Page 67 of Gone Hunting

“And those they hold most dear,” Mimi finishes for her. She stares blankly at the ceiling, the life in her eyes fading fast. “No one who helped her is safe.”

Dad wrenches to his feet, racing to the door. He throws open the storm shutter leading out to the terrace and barrels through. I’m right behind him, moving so fast I almost trip over his feet.

The wicked wind and debris it carries cuts into our faces. To the far east and west, lightning crashes and several dark twisters take form. Their thin shapes bang into each other like vicious warriors, desperate to find what they seek.

To the north, about twenty miles away, the ground begins to quake, sending boulders crashing down the mountain.

Dad howls,callingfor my friends. I join him, throwing my head back and using all the breath I can manage. Celia referred to ourcallsthe other night as beautiful. These are far from that. They’re angry, demanding their presence and warning them of the danger.

We wait for several long minutes. But only the fury of the twisters and quakes can be heard.

Dad and I try again. Nothing but our howls ring out. As their Alpha, they’re obliged to answer Dad unless they can’t.

“Dad? Why aren’t they answering? Why isn’tanywolf answering?”

“In times like this when evil rises, myweresknow to join their packs and seek refuge.”

“But they should respond, at the very least to let you know they’re safe,” I bite out.

His thick white hair flutters in the breeze. “I know, Aric.”

Chapter Eighteen

Rage tightens Dad’s stance. He thinks they’re dead and he’s not alone.

“Aric? Mr. Conner?”

I whip around to see Celia, standing in the doorway. “Your mother wants you both inside.”

We don’t waste any time. I help Dad bring down the metal shutter just as something hard crashes against it, denting it inward and preventing us from closing the door.

Mom has Mimi sitting up, helping her sip on tea with leaves floating on the top. I recognize that tea. The healing witch Mom spoke of gave it to her to treat those of magic injured in her absence. It’s probably the only reason Mimi remains conscious.

Mimi’s cloak lies in a clear bag near the side table. She’s wearing a white nightgown and her long, matted hair falls around her in thick clumps. Someone attempted to brush through it, until they saw the ugly gash along her scalp.

Mom and Celia saw quickly to Mimi. But she’s still close to death. For the moment, she’s awake, and given her state, it’s an absolute miracle.

Celia edges away so Dad can kneel beside Mom. I gather Celia so her back presses against my chest, kissing her cheek and hugging her close.

“The wolves didn’t answer you, did they?” she asks.

I want to assure her they will. But I won’t give her false hope. It’s not what any of us needs now. “No.”

“Great Mimi,” Dad says. “I beg your forgiveness for what I request of you at this time. But for the sake of my pack, I implore you to tell me what’s happening.”

A crazed expression overtakes Mimi’s features. She attempts to smile, but doesn’t quite manage, moaning in pain and clutching her arm. Her voice is a shadow of what it once was, but I understand her well enough. What follows isn’t anything I’m prepared to hear.

“Alpha, your pleas for forgiveness are not needed, but your strength for what I must tell you is.” She motions to my mother for more healing tea. Mom holds her head as Mimi takes several greedy gulps. Mom attempts to dab Mimi’s lips when she finishes, but Mimi bats Mom’s hand away. Mimi doesn’t want to be fussed over. What little energy she has is needed for her to speak.

“The little tigress must survive,” Mimi says. “Everything good in the world tells me it must be so.”

Mimi’s eyes lower and she appears to fall asleep.

“Why?” Dad asks. He shakes Mimi gently. “Stay with us, great hag, and explain your reasoning.”

Mimi blinks open her eyes. Mom offers her more tea. Mimi takes it down as if dying of thirst. But thirst isn’t what ails her.

“The tigress is special, as are her sisters,” Mimi continues, tea dribbling out of her mouth. “For the dark ones to triumph, evil cannot allow her to live.”

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