The Erinyes's Bond (Wolfguise)

Chapter 38-Eska

Shade smoothed another layer of new skin across my back. It would hopefully provide protection for my new tattoo. The wolf moon had been beautifully crafted by Caleb. He'd been quite while etching into my skin. Unlike Griffin and Shade, they carried on the entire session.

Shade had laughed and smiled. Talking to his friend with ease. They even willfully gave a few stories of younger years. It had been nice to see him like that. So unbothered and relaxed. Once we returned home his shields went back up. Like the air was charged with something I couldn't sense.

It wasn't like his normal calm. Shade's movements had an all too familiar stiffness. He was anticipating something. I pulled my top on and slipped past him. Deciding to scan the perimeter. A quick dart to the garage. Small, or crouched?

"Shade, something is in the garage."

He moved his body between mine and the door. Leaning in, straining to listen. "It is my brother."

Shade hurried to the door and pulled it open. A scrappy gray pup hurried up the stairs and past him. Arthur slid across the floor, placing himself behind me. A man followed behind him, Shade tried to slam the door but wasn't quick enough.

I dropped low, shielding Arthur with my body. He coward behind me, his lean form quivering. He was afraid, so very afraid. A familiar warmth washed across my body. One I felt when protecting someone. I let that heat build up, I didn't know if I would need it.

"Get out of my fucking way!" The man pushed past Shade. His brow creased in anger.

Shade put his hand on the man's chest. Pushing him back. "You will not come into my home uninvited. Outside!"

He pushed away from Shade and swung at him. "You will give me my boy. He will listen to what I have to say."

Shade locked arms with his father. His father and he was angry. Then, I felt my mate's anger grow across the bond. It wasn't gradual but swelled into an inferno. This was not a side I'd seen of him yet.

"He's heard plenty. He's experienced it all. What he's fucking doing tells us everything we need to know. You get the fuck off our property. Stay away from our pups. You abandoned them. By pack law their eldest family member takes them in. Nana's done that. You're a day late to take them back. You know this so you are trying to convince them to go with you.

"From the way our pup is shaking he doesn't want to. By pack law we can do what ever we want to ensure the safety of pups. Last warning Raymond, get the fuck off our property or we will kill you." Night's growl reverberated through the room. They were pissed.

Raymond swung his head back, hitting Shade in the nose. Shade growled but did not loosen their grip. Raymond dug his feet to the floor and began pulling Shade.

"He is coming home with me and his mother. He's my son. I will not let some chosen bastard of a unclaimed mating, keep me from my child!"

Confusion, pain, realization, and hurt weaved itself into the bond. Those words dug deep at Shade's heart. They caused him a pain worse than any physical wound. These words gutted him, and I didn't understand why.

Raymond slipped from Shade's grasp and he dashed towards us. Instead of holding back the heat I left it flood through me. I felt everything get sharper. My senses, my teeth, and my claws. I stood up bracing myself against Raymond but he skittered falling.

I cocked my head to the side and smiled. I knew it wasn't anything remotely human. "You heard my mate. You will leave, our pups stay with us. They belong to us. I have seen the little lights in them grow into brilliant flames. Flames I will not allow you to dampen again. Get the fuck out, and off this territory. You are not welcome here."

Raymond skirted backwards. The air smelling faintly of piss.

"Oh Raymond, one more thing. I will know if you have anymore children. You will not be able to hide from me. It's my job to protect people, and I am very good at my job."

Shade grabbed Raymond's arm and tossed him from the house. He closed the door and locked it. Pulled his cell and called out.

"Nana." His voice was gravel.

"He went after Arthur. Ramona and your mother took the girls. Ronka petrified Penny!" Othella's voice was quick, she was barely holding onto the panic.

Shade dropped to Arthur's side, pulling him against him. One moment he was a lanky pup, and the next a ten year old boy. Arthur clung to Shade.

I kneeled in front of them and Shade held my gaze. Mixed in with all of his other emotions was confusion. Confusion towards me. He shook his head and held out his arm beckoning me to them.  I moved and embraced them.

"I have him Nana. Eska and I have him. Raymond is on his way up and out. Ronka should be able to release his mate. I'll bring Arthur up after we all calm down. Is Gramps okay?"

"He took a knock to the head. I'll be taking him in to the hospital. I'm not taking any chances. Raymond was so angry, like he was on something.  Let me call your sister. Best keep Arthur for the night. He's not going to feel safe for a while. Not until precautions are taken."

I let out a sigh. "Oh that's taken care of. He won't be able to get within inches of these kids without me knowing about it."

"Was that Eska?" Othella sound genuinely confused.

"Yes, we have somethings to discuss. Call once you reach the hospital. I love you, Othella."

"I love you too." Othella's words held an unfamiliar sadness. Even at the beginning of the call, she didn't sound like that.

Shade hung up his phone and tucked it back into his pocket. He leaned back to check Arthur.

"Did he hurt you?" He ran his hands over his brother's head.

Arthur shook his head. "No, I'm too fast now."

"How about, I take you up for a bath? I have some bubble bath up there." Shade held onto Arthur, picking him up. His clothes were in pieces.

"I'll go see if I have some clothes he can wear. So at least he's not swimming in yours." I turned from my boys.

"Eska?" Arthur's voice was small.

"Yeah, buddy?"

"You turned into a wolf to protect me? How did you do that?" He looked over his shoulder at me.

"I don't know buddy. When I do I'll let you know."

Shade looked at me. His earlier emotions giving way to concern. Concern for the young one's safety. Concern for his grandfather. Then there was the immense worry for me. Worry that was gnawing in my gut as well. What did he mean I turned into a wolf?