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 ground.
He looked at Dax’s body and then at Ren. Your packmate?
Ren lowered his head. My second.
I’m sorry. My father rested his muzzle on Ren’s shoulder.
Ren whimpered softly, leaning into my father.
I dropped to the ground, grief heavy in my bones, and stared up at the night sky. Bryn, covered in snow, snuggled in beside me with a low whine. I rested my head on her back, catching the scent of Fey’s blood in her fur. The moon was gone now, covered by thick bands of clouds. As tiny silver flakes drifted down to settle on our bodies-both the living and the dead-I thought perhaps the moon had hidden her face from us, as full of sorrow as we were. But she couldn’t stop her tears from spilling out in the form of silent snow.
TWENTY-FOUR
CONNOR STOOD BEFORE THE DOOR, reaching in his pocket for lock-picking tools. Ethan shook his head.
“Logan was supposed to leave it unlocked.”
Connor shrugged and tried the door. It swung open.
“That’s a good sign,” he said. “Right?”
“It’s a sign that Logan is at least pretending to be on our team,” Ethan said. “Let’s not read anything else into it.”
“Agreed.” Connor had his swords drawn and moved slowly into the kitchen.
We followed him into the cavernous room. In the darkness I could make out pots and pans hanging from the ceiling. A long prep table stretched nearly the length of the room, and a huge brick oven took up most of one wall.
“You could cook for all of Vail in here,” Adne said. “How many big parties does your uncle host? Like one a week?”
“None,” Shay said. “At least not that I’ve seen.”
“Does anyone even use this kitchen?” Connor asked.
“I came down here for snacks,” Shay said. “They keep the fridge stocked.” He pointed to a walk-in refrigeration unit beside an equally huge pantry.
“You ever find bodies in there?” Ethan muttered.
Shay didn’t answer, but he shuddered. I was sure he hadn’t ever considered that possibility before he learned the truth about his uncle. I wondered if coming back to Rowan Estate was as frightening for Shay as it was for me. The more I thought about it, the more I became convinced it was probably much worse for him. He’d lived here, called this place home without knowing what lived in the walls, the tortured prisoners trapped in paintings. He’d laughed at statues of incubi that he now knew could come to life and attack. He must have felt as if the very ground was constantly rolling under his feet.