Tempus, p.4
Tempus, page 4
His voice cut into a strangled gurgle as I shredded his throat, just as I had the pedophile’s. He collapsed to his knees, also looking up at me in disbelief.
I held his gaze with my own and watched the light in his eyes slowly dim. “That thing your crew realized before you? You were already a dead man. I just hadn’t killed you yet.”
The former Alpha of Lanton hit the porch as he gurgled his last breath, and I lifted my focus to the seven ruffians clustered at the far end of the porch. “I don’t know why you traveled with this asshole, and I don’t rightly care. But there is no place for you in any domain of mine. I do not count all of North America as my domain, just this town and whatever territory is associated with it plus Godwin County in Washington State. I highly recommend becoming model citizens, or I suspect we’ll meet again. You have until sundown to leave. You can have the clothes on your backs and anything you can prove that you own… such as vehicles in your names. Do you understand?”
All seven of them jerked choppy nods almost in unison.
“Good. Check in with Buck so that he can verify what you’re taking, or I will hunt you down. Now, go.”
They didn’t bother asking to use the porch steps. All of them turned and leaped over the railing, taking off at a near-sprint.
5
The tension inside the safe room was almost a living thing sitting among them and settling in for a long visit. Fear for her children overrode Maida’s grief for their father, and she knew it would come crashing down on her if she managed to get her family safely away from this wanton murderer.
She searched the faces of the children she and Pete cherished. Their oldest was twelve, and the youngest was eight. Two girls and a boy, and much to his chagrin and frustration, he was the youngest. Naturally, his sisters never let him forget it. Even if they weren’t having problems controlling their expressions, the scent of fear was coming off them in waves, and she wanted more than anything to tell them it would be all right.
Lyssa swore to her she was bringing help, and that Maida only need to hold out an hour. But she was in Washington. How could she bring help from Washington to Montana in less than an hour? Maybe she was calling in favors from shifters who were more local?
A fierce pounding on the door to the safe room elicited frightened whimpers from her children. Fear and anger coursed through her, too, but she kept it under tight control. She almost asked what the assholes wanted now, but what she heard stole her voice and she tried to make sense of it.
“Maida? It’s Lyssa. I’m out here with a friend, and Sheriff Buck is bringing the SUV around to the back gate. We’re going to take you to the hotel until your porch can be cleaned.”
What? That… what was wrong with the porch? She and Pete had just power-washed it and re-stained it last week. But she couldn’t deny that the voice sure sounded like Lyssa.
She took a few cautious steps toward the screen that would show her who stood outside the door. She couldn’t afford to give herself false hope and potentially put her children back into the hands of Lyle, but the screen did indeed show Lyssa and a woman she didn’t know. How did they get past the assholes?
“Kids, stay back. I think that’s my friend, but we need to be sure.”
A cold sweat ran down her back as she waited until the children were all huddled in the far corner of the safe room before keying the sequence to open the door. As soon as there was enough room for her to pass, Lyssa rushed through the doorway and pulled Maida into a crushing hug.
“I’m so sorry about Pete.” Lyssa broke the hug and nodded to the woman beside. “This is my friend Karleen. We’ll handle the rest of the introductions later; Buck’s probably already waiting at the back gate right now.”
“But… how… what about the ass—er… the new Alpha? How did you get past him?”
Lyssa’s smile was far more predatory than anything Maida could ever remember seeing from her. “Oh, he’s already bleeding out on the porch. Or if he’s not, he soon will be. My man already took care of the pedophile who tried his luck with Megan.”
The sound of a body hitting the porch reached their ears.
Lyssa grinned. “And… there it is. Come on. You don’t want the kids to see the mess, so we’ll go out the back for Buck to take us to the hotel. Wyatt will be along shortly to say hi.”
Maida desperately wanted to believe, but her children were at stake. “How… how can you be sure your man won? Lyle is a vicious fighter.”
Lyssa beamed in a way Maida had never seen from her friend. “Wyatt’s the feline primogenitor. That Lyle asshole has nothing on him.”
“Oh…” For the first time in what seemed like forever, the knot of barely controlled panic that had settled in the pit of her stomach started to ease. Lyssa was right. No matter how vicious Lyle was, he stood no chance against a primogenitor; no regular shifter did. “His guys might still try to give us trouble, though.”
The woman Lyssa introduced as Karleen snorted. “Let them. I’m the North American dire wolf.”
Maida felt her eyes going round like tea saucers. “Oh… oh, my.”
“Please trust us,” Lyssa said, waving for her to come with them. “You and your children are safe. I promise you that.”
Maida slowly nodded before holding a hand out toward her children. “Okay, kids. We’re going to go with Auntie Lyssa and her friend Karleen to the hotel. I know we’ve been scared a while, but it’s okay now.”
The children tentatively came out of their huddle and, almost as one, charged across the small space to her. She felt reassured when they clutched her—all three of them—and gave them a moment or two before moving them so she could walk.
With a steady nod that made her seem far more in control than she felt, Maida led her family out of the hell they’d endured the past day.
The scent of blood hung over the immediate area like a depressing, invisible fog. Part of me loathed the man I’d become, but what was I supposed to do? Just sit back and let all these people ruin lives unchecked?
I didn’t like the killing and probably never would… but… there was no doubt it was a solution to the problem. I had never taken a side on the debate over capital punishment back when I was human, but faced with two corpses cooling in the shade of the porch, I realized I didn’t intend for it to be a deterrent. The solution was not trying to make it a deterrent, but getting those who would not see reason or feel remorse over their actions out of society.
Was I being harsh? Unforgiving?
Thomas Carlyle seemed to have learned his lesson, so perhaps… no. I did not want someone who felt it acceptable to prey on an underage person alive in our society. I didn’t care if he could change his ways, because he chose to try for that girl… at least the way Buck told it. I should’ve probably spoken with Megan before dealing with the guy, but I didn’t feel like my conscience would give me any problems sleeping tonight.
No matter how hard I tried to feel otherwise, I honestly believed the world was a better place without these two assholes in it.
Plus, I hadn’t killed the seven remaining members of the Alpha’s posse out of hand. But I didn’t trust them, either. As soon as they were out of sight, I sent Sloane to keep an eye on them. Sure… she stood out a bit, but I didn’t care. If they figured out the massive bird was watching them for me, all the better. A little motivation never hurt anyone.
Buddy walked into my field of view and held up a spray nozzle on the end of a hose. “I hooked up the garden hose and found a wheelbarrow. Want me to start working on the mess?”
“I really don’t like the idea of messing up their wheelbarrow, but there has to be a farm supply store or something around here where we can buy a new one. Sure… let’s do what we can to clean this up before the scent really sets in. Oh… would you look for a trowel or something in case we have to turn over the topsoil under the porch? I’d prefer to bury the bloody dirt if we can manage that.”
“Sure thing, Alpha Wyatt.” Buddy hooked the nozzle on the porch railing by its handle. “I think I saw the perfect tool in the shed with the wheelbarrow. I’ll be right back.”
Gabrielle watched him leave before turning back to me. “I still can’t believe how different he is from the way he used to be. I’m not complaining, not at all, but it’s almost a complete one-eighty from before you came to us.”
I couldn’t keep from shrugged. “Ehhh… I’d say he always had it in him. He just needed someone to show him that there should be consequences for people’s choices. From everything I’ve gathered, the people of Precious kinda let him run wild.”
“Oh, we tried to rein him in. We absolutely did, but until you came along, he was one of the strongest and most dominant shifters in the county. Alpha Jace didn’t want to run him out of his family’s home, so he never forced the issue… because he wasn’t all that certain he’d win the fight if it came down to it.”
Buddy came around the corner of the house with the wheelbarrow, and I saw a couple hand trowels in it when he stopped at the edge of the sidewalk. He set them on the porch railing before moving to the corpse of the pedophile and hefting it into the wheelbarrow. He then went to the handles and tried a couple cautious lifts, before looking to me.
“I could probably get both of them in here, but I’d rather not risk it.”
“I trust you, Buddy. Handle it as you see fit.”
He nodded. “I found some black plastic in that gardening shed, too, and cut off a couple large sheets. I figure that will keep them until we find out from Sheriff Buck what to do with them.”
“Sounds good.” I gave him a thumbs-up.
Gabrielle and I watched him wheel the first corpse away as the question of whether I’d have to burn these clothes hit my mind. I looked them over as best I could and didn’t see any blood, so hopefully, a good washing would get the scent out. I really didn’t relish the idea of walking around smelling like an abattoir, but the way things were going, I might not have much choice in the matter.
It wasn’t long before he returned with an empty wheelbarrow. He set it down, and as he looked at me, his expression suggested something was on his mind that he wasn’t sure whether he should say.
“It’s okay, Buddy. Say whatever’s on your mind.”
“Well… it’s just that Lyssa and her friend would probably appreciate knowing how everything turned out, not to mention Buck. I figure I can handle the clean-up here, especially if Gabby doesn’t mind helping me. Then I can shift and nod or shake my head for when we’ve gotten the blood smell off the porch.”
Gabrielle smiled. “I don’t mind helping, and that’s a good idea, Buddy.”
“You’ll call me if you run into problems?” I looked from Buddy to Gabrielle and back again, trying to reinforce the idea that my statement was for both them.
Gabrielle gave me a rather put-upon expression as she swatted my bicep. “Wyatt, I was taking care of myself long before you came around. Not that I don’t appreciate how protective you are of us, but you go on and set those ladies’ minds at ease. We’ll be just fine, but yes… we’ll call if we’re not.”
I nodded my acceptance and stepped off the porch. I thought I remembered passing a hotel on the way here, but I wasn’t sure.
Bethany stepped into my path, her expression playful and eager. “May I assist you, Alpha Wyatt? I can open a portal to the hotel where Lyssa is.”
I did my best to give her a genuine smile, hopefully one of appreciation and gratitude, but I figured she’d interpret it however she chose, regardless of my intentions. “Thank you, Bethany, and if you don’t mind, I’d like you to come back and stay here with Buddy and Gabrielle. Once they’re satisfied with their efforts, you can bring them to wherever we are.”
Her expression lost a bit of its eagerness. “Of course, Alpha Wyatt.”
Moments later, I stood on the sidewalk in front of a hotel that looked like it dated all the way back to the Old West. I saw indications of renovations to keep it up with the times, but the overall shape and layout looked very reminiscent of hotels I’d seen in Westerns. Yes, I know… Hollywood has never been a resource for historical accuracy, but they had to get at least a few things right once in a while, didn’t they?
Just like the hotel in Precious, a bell overhead announced that I’d opened the door. I hadn’t taken more than a couple steps when Lyssa entered the lobby from a door that led to what looked like a parlor or sitting room. I smiled when I saw her, and she crossed the distance between us in no time.
“Did you have any trouble?”
I shook my head. “Not even a little bit. How is your friend and her kids?”
“They’re still a little scared. It hasn’t really set in yet that the asshole is gone and won’t threaten them ever again.”
“Well, then… let’s go see if I can convince them.”
Lyssa smiled and turned toward the doorway she’d walked through, but she stopped and turned back to me. She reached up—as she tip-toed—and pulled me into a deep, slow kiss. When she finally let us come up for air, she settled back on her feet. “I love you, Wyatt Magnusson. Don’t you ever doubt that, not for even a moment. I’ll show you just how much I appreciate you helping my friend when we get home.”
Well, now… I didn’t help her friend for her appreciation, but I was not about to say ‘no.’
Expectations set, Lyssa took my hand as she turned and led me to the sitting room. What I saw only served to reinforce my certainty that the hotel had endured the heyday of the Old West. The furniture gave off an old-time vibe while still being quality items in good repair. The woman I assumed was Lyssa’s friend sat with three children on a wide sofa that occupied the far corner of the room. I watched her look up when we entered, and her eyes shot wide.
“See, Maida? I told you that you had nothing to worry about.”
Soon enough, we stood in front of the sofa, and Lyssa continued. “Allow me to introduce Wyatt Magnusson, Alpha of Precious and Godwin County, Consul of the Shifters of North America, and the Smilodon primogenitor. Wyatt, this is my roommate and dear friend from college, Maida Ames, and her children.”
Maida stared up at me, hints of trepidation in her expression. “If you’re here and Lyle isn’t, then you’re Alpha of Lanton and Glacier Reach, too.”
Lyssa nodded as I tried to keep from frowning my confusion. “Glacier Reach? Is that the county?”
Maida was quick to shake her head. “Glacier Reach is the only shifter territory in Montana. It covers four counties.” She must have seen something in my expression, because she hastened to add more. “But don’t worry about a huge increase in shifters who answer to you. Glacier Reach is mostly land; our numbers of shifters per square mile is one of the lowest in the country.”
Lyssa turned to me. “Their population here is about equal to Godwin County, honestly. A lot more shifters live among the humans in Montana, because… well… it’s really easy here. A few shifters have even won elected office in the human counties.”
I gaped at her. “Uhm…”
Lyssa shrugged. “There’s no law saying shifters have to live in a shifter territory, especially if they have good control. Yes… there’s always the risk of changing someone accidentally, but requiring shifters to live in a shifter territory until they can demonstrate control has never been worth the headaches of trying to force that policy change. Besides, humans travel through shifter territories all the time without realizing it, creating the same risk.”
Well, okay then. Learn something new every day, I guess.
“So… what happens to us?”
I turned my attention back to Maida and shrugged. “What do you want to happen to you? I came here to ensure your freedom, not claim it for myself. I will help you and yours however I can.”
Maida looked to Lyssa, her expression questioning, and I had to talk to myself pretty fast to keep from being offended. After all, she’d known Lyssa for who knows how long, while she and I just met. Of course, she’d trust Lyssa before me.
“He’s serious, Maida.” Lyssa added a reassuring smile. “You’re safe now. It’s over.”
Maida released a shuddering sigh, as a handful of tears escaped her ironclad self-control. “Oh, thank you. Thank you so much.”
I gave my best attempt at a reassuring smile of my own. “We’ll be around for a couple days while I accept applications to be my proxy. The simple fact is that my home and family are in Washington, and for right now, I’d rather not move too far, regardless of my access to Magi teleportation.”
Maida’s eyes shot wide. “So, that’s how you got here so fast? How did you get access to the Magi? They haven’t always been friendly to us.”
Lyssa and I shared a quick glance as I fought the urge to grin. “Have you heard of Connor Magnusson?”
It seemed she didn’t connect the dots at the similar last name. “Well, of course. I don’t think you could be part of the supernatural world and not at least know of the North American delegate to the Magi Assembly.”
“He’s my grandfather.”
For the briefest moment, Maida’s eyes shot wide, then her expression turned rueful as she closed her eyes and hung her head. She rubbed her fingers across her forehead a couple times and nodded. “Yeah… I should’ve figured that out when Lyssa introduced you. Sorry.”
“Don’t be. You’re going through a very trying time, and you shouldn’t feel bad about a few things slipping past you.”
By the time I finished speaking, Maida met my eyes once more. After a couple heartbeats, her expression became an odd mixture of hesitation and determination. I saw hints of both. “Uhm… I know it normally isn’t done, but may I be your first interview for the proxy of Glacier Reach?”
“You sure about that? From what Sheriff Buck said, it could be risky if someone doesn’t believe that you’re not Alpha around here.”
Maida’s expression lost all hints of hesitation. “Yes, I’m sure. Pete grew up here and loved Glacier Reach. It would mean a lot to me if I could continue helping his family, friends, and neighbors.”
