Bound to the Moon Page 10

  Nothing is conclusive at this point though further research is required.

  The ValKhazar bloodline is among the oldest and most powerful to have ever existed, having generated some of the fiercest Kings known to this day. Among them, Lykos ValKhazar, became the Dracula of his era, maiming and torturing more out of entertainment than intimidation. His legacy was one of ornate destruction, but it’s the legacy left by his twin brother, Dorian ValKhazar, what would eventually transform what was at one point our norm and convert it into something new. Something that would ultimately save our species from extinction, as we know it.

  The change began with the ValKhazar clan. It is believe the genetic alteration was inherited from Ellora ValKhazar, Queen mother who birthed the princes, Lykos and Dorian. From there every member of the ValKhazar clan, born after the princes, was deficient of the gene, which identified us as predator and humans as prey.

  However, it is Dorian’s descendants who have undergone the greatest transformation of all. Not only is the bloodlust gene absent, but they are born missing certain chromosomes which trigger the first change during the puberty stage.

  Upon the discovery of this incredible finding, I partook in a widespread research that lasted for an extensive amount of years and was able to learn that Dorian not only mated, but procreated a child with a human woman. It has been known throughout the story of our existence that humans and Lycans cannot procreate since we are not at all compatible.

  This so-called fact was put to the test when Dorian’s son, Cole ValKhazar, was born. Though unable to shift from one form to the other, he did not age at a rapid pace nor did he suffer from any illness at any point in time. It is well noted that any injuries he sustained healed within an unprecedented amount of time. These are all characteristics commonly found within the Lycan species and are nonexistent in the human population.

  Cole’s descendants not only inherited these traits, but are living testaments that perhaps, the ValKhazar bloodline holds the key to some of the most difficult anomalies that have escalated within our species for the past millennia, including the inability to conceive the next generation of Lycans.

  During my years of research, however, I have discovered that it is believed by many that the ValKhazar blood may have properties capable of curing bloodlust, or, at the very least, reduce its effects to manageable levels. Perhaps this reason is what has led many alphas and their packs to go in search for Dorian and Cole’s descendants.

  Many have sought the living members of the ValKhazar bloodline in hopes of discovering its one-of-a kind properties and uncovering its potential as a cure for the damned.

  The text cut off abruptly. A smudge of a stain of some sort makes what’s left of the paper’s content illegible but it doesn’t matter at this point. I read enough to understand we might have been on the right track all along. If Marjorie is the human descendant of Dorian and Cole then it would account for why the wolves in the area are looking for her.

  Bray knows the whole story. I’m sure of it. Only he can clarify what’s going on.

  You will find what my true motives are in time, but if you wish to know the whole story then have your alpha call me so that we can arrange a meeting, his words resonate loudly in my head.

  He’s the only one that can clarify the mystery behind the Lost Child and the mystery behind Marjorie. If they are one in the same, then he will have no choice but to tell us.

  I grab the piece of paper and bolt out of the room and up the stairs. I follow the sound of voices to the kitchen and slap the sheet on the table as I look at Marquis and say, “Call Bray. Now.”

  Marquis, who’s in the middle of enjoying a cup of hot coffee, gazes up at me in surprise.

  “Why?” He sets the cup down on the table and asks, “What’s with the urgency?”

  I ignore the other eight pair of eyes on me. “He knows. Either he’s Bray ValKhazar or he knows who the werewolf prince is.”

  Dario chokes on a piece of bread as my words take him by complete shock. He coughs and spits as Esteban pats his back in an effort to loosen the piece of food stuck in his throat. A moment later, Dario reaches for a glass of water sitting on the table and takes a sip, swallowing the liquid along with the piece of bread.

  Once he recovers, he picks himself off the chair and stares at me with a mixture of curiosity and confusion. “Sei pazzo?” He shakes his head as if he can’t believe what I’ve just said. Or as if I’m incompetent or something. “What’s in the head of yours? Bray ValKhazar died over five hundred years ago. He fell in England. Do you not know that bit of history?”

  “I know that, but how else do you explain this.” I slide the paper across the table to Marquis. He picks it up and begins to read. Once he’s finished his expression changes to one of stupefaction.

  “Where did you get this?”

  “Bray gave it to me,” I admit. “A little while ago.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me? Why wait until now?”

  I shrug. “I don’t know. I forgot I had the paper with me.” It isn’t exactly a lie. I had mentioned every single detail of the conversation with Bray with the exception of that little bit where the werewolf had handed the paper to me.

  For a moment, I thought maybe I had done in unconsciously—or I tried to convince myself that was the case. But deep down, I may have wanted to find out what was on the paper first. Bray had seen it fit to give it to me instead of Marquis. He must have had his reasons.

  What really catches me by surprise is the fact that Simone didn’t mention the paper either. I spare a glance in her direction but she’s too busy looking down at the paper over Marquis’s right shoulder.

  “You were right, Esteban, things have never quite added up,” Marquis says as he eyes the paper once more. “Everything seems jumbled. Chaotic even, but it only appears that way to us. These wolves...they know exactly what they’re doing.” He shakes his head in obvious frustration. “We have never encountered a pack like this one before.”

  “They are far more organized than we originally thought. It wouldn’t surprise me if they have people working from within the hospital, keeping an eye on the girl. Dario and I must go in as soon as possible. I only hope we’re not too late.”

  Marquis dips his head but he’s barely listening, his full attention is on the paper in his hands. “And this...if it’s real...the lives we could save...”

  I take a step back, trying to decipher the look of concentration on my older brother’s face. Something has changed in him. I can see it. I can sense it. What does he mean by that? Lives we could save?

  “For what I have heard so far, it appears none of the invading packs are absolutely sure as to the mystery surrounding the girl you are protecting. Just like we have only speculated over whom this girl might be others may have as well. If, according to Bray, they plan to move in sooner, it may be because they have already assumed she is the Lost Child,” Esteban says. “On the other hand, this character, Bray, must know much more than anyone else. He may be enemy or foe, but he’s here for a reason so we might as well find out what brought him here,” Esteban adds.

  “Marjorie. Marjorie brought him here. He said so himself,” I interject.

  “Yes.” Esteban taps the tips of his fingers on the kitchen table; his expression is one of deep thought. “But why? What does he want? Why would he hand over evidence? If he’s intentions are anything but noble, he’s given himself away by his actions.”

  “Maybe that wasn’t his intention at all.” Alexis works a lock of hair behind his left ear. “What if his intention was to make us think he’s someone else? He could be attempting to throw us off.”

  “Why would he do that?” Simone’s gaze shifts from her husband to Alexis. I can’t read her thoughts, but I can tell what she’s thinking: we’ve been played for fools.

  I’m beginning to think the same thing.

  “To distract us,” I offer. “To make us think his intentions are in fact noble when they’re not.” My heart
begins to beat faster as I come to a terrifying conclusion. “Hasn’t that been the alpha’s operating method? To keep us distracted. Busy. Away...from...Marjorie.”

  Alexis bolts off the chair he’s sitting on. “The hospital. They’re going to the hospital.”

  They’re going to move sooner than any of us anticipated!

  I turn toward him, but just as we make eye contact, the sound of breaking glass invades my ears. Chaos soon follows. Splintering wood, claws scrapping on drywall, roars of determination fill the silence in the hall and announce the arrival of enemy wolves.

  We spring into action quickly and rush out of the kitchen and into the hall where we come face to face with a pair of Trackers. None of which we’ve seen before. They broke right through the double bay windows in the hall that leads to the kitchen and have now invaded our private sanctuary.

  I don’t find it coincidental at all that we were immersed in a conversation regarding Bray Colton when these two wolves show up. They must have been told to follow Simone and I back to the house and it’s very apparent they’re here for a reason.

  To keep us distracted.

  “Alexis. Kyran. You need to get to the hospital,” Marquis shouts. “Go to Marjorie. Dario, Esteban, go with them. Simone and I can handle these two.”

  “Meet us there,” I shout back, struggling to be heard over the roars emanating from the furry duo. They haven’t attacked yet but their intension is clearly visible in their dark eyes. They came here to maim and kill and won’t leave until they’ve completed their mission.

  “Don’t worry, this won’t take long,” Marquis replies with poise. I have full confidence in my brother’s fighting skills so I’m not entirely worried. Plus, he’s an alpha. His strength surpasses that of the Trackers.

  “Let’s go, Alexis.” I turn and make my way back into the kitchen, run across the room, and lead Dario, Esteban, and Alexis through a small passage, which leads to the sunroom. From there we make our way toward the exit at the back of the room and open a white door. I step out into our backyard and stop briefly to listen for any signs of other werewolves in the area. So far, the only thing I can make out clearly is the sound of Marquis and Simone battling the pair in the hall.

  “Let’s take the cars,” Alexis suggests. “It will help us maintain our stamina until we get there.”

  “Bastardos!” Dario points to the garage a few yards away and I’m able to see the cause of his anger. All four tires on our black Audi, and Dario’s 2014 blue Dodge Challenger, have been slashed.

  “Shit!” Alexis rams his fist right through the door we just came out of. “They’re definitely up to something.”

  “Call Josephine.” I turn to Alexis. “Tell her what’s going on and ask for an update.”

  Alexis takes out his cell phone from within his pocket and dials Josephine’s number. After a couple of rings she picks up. “Josephine? Look, listen—”

  I can’t make out what my sister is saying, but I can hear the impetuous tone on the other end and I instantly know something’s wrong. Alexis’ expression pretty much confirms it.

  “We’re on our way. Wait for us.” Alexis hangs up and looks at me. “There’s trouble. Wolf after wolf has been surrounding the hospital. So far Josephine has made out seven, but she says there might be more heading in that direction.”

  “Seven?” Bray had seven Trackers with him earlier today. “Let’s go.” I run into the woods and backtrack around the house. My keen sense of direction leads me straight to where I want to go. The hospital.

  I opt out of shifting because I can’t risk being spotted. The sun hasn’t descended completely yet and there’s still enough light left outside to make us visible to those who would normally have a difficult time spotting us. I push my current form to its limits though. I can run a little faster in my wolf form but the risks are too high. I have to make do with my current circumstance.

  Behind me Alexis, Dario, and Esteban keep up easily. We can run as fast as 45 mph on a good day and our unusually high stamina allows us to maintain the speed for long periods of time. Alexis and I haven’t rested well for weeks though and this concerns me considering we might have to engage in a physical battle once we arrive at the hospital.

  Alexis and I won’t be at our best and this might be used against us.

  As soon as that concern crosses my mind, I dismiss it. The only thing I need to be worried about is Marjorie. Whatever happens, we have to protect her.

  The distance between our home and the Medical Center appears to stretch on forever. The faster we move the farther it seems to get. I’m running over fallen trees, avoiding both the road and every farmhouse we encounter along the way by staying as deeply buried in the forest as possible, and still we don’t seem to get any closer.

  I’m starting to grow impatient. Panic is getting to me. Though I know it’s vital to keep calm in the brink of a battle, my biggest fear is I won’t make it in time. Last time...I arrived to find a broken, bleeding, and semi-conscious Marjorie on the ground, with Santos hovering over her. The image is still fresh in my memory.

  It haunts me constantly. My heart aches every time the memory pops back into my head. The fear of having to face life without her...it burns in the back of my mind. I can never go through that again. I can never let her go through that again. I’ll die before I let anyone else inflict that kind of pain on her a second time.

  Motivation keeps me going. I move even faster, pushing myself to my limits. I have to get to the hospital and make sure I ruin whatever plans the wolves have. They won’t take Marjorie away. They won’t hurt her. I’ll make sure of that.

  Dario, Esteban, and Alexis follow closely behind. They are as determined to see this through to the end as I am. Dario and Esteban are good friends of the family and even though Dario and I haven’t always gotten along, I know I can count on him.

  We don’t encounter any more werewolves along the way and this worries me. If they plan to invade the hospital, shouldn’t they have betas trying to hold us back?

  Something’s not right. I don’t think this alpha—whoever he is—will carelessly throw away weeks of careful planning by alerting us to his next move. It just doesn’t make sense. Even so, doubts invade my thoughts for a moment. Is this some kind of trap? Are we running right into it?

  Kyran, we should fall back some.

  I slow down as we come within a mile of the Medical Center. From this distance I can make out the scent of many wolves clearly, mixed in with their scent is that Bray’s and his Trackers.

  “He was here a short while ago,” I announce. “Alexis, put your phone in silent mode and then text Josephine. Ask her where she is.”

  Alexis does as instructed, replying a moment later with, “Josephine’s in the room with Marjorie. Gage is somewhere out here.”

  Dario steps in next to me and sniffs the air. “There are seven of them, yes, but there were others here. They seem to have scattered.” He scans the trees to his left. “Some headed in that direction.” He points to a foggy patch of land shrouded by large forest trees, shrub, and condensed clouds that can easily hide the presence of large predators.

  The fog seems menacing somehow. It grows thicker and thicker the deeper we go, hiding our enemies while leaving us completely exposed. Our necks are on the chopping block and we all know it. We’re cornered so we either fight or die. There is no open area for flight.

  “No estamos completamente solos,” Esteban points out in Spanish.

  I take a few more steps forward, listening to my surroundings, and quickly determine that we are in fact fenced in. A small group must have followed us from the house to the hospital and are now getting closer with each step we take. Combined with the seven wolves already present, we’re outnumbered two to one. We can’t see them, but the sound of their rapidly beating hearts pinpoint their locations.

  “We don’t have the element of surprise on our side since they already know we’re here.” Two wolves—two betas start in our direction
as soon as they sense our presence. “We can’t see them so we’re going to have to rely on our hearing.”

  “Let’s give them a run for their fur, eh?” Dario shakes his arms to loosen his muscles, rotates his head in a circular pattern, from right to left, and then back again to the right before popping out his shoulders. “I’m ready to take these bastardos down.”

  “We have no time for coming up with a plan so we have to use brute force,” I toss over my right shoulder. Planning has to take a back seat. Acting is our priority. If the nearby werewolves mean to take Marjorie, we have seconds to stop them.

  “I’m in the mood for a good fight,” Alexis comments, smiling as he looks out into the distance, knowing the wolves can see him even if the fog makes it difficult for us to see them. “Let’s get this over with,” he challenges with a lift of his chin.

  Then there’s movement. I pick up on many padded feet heading in our direction in groups of two or three, each one flanking us from every side. There are more than seven of them now and they mean to use their large numbers to their benefit.

  “Here they come,” Dario announces. A roar and a flash of movement to our right distract us long enough for the pair behind us to take advantage and move in.

  The first wolf slams into Alexis’ back, sending him rolling over on the ground. Its large canines immediately go for my brother’s jugular vein but a swift kick to the chest averts the gray wolf’s attempt at ending his life.

  The second wolf stops before he collides with me. The feel of his rancid breath on the back of my neck forces me to act. I whirl around in time to avoid a face full of razor sharp claws. The large, one-eyed wolf roars in frustration and swipes at me again as I step aside, but I manage to avoid him once more. On his third attempt though, I find myself moving just a second too slow. He misses my shoulder but his claws run down my arm, tearing through my shirt and skin. Blood pours out of four gashes and slides down my arm within seconds. I flinch at the searing white pain that radiates from my arm down to my fingertips, but I have no time to process the discomfort.