“You think I should stay in Italy?” I asked, stopping in my tracks. I hadn’t even thought where we would reside after we swore our vows.
“Europe is the heart of the supernatural community,” he replied. “It’s much older and steeped in tradition, with at least ten times as many supes as we have in the States. It makes sense for you to run things from here, at least for a while. If we defeat Julian, you can stay in the villa. There should be enough room for your entire team to live comfortably.” It was true that there was more than enough room.
“If we defeat him?” Tyler said. “There is no question you will bring him down. And I’m happy to be the temporary Alpha for as long as it takes. Staying in Italy for a while doesn’t sound so bad. I like it here.”
I glanced at my mate. He didn’t need me to voice the question. “I’m fine with staying here,” Rourke said. “Home is wherever you are, and your father has a valid point. While you establish power and dominance on the Coalition, which will take time, it makes sense to be nearest to those who will help you, as well as those who will do you harm. That way we can hear about it that much sooner and tamp it out before it becomes a problem.”
I was getting used to the idea. “Okay,” I answered, continuing to head toward the door. “We don’t have to decide anything at the moment. Before I make a commitment, I want to see how things shake out. For now, what we need to do is get going. If there’s going to be a fight today, we need all the strength we can amass. I hope Lucas is able to rally some of Julian’s wolves and Eudoxia finds her way back.”
Jax walked out of the kitchen, a sandwich in one hand, a Coke in the other. “Did somebody say strength? If so, I’m in.”
24
“I don’t want you fighting with us.” Kayla argued with her brother in the backseat as we sped toward Florence. “You’re not ready yet. Your powers are…unpredictable.”
“Not anymore,” Jax answered proudly. “Naomi and I practiced a bunch. She was a great coach. I can shift and hold my control now, no problem.”
Naomi smiled and turned in her seat to face Jax. “Oui, he did very well. He was very brave and tried to break us out many times. After the first few times he shifted, his control was impeccable.”
“I was always worried before,” Jax explained, “that somebody would see me, or I would hurt someone. So when I shifted, I freaked. But not anymore.” Jax was clearly proud of his newfound control over his skill.
Any supernatural in their teens went through a rocky transformation when they came into their magic, especially wolves. It was all about hormones and power swirling around at the same time.
Danny chuckled. “When I shifted for the first time as a young lad, I was a wild animal. It was a horrid experience. It took me months to figure out how to shift without pain, much less control myself once I got there.”
“You’re still a wild animal when you shift.” Tyler shook his head from the backseat next to Kayla. “When you shift, it’s like you lose your damn mind.”
“What can I say?” Danny shrugged. “I love to feel the wind running through my fur, and I don’t give a damn what anybody else thinks. Indulging my wild side makes me feel whole again. Shedding this skin feels glorious.” He patted his arm. “It’s completely liberating.”
Tyler leaned forward to address Jax. “It takes time to master the art of shifting and reining in your animal side, who is always fighting for control. I’m not familiar with what you are, but it sounds like you are figuring it out, no problem. I’d be proud to have you fight alongside us.”
Kayla seemed to soften. “Okay, Jax, you can join us. But if I feel like it’s getting too dangerous, you have to leave, no questions asked.”
Jax was about to protest, but I cut in. “Your sister is right. If you want to be part of this team, you agree to take orders without argument. We can’t be efficient in defeating a threat if we’re worried about you. Do you understand? If your sister is distracted, or if I feel like I need to intervene on your behalf, or Rourke does, it could make or break a fight. In time, when you come fully into your powers, you will be an incredible asset to us—possibly one of the strongest players we have. But at fifteen, and as a new shifter, you have to agree to listen to all of us, either that or you’re not invited to the fight.” My tone was final. “If not, you’re welcome to wait in the villa.”
Jax glanced around the group for a few seconds, seeing that all of our faces mirrored the same expression. This wasn’t playtime, this was real life. “Got it,” he replied. “If anyone tells me to leave, I’m out of there. But I promise I can help. When I shift, my skin is like stone. Nothing can pierce it, not even wolf jaws.” His chest puffed up a little. He was beyond cute.
“What about magic? Are you resistant to spells?” I asked.
He looked uncertain, glancing at his sister. “We think he is,” Kayla answered. “But he’s never encountered a witch before, so we don’t know for sure.”
I nodded. From what I understood, gargoyles could resist magic because their skin was so dense that spells couldn’t penetrate. Sounded like Jax might be the same. “I certainly don’t want this fight to be your first exposure to magic,” I said. “You can deflect the wolves and help us get into the bunker, but stay away from the witches and the goddess. She used to be a witch and can cast spells.”
Rourke drove the SUV. There were two other vehicles behind us carrying my father and his wolves. “Almost there,” Rourke said. “We park outside the Compound and walk in.”
“Yes,” I said. “Nick and Lucas, and whatever wolves he’s been able to amass, should be waiting for us at the end of the driveway.” I’d talked to Nick halfway through our drive back to Florence. They were having luck talking to the wolves, although a few had gone to join their Alpha already.
It seemed Julian knew he had a fight in front of him.
Ten minutes later, we pulled over and parked on the dirt road that ran parallel to the villa and piled out of the car. Nick and Lucas, and what looked to be twenty to thirty wolves, had gathered up the road. That was a significantly higher amount than I’d thought would show. Julian must’ve been ineffective for a long time to cause this kind of defection.
My father took the lead.
The wolves would respond to his power, instinctively wanting to follow the most powerful Alpha they could find. He didn’t waste any time. “My name is Callum McClain,” he announced in a voice ringing with strength. He immediately commanded an audience. I watched as the faces of the wolves changed from trepidation to interest, which would quickly morph into loyalty. “I am Alpha of the U.S. Territories. It has come to my attention that your Alpha here has broken sacred Pack rules. He chose to pursue personal endeavors for his own gain, rather than for the wealth of Pack. He has put my daughter, Jessica, in jeopardy and has kidnapped my allies, including my second. He will pay for this with his life.” His voice held certainty, and we all believed it. “You are not required to fight alongside me, but if you wish to join my Pack when this is all over, I suggest you do.”
They didn’t need any more convincing.
As my father stood with his arms folded, his feet spread apart, the wolves came up one by one and placed a knee to the ground in front of my father, bowing their heads. They freely gave him their fealty. It would take more to officially become part of his Pack, but this was what wolves did in a time of change or stress.