Bloodrose

“They’re in good hands.” My father gestured to Nev. “He and Ethan planned this strike. He’s the one who should continue to lead it.”

Nev shifted forms and barked his approval.

“I’ll stick with Nev,” Mason said, looking at me. “If that’s all right.”

“Go with him.” I nodded. “And keep an eye out for Ansel and Tess.”

“You know I will,” Mason said with a wink. In the next moment the two wolves howled and dashed to join the fight.

My father looked at me sharply. “Your brother is here?”

“Not fighting,” I said. “He’s helping Searchers tend the wounded. He’ll be safe enough.” I hope.

“I wouldn’t have left him.” Bryn threw my father a guilty look. “But I thought we needed all the fighters we could spare.”

“Of course,” he said. “You belong with your pack.”

My father shot an inquiring look at Connor. “Well?”

“You don’t need to ask,” Connor said. “Another alpha would be a great help.”

“Good. I owe Emile a personal visit,” my father said. “One that’s been a long time coming.”

“Those are the best kind of visits,” Ethan said. “I have one in mind myself.”

Connor grunted. “Then let’s not keep anyone waiting.”

My father, Ren, Bryn, and I slid into our wolf forms, taking up positions like sentinels around the three Searchers and Shay as we stalked along the north wall of the manor.

“The side door will bring us into the kitchen,” Shay said. “We’ll be on the back side of the house. We can make our way to the library from there.”

My skin crawled beneath my fur. That meant we’d be slinking through the halls of Rowan Estate, passing all of those horrible paintings and ghastly statues. Any of which could come alive should Bosque Mar already be waiting for us.

I could still hear the battle raging at our backs, but as we approached the far end of Rowan Estate, the sounds of war seemed to be swallowed up by the walls of the manor. The immense building cut us off from the conflict, separating us from enemy and ally alike. Though I’d known it had always been the plan, I felt a sense of dread wash over me as I realized our small party would face the horrors on our own.

“There’s the door.” Shay strode forward and I saw the dark shape bloom within the shadows.

I barked at the same moment Connor shouted, “Shay! On your right!”

Shay had his swords ready as the wraith attacked. But it wasn’t only the wraith that was moving. From around the back of the manor four wolves appeared, bearing down on us in a storm of fangs and furious howls.

The first wolf leapt, knocking Connor down. Adne pivoted, her steel whip flying out. The wolf squealed as sharpened steel tips lodged in its body. It yelped again when Ethan’s crossbow bolts thunked into its flank. The wolf twisted, trying to pull the bolts out. Its final cry died in a gurgle as Connor plunged his dagger into its chest.

My father had thrown himself into the second wolf. They were tumbling across the ground, snarling and tearing at each other. A few feet away Ren was facing off with the other two wolves. None of the three had attacked, but instead they all stared at each other, bristling, filling the air with low, threatening growls. Bryn and I stalked up to flank Ren.

My pulse buzzed through my veins as I realized why he’d hesitated. Dax and Fey glared at their former alpha. Their muzzles twisted in frustrated, furious snarls.

Don’t do this. Ren’s mind opened to all of us. We shouldn’t fight.

I ran to his side. Listen to Ren. Please.

Why? Dax ignored me, barking at Ren. So we can bow down to your bitch too?

Don’t ever talk about her that way. Ren took a menacing step forward. You know nothing about what’s going on here.

Really? Fey sniffed the air disdainfully. I think you’re just afraid to be the alpha you should be. You’re weak.

You’re an idiot, Fey. Bryn snarled.

At least I don’t let Calla think for me. Fey glanced at Ren and Bryn. You’re both weak. Her muscles quivered.

Fey, don’t! I braced myself. But she was already lunging.

I was ready when she slammed into me, but the force of her leap sent us sprawling through the snow. Bryn rushed after us, sinking her teeth into Fey’s side. Snapping jaws and savage growls told me that Ren and Dax were fighting alongside us.

Our best fighters. I remembered what Ren had said about Dax and Fey. Like attracts like. But now their skill in combat was working against us. We were their alphas, but would we be able to best them?

I rolled to my feet. Fey was faster. She landed on my back, sinking her teeth into my shoulder. Ignoring the pain, I bucked hard, flipping us over so she slammed into the ground beneath my weight. Bryn leapt at her, crushing Fey into the snow. Fey twisted and kicked up, sending Bryn flying.

I scrambled up, knowing what I should do. Fey was still on her back. The soft flesh of her belly was exposed. Two bites to open up her gut would be fatal. But I had to do it now.

My breath caught in my chest. Fey squirmed on the ground, about to roll over. I couldn’t wait any longer.

Something buzzed past my ear. Fey’s bark of pain became a yelp as a second and then third crossbow bolt entered her abdomen. She rolled over, snarling but trying to limp away. A trail of blood soaked the snow beneath her as she tried to flee.

Ethan was beside me, raising his crossbow. “I’ve got this.” He jerked his chin to my right. “Help him.”

I pushed away regret as Ethan took aim, turning to see Ren and Dax circling each other a few feet away. They were both panting. Blood darkened their fur, dripping onto the snow. I rushed at them, throwing myself into the air and locking my jaws around the back of Dax’s neck. Even with the force of my attack, he was too big to take down. I bit down harder, struggling to hang on.

He snarled, spinning in a circle as I clung to him. Finally he reared up. I knew he would come down on me just as I’d landed on top of Fey. I couldn’t afford to be knocked down. I released him, twisting in the air as he fell backward.

Feeling my weight vanish, Dax spun in the air and landed on his feet again. He pivoted around, snarling at me.

God, you’re a pest. His eyes were full of hate. Time to squash you for good.

I’m waiting. I dug my paws into the snow, bracing myself for his attack.

He snarled but then barked, twisting his head around as Ren’s teeth tore through his hamstring.

Now, Calla. Ren’s shout filled my head.

I knew what he meant. Forcing any doubt from my mind and moving on pure instinct, I lunged. My jaws locked on Dax’s throat. I bit down hard, ripping through muscles and finally crushing his windpipe. His blood poured into my mouth as his body stiffened and then went slack. I dropped his deadweight, backing away from the hulking wolf’s unmoving form. My muscles were shaking.

Ren limped up beside me. It had to be done.

I whined, leaning my muzzle against his shoulder. I knew he was right, but I felt sick.

You’re hurt. He pushed against me. Take some blood.

You first. I turned my shoulder to his muzzle. His teeth pierced my skin. I stood still as he lapped up blood.

I’m good. He licked my muzzle. Go ahead.

I bit into his chest. The smoky sweet, wild taste of his blood slipped over my tongue. The sparkling warmth of healing poured over me.

Thanks. I lifted my muzzle to press my nose against his cheek.

Looks like we’re clear. My father padded over to us. His muzzle was bright with blood, but I could see no sign of injury on him. Behind him the corpse of an elder Bane lay sprawled on the