Soleil stuck her head out the window. “We need to make like a tree and leaf. Toby’s father isn’t dilly-dallying.”

  I gave Toby a quick kiss and then climbed in the back of the SUV, sitting near Carter. A picnic basket sat between us on the seat and a cooler rested on the floor below it.

  Toby stuck his head in and gave me a quick kiss. “See you soon, sweetness.”

  “Yes, we will.”

  He closed the door, and Brick hit the gas, sending rocks flying as he backed up.

  A lump formed in my throat as I watched Toby watching us leave. Would we really see each other soon? Could our pack stand up against his old pack, especially with four of us taking off?

  “Maybe you guys should stay,” I said.

  “What are you talking about?” Soleil asked.

  “You guys should stay and help Toby. He’s going to need all the manpower he can get. I’ve met his old pack.” And the memory of them executing me would never leave my mind no matter how long I lived.

  “So have I,” Brick said. “They’re incorrigible, but I promised Toby I’d make sure you got to the werebears safely. Once that happens, I’ll turn around and join him. You have my word.”

  “Okay.” He’d given his word to Toby, and he would never go back on it.

  Brick turned up the music.

  “What if we all go back?”

  Soleil turned around, looking at me like I was crazy. “They intend to torture you! It’s not like they just want to use you as leverage, they actually want to make you suffer so much you’ll beg for death.”

  I frowned. “I can fight them. We can do it together. All of us as a pack.”

  “They’ll be fine.” Carter put down his phone and gave me a reassuring glance. “Your pack—I mean, ours—managed to take down a good portion of the jaguars while also fighting off your old pack. I’ve never heard of anything like it. You, on the other hand, are the one we’re all concerned about. Let us take care of you.”

  I studied him. He seemed to mean it. The rest of the pack could take on Toby’s old pack. I slumped into the seat, fresh out of ideas. Nothing I could say would change their minds, anyway. I had to get used to the idea of being away from Toby for a little while. Hopefully, it would only be a little while.

  “Hey, Soleil.”

  “Yeah?”

  “There’s no way you can find out more about what Toby’s old pack is planning? You can’t read our essence to find out more?”

  “We’re lucky I can see as much as I did. If they hadn’t marked you, I might not have even noticed anything was wrong with your essence. I would’ve missed Toby’s, except that I had just drunk from yours.”

  “But you don’t have any other ways?”

  “Sorry, but we’d need to call your witchy friends for something like that.”

  It was tempting, but after everything they’d done for us when I couldn’t shift, we couldn’t ask more of them so soon. Not only that, but Gessilyn was deep in training for her position as the high witch.

  Soleil turned up the music and sang along. If I’d have been in a better mood, I’d have gladly joined her. I turned to Carter. “Where are we heading, exactly?”

  “Up to the northwestern-most point of the forest. They live near the ocean.”

  At least we weren’t going too far—we were staying on the peninsula. No ferries and no driving around to the other side of the state.

  “You’re certain they’ll help me even though they hate wolves?”

  “Of course. The traditional werewolf men tend to be on the domineering side—”

  I snorted. “Tend to?”

  “The werebears’ beef is with those dictatorial jerks.”

  “Why would they care?”

  “Their alpha is female.”

  Soleil turned back and we exchanged a curious expression.

  “The men do what she says?” I asked.

  Carter nodded. “They’re very zen like that.”

  “Cool.” I glanced outside and watched the woods on either side of us until I drifted asleep. My dreams were filled with my sister, Elsie, as they often were. In them, I relived many of our times together, but more often than not it was her violent death that haunted me. In each dream, I tried harder to stop our father from plunging the knife into her stomach. Every time I failed, and sobbed just as hard as the time it really happened.

  I woke, gasping for air.

  “You okay?” Carter asked.

  “Yeah.” I took another deep breath.

  “Bad dream?” He dug into the cooler and handed me a bottle of water.

  I took it and gulped down most of it. “I keep dreaming about my sister’s death. I think that’s my subconscious telling me to find Elsie, but I never have time.”

  “Do you know where she is?”

  “I haven’t seen her since she died. She wasn’t with our family’s pack at the Jag. My mother and brothers were there, but not her. It’s like she doesn’t want to be found.”

  He leaned forward and put a hand on the back of Soleil’s seat. “Do you know how to find her sister?”

  “You’ll need some kind of locator spell. Essence won’t help, unless I have Elsie’s.”

  I sighed. “I don’t suppose the bears can help with that?”

  “Doubtful.” Carter leaned back against the seat. “They’re really into nature. The whole reason they have the anti-magic area is because they hate what dark magic can do to people. Oh, look. We’re here.”

  Chapter 75

  Victoria

  We pulled up to a long, metal gate. A deeply tanned man twice the size of Brick came out of the woods, crossed his arms, and stared at the SUV. He wore brown leather pants, moccasins, and nothing else. His long, black hair was tied into a ponytail at the base of his neck. He clutched a long blade with one hand.

  Brick rolled down his window. “We’re seeking protection for a female werewolf.”

  The man narrowed his eyes. “Who are you?”

  “My name is Brick, and I’m part of a peace-loving werewolf pack.”

  The large man snorted.

  “And who are you?” Brick asked.

  “My name is Patwin. Who sent you?”

  Carter leaned forward. “The Jags.”

  “The Jags,” Brick repeated.

  “Didn't they retreat to Central America?” asked Patwin.

  Carter opened the door. “Most did, but I stayed.”

  Patwin looked Carter up and down. “What is your business here?”

  Carter gestured toward me. “She is being hunted by a pack of bloodthirsty werewolves. They will stop at nothing until she’s dead.”

  “Why bring the others?” Patwin studied Brick and Soleil. “What is she?”

  “We’re here to protect the young werewolf,” Carter said. “Her life is in grave danger.”

  Patwin moved around Carter and studied me through the open door. “You seek refuge from magic?”

  I nodded. “I’d greatly appreciate it.”

  “You may go in, but I cannot grant you entrance into the anti-magic area. That is up to our leader, Luyu.”

  “Thank you.” Carter climbed back inside and closed the door.

  Patwin turned to Brick and gave him directions, which included a right turn at the feather-shaped rock.

  I turned to Carter. “They should consider street names.”

  “I wouldn’t hold your breath.”

  Patwin opened the gate and returned to the woods after closing it behind us. My heart thundered in my chest. It felt like we were being locked inside. But if it kept out Toby’s old pack, then it was definitely a good thing.

  The dirt road grew bumpier as we drove along. Holes, large rocks, and exposed tree roots abounded.

  I rubbed my arm after hitting it on the door. “If the gate doesn’t keep people away, then this road surely will.”

  “That’s probably the point,” Soleil said. “I think that’s the feather-shaped rock up ahead.”

  “You think so?” Brick asked. “It looks more like a hot dog to me.”

  Soleil laughed. “Is everything food to you?”

  “If so, then you’re my sugar.”

  “Aw.” She leaned over the middle console and they kissed.

  “Watch the hot dog rock!” Carter said.

  Brick spun the steering wheel, barely making the turn.

  I clutched the armrest. The new road was smoother and with less trees. Sunlight shone down on the grass, making the light dusting of frost sparkle. After a few minutes, we came to an open field covered in teepees as far as the land stretched out, one side meeting with the forest and the other side, the Pacific Ocean.

  Children chased each other around the small homes, darting around them. Adults, mostly women, worked fires or hung laundry. They all wore brown leather clothes. The men, like Patwin, wore only pants and the women wore dresses going over one shoulder. All children wore pants and shirts.

  “It’s like stepping back in time,” Soleil said, her voice softer than usual. She would know.

  A man and a woman approached us. The woman put her hands up, indicating for Brick to stop. He did, and rolled down the window again. “Are you Luyu?”

  She nodded. “And you are Brick, son of the peaceful werewolves.”

  “Right.”

  “Step out of the vehicle. All of you.”

  I threw Carter a worried glance, but he nodded. We all climbed out and walked over to Luyu.

  She studied us, her expression stoic. Finally, she stepped closer to me. “Explain your situation, child.”

  Carter nodded again, urging me on.

  I swallowed and then took a deep breath. “I’m being pursued by a pack of werewolves. They want to torture me because of who I love.”

  “A peace-loving alpha wolf?”

  How did she know? I nodded. “His father is after me. My fiancé left the pack to be with me.”

  Luyu nodded, looking thoughtful. “Where is he now?”

  “Home, ready to face the pack.”

  “Why didn’t he come here with you?” She tilted her head, seeming genuinely curious.

  “Because I’m the one they’re after. They’re sniffing him out as a way to find me.”

  She nodded. “Let me speak with Akule. Stay here where we can see you.”

  The two of them stepped away, moving closer toward the teepees. They whispered in each other’s ears.

  “What will we do if they won’t help me?” I asked.

  “They will,” Carter said.

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “Because you’re in danger.”

  Luyu and Akule returned. She came over to me. “You may stay, but it will come at a price.”

  “What will it cost?” With as much money as Toby had, I doubted that would be a problem.

  “You will help us with chores. This isn’t a free ride. You’ll earn your keep.”

  “I can do that.”

  “Good.” She glanced over at the others. “They may stay as well, but not in the refuge. The men can build a teepee while the yellow-haired one makes them some proper coverings.”

  “I don’t sew,” Soleil said.

  “You will learn.”

  Brick pulled out his phone. “I told Toby I would return. I’ll call and see what he thinks.” He slid his finger around the screen and walked away.

  Luyu stepped closer to me and extended her hand. “Come with me, and I will show you the refuge. Akule will acquaint the others with our supplies.”

  I glanced over at the others. They all waved me on. I put my hand on Luyu’s, and she guided me down the road until we came to a longhouse. She let go of my hand and opened the wooden door, and indicated for me to go inside.

  We walked down the long hallway and took a sharp turn to the right.

  “This longhouse is four connecting buildings with a courtyard in the middle. If you want to remain protected from magic, you must stay within the walls, only going into the courtyard if you must be outside. You may choose any of the empty rooms as your own. You will help with cleaning the building. When mealtimes are called, you’d best eat. We don’t keep food stocked and ready for snacking as some outsiders are used to. Do you have any questions?”

  “Not yet.”

  She stopped and opened another door. “This is the courtyard. Let the sun and plants rejuvenate you as needed. I will have your friend move the vehicle soon, so gather your belongings.”

  “Thank you.”

  Luyu closed the door. “I need to get going.”

  “Wait. What if I have a question later? Or if I need to talk with my friends? Is this place completely shut off to them?”

  “They’ll be staying near the edge of camp, so they aren’t far from here. Close to where the car is parked. But since it will be moved quickly, you’ll want to get your things soon.”

  “Where will it be?”

  “There’s a small lot for visitors not far away. Just a short walk. Any other questions?”

  “Will I be safe to leave the longhouse to talk with them?”

  “If you’re seeking refuge from magic, then there’s no guarantee. The moment you step outside, you can be spotted by anyone using a locator spell at that moment. It’s a risk you have to consider yourself.”

  “Can my friends come here?”

  “They can step on the porch while you stay inside. You can wave them over or send someone for them. We have a few of our people working in here who don’t need the refuge. They’ll help you any way you need it. Anything else?”

  I shook my head, suddenly feeling like a prisoner.

  “Pick a room, gather your things, and then get to work. You must be useful before you eat, and the next mealtime is approaching.”

  “Okay. Thanks again.”

  She nodded and walked away. I leaned against the wall and tried to let everything settle in. At least Toby’s old pack couldn’t find me—hopefully they would give up soon or better yet, get killed off. Then we could all focus on breaking the curse of the moon or at least finding a workaround, but that would have to be put off once again until this new problem was resolved.

  My eyes misted. I was suddenly so tired—tired of all the fighting and stress, tired of the problems shifting brought, and most of all, tired of the old werewolves constantly getting in between Toby and me having our happiness together.

  I took a deep breath, cleared my throat, and headed for the door. As soon as I stepped onto the porch, my bones started popping. I jumped back inside, it stopped immediately.

  “What the…?” I stuck an arm out there, and fur started to slice through. I snapped it back in, and the fur retracted.

  Then it hit me. I was upset—that was my trigger to shift. And the anti-magic warding of the building protected me from it. If I wanted to go out and grab my things, I needed to calm down first. Luyu had told me to pick a room first. I took another deep breath and wandered down the hall, thinking only about that. Other thoughts that surfaced, I pushed aside until I’d managed to stabilize my emotions.

  There were several small rooms to choose from on this side of the building. All were quite plain, with just wooden walls and floors and mats made out of leather. Decorative blankets hung on the wall. There were no windows. After going up and down the hall a few times, I chose the one nearest the door.

  I was sure I’d calmed down enough not to shift if I went outside, so I headed out to gather my things. The others weren’t in sight—probably busy getting what they needed for their tent.

  The SUV was unlocked, so I went in. My stomach rumbled as soon as I saw the cooler and picnic basket. I didn’t feel like waiting for the allotted mealtime—how could I be sure I’d even like what they offered me?—so I dug into the picnic basket and scarfed down a sandwich. Then another, and washed it down with a bottle of water.

  I went around back and pulled out my suitcase. Just as I was about to close the door, Brick, Soleil, and Carter ran over, their faces flushed.

  “Are you guys okay?” I asked.

  Brick gasped for air. “Toby’s old pack was spotted in town.”

  My stomach twisted. I needed to stay calm until I got back to the longhouse. “You guys should head back and help them.”

  Soleil shook her head. “We can’t leave you.”

  “Toby needs you more.” I turned to Carter. “You can go, too. As long as I’m in there,” — I glanced at the longhouse — “I can’t shift.”

  “Are you sure?” he asked.

  I nodded. “I got upset, but didn’t shift. Go. Toby needs you more than I do right now.”

  The three of them exchanged worried glances.

  “I’m safe here, completely protected from magic. The longer I stand out here, waiting for you guys to leave, the longer I’m vulnerable.”

  “I don’t know…” Brick said. “I promised Toby we’d keep you safe.”

  “And you’ve done your part. I’m here. Safety is yards away.”

  “She’s right,” Soleil said. “We can always return.”

  “Go,” I urged. “I’ll be fine. That’s what he’s concerned about. He needs you more than I do right now.”

  Soleil put her arms on my shoulders and looked into my eyes. “We’ll be back as soon as we can.”

  “Take all the time you need.” I lifted my luggage and stumbled toward the longhouse as my ribs began popping.

  Chapter 76

  Toby

  I paced the attic, kicking up dust with each step I took. Sneezing, I looked out the window. The long driveway was still empty. I wanted to head downstairs where the rest of the pack was, but these windows allowed me to see the farthest in any given direction. We didn’t know if my father’s pack was going to come barreling down the driveway in trucks or sneak in through the woods. Neither would surprise me, but so far, there wasn’t a sign of them anywhere.

  Sounds of someone climbing the ladder sounded. I spun around to see who it was.

  Jet pulled himself up and brushed some dust off his pants. “Brick and Soleil are headed back. Apparently, Carter’s with them.”

  “Who’s with Victoria? I didn’t mean for them to abandon her!”