When The Fur Flies (15 page)

All three women rose slowly to face the Three Sisters. Allison heard Yasmina’s soft gasp of surprise and held her breath. Truell smiled, her luminescent skin stretching over sharp bones as her attention landed on the older woman. “You bring a Wolven female and the Keeper with you, Alice? Surely you do not intend to leave another with us for protection?” Allison looked up then.

The Three Sisters were ancient beings, but they appeared as the forms of the Goddess. Truell was skinny and short with skin so white it glowed. Truell took the form of the crone to a new level with her white hair tied back in an unassuming bun. Her red gown covered most of her body modestly. Her hollow eyes shifted back to Allison, wisdom and understanding shaped her aura as she waited for an answer.

“No, we’ve only come to speak with Elaina. We intend to leave together.”

“We shall see, little Witch.”

Allison met Yasmina’s questioning look with a shrug as they followed the Sisters with their flowing dresses of red, green, and white through several rooms to a small drawing room. It was strange that there was furniture here that might be found in an elegant English home. The Sisters gathered around a well-polished cherry-topped table that easily could have been from the Victorian Era. They waited politely for their guests to seat themselves first in the matching high-backed chairs before they sat as one. A young girl dressed in a flowing yellow dress came to pour them all tea while another girl placed china plates of ginger cookies before them.

“Introductions need to be made, not on your part, but ours. I am Truell. This is Elea and Gretna, my sisters. Forgive my sisters. They do not speak often, but when they do, one must take heed. I speak for all.” Truell sighed as she turned toward her left where Elea, the form of the maiden, sat in a pure white peasant dress with her hair braided like a halo around her head. “Yes, of course. Elea wants to know why you have brought a Wolven with you, Alice. And before you answer, we know of the mating with the strong, handsome Alpha. Though this was a life path, none of us thought it would come to fruition.”

“Yasmina Leclair is my new mother-in-law. I brought her here—”

“I came of my own choice. My daughter was determined to come without her mate. I couldn’t allow that. My son loves her. He will do anything to keep her safe. In his absence I take over that responsibility.” Yasmina spoke with the confidence of one who once ruled her pack. Her strong features made her look regal and beautiful as she leveled her gaze on Truell with a courage that had the ancient woman’s lips quirking into a small smile of approval.

“I have always treasured the Wolven for their sense of loyalty, protective instincts, and love of their family and pack members. Seen as animals, primitive and wild by other species, they are underestimated. The world would benefit greatly from more Wolven involvement.” Elea spoke softly. Her voice young and filled was a sense of deep sorrow. Allison recalled that in the texts it was Elea who had loved a Wolven and lost him. Her heart went out to the youngest sister, for having felt the love of her own Alpha she could not fathom losing him for an eternity.

“Elea gives your species her allegiance still, Yasmina.” Truell sighed softly.

“The heart knows where it must belong well before the brain can decide if it is wrong or right.” Gretna raised a cookie to her mouth as she spoke. “We were all surprised by your choice in lover. He is a good-hearted male, one of the better ones the Goddess had a hand in creating. You should be very proud of your son, Yasmina.” Gretna’s motherly shape showed beneath her green gown as loose waves of her dark hair flowed over her swollen breasts. She was the sister Allison considered the most sympathetic, almost loving as she spoke.

“Thank you.” Yasmina reached over and took Allison’s hand in her own. Allison felt her quick look as she felt the heat coming off her hand. Perspiration dripped down her neck though the temperature was much cooler in the Sisters’ chambers than in the tunnel. The heat was once more upon her, and her mate was too far away to help extinguish it.

“Drink the tea, Alice. It will help with the mating heat you are experiencing from distancing yourself from your virile mate.” Truell took a sip from the dainty tea cup.

“Thank you, Truell.” She did as she was told and sighed as her skin stopped crawling and the heat subsided enough for her to breathe easier. She missed him. Missed his thoughts and feelings intermingling with her own. Their bond was strong, but not strong enough to keep them connected through layers and layers of earth.

“Alexa, Keeper of the Treaty, we are pleased you have finally come to us. But you knew that you would just as we did. You are a wise one.”

“Yes, I knew. As I know what this meeting means. I would like to speak to Elaina first, if you don’t mind. You understand the importance of this.”

“Of course, dear. Ah, here she is.” Truell waved a hand, and another chair appeared right next to Alexa’s. A blonde-haired beauty stepped into the room and quietly took the seat at the table. Elaina was barely eighteen, soft spoken and painfully shy. What was Wilhelm Chambers thinking when he made the bargain to take her to wife? A feeling of disgust burned in her heart as she stared at the shy girl.

“Elaina, how are you?” Allison asked quickly. Dark eyes met her gaze solemnly.

“I am much better. Why are you here?” Confusion mixed with fear in the girl’s scent.

“This is my cousin, Alexa Carver. She is the Keeper of the Treaty. She has come here to reassure the Council that I haven’t kidnapped you against your will.”

“Are you kidding?” Elaina gaped at her. Then her dark gaze turned toward Alexa. “I have been nothing more than a pawn on a chessboard. Allison is the only person who ever asked me what I wanted for my life. She saved me from a fate worse than death.”

“Surely immortality can seem horrible, but death is highly overrated.” Truell chuckled softly.

“Immortality is not for humans. Especially not when one is tied to a man that she doesn’t love.” Elaina frowned. “He’s handsome, I know this, but the one time he touched me.” Her slight body shivered in remembered horror. “He was so cold. Please don’t take me back to him. I beg of you!” She gripped the sleeve of Alexa’s green dress.

“No one will take you from us, child.” Truell looked at Alexa seriously. “Are you satisfied of Elaina’s decision to remain with us?”

“Yes, I understand.” Alexa placed her hand over Elaina’s, meeting the terror in the young woman with calm reassurance. “You are safe, now.”

“Thank you.” Elaina looked back to Truell. “May I return to my studies, Sister?”

“Yes.” Truell nodded her head. “You are free to leave with these women if you so choose. We won’t hold you here against your will. Your fate is a haze, bendable to your will, Elaina.”

Elaina stood slowly, but came quickly over to Allison to wrap her arms around her. “I owe you my life. I will remain with the Sisters to learn the old ways. When you have need of me, I will come to help you. Remember my oath, for the Sisters have told me you will call.” Elaina placed a gentle kiss on Allison’s cheek before she almost ran from the room.

“It is a rare thing to possess an open fate. That child could do anything for the good, or the bad, of the world. It is not a surprise the Vampire Elder wanted to possess her. He must know the freedom she holds within her small hands. Do not worry for her, Alice. She will be fine here. Her studies have progressed better than we foresaw. She will be ready when she is needed. Now, Keeper, you have questions.”

“Oh—” Alexa nearly choked on the piece of cookie she shoved into her mouth. “I would speak with you alone on this matter.”

“We know, but Alice’s fate is tied securely with yours, as you well know. She has the right to hear any suggestions or concerns you might have.” Truell pushed a cup of tea toward Alexa.

“Thank you. My visions are changing. I don’t know what to expect, but it cannot be what I’m seeing now.”

“Why not? Fate is a leaf floating in a stream. When the wind changes, the leaf can change directions as the current moves. So too must your sight. Alexa, you can’t control fate to protect those you love. If there is one thing we have learned, it is that everything happens as it should. You must trust in the Goddess to protect those she holds dear.” Gretna sent her a sympathetic look meant to comfort her.

“I do trust her, but—” Allison watched a pained look quickly pass over her cousin’s face as her hands clutched her belly. “There are no exceptions!” Truell stated quickly.

“What do you mean, Alexa? Is it your vision of my death that is changing? It can’t! I won’t allow another to pay for my deeds. I won’t allow you—”

“Alice! You have made a bargain with us in exchange for Elaina’s protection. You will follow your fate without question.” Truell shook her head and glanced toward her right. “Yes, sister. These two love each other dearly to give their lives to protect the other. The Goddess rejoices in such devotion.” Her white head snapped upward quickly. The other two women stiffened in their seats.

“What is it?” Allison knew something was wrong.

“We have been found, Allison.” Alexa placed her hand on Allison’s arm.

“Yes, I smell them. The undead are here, close.” Yasmina’s soft voice was hushed with warning.

“Have no fear. These are our chambers. None can enter without a sacrifice. The undead have no blood. None that we would accept as an offering.” Disgust echoed in Truell’s voice as she pushed her chair back. “We must hurry, though. You can’t go back the way you came.” Gretna turned a worried look to her older sister. Truell nodded at her in silent communication.

“Before we set you free, there are things you must know. Alexa, trust in the wisdom of the Goddess, let her place you where she sees fit, and all will be revealed in due time. Alice, you have made a bargain with us in exchange for the safety of an innocent. Such a selfless act will not be forgotten, but choice of free will is taken from you. Your place is with your mate. Enjoy him, love him, and trust in him to be strong enough to accept your independent nature. And Yasmina Leclair, you have been gifted with a strong Witch who will only strengthen your Alpha and the pack he rules. Our love and support goes with you all, but your time here is over. We regret you will not come here again. Blessed be.” Truell rose with her sisters as one, their arms coming together with a loud noise.

In seconds Allison found herself face down on the damp floor of a sweet smelling forest. Immediately, she felt sick and disoriented from the instantaneous traveling through the Earth’s core. She heard someone vomiting to her right, and that was all it took for her to struggle to her knees as she did the same.

“I will
never
get used to that.” Allison wiped her mouth as the dry heaves eased. Beside her she could hear Yasmina still retching in the grass. Alexa stood slowly, her hand quickly going to one of the trees to support her weakened knees.

“You might have warned us, cousin. I wouldn’t have eaten a cookie or drank the tea.” Alexa wiped a hand across her lips with a grimace. She quickly palmed and tossed a Tums in her mouth.

“Stop popping those things like candy, Alexa.” Allison eyed her suspiciously. She never knew her cousin to use medication of any kind. Something was not right here.

“Stop talking about food!” Yasmina growled lowly.

“Sorry. Where are we?” Allison looked around her, but the thick cluster of tall trees didn’t look in the least bit familiar. She looked up, gauging by the position of the sun that it was somewhere in the vicinity of four in the afternoon. Her body felt like it was a hundred degrees in the shade of the trees, but she knew it wasn’t. It was undeniable that she was in heat. The tea was wearing off, and she desperately needed Reginald.

“We’re inside the pack grounds. I’d say about three miles east of the Den.” Yasmina pulled herself to her feet and leaned against the same tree as Alexa. “Wolven are
not
meant to use magic to travel.” She looked miserable and pale.

“I guess you’ll think twice before grabbing a hold of me when I’m making a grand exit.” Allison smiled as she wrapped her arm in Yasmina’s to support her.

“Point taken. Let’s go home. My bath is calling, and these old bones are begging me to answer.”

“I should go back to the Coven and tell them of Elaina’s decision.” Alexa spoke up, halting the two women as they set out. Allison turned to look back at her cousin. She couldn’t help feeling apprehensive. Some small margin of intuition was telling her things were about to change. She just didn’t know if it was for better or worse.

“Do you honestly think they will believe you, Alexa? What if they don’t?”

“Then I have the word of the Alpha’s mother to back me.” Alexa smiled, but her green gaze was still troubled.

“What have I changed by mating with Reginald?” Allison felt his mother’s fingers gently squeeze her arm in support.

“Nothing and everything. You are safe now, Allison. I am truly grateful for that. Blessed be, my sweet cousin. Sister of my heart, go in peace.” Alexa turned on her heel and was gone.

“I hate it when she does that!” Allison hissed through her teeth angrily.

“What? Vanishes into thin air?”

“Yeah, that too. I was referring to the way she gets all cryptic on me before she disappears.”

“I agree, that is annoying, but she has your well-being in mind. Good grief, you are heating up, again. We must hurry and get you to Reginald.”

“Yeah, if he’ll even speak to me.” Allison felt Yasmina’s hand tense on her arm at the same time that her nose picked up the unfamiliar scent of two strangers. They were close. She thought of running, but knew it was too late to even try when a twig snapped nearby.

“Oh dear.” Yasmina had a knack for understatement that made Allison want to smile. They were in deep trouble here.

Chapter Twelve

“Well, if it isn’t the little Witch we’ve been searching for, Gary.” Allison stopped to turn toward the gravelly voice just as the two males came around one of the massive oak trees. Her eyes narrowed at the smell of them. It was distinct and powerful, the scent of the undead. While one would expect the undead to stink of decomposition, the truth of the matter was they smelled strongly of the earth with a good measure of sage thrown in. It was a scent that should attract the Witch in her, but repelled the new DNA of the Wolf.