Wolf queen shadow guild.., p.1
Wolf Queen (Shadow Guild: Wolf Queen Book 5), page 1
Wolf Queen
Linsey Hall
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Epilogue
Thank You!
Acknowledgments
Author’s Note
About Linsey
Copyright
1
Eve
* * *
Sleep was my only escape from the interminable hell of my own mind. Time passed slowly underground, though. I’d probably only been in this cell for a few days, but it felt like years. It didn't matter that my friends had decorated it like a palace—I was still a prisoner.
And so I slept.
A lot.
Except this time, my dreams were strange. They were no longer the mad ravings of a wolf succumbing to the dark moon curse, but rather something different.
In this dream, I was surrounded by people I recognized—friendly faces that made my heart bloom with love and loss. Though I didn’t know their names, I’d adored these people once. But they were gone.
The other dire wolves.
I was the last of my kind—this had to be them. Every time they visited me in dreams, I felt the most overwhelming sense of responsibility toward them, the deepest desire to protect, and the most aching sense of loss.
But the dreams always morphed, sending me to an ancient forest that I recognized somehow. The trees were as familiar to me as my own face, and I would find answers here. I would find a way to save them.
An ancient, gnarled oak called me, pulling on my soul until I found myself on my knees, clawing at the dirt. I dug and dug, desperation surging through me. This was the answer to bringing them back. I didn’t have to be the only dire wolf, if only I could find it. It was down here, I knew it. Finally, my hand closed over an object, and—
I woke up.
Gasping, I sat straight up in bed.
Shit.
What had I been digging for? Something that would help me save the other dire wolves, wherever they were.
Dead.
And yet, their faces haunted me, their voices called soundlessly for me to save them. I could feel them like I could feel the earth beneath me, just as I could feel my duty to them.
I dragged a hand through my hair and stumbled out of bed.
The four walls of my cell still stared at me, stark and impenetrable. Paintings dotted them here and there, but it didn’t matter. I was still underground, locked away as a threat to myself and others. It didn’t matter that I had agreed this was the safest thing—it still made me want to tear my hair out.
It was even worse during my bad spells. They came over my mind like a black cloud, turning me into a murderous monster.
The shadows crept in even now, and I gripped the bridge of my nose and squeezed my eyes shut. I needed to maintain control because I had to get the hell out of here and find that tree. Whatever was buried beneath it was as important as my next breath—I could feel it like I could feel the floor below my feet. It was the answer.
But how the hell could I get out? I was so far underground that I couldn’t feel the power of the moon. I didn’t have my goddess magic, so I couldn’t tear the door off the hinges. And even if I could turn into a dire wolf now, I couldn’t exactly claw my way out of here.
Ralph.
My familiar was the answer. That cute little bastard could break in anywhere to steal chocolate. He could definitely break me out of here.
“Ralph,” I called in a low voice, reaching out to him. He could usually feel me when I wanted him to come to me, and I prayed it would be the same now.
It took a few minutes and a little bit of stress, but he finally appeared in the middle of my cell, looking at me with confusion.
Are you nuts?
“In general, yes. Right now, no.”
He frowned and waddled closer, then pressed a little hand to my leg. I felt his magic seep into me, and it calmed my mind even more. He nodded, clearly satisfied. What do you want?
“A hug?” I felt like a lunatic in an asylum trying to convince the guard I was okay, but I really could have used a hug right then.
You’re not the hugging type.
“I’m not quite myself right now, as you know.”
True. He hugged my leg, and I smiled. It felt good. I’d been alone too long in there, even though my friends visited to talk through the bars.
“I need to get out.”
He gasped and stepped back, pressing a little hand to his chest. And you think that moi would help you with this perversion of justice?
“It’s not a perversion of justice, you numpty. I’m not in here for a crime. I’m in here because I agreed it was safer. And now I know I need to get out—just temporarily—to find something from my dream.”
You sound nuts to me.
“I’ll give you as many chocolate bars as you want.”
He pursed his lips, clearly thinking about it. How will you get them if you’re stuck in here?
“You know this isn’t permanent, right? It’s just until I can fix myself. And now I know how to fix myself!”
Why don’t you ask your friends with the keys?
That was a good question. I could have just called them. But deep down, I knew they’d think it was too dangerous for me to leave the cell, and I knew I had to be the one to search for the map.
Not to mention, they knew how big a threat I was, and they weren’t nearly as gullible as Ralph. So yes, he was on to something. I was definitely trying to pull a fast one on him.
“I’ll come back here as soon as I’m done.” And I would. But I was also trying to distract him from his first question. “Don’t forget about those chocolate bars.”
Fine. But I’m staying with you the whole time.
Thank fates for his one-track mind.
“Perfect, because you help keep me sane.” That was the other reason I’d called him: his presence kept my mind clearer. Something about him being my familiar helped me maintain my grip on sanity.
How are we going to do this?
“Get the key, then lead me out of here. Surely you know a way past the guards.”
Not that first guard, but otherwise, yes.
“I’ll take care of the first guard.”
He nodded, then gave me a hard look. But I’m throwing you under the bus if you do something crazy.
I gasped. “You wouldn’t.”
Okay, I wouldn’t. But you’re supposed to be the responsible one in this pair. He gestured between us. So with you off the rails, I can’t be held responsible for my own actions.
“You’ll do fine. This is an important job, and you’re up to the task.”
He preened. I am. Now wait here.
“Wouldn’t dream of going anywhere.”
He disappeared into the air, and I waited. It felt like my heart raced a mile a minute as I paced the cell. Anticipation raced through me. I could feel where the tree was—somewhere on Orkney, near Maeshowe, the ancient, chambered cairn where the Maker had forced me to transition into a dire wolf.
But what was under the tree?
Anxiety made my mind spin. I could feel madness at the edges of my mind, fueled by my excitement, but I had to pursue this. There was no denying that I felt a little nuts, to use Ralph’s term, but I knew this was vital.
Finally, he returned.
“Well?”
He held up a big silver key. Got it.
I swooped it out of his hand and hurried to the door.
Wait! There are two guards!
Shit. I’d been so out of my mind with excitement that I’d almost forgot them. With a shaky breath, I tried to get my thoughts under control. The first thing I had to do was sneak out of this cell and through the castle. I’d need all my wits for that.
You’re sure you don’t want to ask your friends for help?
His question made it clear he thought I was mad, and I knew I was. This was crazy. But I also had to get whatever my vision was driving me toward, and they might try to stop me.
The curse was definitely influencing me, and it was stronger than my rational mind. But I was right. I was sure of it. I had to be the one to go to the tree and dig. It had to be me.
How to get past the guards, though? I didn’t have a weapon, and they were trained in combat. I could hold my own in a fight, but not unarmed. If I transformed into a dire wolf, I could definitely take them, but I couldn’t guarantee that I wouldn’t hurt them with my fangs or claws. That wasn’t an option, either.
I looked down at Ralph. “You can transport anywhere you want, right?”
Like a pro.
“Can you get two stunner bombs from my workshop and bring them back here?”
A wide grin spread across his face. Why didn’t you mention bombs sooner?
Duh. That would have been a good way to get his immediate assistance. “Just do it and be quick.”
He nodded and disappeared. I paced, waiting. When they’d locked me in here, my friends hadn’t anticipated Ralph assisting me. Of course they hadn’t. It had been my idea to lock me up…but I hadn’t counted on needing to escape. Maybe I was mad, and my loony raccoon would go down for aiding and abetting before he became the voice of reason.
I shook my head violently, trying to drive away the doubts. I knew what I had to do.
Finally, Ralph returned with two shiny potion bombs in his hands.
“Gimme.” I bent down and swooped them up, and he scowled. “All right, fine.” I handed him one of the bombs, and he grinned. “But you can’t miss. I’ll take the first guard, you take the second.”
You can count on me.
“I know I can.”
He grinned, and we turned to the door. Quickly, I used the key to unlock it and yanked the door open. A guard stood right in front of it, his broad back blocking my view of the hallway.
I could feel his shock in the way he stiffened. As he turned, I hurled the potion bomb at his back. It exploded, splashing him with the enchanted liquid. Within a half second, he hit the ground like a giant redwood, unconscious.
“Now!” I hissed, my gaze on the guard who stood a few feet down the hall, already moving toward us.
Ralph lunged forward and hurled the potion bomb at the guard. His aim was true, but the guard was fast. He darted to the right, taking the potion bomb to the arm. The glass shattered, but most of the liquid splashed uselessly to the ground.
Panic surged. I couldn’t let him alert the others.
He staggered toward me, only slightly inebriated from a potion bomb that should have knocked him out cold. Ralph charged him, leaping onto his chest and climbing up to pull on his hair.
The guard hissed and swatted at him. I used the moment of distraction to dart by and trip him. As he staggered forward, I shoved him hard against the wall. He leaned forward in the perfect way, and his head slammed into the stone.
Ralph leapt off him as he collapsed and lay still.
You killed him.
Worry twisted my stomach. “I didn’t,” I insisted, but I knelt down and tested his pulse. It thumped beneath my fingertips. “He’s fine. Let’s go.”
I hurried away from the guards and up the stairs, looking back at Ralph to whisper, “Do you know a secret way out?”
Let me lead. He scampered in front of me and led me up the stairs. It was a long way to the main floor. We climbed ten stories before Ralph stopped at a little wooden door. This way. Your friends usually hang out in a room at the top of the stairs, but this will lead us away from them.
“Where does it go?”
It’s an old storeroom for the kitchens.
“Find anything good in there?”
Cleaned them out yesterday.
“Of course you did.” I tried the door, but found it locked.
I’ll get it. He disappeared, no doubt appearing on the other side of the door. I heard a lock snick, and smiled. When I tried the door again, it swung open easily. Dozens of crates stood against the walls, most of them appearing to be very old. A few held bottles of vinegar and wine, and one was totally upturned.
“You haven’t developed a drinking problem, have you?”
If you’re referring to chocolate milk, then yes.
Of course.
This way. He guided me through the room and toward a corridor on the other side. It was dark and a little damp, giving the impression that it was rarely used. We passed several dark storerooms before finding a narrow set of stairs that led to the main floor.
I held my breath as I pushed open the door at the top. Ralph peeked out at my feet. Coast is clear.
Quietly, I crept into the main hall. It had an old wooden floor that creaked ominously, but the lights that gleamed on the stone walls were dim. If someone saw me from behind, they might not realize it was me.
My advanced dire wolf hearing caught my friends’ voices to the left. Mac, Carrow, and Beatrix, from the sound of it. They were worried about me.
I turned right to avoid them, feeling guilty but determined. My stride was swift as I made my way to the main door. Not many people lived at our Highland headquarters these days, and with any luck, I wouldn’t run into a single one.
I’d made it to the front door when I heard my name—in Lachlan’s voice. Low and rough, it was a delight to the ears. “Eve? What are you doing?”
I stiffened, a chill going through me.
Caught. Shit.
My mind raced, ideas for escape jumbling on top of each other. The shadows of madness crept in at the edges of my mind, the dark moon curse trying to take over.
Slowly, heart pounding, I turned to him. As soon as I laid eyes on him, a dark fog overtook me. Rage shot through my veins, blurring my vision. Suddenly, I was no longer in control of my own actions. A bone-deep desire to kill Lachlan flooded through me, and I charged him. A monster had overtaken me, stronger than anything in my soul.
I would be able to do more damage if I shifted, but something stopped me. Maybe it was my last bit of sanity, or perhaps the rage was too strong to allow me to pause for even a moment.
I was on him a second later, swinging for his face. He caught my hand and grabbed me around the waist, spinning me around so that my back was pinned to his chest. Deftly, he bound my arms to my front, holding me tight.
“Let me go,” I hissed, struggling against him. His warmth surrounded me, strong and sure. At the edge of my mind, I could feel the desire to melt against him. We’d slept together before my life had turned into a disaster, and it had been the most amazing night of my life. I could live in those memories forever.
Yet the curse was stronger still. It drove me, filling my head with a dark sickness that made me want to tear his heart out.
“Calm down.” His voice rumbled against my ear, and I shivered. “It’s the curse, not you. Fight it.”
I drew in a shuddery breath, focusing on the feel of him behind me. The strength and heat. The pleasurable shiver brought by his breath against my ear.
“You can do it, Eve.”
I closed my eyes and remembered his kiss. Maybe it wasn’t the most rational idea, but somehow, I knew it would help.
And it did. Memories of Lachlan were as strong as my familiar’s touch. They calmed me, bringing me back to myself. The sight of him enraged me—perhaps it was the emotion it evoked—but his touch calmed me. When I felt Ralph’s little paws against my calf, I knew I had enough control.
“I’m fine.” My voice was rusty. “You can let me go.”
“Are you sure?”
I nodded. “Knock me out if I get weird again.”
“You know I can’t do that.”
“Then do whatever this is.” This embrace that stole my breath. Just feeling his warmth against my back was enough to make heat rise within me. Memories of his kiss, his touch, filled my mind. I tried to shove the thoughts away, but his evergreen scent filled the air, so amazing that it nearly made my head spin.
More than anything, I wanted to drop my head back against his chest and tilt it to the side so that he could kiss my neck. It was a terrible idea—a dangerous idea—and yet, it was all I could think of. The tension between us was so thick that I could have drowned in it, but it would have been a death I welcomed.
“I’m fine,” I said. “For now, at least.”
I could feel his indecision, but we couldn't stand like that forever. Finally, he let me go, and I turned to him.
I’d only got the briefest glimpse of him before the rage had taken me earlier. Now, I could see all of him. Strong and powerful, handsome and fierce. The dark shirt he wore only hinted at the curves and planes of his muscles, but I knew how amazing he looked underneath. And his face. Beautiful. Brutal. A poet’s face and the body of a warrior.
It was unfair that anyone should look as impossibly glorious as him. Except his next words weren’t glorious. Not at all.
“I can’t let you escape, Eve. You’re going back to your cell.”
2
Eve
* * *
“What are you doing?” he asked.
Shit. Would he trust me? Believe me? Ralph stood at my side, and I drew strength from him. “I had a dream. A prophecy, maybe. Or a memory.”
