Wolfen Secrets (The Western Werewolf Legend #3) (3 page)

“Don’t cry, my child. This is a time of joy,
of celebration. You’ve grown so much over the past months. I hardly
recognize you.” His laugh sounded hollow. Releasing a breath, he
tried again, “There is a reason for all things under this sky. Ours
isn’t to question. We must obey the ancient prophecy.”

“Do you know what I think of the ‘ancient
prophecy’?” She turned abruptly. “Do you really want to know,
Guardian?”

He reached out, taking her by the shoulders.
His long, hairy arms, once so frightening, now enveloped her in
comfort.

The feel of security was reassuring.

“I have a boon for you.”

Her interest pricked. “A boon? Really?”

Nodding, the Guardian tilted his head. “Yes,
I was going to save it for tonight, but I think I can better
explain the purpose now.” He released her before extending his
great paw. “Here, sit with me.”

Sonja moved on leaded feet. She’d been so
sure everything would be all right with his help. The Guardian
would never leave her. Sniffing, she accepted the linen kerchief he
handed her. Unable to fathom where he’d plucked the gentleman’s
article from, Sonja shook her head delicately. Probably hidden in
his alter ego’s persona, the country gentleman’s disguise he wore
among the humans. Nothing made sense at the moment, she mused.

“You will be tested. Here, sit beside me.” He
paused, waiting for her to catch up. The log was large. Suddenly
she was exhausted. “The elders will test your skills. Your training
they’ll temper accordingly. They’ve permitted me one return visit
to assist you in your war against the evil ones. While you’ll have
all the knowledge available to them, you’ll have the responsibility
of asking for my help. You can only make the request once, so
choose wisely, Sonja.” His dark eyes bore into hers.

“One visit?” Sonja dropped her head and
surged from the log to stand, hands on hips with a firm set to her
jaw. “One? Some boon, wolf god. You’ll be about as much use in one
visit as I am with another head.” Huffing out a breath, she stared
at the intimidating figure seated on the log and grimaced. “I think
the elders aren’t as convinced as you. Perhaps they expect me to
fail or don’t want to waste your time with my problems.” Her chin
wanted to quiver, so she turned away, clenching her teeth,
listening to them grind under the pressure.

***

He’d had all he could stand of the elusive
wolf god and Hortence, the witch. As far as Ty was concerned, they
could both disappear. Neither did Sonja any good anyway. Unable to
believe what he’d seen only minutes before, Ty cursed low and long
under his breath. The mighty wolf god understood everything. Ty
huffed out a laugh under his breath. What, could he see the future?
Could he foretell the coming danger? Ty kicked at the dirt before
scowling. Guardian did manage to keep them both from dying back
there when the Indian vampires attacked. But Christ, he was always
cutting things so close.

“How long have you been standing there?”

“You’re in a foul mood,” Sonja said as she
stepped toward him. Dried blood smeared her forehead and made a
dark line down her face. Her blanket was tattered, yet managed to
keep her modesty in place. Running a hand through her gold curls,
Sonja sighed before meeting his eyes. “Well you won’t have to worry
about the Guardian anymore.”

Ty cut her a questioning eye. “What the hell
are you talking about now?”

Ignoring his temper, she continued, “He won’t
be driving you crazy with undue chances where our safety is
concerned.” Readjusting her blanket more tightly about her, she
missed the curious surprise in his face.

“What, he’s planning on leaving?” Ty shook
his head in approval. “Well good riddance, I say.”

She glanced up and her eyes held unshed
tears. The lush mouth, Ty could bring up from his mental archives
at a whim, quivered slightly. “Aw, come on, Sonja, you’re not
making any sense. Here, don’t cry! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean I
wanted him to leave.” Reaching out, he gathered her into the warmth
of his embrace. “Tell me why you’re crying. What’s the matter?”

She sniffed and batted away tears before
leaning in to rest on his shoulder. “I guess nothing’s the
matter
, the way it’s supposed to be really sucks though.”
She sniffed and hiccupped before quietly tightening her hold on
him.

Unable to fathom her queer reply, Ty shoved
her back a couple of inches. With his fingers, he lifted her chin.
There was something, she wasn’t telling him. His ire rose at having
to play guessing games. Peering deep into those whiskey-colored
eyes, Ty forgot for a moment what his concern was as he wished he
could simply languish with her in his arms forever. She hiccupped
again and brought him back. Furrowing a brow, he gazed patiently at
her as she wiped away more tears. “You’re not making any sense,
Nymph. Here, let me get your clothes. I’ll help you dress. Sit
down.” Steering her to a small patch of grass, he smoothed out a
place for them both. He sat straddle legged in front, giving her
his full attention. “What’s this about Guardian leaving and why
does the way it is suck?”

Her calm, quiet nature, the veneer for all
kinds of anxiety, grew more ragged. “Talk to me.”

“I lost the girl in the fire those bastards
set.” She blinked and tears ran down her face unheeded.
Automatically, she raised her arms, baring her beautiful breasts
for his view while he slid her shift into place.

Again, he gathered all his patience,
following her change of direction as best he could. “I know, Nymph,
I’m sorry. You can’t blame yourself every time the damn vampires
attack innocent people. It’s their ploy to get you out in the
open.” Reaching out, he rubbed her arm.

“I called the Guardian to help right before I
went into the shift. A lot of good it did me. Still, I think I
understand why he won’t help us. We have to do it on our own. The
elders decree we do it on our own. That’s what he said. That’s why
he’s leaving us, Ty.” She dropped her head to focus on the buttons
of her shirtwaist.

Her fast-paced explanation left his head
spinning. “What kind of nonsense is this?” Ty gave her a slow
warning shake of his head, as if the mere motion would stall
another change of topic. “He can’t leave now. We still need his
sorry ass!” The truth of his statement hit him after the words left
his mouth. Ty swallowed hard as he helped her to her feet. Yes, the
beast irritated the holy hell out of him. They still needed him
desperately!

She used Ty’s arms to support her as she
stepped into the plain cotton skirt. “He also said the conjuring of
a fire and a child lost in the flames is the work of a black magic
crafter like another witch or a warlock.” She helped Ty tuck the
shirtwaist in before turning her back to him for him to tie her
skirt.

The look she sent him was so forlorn and
despondent. Her crying came in sobs now coupled with hand wringing.
Like any true southern gentleman, Ty would have promised her the
moon if only it would stop her tears. Ty’s need to protect her
reared tentacles to defend. “That tears it.” Ty slapped his hands
on his thighs before standing. He had to move because he couldn’t
sit still any longer. Dirt and rock shifted underfoot as he walked
away. Stopping, Ty wheeled, before pointing his finger at Sonja.
“The bastard’s gonna get an ass full of my boot. He’s nothing - a
damn coward, leaving us out here to fucking die without so much as
an explanation! Who does he think he is?”

“He’s a god, Ty. He has other wolves he must
train.” She stared at her hands clutched in her lap. Her shoulders
drooped. She sniffed, wiping a finger under her nose.

He couldn’t stand to see her so lost. The
crying had subsided. Now might be a good time to offer help. “Here,
Nymph, it smells like smoke but it’s fairly clean.” With his
handkerchief in his hand, Ty eased down beside her. Her warmth
circled him. Each muscle went lax with her touch. She sunk deep
into the embrace he offered. Ty grinned. She thought
she
was
the lucky one. “Magical,” he sighed.

“What?” She snuggled closer. “Did you say
something?”

“Ah, no, Nymph. Just relax. Here, let me give
you a massage.” Slowly, he rubbed the knotted muscles of her neck,
unable to resist stealing a kiss along her collarbone before
tugging her shirtwaist aside to taste her shoulder. The soft skin
along her breastbone grew enticing. Ty found the need to comfort
her further as he toyed with the edges of her collar. He’d never
understood why he could be so aroused by her no matter what she
donned. The fact remained. She brought out the cravings in him like
no other woman he’d ever known.

“Stop it, Ty. I have to get cleaned up. The
Guardian’s going to tell everyone at supper tonight.” She attempted
to get up. He made a move to hold her fast, turning her to face
him.

“Will Hortence leave too?” Hating the
question even as the words left his lips, Ty picked up her hand and
gently laced fingers with hers. His rough, calloused one dwarfed
her slim, soft one. Her burns were healing nicely. She’d be
completely well by suppertime.

Shrugging her shoulders, Sonja gave a
non-committal reply. “I don’t know. He didn’t mention anything
about Hortence.” Looking down at the healing burns on her hands,
Sonja sighed heavily. “We need to say a prayer for the child. I
mean, in case this afternoon was more than a dream.”

“We will.” Taking her chin in his fingers, he
examined the waning injuries to her neck and face. The werewolf’s
hide couldn’t stop the fire from burning deep. Thank the gods she
had restorative powers. Otherwise, she’d bear numerous scars from
all the encounters she’d already faced. Suddenly, his heart
squeezed in his chest. “I want you to promise me something,
Nymph.”

“What’s that, Lieutenant?” Her eyes grew a
shade cooler. She expected him to ask for something she couldn’t
give.

“I want you to promise me...” His fingers
gripped hers tight. His eyes bore into hers.

“I’ll try.” Her hand he held trembled.

“The next time you decide to venture into a
fire to save someone, promise me you’ll take me with you. Can you
do that?”

The corners of her mouth crinkled slightly.
Reaching over, she traced the line of stubble along his chin. “You
know very well, I can’t make a promise like that.” Her whiskey eyes
never left his. Those molten hot brandy colored eyes roamed his
face with something a kin to worship. Could that be possible? Would
a goddess like Sonja really adore somebody like him?

“But, I will promise you to do everything in
my power to plan for your assistance if you’re around.”

Her giggle was infectious. The need to scoop
her up in both arms and kiss her madly washed over him. She taunted
him, enjoying every provocative moment of the encounter. After all,
the argument was an old one and one so familiar. Since both were
stubborn and mule headed to a fault, arguments aplenty were the
norm. Still, there was truth in her jab. Ty couldn’t help checking
off the times he hadn’t been around to see to her safety.

“You don’t need to remind me of the trip I
made to the prisoner of war camp.” He’d gone off, leaving her
alone. “I had a valid reason for going.” Sonja faced the vampire
henchman, Union Major Perkins, along with a detachment of
bloodsuckers in Ty’s absence. Guardian had been the one to tell him
what a mess she was in when the fight ended. All the more reason
why he wanted to punch the Guardian for letting her go into this
last fire alone.

“Yes, but I could have helped you rescue
Smitty and the others. As it was, you needed my help anyway.”

He dropped his head. “
No use to argue with
a woman
.” General Stewart’s words came back to him. A laugh
started deep in his belly and rolled out of him unbidden. The
change of temperament worked. His tension eased. Focusing on his
mate, he leaned in, stealing a kiss from those luscious lips before
she could protest. “I’ll vow to do my best to be available when you
need me, agreed?”

Her grin grew mischievous and sexy all at
once. “We have to go.” Sonja rose, offering him a hand.

Accepting her assistance, Ty returned the
grin. “You’re as strong as a horse, Nymph. Remind me to never arm
wrestle you.”

Keen golden eyes peered from sooty lashes as
her mouth turned up in an easy smile. “The wolf has some
advantages, right, Lieutenant.” Recognizing his agreement, she
smiled easily as they stopped in front of the water barrel. “How do
you think the others will take Guardian’s news?” She took down the
lye soap, working up a frothy lather with the bar.

“I’d say pretty much like I did. But, they’re
a mixed lot, there’s really no way of telling. Some of the men
favor having more of a part in the hunting, so they’ll be pleased
with the news.” He accepted the soap she handed him and began to
scrub. “I wouldn’t think all have the same opinion to start with.”
Taking the cloth from Sonja, Ty blotted water. “They’ll come
around, I think.” With another wicked grin, he took her arm,
wrapping it around his. “Let’s go find out, shall we?”

Chapter 2 - Realizations

The fire
in the grate burned brightly as meat sizzled over the open flames.
Hunting had been good, off the beaten path for most of the trip, so
everyone had enough to eat. A long table of planks waited for the
meal once the food was prepared. The women worked together on the
evening meal, each bringing their own unique talents to the
task.

Hortence always made a stew with herbs and
wild plants growing in the nearby forest or pastures. Not only did
she keep a spell over the small band of refugees, still, she prided
herself on her culinary skills as well.

Tonight’s meal consisted of venison and
greens. A large skillet of cornbread warmed near the fire. The
aromas were pleasing and reminded Sonja of home. Usually, they
would sit around the single campfire and tell stories or sing songs
until sleep beckoned.