Fearless

Preview

Before the Invasion

My run turned into a sprint. I found myself at the edge of our territory. A literal end as the land changed from steep and rocky, followed by grass covered hills, to cliffs overlooking the waters of the great ocean.

I trotted down where the ground was sand and met the water. Then navigated around the neglected structures from over a hundred summers before my time. The smell of decaying wood and rusted metal mixed with the saltwater perfuming the air.

I phased, pushing myself up to stand on two legs. This run was to clear my head. I couldn't do that in wolf form. My senses were too heightened, and everything pulled at my attention. Even now, being half human only dulled things a little.

There is this feeling. Something fleeting just beyond my mental reach that wouldn't go away. I had chased it to the ends of my land and still couldn't grasp it.

I walked along the shore avoiding the water's reach. Allowing the hypnotic rhythm of the tide pushing in and pulling out to draw me closer. I found a crop of black rocks that sparkled with moisture under the bright light of the sun. The cool touch of the breeze on my skin didn't affect me. Summer had come and gone. Another birthday passed. Bringing me closer to the time when I will take my place on the throne.

The pressing thought that chased me out here tugged at the recesses of my consciousness. Like a memory I couldn't access. Or an answer I couldn't find to a question I hadn't asked. Baffled by this feeling unwilling to let me focus on anything else, I climbed the rocks. I found a flat space and sat. The warmth seeped into my skin as I allowed the sounds of nature drown out everything else.

Some time had passed before I eventually climbed down. I sensed my younger brother before seeing him appear several yards away. He was in wolf form. Nolan's wolf was beautiful just like him. Although, he looked the same whether on two legs or all four. In my eyes I only saw my brother who I loved with my whole being. His wolf shared his sun kissed complexion and golden irises.

I envied him for it. My wolf was beautiful, and I wasn't insecure about my physical appearance. But my brother's two halves melded together seamlessly.

I continued to trudge through the warm sand to meet him. His paws kicked up sand as he made his way toward me, only slowing when we were a few yards apart. He phased before we met, straightening to his full height on two legs.

"I figured you would be indisposed."

I intertwined my arm with his leaving the ocean behind us.

"I needed the mental space. Plus, I knew you would know where to look if I were needed. And since you're here, I must be," I presumed, staring up at his regal form.

"Father sent for you. When he couldn't reach you by link, he gave me the look," Nolan mused.

He twisted his face in an almost exact impression of father. I giggled as the sand gave way to broken pavement beneath our feet. Glancing over toward the dilapidated structures extending from the land to the water, I sighed.

The haunting presence nagged at the fringes of my mind once more. This time, I didn't attempt to chase it. Maybe the spirits of those who once flooded this land lingered here. The energy from a time long ago permeated the constructs. Occasionally I wondered what it was like in the old world.

The land changed again. Darker pavement, with faint markings like arrows interspersed by decay. Nature taking over with thick tufts of grass sprouting between the brokenness. It is all quite beautiful in its own way.

"They must have angered the Creator since they no longer rule the lands," Nolan spoke breaking into my distant thoughts.

I brought my eyes back to my brother as he stared straight ahead. It seemed our minds were synced.

We passed rusted metal machinery with rubber wheels and broken glass. Objects used for travel by those who were restricted to two legs. Weak and fragile they were. Yet, resourceful to build the things they had.

Would we eventually succumb to the same fate? Over time, would the Creator revoke his mercy once we no longer pleased Him?

"How do you know the Creator isn't angry with us as well? Afterall, we're still here with what remains of the pure humans," I question.

"Perhaps it is you that has lost favor, sister. I'm the one who has been blessed with a mate," Nolan teased.

I pushed my brother away, though not truly upset. He may have been the younger sibling, but he was already paired. There was no hurry on my part. I would be the one elevated to rule the pack and ensure our people continued to thrive.

Becoming queen once father stepped down was my birthright. And I would do it with or without a fated pairing. Besides, I loved my brother's mate Angel. She is a sister to me and a fierce warrior. They truly were perfect for one another.

"We should link with father before he sends someone searching for the both of us," Nolan says, falling in step next to me.

"Race you back?" I challenge.

"I wouldn't want to embarrass our future queen," he retorted.

"Fear you will be defeated?" I raise my eyebrow trying to provoke his competitive trait.

"I fear nothing," he says in a tone oozing with bravado.

"Not even the mighty Alpha King Raziel?" I query using our father's name.

"Well, maybe..."

He doesn't get to finish rebuttal as I take off running. I leap up, phasing into wolf form midair and landing on all fours. Not losing momentum, I push myself forward with my large white tipped paws. I glance back to see Nolan's golden wolf right behind me.

"I see you're not above fraud." Nolan speaks through the link.

"I'm an opportunist dear brother. I simply took the advantage," I link back.

Our mirth soon dissipates when I feel father's overpowering mental presence.

"Are you on your way?"

"Yes father," Nolan and I answered in unison.

"No delays, I shall see you both soon."

Father sounded serious. I pick up the pace, easily putting distance between myself and Nolan. I saw no reason to miss a chance at beating my brother. And I wasn't even using my full agility.

Author's Note: 

Nevada's complete epic adventure is now available on Amazon and releasing on Barns and Nobles September 8, 2021. 

Full book available on Amazon: https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B096L35G81&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_Z0HH0FDYXBHNZFB87P0SBarnes and Nobles: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fearless-kd-roe/1139991335?ean=2940162346777