Page 33 of Shadow of Death

“There are others here I wanted to visit, and this place belongs to the pack, not just you and Dad,” Kicks said, taking a step toward his brother.

Varic wobbled for a second, looking like he might take a step back, but held his ground. “He’s gone right now. Won’t be back until tomorrow, so I’d enjoy your stay while you can.”

Before the tension could escalate further, a woman appeared. She had a regal air about her, with silver-streaked black hair and green eyes exactly like Kicks’. It shouldn’t have made me like her, but somehow I didn’t think anyone with his eyes could becompletelyevil.

“Kicks,” she said warmly, embracing him. “It’s been too long.”

“Aunt Elara,” Kicks responded, his voice softening as he hugged her back. He kept an arm around her much smaller stature as he turned toward me.

“This is Piper, my mate,” Kicks said.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Piper,” Elara said, smiling and then leaning forward to give me a hug.

I tried not to stiffen at the contact, but I was pretty sure I did anyway.

Elara let me go, a look in her eyes as if she were trying to figure out what my issue was. She probably thought I was one of those humans who didn’t like being touched. Ihopedshe thought that. Awkward Piper was much better than Killer Piper.

I tried to keep a blank face, realizing I hadn’t been breathing for a few seconds as I waited to make sure she didn’t turn gray.

Elara turned back toward Kicks. “Why didn’t you tell us you were coming? I would’ve gotten things ready for you and your girl.”

“Thought the surprise would be better.”

Elara smiled, taking him at face value. If she suspected he hadn’t planned on coming here, she didn’t let on or give him a hard time.

“Yes, such anicesurprise.” Varic looked put out and wasn’t trying hard to hide it.

Elara didn’t acknowledge Varic had spoken as she took Kicks and me both by the arm and walked us toward the door. “Come inside, both of you. You must be tired from your journey. I can’t believe you came all the way from the States under these conditions.”

She led us through the grand entrance and into a spacious hall. The interior was as impressive as the exterior, with high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and walls lined with portraits and tapestries. The trim work alone would leave a person in awe. I could hear people in the other rooms, but no one came out and spoke to us.

“You can freshen up and rest,” Elara said, guiding us up a sweeping staircase. “I’ll bring you something to dress for dinner. You’ll be staying on for a little while, I hope?”

“For a little while,” Kicks said, keeping it vague.

We followed her down a long corridor and into a large bedroom that was still cozy somehow. The huge wooden bed looked inviting, with plush pillows and a warm quilt. The room even had a fireplace.

“Thank you,” I said, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the hospitality.

“Make yourselves at home,” Elara said. “And you come find me as soon as you get a minute.”

“I will,” Kicks replied.

With a last smile toward me, Elara left the room. I was already exhausted by this place.

I poked around, taking in the views from the windows and peeking into the bathroom. “Do you think this shower works?” I asked. I’d cleaned up in the cold stream earlier but been spoiled by hot showers. Even on the boat, we’d been able to take short ones.

“Yes. They’ve got this place set up with a stockpile of fuel to run it. It was self-sufficient long before it needed to be.”

I poked around the bathroom, finding not only shampoos and soaps, but avarietyof them.

“I’m heading downstairs to see what’s been going on.” In other words, reconnaissance on his strange family. “You good here alone for a bit?”

Kicks waited, watching me as if I’d be afraid to be in the room alone. It made sense after meeting his brother, but as far as I knew, I could still kill with the flick of my hand.

“I’ll be fine,” I said.

“Have you heard anything yet?”

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