Lazarus crosses them, we will be instantly notified.”

“Who told you?” I asked Briggs.

“We were contacted by Thor immediately after the news broke. I came right away hoping I could offer myself to aid in the search.”

“Oh, Briggs, this is…” My words stopped as my mind swam with the realization of what was before me. So lost in my grief over Kyden, I hadn’t really considered all the reasons this situation troubled me. It wasn’t only that Kyden was gone. It was that Lazarus had taken him. He had already taken so much from me and now he was trying to take more. My anguish that weighed heavily on me began to melt into pure rage.

Briggs gave me a little shake. “You okay?”

“No—yes.”

Briggs replied with an understanding nod.

The plan continued as the council set out rules, offered instruction on the best way to deal with the wolves, and any co-conspirators that might be involved with this.

I glanced around the hall, quickly confused. “Where’s Drake?” I asked Finn. He should’ve been here. He would’ve known I needed him.

Finn looked around and shrugged. “I don’t see him.”

Suddenly, a deep growl followed by many more came from the entrance. Keir was dragging a wolf by the throat.

He threw the wolf at Thor’s feet. “He’s one of yours,” he snarled.

Talon grasped the wolf’s throat and lifted him an inch off the ground. “What is your name?”

“Bayne,” he gasped.

“Bayne, you will answer us. Why has Lazarus taken the Guardian?”

“I don’t know. He never told me anything. I already told him that,” he said, pointing to Keir.

“He is not lying to you,” Thor said. “I would sense it if he was.”

The next ten minutes were spent enduring ridiculous, time-wasted questioning. We needed to get out there. We needed to find him and they were asking all the wrong questions. As each minute passed, my patience lessened. It was hanging on by a short, thin line when Talon said, “How many wolves are with you?”

My patience was lost.

Finn whipped his head toward me just as I ran forward. “Nexi.”

“Darlin’,” Briggs gasped and reached for my arm.

Spinning away, I dodged hands as they reached out to stop me. When I was a foot away, I kicked out and hit Bayne’s chest, hard. Talon lost his grip, which sent Bayne and me tumbling to the floor.

“Where do the others stay? Where are the other wolves?” I shouted. There was going to be hell to pay for interrupting Talon’s question, but like I gave a shit. We needed to find Kyden that was my only concern.

He wouldn’t speak. He didn’t say a word.

My hands tightened around his head as I smashed it against the ground, sending a loud crack echoing off the walls—blood covered the floor in a deluge. “Tell me.” I couldn’t say what he saw in my face that changed his determination into fear, but in seconds, it happened and his expression instantly became frightened.

“The clubs,” he gasped. “They go to the human clubs.”

Big surprise. Kyden mentioned that wolves, especially, rogue wolves have a hungry appetite for sex. Humans usually fulfilled those urges without complaint.

“Have you seen him? Is he alive?”

“The last time I saw him he was very injured, but yes, he was alive. As far as I know, Lazarus is healing him enough to keep him that way.”

My gaze hit Talon’s. He appeared a little ticked at me for my superhero move, but right now I could care less. “How can he heal him?”

“Vampire’s blood has healing properties,” he answered.

Neither of us needed to say it. We both knew why Lazarus was keeping Kyden alive. Lazarus wanted me and was going to use Kyden as leverage against Talon.

“What else can you tell me?” I demanded.

“Nothing. Lazarus never spoke directly to me and I knew nothing of his plans except for what I have told you.”

Quiet whispers hummed all around me. Suddenly, a large hand reached down and pulled me to my feet. The wolf before me was the definition of GQ—dressed to the nines. His whole demeanor screamed power. He gripped my chin and turned my head from side to side, examining me. “What is your name?” It was more of an order than a question. I didn’t get a chance to answer.

“Nexi,” Briggs replied beside me. Briggs laid a reassuring hand on my arm. “This is Valor. The Patriarch.”

My assumptions about his power were right on the money. Not quite prepared to talk yet, I nodded the introduction.

“This is the new one I have been hearing about?” he asked Talon.

Talon nodded.

“She is strong willed, this one?”

“Yes. She is that.”

Valor’s gaze glanced over my face. “Is she Kyden’s mate?”

“She will be.”

The determination in Talon’s voice, plus, the meaning of his words sent tears streaming down my face. Valor reached up and wiped them away. Obviously, not a norm for him since Briggs’ eyes widened in shock. He examined me a few moments longer, then stepped back and looked at Talon. “We will deal with this wolf,” he said, nodding at Bayne, “then, I will do what I can to help you.”

“We appreciate your help, Valor,” Talon responded.

When Talon turned away from me, something flashed across his face. He appeared almost grateful. He wasn’t expecting this from him.

“Thor, deal with this,” Valor spat as he glared down at Bayne.

Briggs quickly pulled me out of the way. “He likes you,” he whispered in my ear.

“What was that all about?”

“I’d imagine he saw in you what Kyden does. He obviously wants to see that your happiness is returned. He does not offer his help to many. This is a great honor by giving you his help.”

I sniffed. “And I am grateful to have it.”

Thor stepped forward and knelt beside the wolf. “Bayne, you have disgraced the pack. You have endangered not only humans, but also your entire family. Your poor mother is worried sick over what you have done. Your little sisters are cast out by the other young wolves. Nothing will forgive what you have started here, and you are only lucky I show mercy to your family by not destroying them. Not all Alphas would be so generous.”

“Calder, do something,” Bayne begged.

Calder was trembling in turmoil. “There is nothing I can do for you, brother.”

Thor shifted. His wolf form was remarkable. His young features made for a unique looking wolf. His golden-brown fur and deep silver eyes made him pretty. He growled loudly and it rumbled through the hall, which called on the other wolves to shift including Bayne.

A deep glare ran across my skin. I followed it. Valor had shifted too and watched me intently. Where Thor was remarkable, Valor was utterly breathtaking. His fur was cinnamon-colored with black frosted tips. He was almost twice the size of Thor and looked more like a small horse than an actual wolf.

His amber eyes stayed glued with mine. His gaze sliding right past all my defensives and I’d never felt so exposed. As if he was reading my mind, discovering all there was to know about me, and the strangest part about it, I didn’t mind him doing it. It didn’t feel intrusive. He wasn’t judging or prying. He was curious.

Thor’s deep growl forced my gaze away. He began to stalk Bayne, circling around him as Bayne scrambled back, attempting to get away. The other wolves growled low, which sent vibrations humming along the floor. A moment later, the fight was over and Bayne was dead.

Thor immediately shifted. “Let this be an example to those who have shamed us.” The other wolves howled in response.

There was a soft choking noise in the midst of the loud growls. When I glanced toward it, Calder’s face was streaked with tears. Without thought, I stepped forward to comfort him. Never could watch anyone cry without feeling compelled to console them.

This was going to get a reaction. Supes aren’t known for consoling each other unless they are tied together by friendship or family. When I reached him, he threw himself into my arms, his entire body trembling. Everyone reacted just as I knew they would. The room went dead silent.

“I am sorry, Calder,” I whispered in his ear.

“It is Bayne who did this to himself.” His voice wavered. “It was what he deserved, but…”

“He was still your brother.”

Calder sobbed into my neck.

When he regained some control, he stepped away and my gaze immediately met Valor’s intense eyes. Deciphering his look was impossible. He was like Kyden—unreadable, but for a small short moment his face softened. It appeared that he liked how I had just comforted one of his wolves.

“Where do we start?” Finn yelled out.

Talon grabbed my arm. “We are going to split New York into zones. Zia, will you begin assigning areas?”

She nodded. “Of course.”

Talon glanced down at me. “Come with me.”

As we exited the hall, Haven ran to me. I yanked myself away from Talon’s grip and grabbed her quickly, wrapping my arms around her tight, hoping this wasn’t the last time I touched her.

My decision was made while comforting Calder. I wouldn’t end up like him—mourning the loss of Kyden. He wouldn’t die and if that meant I had to face Lazarus then so be it. My chances of defeating him were slim, but the truth is, I loved Kyden enough to die trying.