Wolf Mountain Peak Complete Series, page 79
part #1 of Wolf Mountain Peak Series
An image flashed into Dean’s mind, just as she revealed the truth to them. Bill Saunders’s last words, before he stabbed him in the chest.
“My brothers will avenge me. And you won’t even see them coming.”
At last, his statement made sense. It seemed that Damian’s clan had partnered with a mighty practitioner in order to disable the most powerful weapon in the pack’s arsenal. Alas, the vampires had succeeded. Unless the damage in her eyes was reversible, she would never be the same again.
“It’s them, Raul,” Dean emphasized his words as he turned to his older brother. “This is the war Damian spoke about. He warned us. He told us it wouldn’t be typical. Well, it’s not. It’s a dirty war.”
“I don’t know, Dean,” Raul heaved a deep, heavy sigh. “Maybe you’re right. We need to find some evidence, and I don’t have the slightest idea as to how we’re going to get it.”
The Alpha’s brother kept his mouth shut, understanding that his brother had made a valid point. Indeed, they were in the dark. They had lost the only person who could provide a helping hand. Still, the silence in the waiting room was short-lived, as a rather long, tire squeak drew their attention.
“That must be Cliff,” Julia informed them. “I called him on our way over.”
A sea of sadness flooded Dean’s heart as he comprehended what he had to do. He and Monica were the only witnesses of the event. One of them had to handle the grim task of letting him know about the terrible fate that had befallen her. However, as Cliff’s footsteps echoed back at the walls of the corridor, Raul turned around, and moved off towards the sound, sparing him from narrating what had transpired. Nevertheless, Dean was baffled as the police officer’s figure came into view. He wouldn’t slow his strides; his face was twisting in an expression of rage as he charged towards his brother. Cliff lifted his arm, and rotated it in midair. Raul was thrown five feet back across the hall, as Helena’s boyfriend laid a thundering punch to his jaw. His body fell hard to the floor, as he banged his head against a plastic seat. Poor Cliff… he had just made a tragic mistake. But, if Dean wanted him to stay alive, he had to prevent his own brother from making an even bigger one. Raul pressed his hand onto his lip, collecting a drop of his blood, as he rose from the floor. A yellow glow spread over his eyes, as he tossed a ferocious glare over at Cliff. Amazingly enough, Cliff wasn’t done with attacking Dean’s family. Gripping Dean by the shoulder, he attempted to spin him around; but, before he could do that, Melissa leapt onto him, knocking him off balance. A feral snarl, rattling in the Alpha’s throat, compelled Dean to take action. He thrust both arms towards him, placing his hands on his shoulders, as his brother started towards the fallen Cliff.
“You fucking freak!” Helena’s boyfriend cried, thrashing about underneath Melissa. “This is all your fault, you hear me? This is all your goddamn fault!”
“Don’t!” Dean commanded, his face stiff, as he leaned over closer to Raul. “Let it go. Helena will never forgive you if you touch him.”
“Do I need to remind you that you’re in a hospital?” Monica shouted, tossing a nasty glare down at Cliff. “Knock it off: both of you!” She added, shifting her gaze from him to look up at her mate.
“Out of respect to Helena, I’m going to let this slide, just this once,” Raul grumbled as his own gaze still remained fixed on Cliff. “There won’t be a next time. Let him go, Mel.”
“Fine,” Melissa muttered, swinging her leg over Cliff, as a young doctor emerged from the examination room.
“Curtis!” Monica exclaimed, rushing off towards him. “How did it go? Will she able to see again?”
“I’m afraid I have some bad news, Monica,” Curtis announced, clenching his jaw. “Her tests won’t be out until tomorrow, but the damage to both of her ocular nerves is too severe. They’ll only confirm my diagnosis. I’m sorry. Which one of you is Cliff?” He posed a question, glancing around him, as Monica raised both of her hands to cover her mouth.
“That would be me,” Cliff said, as he straightened his shirt.
“She’s asking to see you,” The doctor informed, as Dean felt his entire world tumbling down around him. Helena Lockhart, the closest thing they all had to a mother, had been scarred for life. Just when she had found love, she had to accept that she would never see Cliff’s face again. Still, he knew her. Yes, her inability to see the man she loved would tear her apart, but Helena would essentially have to give up practicing magic, and that would hurt her even more. Witchcraft had been fascinating her all her life. Her powers had kept her loved ones safe. Now, she had to wrap her head around the fact that she would be unable to help them anymore. In other words, she was just a human, in need of their assistance and support.
“Dean…” Kate’s smoky voice snapped him out of his thoughts, as she stepped closer to him. “My appointment is in a little over three hours. Jules and I are leaving for New York.”
“I thought you’d stay,” Dean sighed, focusing his attention on her. “You know, to try and comfort her and all.”
“I’d love to, but I can’t,” Kate spoke, her voice losing its nerve, as she threw a swift glance over at the examination room door. “Besides, she’s got Cliff. I’ll see you tonight, ok?”
Dean merely nodded assent, unwilling to continue this pointless conversation.
“Damn irony,” he thought to himself, as the two friends strode out of the hall. “Helena got blinded, on the same day of my mate’s date with destiny; talk about bittersweet. We’ll always be by your side, Helena. We never turn our back on family, even when their own fortune has turned its back on them.”
Chapter Ten
Kate and Julia set off for the big city, hardly speaking to one another. The tragic incident that had cost Helena her eyesight, had also cast its shadow upon them, and had stolen their will to discuss anything. The day that Kate had been waiting for all her life had been effectively ruined. All she desired to do was go to New York, sign the contract, and get back to Paxton, in order to stand by her friend. Any standard details, like duration, were of no importance. For her, this was nothing more than an errand, something she would do, out of professional courtesy.
As the Big Apple drew near however, an ugly thought that had been eluding her for hours crossed her mind. With yet another clan of vampires threatening their home and their town alike, the pack would eventually require her assistance. Even though her powers had not peaked yet, she was the only witch in the area that could provide a helping hand. Kate could only perform basic tricks, like moving things around in the house, or teleport from one place to another. She was still a fledgling witch; yet, that simple truth would not make them think twice about asking her help. Sadly for them though, even if she accepted that challenge, Kate didn’t believe that they could rely on her. Helena had been studying and practicing witchcraft for more than eight decades. Kate discovered her heritage, roughly a year ago. She couldn’t become as powerful as her friend, especially within a few months. Dean’s mate needed guidance from Helena, patience, peace of mind, and most of all, time. Under the circumstances, she couldn’t have any of those. The witch of Paxton couldn’t guide her without her vision. She had to be able to read the spells, before incanting them. Kate was never famous for being patient, and her increased stress would worsen that quality. Anxiety would not allow her any peace of mind. Time was quickly running out. Nobody had a clue as to “when” Damian’s clan would strike again, but she suspected it would be soon.
A few minutes before 3pm, she turned left and into the underground parking lot of the massive steel tower that housed “Starlight Records.” The huge space didn’t make any impression on her, but, much to her dislike, as soon as they exited her car, a big smile burst upon Julia’s lips.
“This place is even bigger than my bank’s lot,” she remarked, as the two of them headed towards the elevator.
“Starlight is among the top five record companies in the country, Jules,” Kate informed her, using a monotonous tone of voice. “I’m not surprised.”
“Jesus, girl, you sound like Dr. Stiff,” Julia complained, as her smile fled. “This is the biggest day of your life, and you look like you’re going to a funeral, for God’s sake.”
“Actually, we both left from a funeral,” Kate pointed out, ignoring her friend’s comment about her similarity to Monica. “Let’s get this over with,” she continued as the elevator halted in front of them.
“You’re overreacting here, honey,” Julia commented, as they stepped into the car. “She’s blind; she’s not dead.”
“She is,” Kate countered, turning to face her, as she pressed the “penthouse” button on the panel. “The witch is gone, Jules.”
“Don’t talk like that,” Julia urged a hint of stress in her tone. “Ok, she’s suffered a blow, but…”
“It’s not just a blow,” Kate interrupted, putting some force in her voice. “It’s the worst thing that could happen to her. You don’t know her as well as I do. Witchcraft is her life. It kept her going through years and years of solitude. What is she going to do now? I mean, how can she come back from this?”
“Is there anything you can do to help her?” Julia wondered, intensifying her stare.
“I have no idea,” Kate shook her head sideways. “I’ve read my mom’s book a couple of times; it doesn’t mention anything about how to cure blindness. I’ll need to head over to her library. Maybe there’s something in one of her books.”
“Let’s do that together,” Julia suggested, taking her eyes off her. Finding a reflective surface in the chrome frame around the elevator, she checked her face. At the sight of her countenance, she swept her fingertips back across her hairline, and practiced a friendly smile.
“Jules…” Kate snorted in amusement, as the doors on the car opened. “Relax, will you? You’re not going to a job interview,”
“I made you smile,” Julia winked at her, as she strode off to exit the elevator. The two women stepped out into a large, white, but rather empty lobby. Other than an elderly lady at her desk to the left, there was no one else around them.
“Welcome to ‘Starlight Records’, what can I do for you ladies?” she smiled at them, as she moved around her desk.
“Hi, my name’s Kate Brooks, I have an appointment with Mr. Alstead,” Kate courteously responded as they walked towards her.
“Yes, he’s been expecting you. You may enter,” The secretary said, as Kate spotted an open door in the upper right corner. By all accounts, being just minutes away from realizing her dream should have her feeling excited, to say the least. Yet, the young blonde was utterly numb. To her, it was like she was visiting her local grocery store, not the CEO of a major record company. Ample sunlight was coming through the massive glass façade, as she and her friend joined Ryan in his office. He was standing next to his office, with a big, polite smile adorning his chiseled face, and his hands in the pockets of his expensive, navy-blue suit.
“Good afternoon, Ms. Brooks,” he addressed her in a polite manner, as he pulled his right hand out of his pocket. “It’s lovely to have you here. Who’s your beautiful friend?”
“Julia Stinson,” Julia was quick to respond, returning his smile, as he and Kate exchanged a cordial handshake.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Ryan went on, shaking her hand as well. “Please, have a seat.”
Kate didn’t pay any attention to his compliments on Julia. He had been quite warm to her as well the night before. More than that, Alstead was a young, very successful executive, who was rumored to be a “ladies man.” Eager to be done with this as quickly as possible, she seated herself on his left, while Julia assumed the other seat across from her.
“Let’s get down to business, shall we?” He suggested, pulling two, small piles of documents out of his top drawer. “Ms. Brooks, take some time to read your contract,” he continued, setting the pile in his left hand down onto his desk.
“Thank you,” Kate murmured, as she flipped over the first page. She took a deep breath, understanding that, for a few minutes, she had to take her mind off her friend’s misery, and focus on herself. She might have been in pain, but she was well-aware of her vocal skills. She wouldn’t leave that office, until she got what she wanted. Nevertheless, Kate realized that she didn’t have to voice any kind of complaint, as she went over the terms of her contract. Within four years, she had to release three albums. She would get $150,000 for each, plus 5% from CD sales. And, incredibly enough, “Starlight Records” would give her a $100,000 signing bonus. Kate’s jaw dropped to the floor, as she read that last condition.
“Mr. Alstead, you didn’t mention a signing bonus,” she spoke, excitement pouring into her voice, making it come out fast and tense. “One hundred thousand dollars is a lot of money.”
“I believe my exact words were ‘I hope you can swim, because, someday, you’re going to swim in money.’” He teased, as his smile widened to a grin. “Signing bonuses are company protocol. We always offer them to upcoming artists. In case you didn’t notice, there’s no mention of any live performances or your compensation. Don’t worry; we haven’t left them out on purpose. It’s just that we need to wait for the people’s response to your first videos. I’m sure they’ll love you, you’re very talented, but we have to wait, until they go on YouTube. We’ll set up a different contract for you when they do. Welcome aboard, Kate,” He finished his short speech with yet another, polite smile, handing a check over to her, as he leaned closer.
“Thanks again,” she uttered, red heat flushing her cheeks, as he offered her his pen.
“These are the songs that will be included in your first album,” Ryan declared, putting the other stack of papers beside her contract. “Take a look at them. If you have any suggestions, feel free to meet with our writers and discuss them. Their phone numbers are on the last page. If you don’t, we can start recording at your convenience.”
“Great,” Kate chirped, as she signed the contract. “I can’t wait.”
“Neither can we, Ms. Brooks,” Ryan gave a short giggle; “neither can we. Do you have any questions?”
“No, not really,” she responded, as she got up. “Thank you so much for this, Mr. Alstead. You won’t regret it.”
“I know,” he said with a nod, as they shook hands once more. Kate allowed herself to savor the long-awaited moment, feeling her heart racing in her chest. She had earned it; this was the –first – reward of her long years of performing in nightclubs. At last, her efforts had paid off. Mainly though, she cherished it, because Helena’s fate had not left her mind at all. Signing that contract would be a glimpse of sunlight in the dark world she was about to return to.
Chapter Eleven
Back in Paxton, Raul had called an emergency pack meeting, somewhat surprising Dean. It was standard procedure in dark times; but, for him, this was rather futile. Had there been any vampire sightings in the area, his brother would have been the first to know. In Dean’s mind, this was an act of despair, one that could cost Raul dearly. Wolves can smell fear. They prey on it. The pack would sense their Alpha’s weakness. So far, they were all loyal to him. Nobody had shown any intention of challenging his rule. Still, this was not a matter of power. It was a matter of spirit, a spirit that would inevitably break, should the pack discover the dire position they were in. Damian’s sorcerer had taken away their witch. She couldn’t use her resources to find out more about the enemy. They were completely in the dark. They could only rely on Helena’s agents, and none of them had offered anything of import lately.
Dean set off with his brothers from their estate in the hope that the pack would stay united. However, the cries and the screams that rang in his ears, long before they reached “Joe’s” diner, proved to him that this was a fool’s hope. He and his Alpha glanced at one another; yet, neither of them spoke. The pack was not just uneasy as they had been in the past. It was more than clear to them that they were on the verge of turning on each other. When the diner came into view, it occurred to Dean that they had a lot of work to do. Thankfully, things had not become physical just yet, but almost every shifter in the diner was yelling, pointing, or banging their hands onto tables. Raul literally ditched his truck in the middle of the parking lot, and stormed out of his truck. Dean jogged behind him, fixing his gaze on the room. Alas, as the Alpha strode into the diner, the racket did not cease whatsoever. It was as if the two of them were invisible. Raul lowered his gaze, exhaling hard, as he folded his arms across his chest.
“Hey, shut up!” Dean’s rumbling baritone rose above every other noise in the diner, as he put his hands on his waist. “Your Alpha is here, you mutts! Show him some proper respect!”
“Respect!” snarled Jimmy, as every head turned in Dean’s direction. The seasoned scout was twisting with rage, as he stood across from him. “We’ve been through all sorts of shit, since he took over: witches, other packs, vampires, more vampires! Now, he tells us Helena is blind! What the fuck are we supposed to do now, huh?”
“Calming down would be nice for starters,” Raul interjected, his tone stiff.
“Fuck no!” Jimmy cried, jerking his head in a spasm of frustration. “You’re unfit, boy. Warrick was a prick, but at least we didn’t have to worry about anybody else, while he was in charge.”
“Boy?” Dean grumbled, throwing a ferocious glare down at the scout. “Did I hear you right?”
“Yeah,” Jimmy affirmed, as a sarcastic smile formed on his face. “Why? What are you going to do about it?”
Dean was starting to lose his patience. Not only had they been disrespectful towards his brother, but one of them was taunting him, testing his limits. His inner beast was calling to him, eager to rip right out of his human skin, and show them the gravity of their insult. However, his wolf had to stay put. Shifting and engaging one of them in broad daylight could have catastrophic consequences for the pack. Should he attack Jimmy or anybody else, the chances of them staying together would go from slim to none. Therefore, he decided to hold on to his temper.
