Chapter 6
S tone
Cold night air hit my blood spattered face. I was so tired, I wanted to collapse, but I needed to get to Rawson’s. He needed to be with Ava tonight, and I wanted him to know I’d be there for him. My mind had been distracted in the fight to get Ava back. All I’d wanted from the moment I left was to return to Shannon. So did my wolf. Resentment at our enemy for taking him from his potential mate made us fight with bloodthirsty viciousness.
My feet thudded on the wooden steps of Lorna’s home. Nerves swirled in my belly, along with a heavy dose of hunger. Before I ate or even considered sleeping, I needed to make sure Shannon was still in one piece. When I’d left her in the Eazi, I’d smelt her lies, but there’d been no time to call her on them. And I hadn’t had the time to lock her up. Part of me hoped she’d rethink her choices and do as I asked. But I knew her well.
I took a breath and knocked.
“Coming!” Lorna threw open the door, her face dropping into a mask of disappointment. “Oh, it’s you.”
Insulting me wasn’t her intention, and I knew exactly who she was worried about. “He’s okay. But he’ll need time to heal.”
Lorna’s face paled. “Is it bad?”
“Bad enough that he’ll need a day or two before he’s back at full strength.”
“Where is he?”
I inhaled, glad I could smell Shannon’s scent amongst Lorna’s. At least she was still in the house. “He’ll be back soon. The fight was already won when I left, but we should get to Rawson’s. You can see Lucas there.”
“Oh, thank the Mother.” She leant against the wall, her face pale, her eyes shining.
Lorna’s relief was my own, though I didn’t show it the same way, and not for the same reasons. “Where is Shannon?”
“Here.”
I frowned at the weakness in Shan’s voice. I’d not even noticed her small frame under the blankets on the sofa. I met Lorna’s worried stare. She bit her bottom lip, her eyes saying everything she couldn’t voice in Shannon’s presence. She was as worried about Shan as she was about Lucas.
“I’ve been trying to get her to drink, but she keeps throwing up.”
“Lorna!”
I glowered at Shannon’s sharp tone.
Lorna turned to Shannon, her hands on her hips, a rare show of stubbornness in the jut of her chin. “No. He has to know. You’re sick, Shannon, and you can’t pretend you’re not. You need help to get through this, and that isn’t me. I don’t have a clue. I serve coffee for a living.”
Shannon sank back, looking defeated. “I know. I’m sorry.”
I swallowed my surprise, another wave of worry coursing through me at Shannon’s apology. She never apologised—usually.
I strode across the airy open living space and eyed Shannon’s drawn, sweaty face and the shadows under her eyes. A growl escaped me before I could contain it. My wolf saw everything I did. She was more than sick. I could smell it. A sour note infected the air around her. I’d come across it in other species before, especially humans who’d succumbed to the lure of alcohol to dull whatever pain life had thrown at them. But never, in all my years, had I known a shifter go through alcohol withdrawal. Shifter metabolism was incredibly quick and metabolised alcohol easily. Normally. Rose water was the only exception because it was made in Faery and its ingredients affected all supernaturals.
“Can I see her?”
I nodded, though Shan looked so sick I didn’t want to take her out of the house into the cold night air. I’d never considered her fragile before, but that was the only word I could use to describe how she was right then. My wolf whined. I felt the same. I wanted to pick her up, blankets and all, and carry her right back to Faery, away from anything and everyone who could hurt her, including herself. I’d never felt such an urge to protect another being. I swallowed. I’d come close before, but that was another life. Another person. And I’d failed her. I wouldn’t fail Shannon. Too tired to fight my urge to protect her, I scooped her up into my arms.
“Hey, put me down!”
“No.”
Her arms were wrapped inside the multitude of blankets, so even if she’d had the energy to punch my jaw, she couldn’t. The thought made my lips twitch.
“Stop laughing at me! I can fucking walk, you overbearing buffoon!”
But her huge gasping breaths after she’d finished shouting at me told me she’d never make it to Rawson’s on foot, and I didn’t have a car. I’d run in wolf form before shifting near Lorna’s house. I should have thought that one through better, but I’d been almost desperate to make sure Shan was okay and hadn’t considered it. Shit, my mind was becoming slow. I needed to rest, especially since I couldn’t recall when I’d last slept.
“It’s okay. I’ve got a car. I can drive us there.” Lorna grabbed her keys and a warm coat and flung them on.
I hoisted Shannon more comfortably against my chest. Looking down at her, my wolf settled a little. Some of the tension in my shoulders eased until I saw her flushed cheeks and the overly bright gleam in her eyes. She looked feverish. Lorna was right. Shan needed help. I needed to get her to Faery. The hospital in Hope would be too busy with the wounded from the fight—and I wanted Shannon away from this place—from this fucking world that had broken her. She needed to heal, and she couldn’t do that here. The trouble was my brother needed me, too. Rawson had already lost one mate, and he’d only just gotten Ava back. He needed to be with her without worrying about his pack or the town.
Leaving him wasn’t an option, but neither was letting Shannon suffer.
Lorna opened the back door of the car, and her look of confusion was mirrored by Shannon when I sat in the backseat with her on my lap. I wasn’t letting her go, not when my wolf growled at the thought. I didn’t want her in the back shaking and cold while I sat too far away in the front to comfort her.
“Stoney, let me go.”
“Stop fighting. You’ll only tire yourself out. You need body heat…It’ll help with the shaking.”
Even her humph was weak. Our wolves would take comfort in each other, and it would help soothe the shaking, even if it was temporary. Neither of us would admit it, though. I doubted Shannon even realised that’s what was happening when her body stopped shaking so badly.
“Fine.”
I ground my teeth at the weakness in her voice. It was so unlike the spitfire Shannon usually was. I wanted to punch a hole in the side of the car. Or find who’d broken her so thoroughly and take my anger out on them. Except, part of me knew that would be impossible. Because he was in Hell. Shannon hid her shame well from everyone but me. I’d watched her for years while we’d been imprisoned. My wolf knew she was a potential mate, but I’d been drowning in my grief over Gwen’s death back then, and the thought of taking another mate had never occurred to me. Even now, I didn’t know if I was ready. But I’d make sure Shannon had the best chance to be happy—with herself if not with me.
After a mutinous ride, we pulled up at Rawson’s just as a portal flashed into existence. I urged Shannon gently off my knee and out of the car. She didn’t look at me as I pulled most of the blankets from her shoulders, leaving her with just a couple. “You should see Ava. Then we leave.”
“But…”
“Don’t. You need medical help, Shannon, and I’m going to ensure you get it. You can see her, but then we leave.”
“But…”
Her frustration as I cocked my head and brushed her skin with my magic was clear. It didn’t stop me from interrupting her, though. Shannon had always been vocal and outspoken. For once, she needed to listen, and the more feral part of my soul liked that I had the power to make her think twice.
“Enough. Rawson’s reached the end of his tether. He’s hurting, and seeing you near Ava could push him to do something we’ll all regret. I’ll not let you make things worse for them or yourself by interfering. Your father killed Rawson’s mate and then took what was left of his soul and used him for evil. That prison broke something in him, Shannon; the things he was made to do…. You, of all people, should understand that. He needs time alone with Ava, to reconnect with her and convince himself she’s safe; just the two of them.”
She didn’t speak, merely nodded. Her attention slid to the darkness behind the portal, and her throat moved. She was already pale under her flushed cheeks, but her eyes widened as any remaining colour drained from her features. Brows drawn down and magic churning at my fingertips, I turned to see what she was looking at.
Nothing. The darkness looked thicker than ever against the light of the portal, but there was nothing there, and I didn’t sense any danger. “What’s wrong?”
“N-Nothing.”
Lie. If her expression hadn’t told me, I could scent it, even with the acrid stench of old booze seeping from her pores. Sweat glistened on her forehead, her fists clenched, and she avoided looking at me.
The portal sparked, indicating that someone was about to arrive, so there was no time to challenge her answer. We stood near Rawson’s front door, but I positioned myself so that if my blood brother lost his shit at the sight of Shannon, I could protect her.
“We wait here.”
Shannon nodded and flung the blankets off her shoulders. I didn’t say anything, but I didn’t like her trembling so hard. I took a firm hold of her wrist, not convinced she’d stay out of their way.
Lucas and B’nar stepped out first, followed by Ava and Rawson.
Shannon gave a small cry at the sight of her sister dressed only in a shirt that was miles too big for her, blood covering her skin and hair. I hoped to the Mother it wasn’t hers. Ava’s knees buckled. Before she could fall, Rawson swung her into his arms. He held her close and exchanged a few quiet words with Lucas and B’nar. There was an ache in my chest that I tried to ignore, and it had everything to do with the fact that I wanted to hold Shannon close like that. But that closeness wasn’t something we’d shared in a long time, and then it had only been brief after she’d nearly died in the fight ring in the prison that had destroyed so many of our lives.
Lucas nodded and, clearly dismissed by Rawson, he fixed his attention on Lorna, stalking towards her with a focus that told me he wouldn’t be leaving her that night.
Carefully, I studied Rawson as he said his goodbyes to B’nar. His face was tight, his spine stiff. He was coasting close to the edge of his self-control. I raised a hand in farewell to B’nar, exchanging a nod with my Fae friend before he stepped into the portal, and it disappeared. I needed to be here for at least tonight, but I’d let him know once I was ready to get Shannon back to Faery. I watched Rawson stride towards the steps. His focus remained on the door as he jumped up them and landed near us, walking right on by.
Ava’s eyes widened as her gaze landed on Shannon. “Wait! Let me speak to my sister.”
Rawson’s steps faltered, and his jaw muscles tensed.
“This wasn’t her fault, Cain. You know that, don’t you?”
Their eyes met, and there was so much pain in my brother’s that my chest ached for him.
“I know. It was mine.” Rawson set Ava on her feet, supporting her against him.
Ava glared at Rawson. “We’ll talk about that statement later.”
Shannon yanked her wrist at the same time I let her go. I didn’t have the heart to stop her. She needed to see that her sister was alive and well, and Rawson didn’t look like he was going to attack anyone, he just looked closed off and exhausted.
Shannon surprised Ava as much as me when she flung her arms around her sister and hugged her. Shannon had never been demonstrative. Ever. She always withdrew from physical contact like she’d been burned. Accept for sex with strangers. But I did the same thing. It was easier to emotionally distance yourself from a random hookup than someone you would see again.
“Ava! I’m so sorry…”
Ava pulled back a bit, peering into her sister's pale face. Her mouth pressed into a tight line. “Hey, I’m fine. We all are. This wasn’t your fault, Shan.”
“It was. If I’d been here…”
“You would likely be dead.”
Ava’s words made me tense. It was true. And I didn’t like it one little bit.
“Me?” Shannon’s laugh was forced. “I’m indestructible.”
Ava cupped her face. “No, sis, you’re not. You hurt and bleed just the same as the rest of us.”
My nostrils flared, my fingers flexing into fists so tightly my joints ached, and I had to work damned hard not to snarl when a tear fell down Shannon’s face.
“Not anymore. I have nothing left.”
Rawson pulled Ava back against him, supporting her. “Okay, that’s enough. Ava, you need to rest. Shannon, you’ll see her when Stone agrees you can.”
Ava glared at Rawson but didn’t argue. “He’s right. I’m done. I need to sleep. I’ll see you soon, ‘kay?”
“Sure.”
I bit back a growl at the despair I could sense in Shannon. But I also saw the weariness in Rawson’s eyes and the tense set of his shoulders. He was done.
“I’ll keep watch over your town until your Beta is around and healed.” Hope had been attacked by the Mades before. I didn’t know exactly why they’d taken Ava. It had something to do with a communications relay or code, but it didn’t really matter. Connor and Rawson would tell us when they were ready. For now, I’d make sure we had enough guards patrolling the town to keep everyone safe. He’d rest easier knowing his town was safe.
Rawson nodded at me, the tightness in his shoulders easing a little. “Thanks, brother.”
I took hold of Shannon’s arm. “We’re leaving now that you have seen her.” Keeping a firm hold on her arm, I guided her away, surprised that there was no resistance. “I’ve already checked in with Becca. She’s happy for you to stay with her tonight.”
“I don’t need a babysitter again. Nor do I need her psychoanalysing me.”
“She won’t. For a start, she’s not like that. And don’t bullshit me, Shan. We both know you’d run to Eli’s if I left you alone. Becca knows the score and won’t let you leave the house. You’ll stay at her place until morning. I’ve asked Jedediah to come and collect you in the morning and to bring you to me wherever I am. You’ll go with him and cause him no trouble.”
“Or what?”
Her words were so quiet I almost didn’t hear them. I smiled. At least she had some fire left.
“There are always consequences to our actions. You know that.”
She scoffed. “Oh, please. What are you going to do? Spank me?” She laughed, though there was little humour in it. “That’s a fucking privilege. And one I only give to someone I choose.”
Jealousy flared through my blood. My wolf growled, his own fury matching the sudden storm of mine, and the Fae part of me that I fought to control every day reared its ugly head. Truthfully, I was surprised at my reaction. I’d always detested the thought of Shannon with anyone else, but I’d always curbed my response to it, never giving into my urge to rip her away from them. Instead, I’d shift and run in the forest or bury myself in a female for a few hours. Never again. Everything about imagining her with another male made me want to kill someone.
I spun her up against the side of the building we were walking past. Her rapid breath formed clouds of steam that puffed into my face. I was tempted to hold her around her throat, but I wasn’t that stupid; she’d see that as a real threat and would fight me. That kind of dominance was for another time and place. Besides, I didn’t want to hurt her, but she needed to remember who held the power—for now—in our relationship. I anchored her to the damp wood of the cabin with thick ribbons of purple magic that gently illuminated the darkness and leaned my face close to hers, power pulsing through my veins.
“No, that was a privilege you gave someone of your choosing. Now, it’s only mine. You forget your King, your Alpha, gave me total control over your health and safety, over your life. You’re mine, and if you do anything to hurt yourself, including running away or disobeying orders that are to keep you safe, you’ll be reminded that it is a bad idea.”
“It’s my body and my life, you dick. If I want to ruin it, it’s up to me.”
I cocked my head. “No, it isn’t. Shifter society doesn’t work like Human society. And you know Fae society doesn’t. You are my responsibility, which means I will do what I must to ensure you are safe. And something tells me a big part of that is changing how you feel about yourself.”
“I feel just fine about myself.”
I inhaled, not happy when I smelt that lie. Silence lay heavy between us. She was waiting for me to call her out to continue our confrontation. It dawned on me that she was spoiling for a verbal sparring match. Is that what she did to feel something other than despair? Seeing Ava had left her drained. It was in every part of her weary, trembling body. She was trying to fight with me again even though she was exhausted—and sick. I thought back over the years, over the times she’d viciously pushed me away with her words and actions. Every part of me hated that I hadn’t seen it earlier. She’d never been my responsibility before, and I’d run from any feelings I had for her, but I wasn’t running now. Maybe not ever again.
My wolf rumbled his agreement.
Shit. I was totally fucked. We both wanted her. And even though I knew it was a bad idea, that I was more dangerous to her than any other fucker she’d been with, there was no turning back. My soul was drawn to her now that she needed help and protection. Maybe it was being in Faery that had awakened that feral response in me, or perhaps it was because she was more vulnerable than she’d ever been. Either way, she was mine. And I’d do whatever it took to keep her safe and well.
She looked away from the assessing look I aimed at her.
We had a long way to go before there was any chance of the connection that had always simmered between us turning into more. “We need to go. Becca’s waiting up for you.” I released my magical hold and stepped back.
It was a ten-minute walk to Becca’s home, which we spent in tense silence. I had plenty to think about, and Shannon looked too exhausted to do more than put one foot in front of the other. I wanted to stay with her, but my needs, and hers, would have to take a back seat for the night. I had a job to do. I’d promised Rawson. The weariness in my bones would have to wait until much later, if not the following day before I could sleep and ease it.
It was quiet on the street, and we didn’t pass another soul before reaching the neat path leading to Becca’s home. I allowed Shannon to step ahead of me before leaning down to growl in her ear.
“I meant what I said, Shan. Do not push me. You need to eat and sleep…”
Her head snapped around so she could look at me, her features tight. “Don’t pretend you care, Stoney-boy. We both know I’m just a pain in your arse.”
“No, Shannon, you aren’t, but I’ll become a pain in yours if you disobey me.”
Her eyes widened, and I couldn’t help the smirk that curled my mouth. Before she could respond, Becca answered the door.
“Hey, girl.”
“H-Hi.”
Shannon’s flustered response made me want to smile again, but I’d had years of practice keeping my emotions hidden. I nodded at Becca, wishing I had more time to explore Shan’s interesting reaction to my threat. “Thank you for letting Shannon stay. Jed will be by in the morning to pick her up.”
“Sure.” Becca turned to Shannon, and though she hid it, I could see the shock in her expression at Shannon’s appearance. “Shan, honey, you look done in. Why don’t you go lay down on the sofa, and I’ll bring you a coffee.”
Her frown deepened when Shan only nodded and meekly shuffled into the front room.
I stepped back outside, not surprised when Becca followed.
“Shit, she looks rough. She needs medical care, Stone.”
“I’m aware, but she also needs to get away from this place. And the treatments are more long term and effective in Faery.”
Her brows drew down. “But you’ll be here for at least another twelve hours, probably longer. That’s a long time for someone with the DTs.”
I tried not to snarl at the pack councillor. She was right, but I didn’t want anyone else to treat Shannon. I wanted to get her away from the town, which had been built only miles from where the prison that had almost killed us had been. It didn’t escape my notice that her drinking had become worse since we’d arrived in Hope. “I know. Just keep her hydrated and off the booze.”