Page 121 of Red's Beast

I hold up my paw and wiggle it in the air, trying to ask if she can still shift, but he doesn’t quite grasp what I mean. He stares at me for a moment longer until he finally realizes what I mean.

“Oh, wait. No, she can’t shift. But there’s nothing to worry about.”

Instead of waiting for him, I dart into the woods after her, leaving both my father and brother calling my name as they stand near the cottage. There is no telling what that witch will do and I’m not leaving her defenseless.

“Lucian!” Pa yells.

I hear both of their footsteps as they come into the woods, but that doesn’t stop me. Instead, I pick up speed. Ma is probably in trouble, especially against Emmeline, who I feel has her own secrets.

I run as fast as I can through the trees, hoping I'll make it in time. Shouts echo through the trees toward me as Ma corners Emmeline up ahead.

"You treacherous witch. How dare you take away my son's mate. She could be the one that saves us all from this realm. Don’t you want that too? You’ve been stuck here for two hundred years, just like we have.”

Emmeline chuckles as she throws back her head. "What makes you think I want you to be saved? Maybe this was the plan all along and I'm carrying out my sister's wishes. It’s about time that everything comes to fruition."

I pause in my tracks as I near them at the edge of the tree line. Hidden behind the last row of bushes between me and them, I watch every move Emmeline makes. She doesn't have her hand raised, nor does she act hostile toward Ma.

All she does is pace near the creek, a grim look across her features. "Come on and tell me then. If you know me so well. What have I been doing all these years?"

Ma's face falls as she glances over at Emmeline. "You were so kind to us. How could you do something like this? You know Natalia was crazy, so I can’t see you carrying out her wishes.."

"It doesn't matter. Plus, you shouldn't be surprised it runs in the family." Emmeline's grim expression turns to one of delight. "All we wanted was to mate with your sons. Now look at what happened to my sister. She's gone and I'm the only one left of my family. You can't blame me for carrying out her dying wish."

Ma scoffs. "And what was her dying wish? Logan has no interest in you and Natalia is dead. Let Lucian return to his human formand be happy. Release us from this prison and we can all go home. You can leave as well and find someone else.”

Emmeline stops, her breath caught in her throat. For one split moment, I think she might actually do what Ma asked, but then her expression changes again.

"I can't do that.”

"But why? Your sister isn't here anymore and you are free to do as you please." Ma attempts to reason with her, but she just laughs.

"That's not how this works. I'm bonded to my sister, even when she’s gone. Everything she has done, like the curse on your son, will hold because of me. This realm and all of its magical properties are included. You don't understand how complex and calculating she was. She truly thought of everything, including her untimely demise. Your son’s curse can’t even be lifted by taking a mate alone. Someone else has to die."

"You don't have to do this anymore."

"You're missing the point, Ma. I do. Think of our bond as a contract. I have to uphold my end of the agreement or face the consequences." Emmeline looks at the river and grows quiet for a moment. "Doesn't this place look familiar to you, Lucian?"

I scan the surrounding trees and the river. It looks like the same spot I became cursed.

My heart thuds loudly in my chest.

"Interesting, isn't it? This world is so much like our own, but yet not. Natalia knew it would be the perfect place for us."

Ma takes a step back as I emerge out of the woods.What are you getting at, Emmeline?

She cackles. "Have you not figured it out yet? Natalia made this world to be just like the one we came from. She wanted us all to have a home together, away from it all. I helped her create this place by memory, you know? Then I upset her and she sent me here. It's not like I had to wait long, though. Your family showed up, but you and her never did."

She paces toward the right, closer to the water, and glances into the calm stream.

Why don't you just spit it out and be done? Stop dragging this out.

She sighs. "Always the impatient one. Why can't you pity me like your family? They felt sorry for me because my sister betrayed me, though that isn't the full truth, clearly." As she clacks her nails together, she glances up at the sky. I don't know what she's about to do, but I move closer to Ma.

You asked for everything you've received.

"Maybe, but you could say the same for her. The curse she placed on you didn't just affect you, but her and your future, hence trapping you in that world. So, it's because of you that my sister is gone. If only you had been a good little boy and cooperated.”

I edge closer to my mother, wondering what her next move is, but she throws her hands down and looks in the water again. It's strange the way she is acting. I expect her to erupt with magic at any moment.

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