Shadows from the Past - Book 2 of To Be Claimed By Her

Chapter 38

Owen

My skin crawled as we walked down the tunnels to Sang's chambers. It was so different now that I was back in full control of my mind. Jace and North stayed in the shadows to avoid detection. Luckily, we'd managed to avoid everyone along the way. As I approached Sang's chamber I hesitated. I could feel something, or someone watching me, but I couldn't see anything.

Do either of you sense anything? I feel something, but I don't know what it is, I asked North through the connection.

No, we don't sense anything. What are you getting? North asked.

I'm not sure. It's like a presence of some kind, I answered. Stay in the shadows even after we are inside. I don't like this.

Pushing the door open slowly, I heard Cade before I saw him. His warning growls echoed off the walls. I froze in my tracks as he came into view, his hackles raised, jaws snapping. He stopped, sniffing the air in confusion. He nosed in the direction where Jace and North stood, hidden by their shadows.

"Cade, calm down," I said to the snarling beast.

North snorted, Let me know how that works for you, O-man. I just rolled my eyes.

Cade snapped his jaws and I sighed, "Fine, we'll do this the less cooperative way." I snapped my fingers and Cade's eyes rolled back in his head. He dropped to the floor and Jace let out a laugh as the two stepped out of the shadows.

"Really Owen? All that cloak and dagger when all you had to do was snap your fingers? Jace chuckled.

"Well, I was being cautious," I replied. North stepped closer and broke the collar off his neck.

"So what now?" he asked.

"We go back and wait," I said. "Once Kota is back in control, we come for Nate and Luke."

"No, you go now," a voice spoke. The air shimmered around us...I knew that voice.

"Sean?" I asked as a hazy outline of his image started to appear.

"Not quite, Owen. He's still with me, but we're both weak after his little light show with Sang. But that's not the point. Erebus and Kaylie are getting creative in their boredom. They've already made alterations to some of her men. They're coming for Nate and Luke soon. We don't have much time. Send the dog back with a note and let's get moving."

I rolled my eyes, "Are you sure you're not Sean? That sassy attitude sounds an awful lot like my husband right before I spank his ass red."

Morpheus stepped closer, his image still hazy, but his eyes piercing and darker than Sean's, "Oh, Owen, one night with me in true form would be enough to push you into madness. Perhaps I should discuss that with your husband and see if he wants to renegotiate our deal." His specter-like hand grazed my face, "You are a rather handsome demon. Your future is quite intriguing. I look forward to watching it unfold. Now, gentlemen, we have some dogs to catch."

Loki

"Um, Gabriel, Selene, somebody!" I yelled when a semi-conscious Cade appeared with a note tied to his neck.

"What the hell?" Gabe swore. "Where are the guys, and why does Cade look like he's been roofied?"

"I don't know, he just showed up," I said, stepping back. "Should we restrain him? I don't see the collar, Deimos told Eveleen about."

"Cade," Eveleen breathed as she ran into the room. "What's wrong with him?"

I rolled my eyes. "No clue, the pup just appeared." She knelt down beside him, stroking his snout, then read the note.

"Going to get Nate and Luke. Morpheus is helping. I sedated Cade. Love Owen," she read, then whispered softly, "Sean." I could see the tears in her eyes as she lifted the wolf's head into her lap and began whispering to him. "I know you can hear me. Help Kota come back, please. We need both of you." The wolf whimpered but didn't wake.

"Deimos told you it would take time," Gabe said to her. "How long did it take you to wake when he used the kitten spell?"

"The first time took weeks and I wasn't under nearly as long as Kota. What if his humanity is gone? I mean mine was so suppressed that I couldn't sense it. I only remembered once Deimos brought me back."

"I don't know little wolf, we just have to be patient," he told her.

Author's Notes: Cade is retrieved, but...

I have a slew of work trips and trainings over the next two weeks, so I will post as best I can my lovelies!