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Luc
Thewhump, whump, whumpof the helicopter blades rang in Luc’s ears, rattling his brain. He felt like they were being catapulted into oblivion as the helicopter cut through hazy clouds and navigated across the night sky. Luc sat across from Hakon and Drasko, bouncing around in their sling seats while Rone was laid out across a stretcher between them. He pressed the bandages against Rone’s side to slow the bleeding, but it did little good. The bandages were already soaked with blood. Rone was still in his wolf form and non-responsive other than a few whimpers. Like Luc, Hakon and Drasko had shifted into humans, wearing whatever they found from the Russians, which wasn’t enough to ward off the chill that permeated the helicopter’s metal walls.
The rest of the gear the Russians had brought, including the computers and cameras, would be sent to be analyzed. Luc feared what the investigation would yield. The Russians had obviously been spying on the Amaroki wolves for a reason.
Rone let out a moan, and Luc brushed back his furry ears. “Hang on, brother,” he pleaded. “We’ll be with Amara soon.”
This helicopter ride would be the longest of his life. The pilots were following Nyx’s coordinates and said the flight would take a half hour. Luc prayed to the Ancients Rone could hold on that long.
Did they hurt her?Drasko’s thought ricocheted in Luc’s skull.
Luc looked across Rone’s furry body at Drasko. His brother had a stricken look in his eyes, and Luc could feel the guilt radiating off him as if it was a palpable, living thing.
One was foolish enough to try,he answered, flashing a fanged grin.But she’s safe and well.
Drasko’s shoulders slumped.Thank you, brother,he said through a groan, dragging a hand down his face.
What happened?Luc asked, nodding toward Rone.
When we didn’t scent Amara, we thought she was dead.Hakon shook his head, frowning.I tried to call him back, but he lost control.
This is my fault,Drasko said, cursing.I should’ve stayed with her, but I thought I could draw them away and launch a surprise attack.
You did good, brother.Luc swallowed back a knot of sorrow, feeling bad for his brother.She’s safe.
Drasko motioned toward Rone.But Rone’s not.
Luc shrugged.How could you know?
What happened to Amara after I left?Drasko asked him.
Luc thought about lying, for the truth would probably make Drasko howl with rage. But it was no use. His brother could tell if he wasn’t telling the truth.A Russian tried to rape her, but she shifted into a wolf and ripped out his throat.
Luc had never seen such a grief-stricken look in Drasko’s eyes as they shifted from dark brown to an angry glowing gold.She lost the baby?
Drasko and Hakon both whimpered.
No, brothers. Don’t worry.Luc vehemently shook his head.The goddess took the baby so Amara could shift. Then she gave the baby back.
Hakon’s jaw dropped.What?
I know.Luc shrugged.I don’t understand, either, but she can’t shift again, and she can access the baby’s seer powers.
Hakon clasped his hands in a prayer pose.Thank the Ancients.Then he gave Luc a quizzical look.A seer?
Luc couldn’t contain his grin.He’ll be the best tracker the Amaroki has ever seen. She saw the Russians taking Drasko to the abandoned church.
Drasko hung his head in his hands.I should’ve stayed in the cabin with her.
Brother.Hakon patted Drasko’s back.All is well.
All is not well.He motioned toward Rone.
Luc forced a note of hope into his voice.It will be.
Hakon clasped Drasko’s shoulder.Amara will heal him.
But Drasko didn’t look convinced as he pulled away from Hakon with a snarl.
