Wolf Mountain Peak Complete Series, page 81
part #1 of Wolf Mountain Peak Series
“Kate’s been her apprentice for a while now,” Dean responded as a foul stench filled his nostrils. Just after that, the distinctive sound of a garbage bag being dragged across the floor sent his pulse rising once again.
“He’s coming,” he whispered, stepping backwards, to hide in the shadow of the roof. Cliff lifted his shotgun at chest height, and lowered it slightly as Raul stopped behind his brother. Helena’s boyfriend pressed the “on” button on his flashlight as the service door was pulled open.
“Hi,” He croaked, pressing the tip of the barrel up against the janitor’s throat as he pointed the flashlight directly into his eyes; “hands where I can see them.”
“O-Okay,” the old man stuttered, squeezing his eyes shut, the black, garbage bag slipping out of his grasp as he raised his arms over his head.
“The guy in the dressing room,” Cliff’s tone of voice became stiffer as he slid the barrel up the janitor’s carotid. “What’s his name?”
“I don’t know,” He squeaked as his hands shook. “He just paid me three hundred bucks to open that door.”
“Wrong answer,” Cliff groaned, stopping his weapon just below the stranger’s chin. “The name, old man: Don’t test my patience.”
“I’ve seen him before,” The janitor said, his hoarse voice overflowing with terror. “He’s good friends with the boss. He gave me three hundred bucks to unlock that door. Bethels,” he choked out as Cliff pushed the cold metal into his skin. “His name’s Leonard Bethels.”
“Good,” Cliff uttered, pushing his flashlight further towards the old man. “If you tell anybody about our little encounter, I’m going to blow your goddamn brains out. Now, get the hell back inside.”
The janitor dropped his arms as Cliff lowered his shotgun. He then spun around, and slammed the door shut behind him as a sense of accomplishment struck Dean.
“Bethels…” Raul whispered, clenching his jaw as he moved around his brother. “Why does that name sound familiar?”
His Alpha’s query shredded any thread of calmness in its wake. He was right; they had encountered that name before. A tidal wave of shock and awe washed over Dean as he recalled when and where he had seen it first. It was in Khalista’s book of prophecies, in a list that was titled:
“The names of the oldest and strongest witch families in the world”
It may have been a while since that day, but, in truth, it had never, ever left his mind. How could it? Kate found out about her heritage that day. It was a turning point, in both of their lives.
“That’s because it’s in Helena’s book,” Dean retorted, tearing his gaze away from him as he rubbed his jaw. “It’s on the same list as Marianne McIntyre’s.”
“Fuck!” Raul roared in rage, kicking a tin can that lay beside his foot.
“Can either of you tell me just what the hell you guys are talking about?” Cliff inquired, surprise written all over his face as he slipped his flashlight back into his pocket.
“Helena’s got this book of prophecies,” Dean explained, slightly raising his tone as his gaze shot up to meet his. “Kate comes from a witch bloodline. Her family’s one of the strongest in the world. So is Bethels.”
“Awesome,” Cliff said, his voice reeking with irony. “Can he be killed?”
“They’re all mortal,” Raul sighed, keeping his eyes looking down towards the ground. At that moment, his phone buzzed with an incoming call from Ray.
“Yeah?”
“We’ve found the bastards, baby,” Ray’s voice was barely audible. “They all live in an apartment building down on 143rd street.”
“What!” exclaimed Raul? “Are you sure?”
“We’re positive. Martin picked up a trail, about a quarter mile east of their building. We had to pull some pretty nasty crap to cover our own scents, but it looks like we did it.”
“What do you mean?”
“We had to dive into a freaking garbage can,” Ray grumbled. “We’re in one right now, too. It’s right across from where they live. Their lights are the only lights out in the building. We can see their eyes in the dark. We’ve counted more than twenty so far.”
“Okay, get your asses back here,” Raul commanded. “We’ll talk more when we go back home. Good job.”
“Damn, they’re smart,” Dean remarked, pressing his lips together. “They’re hiding in plain sight. They know we can’t attack them there.”
“That they are,” Raul agreed with a nod. “Come on, guys. It’s time to go home.”
Chapter Thirteen
Dean’s initial beliefs, about their mission, were lying in ruins. The pack had found more than they could possibly have hoped for. The fact that Damian’s clan was literally living amongst the humans both baffled and impressed him. In their attempt to blend in, they had shown unbelievable restraint. Being so close to their prey and not laying a hand on anybody had to be very difficult for them. At the same time, though, it proved to him that their leader was probably the most intelligent vampire he had ever crossed paths with. That simple truth filled his heart with more concern. To beat Damian, they had to outsmart him, and that seemed like a mountain to climb.
Still as the convoy made its way back to Paxton, one thing became crystal-clear to him. His experience had taught him that muscle could not triumph over magic, regardless of numbers. In order for them to stand any chance against a clan of vampires and a mighty wizard like Bethels, they needed help; a witch’s help, to be exact. And, since Helena had been battered like an old split punching bag, the only person they could turn to was his beloved Kate. However, getting it would be much harder than it would be, just a week ago. His mate had just taken up new responsibilities. In a matter of days, she would have to split her time between recording her first ever album, and her personal life. Dean doubted whether they would see each other at all. Kate wouldn’t sacrifice her few, precious moments with him to study witchcraft. His heart sank as he came to one of the saddest conclusions of his life: alas, his mate would have to abandon her dream.
Standing outside his cabin, Dean Bradford wished he was never in this position. If only he was a wizard, just for a few days. If only he could go back in time, and try to prevent Helena’s horrific injury. With a heavy heart, he began towards his front door, noticing a dim, flickering light. His kitchen was completely dark. Three, pungent scents swept into his nostrils. Roast beef, red wine, and Kate’s delicious cinnamon, rising above the other two. Two candlesticks were on the dining table down the hall. Kate was next to it, dressed in sexy, black lingerie, with a sexy smile, gracing her beautiful face.
“Hi, baby,” she spoke, the rasp in her voice sending chills down his spine. “Would you like to have dinner, or…” she paused, and lifted her leg to put her foot on the chair in front of her; “skip right to dessert?”
If anything, Dean’s mate knew how to turn him on. She was well-aware of his soft spot for lingerie, and she loved using that weakness to her advantage. Nevertheless, the predicament of his family had stripped him of every sexual desire. The last thing on his mind was sex.
“I’m not hungry,” he murmured as his sluggish footsteps brought him closer to the couch. “I take it you haven’t talked to Monica or Julia.”
“I spoke to Monica, a couple of hours ago,” Kate responded, her tone still raspy as he seated himself on the couch. “She said you guys were fine, and that you had something important to tell me. It can wait, though,” she added, putting her foot back down on the floor. Dean watched as his mate started walking towards him, sensually swaying her hips. Part of him would have preferred to make her shiver with lust; yet, a much bigger part of him meant to keep his hands to himself. “Remember the other night when I told you I’d never been more turned on?” she asked, swinging her left leg over him. “Tonight, I’m even more turned on,” she whispered, leaning in towards him. Kate pressed her lips against his mouth as her arms went around his neck. The feel of her soft skin on his body tempted him. Her passionate kiss lured him into her sensual world. This time however, Dean had no desire to take that magical trip. He remained absolutely still, not kissing her back, or touching her.
“It’s like I’m kissing the wall,” Kate complained, her eyes narrowing with anger as she abruptly pulled back. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m sorry, Siren,” he said, his baritone coming out lethargically as their eyes met. “You’re wrong. What I have to tell you can’t wait. Damian has…” he faltered. “He’s partnered with Leonard Bethels. His name is on the same list your mother’s was. You know; the one that mentions the strongest witch families in the world.”
“Oh, my God,” a whisper of helplessness escaped her as she brought her hands up to her face to cover her mouth. “How did you guys find out?”
“He was in your dressing room, going through your stuff,” Dean announced, his voice picking up volume. “The club was closed, but we found a janitor in there. Cliff made him tell us his name. He’d paid him off to let him in your space.”
“This is surreal,” Kate sighed, sliding her hand up her face as she shook her head in disbelief.
“I have a favor to ask,” he stated as he leaned forward.
“I don’t think I want to hear it,” All of a sudden, stiffness rushed into his mate’s tone as she swung her leg over him once more. Kate stepped off the couch, and turned around, causing his heart to sink in disappointment.
“I haven’t even asked you yet!” Dean’s stentorian voice resounded through his cabin as he felt his blood pumping in his veins.
“I know what it is,” she claimed, maintaining the same, cold tone. “I can’t do it.”
“Can’t or won’t?” His last question forced her to stop. But as she spun around, her visage caused a deep snarl to rise in his throat. Kate’s big, hazel eyes had lost all their warmth and their kindness. In their stead was a quality he hardly ever witnessed in her: pure, unadulterated rage.
“Both!” Kate cried, the veins in her neck and her forehead bulging as she cocked her head in frustration. “I’m not a witch, Dean! I don’t care who my mother was. I want nothing of that, do you understand? None of it!”
“It doesn’t matter what you want!” he replied in an emphatic tone, jumping from his seat as his menacing growl rattled from his throat. “That wizard can kill us all! Do you even remember what your mother did to us?”
“Yes, I do!” she shouted, giving an angry nod. “You don’t need to remind me.”
“Why won’t you even consider it?” Dean asked, his tension sending his voice up an octave as he began moving towards her.
“Because it’s impossible,” she said, her tone changing altogether, once again. It wasn’t loud anymore. On the contrary, it lost its nerve and livelihood as if Kate had lost her hope, eerily reminding him of the broken girl who had heard him out at Clover Lake. “You don’t get it, Dean. This “Bethels”, he has probably been a wizard for decades. He’s been studying that craft, long before I even learned who my mother was. I don’t stand a chance against him.”
“I’m totally ignorant when it comes to witchcraft,” Dean admitted, gazing deep into her teary eyes. “Go talk to Helena. See if you guys can work something out to stop him. If you can’t, look for a way to give her back her sight. We owe her that much. Goodnight, Siren.”
Finishing his sentence, he dragged his gaze away from her. He couldn’t stand seeing her. Despite his growing desire to encourage her, the defeat on her face made him realize that he would only be wasting his time. Striding past her, Dean left his mate alone in their living room, unwilling to cast a glance at her. She had failed him. Yet, they loved one another fiercely. He could get over his bitterness, but, she had let down more than just him. By refusing to provide a helping hand, Kate had disappointed friends and family, people who believed she was their last hope.
Chapter Fourteen
Depressed and frustrated by Dean’s persistence, Kate had to push to get out of bed the following morning. For her, this was a matter of understanding; an understanding that he was too stubborn to show her. His ignorance was not an excuse. Even a child can understand the difference between a seasoned practitioner like Leonard Bethels, and a novice like her. If she had a fraction of Helena’s powers and experience, she wouldn’t hesitate to join them in this fight.
Nevertheless, Kate decided to pay a visit to her friend. Not because she desired to satisfy Dean’s request, but because, in this dark hour, they could comfort one another. In spite of Helena’s predicament, she could always offer her some useful advice. Kate could try and soothe her, even though she knew that such a thing would be much more difficult than in the past.
A view of luscious sunlight greeted her as she strolled out of her cabin. Springtime colors were everywhere around her. White, purple and red blossoms were abundant in the forest ahead of her as the mix of their wonderful fragrances lingered in the air. Kate bypassed the brothers’ workshop, hoping that Dean would come out and say he was sorry. Sadly however, his shouts to his younger brother proved to her that he had other things on his mind.
She swept the kitchen and the living room with her eyes, upon entering Helena’s cabin. Still, the witch was nowhere to be seen.
“Hello?” Kate said, tapping her finger on the door behind her.
“Up here,” Helena’s feathery voice filled her ears, just as she was about to leave. Turning right, she started climbing up the stairs as the scent that had mesmerized her earlier grew stronger and stronger by the second. Helena’s balcony door was wide open, letting it in as she enjoyed the quietness of the morning, on a purple armchair outside.
“Good morning,” Kate spoke, joining her on the balcony. A mere glance down at her face broke her heart. She had a few bandages on her face and her neck, but that was not what bothered her. The vibrant redness in her friend’s eyes had fled. They had both faded to a dim, pinkish shade.
“Life is full of irony,” Helena declared, interlocking her fingers over her stomach. “When the boys told me about their intention to build this cabin for me, I gladly accepted it, on two conditions: That they wouldn’t bother me about the colors on the walls or any other annoying details, like wood variety. They were doing it out of the goodness of their heart. I couldn’t burden them with my whims. The second condition was that they built this balcony. I wanted to gaze out at my town and the forest around it, on days like this.”
“Yeah,” Kate said on an exhale. “Where’s Cliff?”
“He should be talking to Sheriff Colby about taking some time off as we speak,” Helena’s response was sharp as she lay back in her seat. “I’m sorry, dear. Where are my manners? Julia was here last night. She mentioned your contract. Congratulations. I knew you would do it someday, although I do find that signing bonus a little disconcerting, to be honest.”
“Thank you,” Kate nodded, scooting a plastic chair along the balcony as a blissful smile spread across her face. “Jules is overreacting. All singers get bonuses when they sign their first contract. I have a dinner appointment with him tonight. I’ll talk to him; make sure he doesn’t think he owns me. That’s not why I’m here, though. How have you been?”
“I’m struggling,” Helena sighed, pursing her lips as she lowered her gaze. “It’s going to take a while for me to get used to it. Frankly: I don’t think I can.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Kate inquired, speaking in a sweeter tone of voice as she leaned over towards her.
“Well…” a snort of amusement escaped Helena as she gazed into the void. “No. This Kate cannot help me.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Kate squinted at her as the feeling of curiosity stormed into her emotions.
“Before I can give you a straight answer, let’s go back in time,” Helena suggested, her voice deepening as she reached toward her friend. “Let’s go back to the night when Victoria stabbed Julia,” she went on, taking Kate’s hand into her own. “She was teetering on the edge of the abyss. Our only choice was to put the wolf in her. There was great peril in what we did. That incantation could have killed one of us, or even both of us. Now, the reason I didn’t tell you beforehand, was that you could have been scared. Fear is never good as far as practicing witchcraft is concerned. It distracts you. It weakens you. When I saw that look in your eyes, I knew I had done the right thing. You were there, Kate. You were focused, driven by the desire to save your friend. Nothing could take your mind off your goal. That’s why it worked. Ever since that night, you’ve simply been…” she faltered, “toying with your abilities. You don’t care if you succeed or not. You keep repeating you’re a singer, not a witch. I respect that. We all make our choices. You’ve made yours.”
“Are you saying I should give up singing?” Kate wondered as her heart raced in her chest.
“No, no, no…” Helena rejected that notion, shaking her head sideways. “I’m saying you’re not focused. I don’t know what is going through your mind, dear, but it’s obvious that you are not concentrating. If you had been there, one-hundred percent, the blood that is flowing through your veins would ensure that you would never fail: ever. This is what makes those witch families so special, Kate. Every ancestor lives magic. They breathe magic. Do you recall why your parents abandoned you?”
“How can I forget?” Kate spoke in a faint voice as she gazed down into her friend’s eyes. “They gave me up for power.”
“You were distracting them,” Helena pointed out, running her thumb across her knuckles. “Their powers couldn’t peak, due to your presence. What they did to you was terrible, but it helped them discover their full potential. Put aside the woman who likes playing with spells. Embrace your heritage. Become who you were born to be.”
“It can’t be that simple,” Kate disagreed, slightly raising her tone.
“It’s not,” Helena went on, her voice coming out mellow. “If it was, you wouldn’t fail half the time, would you?”
