1 Chapter 3
The nine of us reached Angel's house and quickly sat down in the spacious living room. Amber pulled out a leather-bound book and pen, preparing to write down what happened. "We have a situation, people," Angel began, standing in the middle of the room.
"What is it?" Kat wanted to know.
"Some Hunters are in the area. Apparently they're tracking a pair of wolves from Virginia who escaped the slaughter of their pack." I must've paled or swayed, because Peter and Sage were instantly by my side. Jason had his head in his hands, Amber gently patting his back.
"So how does that affect us?" Marik finally broke the heavy silence.
"The way I see it, we have three choices. We could openly challenge these Hunters, we can just ignore them, or we could simply give them what they want," Angel calmly replied. The room instantly froze as her words clicked into place. Would they really hand us over to the humans? Jason had argued with Peter earlier about the lamia not caring about lycanthropes. It was time to test their theories.
"Whether we challenge them or ignore them, we'll still eventually have to fight them. By ignoring them, they might systematically try to eliminate every Night Person on the island. They'll track us down if given enough time and experience," Sage pointed out.
"So do we fight, or give them our guests?" Julian pointedly asked. I watched as glances and signs were passed around the group. Blaise shrugged at Angel, who returned the gesture. Kat looked up inquisitively at Austin, and he smiled back. Marik and Amber exchanged nods while Julian raised an eyebrow at Angel and Blaise. Sage and Peter shook hands and smiled at Jason and me. Okay, so what had they decided?
"We fight?" Austin asked hopefully. Angel nodded, a smile playing across her lips. Oh goodie.
"But understand this: We'll fight because you're Night World, but you're not part of our group yet. If you survive the fight, then we'll talk about inductions." I elbowed Jason in the ribs so he would look up and nod. Blaise stood and stretched, her eyes roaming over everyone.
"I say we quit talking and find out where these vermin are."
"Yeah. Kat, start calling every witch in the area. Austin, run a check on hotels, motels, and houses of ill repute. I want to know who's in town, where they came from, and how long they're staying. Use your ingenious hacker skills. Sage, start an SOS 'shifter call. If anyone has run into these guys, I want to know about it. Marik, get hold of the lamia around here while Amber contacts the made-vamps. Someone has to have seen something. Ruby, I suggest you phone your friend Laurel and find out what happened back home." When everyone scrambled off to carry out the lamia's orders, Peter showed me into a guest bedroom where a phone stood on a small nightstand. With a smile he turned and left me to phone home.
"Hello?" a deep voice answered. I nearly broke down and cried.
"Connor, is that you? Oh, you don't know how good it is to hear your voice." My own voice sounded shaky and tear-filled, and he picked it up.
"Ruby, what's wrong? Are you and Jason okay?" I could just imagine his tall, strong figure standing by the phone. Brown hair cut short, but still sticking up in a few places. Eyes the color of new leaves holding a worried look, which would match the slight frown on his thin lips.
"We're fine for now. But you know those Hunters you're trying to find?" Oh boy, was this going to be a bit of interesting news.
"We haven't found them yet, but the whole city is searching. Laurel and Daniella are out while I stay home with Vicky tonight."
"Connor, they followed us here. This group Laurel told us about is going to fight them." A long pause came over the line.
"Laurel just came in covered in blood. She's got good news and bad news." A higher voice came on, and I pictured the thin vampire standing beside her husband. High cheekbones leading up to jade-green eyes that always had a world-weary look in them. Raven-black hair falling like a sheet to the small of her back, and black clothes covered in other peoples' blood.
"Ruby, it's Laurel."
"Give me the good news first."
"We got half of that Hunter group who got your pack. The bad news is that the leader got away with ten of his people a day or so ago. It's amazing what people will say under torture."
"Laurel, they tracked us down. You remember that group you told me to contact? They're going to fight the Hunters." Hmm, holy deja`-vu.
"When is the fight?"
"I don't know. Right now they're locating the Hunters to challenge them. With Jason and me fighting that makes eleven. We'll at least have even numbers." Yeah, if they didn't bring guns with silver shot.
"Ruby, do me a favor. As soon as a challenge is issued, tell me when and where." She sounded eager to help, and I admired that about her.
"What if it's tonight?" I silently prayed that wouldn't be the case.
"I doubt tonight, but maybe tomorrow. Call to let us know, all right?"
"Sure thing, Laurel. And thanks for eliminating half our problem."
"You and Jason just make sure you survive." On that note we hung up, and I turned to see Jason sitting on the bed. I'd been so involved with the phone that I hadn't heard him come in. I was getting very sloppy lately.
"Any good news back at the ranch?"
"The Hunters lost half their group, but the leader brought ten people with him to find us. How're the others doing with tracking them down?"
"Sage got in touch with a lion pride that had a run-in late last night, and a couple of street vamps have gone missing. Looks like they're doing some cleaning up while looking for us. This whole area is on red alert." Something about the way he was sitting all hunched up and whispering bothered me, though I didn't know why.
"You doing okay?" I put my arm around his shoulders and squeezed lightly, hoping for a smile. He just stared down at the rose-print bedspread.
"We have to fight, don't we? I mean, if these people are willing to take on the humans, the least we can do is help, right?"
"Jason, we have a duty to avenge our pack. Regardless of whether anyone else is with us, we have to fight. Don't tell me you're chickening out." Anger flared in his eyes as he threw my arm off. Ooh, methinks I hit a nerve, though I hadn't really said anything too bad.
"Chickening out? Do you really think I won't fight? I would take on all eleven of those humans by myself if I had to."
"Then what's with asking me if-" He cut me off with a violent wave of his hand. Oh, he was definitely mad at something.
"Apparently Angel doesn't trust us to back up her Circle. She forbade us to fight when they challenge the Hunters." I was stunned for a moment.
"She can't do that! We have more reason to fight than she does." Jason nodded and folded his arms over his chest, an evil smile lighting up his face. I didn't know he had a sadistic side.
"Exactly my point. I guess Peter was wrong about the lamia caring about 'shifters. They're all just in it for the power."
"No, they're not," a high voice broke in, the thick Russian accent very apparent. We whirled to see Kat standing in the doorway, a sheepish look on her face. "Sorry, I just couldn't help overhearing. But you're wrong about the lamia in Circle Starlight. The only reason Angel isn't letting you fight is that no one who isn't a Circle member can be trusted."
"Kat, do you know how stupid that sounds?" I demanded, storming out of the room. Angel and Julian were still in the living room, and her eyes widened just a little when she saw me with Jason at my back. I guess she could feel all the raw anger that was pouring off of me. Screw it, I didn't feel like reigning it in at the moment.
"Ruby, did you get in-"
"How dare you." My harsh words cut off her syrupy-sweet voice mid- sentence. "Do you honestly think we're just going to stand by while your precious Circle fights the people who massacred our pack? Let's get one thing straight, Angel: I don't give a damn how much you trust us. Jason and I would fight those Hunters by ourselves if need be. You involved your little group in our problem without asking us, and now you have the gall to forbid us to fight? Yet you keep saying we aren't part of Circle Starlight. So guess what? If we're not a part of this group, then we don't follow your orders. I am the high-ranking alpha in my pack now, and I make my own rules. We could go out on our own, but I won't do that to Jason. Now I'm asking you, alpha female to alpha female; will you help us kill these Hunters?
"Yes." A small smile brightened her face and added a sparkle to her sapphire-blue eyes. "I was wondering when one of you would challenge my authority. Should've known it would be you. Blaise was right." I stared at her for a moment as the words clicked into place.
"You did all this just so we'd challenge you?"
"No one comes into the Circle without proving one of four things: Courage, leadership, intelligence, and strength," Amber revealed, stepping out of the shadows and into the room.
"So what did I just show?"
"All four," Julian replied. "Strength and courage for challenging Angel, leadership in taking charge for your pack, and intelligence for both seeing a loophole in the rules, and knowing you need help to battle the Hunters." He was smiling at me, and a shiver went up my spine.
"Jason has yet to prove himself, but if three people speak on his behalf, I think we can all trust him," Angel brought up. I realized the rest of the group was standing in various doorways, watching the whole scene. All eyes shifted to Jason, and there was a moment's pause before I stepped forward. I was at least going to stand up for him.
"I vouch for his right to avenge his pack."
"I vouch for his loyalty to Ruby and her decisions," Sage added.
"He needs one more," Blaise pointed out. Heavy silence enveloped the room, and I was afraid no one else would be brave enough to speak.
"I vouch that we'll need his help for the fight," Amber ventured, her voice small. Most of her friends seemed shocked, but Sage only smiled and nodded. He was clearly pleased with her decision.
"So be it. Ruby and Jason will fight with us. Now here's the real question: Where are these stupid vermin hiding?" Angel demanded.
"A group of humans matching our descriptions recently got off a 727 from Virginia and checked into a motel. They keep late hours and have been seen stalking the streets. And even more interesting, their luggage was searched and weapons were found, but they maintained that they were merely going hunting for a few days," Austin told her.
"Where is this motel?"
"It's twenty minutes away, Angel. You want their room phone number?" The young woman held out her hand to him, and he gave her the slip of paper. Julian and Blaise followed her into the kitchen while everyone else waited a minute before crowding through the door.
"Hello, is this room one-fifty-eight of Smithtown Holiday Inn?.. Oh good. Listen, I have a proposition for you… Well okay, but I think we might have something you want for your trophy wall… I knew that would get your attention. Now here's the deal: One of my people will lead you to the arena tomorrow night at nine. It'll be a sudden-death match. No weapons, no witnesses, no law enforcement. If we win, any survivors of your group will die… All's fair in love and war. Until tomorrow." She hung up and turned to us, her face a blank mask. Vampires were very good at doing that.
"Well…" Peter asked, bouncing from one foot to the other.
"Tomorrow Julian will lead them to our usual spot. No weapons will be used. If they win, we become trophies on their walls, or sex slaves."
"What if they bring weapons anyway?" Jason wanted to know. That was actually what I wanted to know. Hunters couldn't be trusted. That, and I wasn't too thrilled about the "sex slave" part. Exotic dancing yes, but slavery was pushing the limits of my comfort zone, especially with humans. Angel smiled wickedly, running a hand up Julian's arm.
"The thing about Shadow Men is that they like to play games. And the rules are clearly outlined first, then you're required to follow those rules. If anyone breaks any of the rules, all bets are off." Blaise gave a throaty laugh.
"Rest assured that even if the vermin bring weapons, they won't work on us." How did she know that? Had they done this before?
"Might I suggest we get some sleep for tomorrow," Sage spoke up. Nods and yawns answered him, and people slowly drifted out the door.
"I'll see you ladies home," Austin offered, walking with Kat and Blaise down the street, his arm around the blonde's waist. Yeah, he definitely had it bad for her.
"Derrick's probably worried about me," Amber surmised as she climbed into her Jeep. Marik tugged lightly on her arm.
"Just tell him you were with me." She blushed and giggled.
"Like that'll make a difference? Come on Marik, I'll take you home." I watched them drive off, and Jason kept his eyes on the car until it disappeared from view.
"Derrick is her…"
"Brother. Derrick is her thirteen year-old brother," Sage clarified for him. I think he knew what was going through the other boy's mind.
"And a royal pain in the ass," Peter added.
"Gee, sounds like someone else I know," Angel broke in. The human blushed a deep crimson.
"Come on guys, let's head back to the house so we can get settled." We followed an anxious Sage back to the Volvo, leaving Angel and Julian until tomorrow. They seemed quite happy to be alone again.
* * *
Sage and Peter's house was a modern log cabin in the woods. A long dirt road led to it, a wooden mailbox the only sign that someone lived back there. "You live here?" Jason asked in awe. The house could only have been made by hand, and it was a two-story colonial style. The roof was painted a deep forest green to match the trees around it, and the oak boards were slightly stained to preserve them from rain, bugs, and mold.
"We worked on it for five years. Do you like it?" Sage wondered, smiling a little. He was clearly proud of his house, and I couldn't blame him.
"You two built this whole thing by yourselves?" Okay, I was jealous.
"Sage and his parents actually started it seven years ago, and we just finished it. They put up the foundation, walls, and roof, " Peter replied.
"A couple of twelve year-olds put up the porch, windows, and the entire interior?" We were now inside the house, and it was even more beautiful than the outside. The floor was solid oak, and a living room, dining room, and den were clearly visible because of the high ceiling. In the middle of the three rooms was a huge stone fireplace made from river rock and cement. It opened out into separate sections for each room. Maple shelves lined the walls; stones and gems in the dining room, photos in the living room, and carved, wooden animals in the den. They seemed almost alive.
"My father was a master carver," Sage explained. Curved wooden stairs wound their way up to the second floor, the railing carved with leaves and flowers. Sage apparently took after his father. A kitchen was set to the right of the stairs, and though it seemed small, it was also cozy.
"Jason, just close your mouth and say "wow", will you?" I ordered.
"Wow."
"You two can stay here until you want to move out. Jason, can you come with me to get your bags back at the motel?"
"Sure Sage." I stood in the middle of the house, gazing around in speechless wonder. I must've looked like some stupid city-kid, which I was.
"I'm gonna go exploring, okay?" Jason shrugged as he and Sage walked back outside. There was a back door in the den, so I walked through it and wound up in the middle of a lush forest. The sun was beginning to set as I pushed through vines and bushes. The call of a raven stopped me dead in my tracks as memories flooded back to me…
I'd barely been a teenager when my parents left me one day. "Ruby darling, it's better for everyone if we part like this. Your father and I have been offered membership in a very select group of wolves, but you're not old enough yet. We'll write when we get there. Ta-ta!" With that my parents had walked out, leaving me to fend for myself. After a week of crying and waiting for their letter, I took to the streets. A new club was opening up downtown, but I was too young to work onstage. Instead the owner, who was a nice guy, let me help backstage working lights, playing music, helping the ladies dress, and doing makeup and hair. When I turned sixteen I was old enough to perform. My animal grace and comely looks boosted me from chorus girl to solo act in a few months. Tyler and I met at a party one night, and he got me into the pack. We often went walking in the woods near the city, listening to ravens call after each other and laughing at corny jokes. A year older than me, he'd seen other lone wolves trying to survive, and most didn't. And he knew what it was like to be a young stripper. His parents had abandoned him as a baby, and his "foster family" had forced him to work there. One night they'd disappeared, and no one was the wiser, though Tyler still worked there. He always swore he hadn't killed his fake family. The Polecat had two rooms; one for the men and one for the ladies. Tyler worked just next door to me, and the pack often came to cheer us on. While some objected to my profession, they understood me. They gave me back my family, and for two years I was the happiest person on earth…
I shook my head and wiped a tear from my eyes. It did me no good to live in the past. My pack was dead and my parents had died years ago when Hunters killed most of their "select group". Like I said before, Hunters usually took you out no matter what rank you were. Twilight was descending as I stood up to listen to the forest sounds. A breeze rattled the dead branches as squirrels raced for safe places to sleep for the night. Birds twittered to each other, and I heard leaves crunching as predators began hunting. A twig snapped behind me, and I spun around with a growl.
"Sorry!" Peter yelled, his hands high above his head. With a sigh I stood up from a defensive crouch and frowned at him.
"Why were you sneaking up on me?"
"I wasn't sneaking up on you. I was just coming to tell you that Sage and Jason brought back Wendy's for us. And aren't you just a little jumpy?" I put my hands on my hips and raised an eyebrow.
"Unless you haven't been paying attention lately, there are eleven people out there who want me dead. I've lost two families because of vermin like them, so I have a right to be jumpy." My voice was starting to shake, and then I looked up at him. Peter was staring at me with such compassion in his hazel eyes, and I completely lost it and broke down. Tears flowed down my cheeks and soaked the sleeves of my red shirt when I attempted to wipe my eyes. Sobs bubbled up in my throat as I let anguish wash over me. Through a mist of grief I was dimly aware that someone was holding me. Strong arms supported my weight, stroking my back to calm me down. Lips were pressed to my ear, whispering comfortingly.
"Ruby, it's okay to cry. You don't have to pretend around me." His hand gently caressed my face, and then it happened: a connection blossomed between us, and we fell into each other. In that instant our minds were flung wide open, and I was inundated with memories not my own: A ten year- old boy taking one last look at his parents' house before walking away with his suitcase. That same boy meeting another boy and agreeing to live with him in his house and finish it one day. A year later, a frightened boy is saved by a black wolf, which turns out to be his friend. The Night World is revealed to him, and he swears never to tell its secrets. Meeting all the Circle Starlight members and being accepted by them. Then, seeing a beautiful girl walking through the doors of a diner, needing help to survive…
"Peter, I never knew."
"Me either. We've both seen hard times. But I know that no matter what, you'll never be alone ever again. I am yours; body, mind, and soul." I smiled and kissed him.
"You're my soulmate." I don't know where the words came from, but they just sounded so right. He gave me a lop-sided grin and held me closer.
"Yeah, I guess we are soulmates."
The nine of us reached Angel's house and quickly sat down in the spacious living room. Amber pulled out a leather-bound book and pen, preparing to write down what happened. "We have a situation, people," Angel began, standing in the middle of the room.
"What is it?" Kat wanted to know.
"Some Hunters are in the area. Apparently they're tracking a pair of wolves from Virginia who escaped the slaughter of their pack." I must've paled or swayed, because Peter and Sage were instantly by my side. Jason had his head in his hands, Amber gently patting his back.
"So how does that affect us?" Marik finally broke the heavy silence.
"The way I see it, we have three choices. We could openly challenge these Hunters, we can just ignore them, or we could simply give them what they want," Angel calmly replied. The room instantly froze as her words clicked into place. Would they really hand us over to the humans? Jason had argued with Peter earlier about the lamia not caring about lycanthropes. It was time to test their theories.
"Whether we challenge them or ignore them, we'll still eventually have to fight them. By ignoring them, they might systematically try to eliminate every Night Person on the island. They'll track us down if given enough time and experience," Sage pointed out.
"So do we fight, or give them our guests?" Julian pointedly asked. I watched as glances and signs were passed around the group. Blaise shrugged at Angel, who returned the gesture. Kat looked up inquisitively at Austin, and he smiled back. Marik and Amber exchanged nods while Julian raised an eyebrow at Angel and Blaise. Sage and Peter shook hands and smiled at Jason and me. Okay, so what had they decided?
"We fight?" Austin asked hopefully. Angel nodded, a smile playing across her lips. Oh goodie.
"But understand this: We'll fight because you're Night World, but you're not part of our group yet. If you survive the fight, then we'll talk about inductions." I elbowed Jason in the ribs so he would look up and nod. Blaise stood and stretched, her eyes roaming over everyone.
"I say we quit talking and find out where these vermin are."
"Yeah. Kat, start calling every witch in the area. Austin, run a check on hotels, motels, and houses of ill repute. I want to know who's in town, where they came from, and how long they're staying. Use your ingenious hacker skills. Sage, start an SOS 'shifter call. If anyone has run into these guys, I want to know about it. Marik, get hold of the lamia around here while Amber contacts the made-vamps. Someone has to have seen something. Ruby, I suggest you phone your friend Laurel and find out what happened back home." When everyone scrambled off to carry out the lamia's orders, Peter showed me into a guest bedroom where a phone stood on a small nightstand. With a smile he turned and left me to phone home.
"Hello?" a deep voice answered. I nearly broke down and cried.
"Connor, is that you? Oh, you don't know how good it is to hear your voice." My own voice sounded shaky and tear-filled, and he picked it up.
"Ruby, what's wrong? Are you and Jason okay?" I could just imagine his tall, strong figure standing by the phone. Brown hair cut short, but still sticking up in a few places. Eyes the color of new leaves holding a worried look, which would match the slight frown on his thin lips.
"We're fine for now. But you know those Hunters you're trying to find?" Oh boy, was this going to be a bit of interesting news.
"We haven't found them yet, but the whole city is searching. Laurel and Daniella are out while I stay home with Vicky tonight."
"Connor, they followed us here. This group Laurel told us about is going to fight them." A long pause came over the line.
"Laurel just came in covered in blood. She's got good news and bad news." A higher voice came on, and I pictured the thin vampire standing beside her husband. High cheekbones leading up to jade-green eyes that always had a world-weary look in them. Raven-black hair falling like a sheet to the small of her back, and black clothes covered in other peoples' blood.
"Ruby, it's Laurel."
"Give me the good news first."
"We got half of that Hunter group who got your pack. The bad news is that the leader got away with ten of his people a day or so ago. It's amazing what people will say under torture."
"Laurel, they tracked us down. You remember that group you told me to contact? They're going to fight the Hunters." Hmm, holy deja`-vu.
"When is the fight?"
"I don't know. Right now they're locating the Hunters to challenge them. With Jason and me fighting that makes eleven. We'll at least have even numbers." Yeah, if they didn't bring guns with silver shot.
"Ruby, do me a favor. As soon as a challenge is issued, tell me when and where." She sounded eager to help, and I admired that about her.
"What if it's tonight?" I silently prayed that wouldn't be the case.
"I doubt tonight, but maybe tomorrow. Call to let us know, all right?"
"Sure thing, Laurel. And thanks for eliminating half our problem."
"You and Jason just make sure you survive." On that note we hung up, and I turned to see Jason sitting on the bed. I'd been so involved with the phone that I hadn't heard him come in. I was getting very sloppy lately.
"Any good news back at the ranch?"
"The Hunters lost half their group, but the leader brought ten people with him to find us. How're the others doing with tracking them down?"
"Sage got in touch with a lion pride that had a run-in late last night, and a couple of street vamps have gone missing. Looks like they're doing some cleaning up while looking for us. This whole area is on red alert." Something about the way he was sitting all hunched up and whispering bothered me, though I didn't know why.
"You doing okay?" I put my arm around his shoulders and squeezed lightly, hoping for a smile. He just stared down at the rose-print bedspread.
"We have to fight, don't we? I mean, if these people are willing to take on the humans, the least we can do is help, right?"
"Jason, we have a duty to avenge our pack. Regardless of whether anyone else is with us, we have to fight. Don't tell me you're chickening out." Anger flared in his eyes as he threw my arm off. Ooh, methinks I hit a nerve, though I hadn't really said anything too bad.
"Chickening out? Do you really think I won't fight? I would take on all eleven of those humans by myself if I had to."
"Then what's with asking me if-" He cut me off with a violent wave of his hand. Oh, he was definitely mad at something.
"Apparently Angel doesn't trust us to back up her Circle. She forbade us to fight when they challenge the Hunters." I was stunned for a moment.
"She can't do that! We have more reason to fight than she does." Jason nodded and folded his arms over his chest, an evil smile lighting up his face. I didn't know he had a sadistic side.
"Exactly my point. I guess Peter was wrong about the lamia caring about 'shifters. They're all just in it for the power."
"No, they're not," a high voice broke in, the thick Russian accent very apparent. We whirled to see Kat standing in the doorway, a sheepish look on her face. "Sorry, I just couldn't help overhearing. But you're wrong about the lamia in Circle Starlight. The only reason Angel isn't letting you fight is that no one who isn't a Circle member can be trusted."
"Kat, do you know how stupid that sounds?" I demanded, storming out of the room. Angel and Julian were still in the living room, and her eyes widened just a little when she saw me with Jason at my back. I guess she could feel all the raw anger that was pouring off of me. Screw it, I didn't feel like reigning it in at the moment.
"Ruby, did you get in-"
"How dare you." My harsh words cut off her syrupy-sweet voice mid- sentence. "Do you honestly think we're just going to stand by while your precious Circle fights the people who massacred our pack? Let's get one thing straight, Angel: I don't give a damn how much you trust us. Jason and I would fight those Hunters by ourselves if need be. You involved your little group in our problem without asking us, and now you have the gall to forbid us to fight? Yet you keep saying we aren't part of Circle Starlight. So guess what? If we're not a part of this group, then we don't follow your orders. I am the high-ranking alpha in my pack now, and I make my own rules. We could go out on our own, but I won't do that to Jason. Now I'm asking you, alpha female to alpha female; will you help us kill these Hunters?
"Yes." A small smile brightened her face and added a sparkle to her sapphire-blue eyes. "I was wondering when one of you would challenge my authority. Should've known it would be you. Blaise was right." I stared at her for a moment as the words clicked into place.
"You did all this just so we'd challenge you?"
"No one comes into the Circle without proving one of four things: Courage, leadership, intelligence, and strength," Amber revealed, stepping out of the shadows and into the room.
"So what did I just show?"
"All four," Julian replied. "Strength and courage for challenging Angel, leadership in taking charge for your pack, and intelligence for both seeing a loophole in the rules, and knowing you need help to battle the Hunters." He was smiling at me, and a shiver went up my spine.
"Jason has yet to prove himself, but if three people speak on his behalf, I think we can all trust him," Angel brought up. I realized the rest of the group was standing in various doorways, watching the whole scene. All eyes shifted to Jason, and there was a moment's pause before I stepped forward. I was at least going to stand up for him.
"I vouch for his right to avenge his pack."
"I vouch for his loyalty to Ruby and her decisions," Sage added.
"He needs one more," Blaise pointed out. Heavy silence enveloped the room, and I was afraid no one else would be brave enough to speak.
"I vouch that we'll need his help for the fight," Amber ventured, her voice small. Most of her friends seemed shocked, but Sage only smiled and nodded. He was clearly pleased with her decision.
"So be it. Ruby and Jason will fight with us. Now here's the real question: Where are these stupid vermin hiding?" Angel demanded.
"A group of humans matching our descriptions recently got off a 727 from Virginia and checked into a motel. They keep late hours and have been seen stalking the streets. And even more interesting, their luggage was searched and weapons were found, but they maintained that they were merely going hunting for a few days," Austin told her.
"Where is this motel?"
"It's twenty minutes away, Angel. You want their room phone number?" The young woman held out her hand to him, and he gave her the slip of paper. Julian and Blaise followed her into the kitchen while everyone else waited a minute before crowding through the door.
"Hello, is this room one-fifty-eight of Smithtown Holiday Inn?.. Oh good. Listen, I have a proposition for you… Well okay, but I think we might have something you want for your trophy wall… I knew that would get your attention. Now here's the deal: One of my people will lead you to the arena tomorrow night at nine. It'll be a sudden-death match. No weapons, no witnesses, no law enforcement. If we win, any survivors of your group will die… All's fair in love and war. Until tomorrow." She hung up and turned to us, her face a blank mask. Vampires were very good at doing that.
"Well…" Peter asked, bouncing from one foot to the other.
"Tomorrow Julian will lead them to our usual spot. No weapons will be used. If they win, we become trophies on their walls, or sex slaves."
"What if they bring weapons anyway?" Jason wanted to know. That was actually what I wanted to know. Hunters couldn't be trusted. That, and I wasn't too thrilled about the "sex slave" part. Exotic dancing yes, but slavery was pushing the limits of my comfort zone, especially with humans. Angel smiled wickedly, running a hand up Julian's arm.
"The thing about Shadow Men is that they like to play games. And the rules are clearly outlined first, then you're required to follow those rules. If anyone breaks any of the rules, all bets are off." Blaise gave a throaty laugh.
"Rest assured that even if the vermin bring weapons, they won't work on us." How did she know that? Had they done this before?
"Might I suggest we get some sleep for tomorrow," Sage spoke up. Nods and yawns answered him, and people slowly drifted out the door.
"I'll see you ladies home," Austin offered, walking with Kat and Blaise down the street, his arm around the blonde's waist. Yeah, he definitely had it bad for her.
"Derrick's probably worried about me," Amber surmised as she climbed into her Jeep. Marik tugged lightly on her arm.
"Just tell him you were with me." She blushed and giggled.
"Like that'll make a difference? Come on Marik, I'll take you home." I watched them drive off, and Jason kept his eyes on the car until it disappeared from view.
"Derrick is her…"
"Brother. Derrick is her thirteen year-old brother," Sage clarified for him. I think he knew what was going through the other boy's mind.
"And a royal pain in the ass," Peter added.
"Gee, sounds like someone else I know," Angel broke in. The human blushed a deep crimson.
"Come on guys, let's head back to the house so we can get settled." We followed an anxious Sage back to the Volvo, leaving Angel and Julian until tomorrow. They seemed quite happy to be alone again.
* * *
Sage and Peter's house was a modern log cabin in the woods. A long dirt road led to it, a wooden mailbox the only sign that someone lived back there. "You live here?" Jason asked in awe. The house could only have been made by hand, and it was a two-story colonial style. The roof was painted a deep forest green to match the trees around it, and the oak boards were slightly stained to preserve them from rain, bugs, and mold.
"We worked on it for five years. Do you like it?" Sage wondered, smiling a little. He was clearly proud of his house, and I couldn't blame him.
"You two built this whole thing by yourselves?" Okay, I was jealous.
"Sage and his parents actually started it seven years ago, and we just finished it. They put up the foundation, walls, and roof, " Peter replied.
"A couple of twelve year-olds put up the porch, windows, and the entire interior?" We were now inside the house, and it was even more beautiful than the outside. The floor was solid oak, and a living room, dining room, and den were clearly visible because of the high ceiling. In the middle of the three rooms was a huge stone fireplace made from river rock and cement. It opened out into separate sections for each room. Maple shelves lined the walls; stones and gems in the dining room, photos in the living room, and carved, wooden animals in the den. They seemed almost alive.
"My father was a master carver," Sage explained. Curved wooden stairs wound their way up to the second floor, the railing carved with leaves and flowers. Sage apparently took after his father. A kitchen was set to the right of the stairs, and though it seemed small, it was also cozy.
"Jason, just close your mouth and say "wow", will you?" I ordered.
"Wow."
"You two can stay here until you want to move out. Jason, can you come with me to get your bags back at the motel?"
"Sure Sage." I stood in the middle of the house, gazing around in speechless wonder. I must've looked like some stupid city-kid, which I was.
"I'm gonna go exploring, okay?" Jason shrugged as he and Sage walked back outside. There was a back door in the den, so I walked through it and wound up in the middle of a lush forest. The sun was beginning to set as I pushed through vines and bushes. The call of a raven stopped me dead in my tracks as memories flooded back to me…
I'd barely been a teenager when my parents left me one day. "Ruby darling, it's better for everyone if we part like this. Your father and I have been offered membership in a very select group of wolves, but you're not old enough yet. We'll write when we get there. Ta-ta!" With that my parents had walked out, leaving me to fend for myself. After a week of crying and waiting for their letter, I took to the streets. A new club was opening up downtown, but I was too young to work onstage. Instead the owner, who was a nice guy, let me help backstage working lights, playing music, helping the ladies dress, and doing makeup and hair. When I turned sixteen I was old enough to perform. My animal grace and comely looks boosted me from chorus girl to solo act in a few months. Tyler and I met at a party one night, and he got me into the pack. We often went walking in the woods near the city, listening to ravens call after each other and laughing at corny jokes. A year older than me, he'd seen other lone wolves trying to survive, and most didn't. And he knew what it was like to be a young stripper. His parents had abandoned him as a baby, and his "foster family" had forced him to work there. One night they'd disappeared, and no one was the wiser, though Tyler still worked there. He always swore he hadn't killed his fake family. The Polecat had two rooms; one for the men and one for the ladies. Tyler worked just next door to me, and the pack often came to cheer us on. While some objected to my profession, they understood me. They gave me back my family, and for two years I was the happiest person on earth…
I shook my head and wiped a tear from my eyes. It did me no good to live in the past. My pack was dead and my parents had died years ago when Hunters killed most of their "select group". Like I said before, Hunters usually took you out no matter what rank you were. Twilight was descending as I stood up to listen to the forest sounds. A breeze rattled the dead branches as squirrels raced for safe places to sleep for the night. Birds twittered to each other, and I heard leaves crunching as predators began hunting. A twig snapped behind me, and I spun around with a growl.
"Sorry!" Peter yelled, his hands high above his head. With a sigh I stood up from a defensive crouch and frowned at him.
"Why were you sneaking up on me?"
"I wasn't sneaking up on you. I was just coming to tell you that Sage and Jason brought back Wendy's for us. And aren't you just a little jumpy?" I put my hands on my hips and raised an eyebrow.
"Unless you haven't been paying attention lately, there are eleven people out there who want me dead. I've lost two families because of vermin like them, so I have a right to be jumpy." My voice was starting to shake, and then I looked up at him. Peter was staring at me with such compassion in his hazel eyes, and I completely lost it and broke down. Tears flowed down my cheeks and soaked the sleeves of my red shirt when I attempted to wipe my eyes. Sobs bubbled up in my throat as I let anguish wash over me. Through a mist of grief I was dimly aware that someone was holding me. Strong arms supported my weight, stroking my back to calm me down. Lips were pressed to my ear, whispering comfortingly.
"Ruby, it's okay to cry. You don't have to pretend around me." His hand gently caressed my face, and then it happened: a connection blossomed between us, and we fell into each other. In that instant our minds were flung wide open, and I was inundated with memories not my own: A ten year- old boy taking one last look at his parents' house before walking away with his suitcase. That same boy meeting another boy and agreeing to live with him in his house and finish it one day. A year later, a frightened boy is saved by a black wolf, which turns out to be his friend. The Night World is revealed to him, and he swears never to tell its secrets. Meeting all the Circle Starlight members and being accepted by them. Then, seeing a beautiful girl walking through the doors of a diner, needing help to survive…
"Peter, I never knew."
"Me either. We've both seen hard times. But I know that no matter what, you'll never be alone ever again. I am yours; body, mind, and soul." I smiled and kissed him.
"You're my soulmate." I don't know where the words came from, but they just sounded so right. He gave me a lop-sided grin and held me closer.
"Yeah, I guess we are soulmates."