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“Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.”
-Buddha-
Daniela
I don’t have time to react before Tristan’s kissing me, and all my senses go haywire. But something nags at the back of my mind, and I know we can’t do this – not like this. Not until we deal with everything.
So I press my hands against his chest. He makes an appreciative noise at the back of his throat, until he realizes I’m, in fact, pushing him away. Then he listens, unlocking our lips. His chocolate eyes scan my features with a slight frown.
“Dani...”
“Not here,” I whisper. “There’s too much to talk about, and the middle of the road isn’t the place for it.”
His frown deepens, his hold on me growing tighter as if he doesn’t want to let go. “But...”
I shake my head, extricating myself from his embrace. Then I look around, noticing Lucas not far off. “See you back at the shop,” I murmur, then step back to the car.
We drive off, and I’m glad for the tint that keeps me hidden from Tristan’s eyes. He’s grateful now, because I just saved his life. Still, something in me says it won’t be long before he goes back to despising me.
Yet even as we drive away, he’s watching us leave, and his unmoving shape is the last thing I see before we turn around a corner.
Lucas is quiet for a long time. “You okay?”
I throw him a surprised look. “Wouldn’t have pegged you for the sensitive type.”
“I’m not, cara,” he snorts. “But you are part of my pack, and being a leader means sometimes having to ask the hard questions. No matter how uncomfortable that makes me.”
A quiet laugh escapes me. His features are pained, as if it’s taking all his might to say these words. It’s only fair I actually give him an honest answer. “I’ll be fine,” I say. “Once I talk to Tristan.”
His eyes meet mine in the rear view mirror. “The pack is still here for you, regardless of what happens between you two. And he gave me his oath.”
“Oath?”
“That he will be okay with you here, despite anything that might happen.”
I gulp past the lump in my throat. “Good to know.”
Silence grows again in the car, and the drive lengthens. It must be an hour later when we come to a crossroads. Lucas glances at me again. “Still need time to think?”
I nod, not knowing where he’s going with it. “Yeah, if possible.”
“Long way it is, then,” he says and turns to the right. It’s only then I realize we’re not going back the same way we came.
“You did well,” he adds. “It can’t have been easy facing your brother like that.”
No, it wasn’t. Knowing how much Lucas values loyalty, though, I don’t say it out loud. Instead, I pick at the skin around my nails to distract me. “It was bound to happen.”
“Hmm.” Lucas drives on for a bit longer, then asks, “I didn’t see your father anywhere. Now, or the last time I was there. Is he...”
“Dead?” I finish for him, then shake my head. “Thiago’s had him in isolation for a while, so he can’t intervene when my brother does something stupid. I’m not sure exactly where he is being kept right now.”
Lucas throws me a look out of the corner of his eye. “It’ll come to you, like the magic did. You surprised me, cara. Considering you’re a newborn witch and all.”
I snort, relishing the praise yet embarrassed by it at the same time. “Yeah, well, I had help.”
As if on cue, Lucas slams on the brakes, cursing under his breath. I peer around the driver’s seat, my jaw dropping. A very familiar dragon is blocking our way, smack in the middle of the road. And by the looks of it, he’s not happy.
“Che cazzo...” Lucas murmurs.
I’m tempted to agree. What the hell?
Tristan
Dom ends up having to drag me back in the car, much against my protests. The minute we’re in, I tap Finn on the shoulder. “What’s going on with Dani?”
He looks at me, narrowing his eyes. It’s the first time I’ve directly asked him to share something he’s picked up on via his gifts. And to my surprise, he shakes his head. “Sorry, mate.”
“Are you shitting me right now, Finn?” A scowl takes over. “The one time I ask you for information and you deny it?”
Finn’s normally warm eyes go cold. “Watch yourself, mate. I’m not your psychic-on-command.”
My teeth clench with enough force to snap. “No, but I thought you were my friend.”
“Enough!” Luz whispers, frowning at both of us. “This is hardly the time to fight like a pair of children. Have you forgotten what just happened?” She points at me, and the blanket around my shoulders. “You were picked apart by ravens, Tristan. Healing is in order, and after that, you can talk to Dani.” She glances between me and Finn. “As for whatever Finn picked up on, don’t you think that’s a bit unfair? Dani has a right to the privacy of her own thoughts. If you want to know why she pushed you away, then ask her.” She leans back in her seat. “Once you’re back home, and all.”
A heavy silence falls in the car, and we’re all staring at her. She arches an eyebrow. “What? Are we going to sit here all night until Dani’s old pack of lobisomens comes after us? Let’s get a move on.” She snaps her fingers, and Finn starts the car.
Dom settles into the backseat with me, a smug grin on his face. Bastard.
He throws me a look. I heard that.
Shaking my head, I curl into my seat and let sleep claim me once more. What else can I do, besides stress over something I can’t change?
∞ ♦ ∞
What feels like hours later, someone nudges me. I’m in that half-drowsy state, slowly slugging out of dreams – when it hits me. And rather than jerk awake, I fall deeper into the nightmare.
Thiago’s taunting me, his ravens picking at me. Only I realize the pain is more intense, more than what I endured. I look down and it’s my intestines they’re eating, like damn Prometheus.
A blood-curling scream escapes my lips, and I trash against the restraints. Then Thiago’s there, choking me. His claws around my neck. In the distance, I see one of his men with Dani. He’s ripping at her body, tearing her insides out.
My wolf goes crazy. I lose it. The restrains snap, and my hands come around Thiago’s neck. I’m squeezing, choking, refusing to let go. Someone’s yelling at me to stop, but I can’t – not until he’s dead. Not until Dani –
“Tristan, STOP!”
Someone’s pulling at me, then two pairs of arms are dragging me away. A resounding slap echoes around, and I blink – staring into Luz’s furious green eyes. My cheek stings, and feels hot to my touch.
“What...” I look around, noticing Dom on the ground, holding onto his neck.
“Are you okay?” My gaze shifts back to Luz, noticing now her worried expression. “What happened?”
Dom gets up, still rubbing at his neck. After a roll of his shoulders, he heads closer. His brow is furrowed, as if he’s assessing me. The reason becomes apparent shortly. “You tried to choke me to death, that’s what.”
“Shit.” I go to take a step, only to realize then I’m still restrained – by Finn. My head turns to the side enough to say, “Don’t let me go, whatever you do. I’m not sure if it’s gone yet.”
“If what is gone?” Dom frowns.
I can’t answer him. They’ll see me as weak – weaker than ever. I know they’re aware of my demons, but they’ve never witnessed anything like this. I’ve been careful around them, specifically because being in a pack keeps me together. But showing this side of me, fully...
Fuck, why did I have to fall asleep?
A weak wolf is no good. I’m about to shake my head, but Luz answers for me. “The nightmare.”
My gaze meets hers, and instead of pity I only read acceptance. “What can we do to help, Tristan?”
Her green eyes are wide and trusting, despite me having nearly choked her boyfriend to death. Only Luz could be capable of such kindness. And just as she’s there for Dom, there’s only one person who can help me. “Dani.”
Luz stares at me for a beat, then slowly nods. After a glance to Dom, she moves away and pulls out a cellphone.
Daniela
Lucas gets out of the car first, and I follow. My steps are hesitant, not knowing if the dragon’s about to blow fire at us, or what. We get a bit closer, and he shifts. After the burgundy haze is gone, Tytus is facing us, his expression stormy. The smell of sulfur and cinnamon still fills the air.
“Is there a particular reason that pack is still alive?” he growls.
I stop dead in my tracks, feeling his anger directed at me. “I...”
“You were supposed to eradicate them,” he spits, moving closer. “What possessed you not to?”
“Eradicate them?” I choke. “Since when? You were teaching me how to use my magic! Not once did you say what it was for.”
“I didn’t think I had to.” His reply roots me to the ground, and I turn to my alpha in shock.
Lucas side-steps him, blocking his way before Tytus can reach me. Which is just as well, because he appears ready to throttle me.
“Easy, amico.” Lucas lifts a palm in a peaceful gesture. There’s nothing calm about him, rather his body is tense as hell. “I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of being introduced.”
Tytus clenches his teeth and moves his gaze off me. “I’m the zmeu owning your city, alpha boy. Now move out of my way.”
Lucas snorts. “I think not.”
Before my stunned eyes, Tytus seems to grow in size. His shoulders widen, his expression darkens. I don’t know if it’s a trick of the mind or the real thing, but he’s definitely changing.
Lucas still doesn’t move. So I do, stepping closer and putting a hand on his shoulder. “Hang on, I want to hear what he has to say.”
Then I turn my gaze to Tytus. “Not that I have to explain myself to you, but Thiago is still my family, and last of my line aside from our father. I can’t be the one to wipe that.”
Tytus’ eyes flicker with anger. “Then I have misjudged you, and you have wasted my time. Those lobisomens need a firm hand – a ruler – to bring them back in the fold of a Luna. You are neither.”
Though his words sting, I don’t bend under their weight. I’ve heard worse before. Instead, I raise my chin. “Maybe, but at least I’m not a coward.”
Tytus takes another step, getting up in my face. “What did you just call me?”
“You heard me. Or was there a legitimate reason you took off rather than eradicate them yourself?”
His stormy eyes glow like embers. “Watch yourself, little wolf. You’re close to crossing the line.”
“That line was crossed when you presumed I’d wipe out the rest of my family for you! I’m no one’s bitch, so if you want them dead, you’ll have to do it yourself.”
He scowls. “Apparently so, since I wasn’t even able to find the one thing I was there for.”
“And what exactly was that, amico?” Lucas asks.
I’m curious of the answer, and something nags at the back of my mind. I may have an idea of what he’s looking for, but why, is another question altogether.
Tytus growls at Lucas. “It matters not. It was not there.” Then his stormy eyes land on mine again. “You will have to make harder decisions before this is over, little wolf. Might as well be ready.”
Then he takes off in a puff of smoke, leaving no trace behind. I’m left staring at the sky, wondering about his words. Then Lucas’ cellphone rings. He picks up the call, listens for a second, and his eyes shift to me.
My stomach plummets and I taste bile. “What is it?”
He nods into the phone, and says, “On our way.” Once he hangs up, Lucas heads back to the car, gesturing for me to hurry up. “It’s Tristan.”
Tristan
Finn walks into the shop, still restraining me. Dom and Luz follow behind, looking around. But there’s no Dani to be found. I’m calmer now, but can I really be sure I won’t lose it again?
Never.
So I don’t strain against my friend’s grip, nor try to engage them in a conversation. Instead, I retreat deep within myself. Trying to focus on what Dani taught me. What was it again? Five things to see, four to touch, three to...hear, two to smell, and one emotion.
Emotion. Huh. I have hell more than one running through me. And none of them are good. I close my eyes in an attempt to break through. And I do...just not in the way I want. The shop fades out of my vision, replaced by blackness.
Next thing I know, Finn’s grip is tightening on me and he’s yelling in my ear. “Cut it out, Tristan!”
My eyes snap open, and I look around. Luz and Dom are staring at us – at me. I glance down and see my hands have turned to claws, and they’re bloody. I’ve ripped through my shirt, cut through skin. Finn’s gripping my elbows, but his hold isn’t strong enough to keep me safe.
“What the hell?” My whisper goes unanswered.
The door to the shop opens, and Lucas walks in, followed by Dani. My eyes drink her in as if I haven’t seen her in days. So many words are on the tip of my tongue, but they stay there. Her presence soothes me and I relax in Finn’s arms, and my wolf does, too. My claws retract, my hands go back to human.
Finn feels it, but keeps his grip strong on me. Then Dani moves closer, taking us in. “What happened?”
Her question could have been for anyone, but it’s Luz who answers. “Tristan had an...episode. I think it was triggered by a nightmare. He wanted to see you.”
“It was a bit more than that, by the looks of it,” Lucas says. His eyes are narrowed on us. “I warned you about holding your wolf back, Tristan.”
I look away, unable to hold his gaze. This is what I had feared. I don’t want his disappointment.
Then his feet come in my field of vision and he touches my shoulder. “I’m worried for you, amico. With what you have seen, you’re more sensitive in ways that even Finn is not. We are more than friends, we’re family. All here if you need us. But I know it’s another you need right now.”
He steps to the side, and Dani inches closer instead. She looks over my shoulder at Finn. “You can let him go. I’ll take him home.”
“You sure?” This comes from Dom, who’s frowning and rubbing his neck. “He has quite a grip when he’s mad.”
“Yeah,” Dani smiles. “Tristan won’t hurt me.” Then she finally meets my gaze, and her expression softens. She holds out her hand, and Finn releases me. “Come on.”
∞ ♦ ∞
Once we walk into my apartment, Dani settles us on the couch and sits opposite me. Her hair’s fallen out of its ponytail, framing her face.
And I suddenly can’t keep the words in any longer. “Meu anjo, I’m so sorry.”
She shakes her head. “You were hurt, and you had every reason to. I should have been honest from the beginning, or at the very least once you found out about Izzy. But...” She looks away. “I was afraid you’d hate what I’ve become, and then it just seemed easier to hold it in.”
I reach out for her hand, and she doesn’t pull away. “Nothing about you repels me, Dani. It never could.”
“Then why did you take off like that? And to Bow’s Arrow, to boot?”
It’s my turn to be silent. Her amber eyes are waiting for an answer, and the only thing I can give her is the truth. “I went there...for closure, in a way. After seeing what you could do, I was mad, yes. At you for lying, despite having so many chances to tell me the truth. Before I knew it, I was there, and thinking of Izzy.”
She takes a shuddering breath, closing her eyes. I grab her hand in mine, squeezing it. “It’s not what you think, querida. I went there for closure, but I stayed because I wanted to keep my promise to you.” When she looks at me in confusion, I reach for her shoulder, and the mark hidden under her jacket. “I swore to you that once you have protection of my pack, I would hunt down Thiago and make him pay.”
Her bottom lip trembles, and I drop my hold on her shoulder. “Granted, it didn’t quite work out as it should have. Izzy came to me. I must have passed out, because it felt like a dream, but it wasn’t one. She said she’s happy for us, and that you were always meant to be the mate for me.”
My free hand rises to cup her cheek, and my thumb traces her bottom lip. “I knew that. I’ve known that since the first night you slept here. Lucas is right, I’ve been keeping my wolf at bay. Afraid to let him loose, to become a monster like those creatures I’ve seen. But you... quiet him. Always have, Dani. You’re everything for me, for us. And if you’ll have me, I’d like to be your everything, too.”
Tears shine in her eyes when she meets my earnest gaze. There is much more to say, to be heard, to air out. But I don’t care. Because when my lips meet hers, it’s heaven on earth. And I’m finally, finally where I belong.
Then Dani’s in my lap, kissing me. Her hands trace down my abdomen, and I hiss in pain. She glances down, at the still open wounds on my stomach. With a secret smile, she kneels before me and removes the tatters of my shirt.
Her lips touch my skin with butterfly kisses, and a groan escapes me. I have to dig my hands into the sofa so I don’t move. Then Dani’s tongue snakes out, licking each wound from beginning to end. By the time she’s done, I’m panting, and I’ve ripped through the cushions. My cuts have healed.
Dani grins at me from her spot, and I lose it. My arms move to her waist, and I lift her up in one movement, groaning when her heat connects to my painful hard-on. Lips to her neck, I pull her closer.
Clothes are an obstacle and they’re removed quickly, impatiently. This time, when we come together, there’s no doubt, no other feelings. Only love.
It shines in Dani’s eyes as she watches me slide inside her. It’s in my every touch as I worship her body until she begs for more. And finally, it’s there when our gazes lock, and we drop the last of the barriers.
Our minds, separate before, merge into one. Our wolves purr, and pure, unconditional love vibrates between us. I grip her tighter, she claws me deeper... That last climax is more than either of our bodies can withstand, and we black out.
∞ ♦ ∞
Later, I wait until she stirs against me, her breathing evening out. My hand traces circles on her back, and she presses tighter. We ended up in my bed at some point, and I relish the comfort of the sheets, but only because Dani’s there with me.
Thoughts race in my head, refusing to allow me sleep. In the end, I know there’s no other option than to let them out, airing the remaining shadows between us.
“Will you tell me, now?” It comes out as a whisper, but still not subtle enough. “Everything that’s still left unsaid. From the beginning.”
Dani freezes against me, and I can feel her shutting down before I even tighten my grip around her. She tries to move off me, but I shift in bed, pinning her with my leg over hers, my body over hers.
She lets out a breath that sounds like a sob against my shoulder, and I sigh. Mouth on her temple, I shush her. “Breathe, querida. I’m not mad, but I need to know.”
Dani pulls back then, her eyes filled with shadows. “Does it really matter?”
I know what she’s asking. It’s right there in the amber gaze that had me from the beginning.
Does Izabella still matter?
My knuckles graze her cheek and I bend over for a kiss. “Yes, but not for the reasons you think. It matters because it’s hurting you and I need to take that burden off you. Thiago talked – a lot. I know most of it. But I need to hear it from your lips, meu anjo.”
She’s still tense, like a bow ready to snap. Then my breathing syncs with hers, and that connection – our wolves – snaps into place. Dani sinks into the bed, closing her eyes – and then the waterworks start. Between sobs, she chokes out one thing, and it freezes the blood in my veins.
“I’m dying, Tristan.”