So many secrets but why? Do you think they should have told Rhett? and do you think Rhett should have told them? What will happen when they all find out they are keeping secrets for no reason?
RHETT They all stood outside as we loaded up the convoy of vehicles. We would be traveling back to the Kodiak Kingdom and staying at the Clan Mansion overnight. From there, Xander would fly us out to Mount Xenia via Birdie. Dropping us at the closest point to the village. Mathias told us that once we were dropped Xander would point the way and there should be a century or guard that would greet us. They would either let us into the village or direct us immediately to the Lycan Clans' whereabouts. That was if Nyctimus was willing to see us. We were warned that he may turn us away. Refuse to entertain us and hear us out. What we were meant to do if that happened, I had no idea. We all said our goodbyes and we were wished good luck. The last person I said farewell to was Tala. She stood there with eyes rimmed dark from lack of sleep and worry. Little Connor in her arms. “Stay strong,” I told her as I wrapped my arms around her and the little prince. Squeezing them both a little tight
RHETT Tiny cabins were dotted around as the path and Lycan centuries led us into the village of Xenia. Crossing through an invisible barrier that began as the giant red trees gave way. I felt the temperature in the air change. The atmosphere becomes lighter and somehow comforting. We were in a magical place. I could feel the hum of it surround me and tingle my skin. Finn lets out a small growl, one that’s full of contentment as if his beast was being scratched behind the ear. “I don’t like the way this place makes me feel.” He says, his lilac eyes slightly glowing as we are led further into the village. Smoke billows from a few cabins, puffing out from the short chimneys. The smell of freshly baked bread and something sweet fills my senses. “As Ashe is not here.” One of the Lycans turns to inform us. “We will take you to an elder of the village. They will determine if you can stay here while we ask Nyctimus to grant you an audience." Following them we are led to a larger-looking
RHETT As soon as dawn broke, we gathered our things and walked out of the cabin. Last night's experience was still fresh in my mind. When Mason and Finn asked about the experience, I told them what was said to me, but never disclosed that the lady of the lake appeared to me as Jonda. That was for me to know only. At least until I made sense of my muddled thoughts. We set off, the two Lycans leading us. We were forewarned that we would be crossing over rough terrain and through dense forest. They weren’t wrong. There was no easy path to the Lycan village, up one side of a mountain and down another. Through a forest that was so tightly packed that if it hadn’t been for the Lycans, we might have lost our way. It was easy to get turned around in the dark shade beneath the trees. I kept up easily, running on foot as they all shifted to their wereforms. Once, for the first time in my life, I wished I had a spirit animal. Maybe then my feet and legs wouldn’t be aching so much. We didn’t
RHETT We took our time and rested in the large bedroom. It only had two beds and I opted to sleep on the futon that was in the room. There was no chance in hell I was sharing a bed with either of those two. And they refused to share too. “What? you mean you don’t want to be big spoon big guy?” Mason teased Finn, smirking as he pulled fresh clothes from one of his bags. I had just showered in cold ass water and didn’t want to spoil the surprise and tell the other two there was no hot water. I found it odd that Nyctimus would allow us to stay after declaring that Finn and Mason were less than welcome in the Lycan village. However, I was interested in witnessing the feast they would hold. Knowing our luck, it would be another meal of vegetables and potatoes. Not that I would complain, their hospitality was enough. “Mother of the moons!!!” I heard Finn cry out loud, “There’s no fucking hot water!” A second later he came out, towel slung low around his waist hopping from one foot to
RHETT Dawn came, and I sat on the folded couch rubbing some cream onto my feet. A welcomed gift, that Nyctimus’ mate had sent to our room last night. The ointment was already doing its job and soothing my feet. This was the second application I was putting on and already my sore and blistered feet were beginning to heal. “We will take the quickest route to MacTire and from there we will travel to Mir,” I say as Finn and Mason rise and stretch. “Travis will have transportation for us once we hit the border.” I pull my socks and then my boots on. Taking my time to lace them up. We had been gone for five days already. That only gave us another week to come back with the dagger. Morgan wanted to perform the ritual under the blood moon. That was only nine nights away. The familiar feeling of pent-up frustration mixed with anxiety began to creep over me. My hand shook as I finished tying my boots. Nine nights only. I could only think about what I was tasked to do. And that was not retri
RHETT Up the mountain and around the side we had climbed. Our eyes were ever watchful for those birds in case they came back for a second go. “This isn’t right.” Mason stops, looking at the map we had been given. “What’s not, right?” I asked him, pulling up next to the werecat. He turns the map in his hands from front to back then back to front. Then rotates it clockwise like he is desperately trying to figure something out. “This,” He says shoving the map in my hand. “It doesn't make sense.” I peer at it. Looking at the lines that were drawn for us. I frown, licking my lips as I study the piece of paper. “You're right. It doesn’t make sense.” I shake my head. “You can't read a fucking map now.” Finn snatches it from my hands and takes a moment to study it. Shoving it back at Mason roughly the werebear turns to look at the rocky face of the mountain we were trekking over. With hands on his hips and deep lines across his forehead, the werebear stares intently. Finally, after a f
RHETT The sweet, now familiar, scent of a woodsy maple filled my nostrils. Assaulting my senses and causing me to falter. Sharp pointed teeth dug into my lightly fur-covered skin. Tearing through to the bone. I grunted and growled in pain. The bite burned and I desperately and angrily began stabbing at the creature who had latched on to me violently. “Mother fucker, take that!” I yelled when its grip on me finally loosened, and it fell away. Without warning or cause the creature suddenly backed off, slinking back into the darkness. I could still feel their presence, hear their hissing screeches, but they had retreated as if they feared something. Bright and blinding light illuminated the cavern. The creatures flinched and retreated further. Quiet yet harshly a female voice came from the source of the light. She spoke a strange language I didn’t understand. Something inside me stirred. That former feeling of excitement once again reared up making the hairs on my body tingle. The sc
RHETT Two vehicles came to collect us in under an hour and transported us through the vast territory of MacTire and up to the castle entrance. The grey walls and medieval style of the castle gave me a sense of solace. I had truly missed this place. Travis and Josiah stood there waiting to greet us and welcome me home. Stepping out of the vehicle, my hands once again begin to shake until I lay eyes on Leneve, the sight of her calms me somewhat. Still, my mind and heart are at war again as my gaze turns to Travis. I couldn’t lie to him. Keeping a secret that involved him was as good as lying. Especially one this prominent. “It's been months old man,” Josiah a werebear, and the beta of MacTire as well as my closest friend, greets me, clapping me on the shoulder and pulling me in for a quick hug. He quickly releases me and greets Mason then Finn. Josiah had been friends with Mason since they were cubs. Their friendship spanned long before I had ever come on the scene. The two had grown