I caught Maximus’ eye, and with a sigh he gave me an almost imperceptible nod. While my vamp’s features had tightened, I knew he would back me on this. Mainly because he was not exactly aware of my full plan. I leaned forward, and before Braxton could reach for me I kissed him a solid smack on the cheek, flung my door open, and dived off of Jacob’s lap.
Braxton’s curses rang free. I didn’t look back. Maximus would be using his bulk to detain his brother. I wouldn’t have long, no one could hold Braxton down, but hopefully it was enough time. I didn’t want to do this, running into the unknown without my pack, but Louis’ note made it clear: it had to be me. And I didn’t feel like sitting through the six hours of arguing it would take before the Compasses grudgingly agreed to let me go. Action was better.
Okay, and maybe my wolf was feeling a little reckless after the many hours of being cooped up.
The cold was icy enough to take my breath away, but my metabolism kicked in and heat followed the rush of blood through my body. The car had stopped about ten yards from the small opening into the mountain. The golden glow gave me a moment’s pause, but I trusted that Louis wouldn’t have sent me into anything too crazy.
Right?
I hit the barrier, and before I knew what was happening I was sucked through to the other side. Unfortunately, I didn’t end up landing on my feet. I was strung upside down, my body constricted in a netting which was too strong to break.
My mind flashed to the letter and I decided now was the time to speak the password or forever be strung up like a piece of meat. Without thinking twice I said:
“Misticii dragonilor.”
Chapter 2
The glow surrounding me made everything too bright for me to see clearly. The netting did not ease. If anything, the longer I hung there the tighter the constrictions felt. I was starting to get pissed off, and now was not the time for additional restrictions; my wolf was already cranky about the hours of travel and car time. She was ready to change, and she pretty much wanted to tear a few fresh assholes in anyone stupid enough to push us.
I was really hoping someone pushed us when I got free.
The frustrations riding me needed to go somewhere; it was taking all of my concentration to keep hold of my dragon. Luckily, I still retained enough mental capacity to remember that the Four were after me. I could not alert them to my location. They seemed to require close proximity, but they had told me that sometimes they felt strong dragon marked powers from anywhere in the world. And I knew mine were strong.
“Misticii dragonilor!”
I snarled the password this time, wondering if my stumbling Romanian was the reason nothing had happened earlier.
The light flared, and within my next exhalation I was freed. In the six foot drop, I managed to flip myself over and land smoothly on my feet — supernatural genetics were not just about pretty looks. My head shot up and I clashed eyes with a robed man, the dark blue of his hooded attire blending into the gray stone tunnel we were in.
He was quiet as he examined me. I made no sudden movements, except to straighten so I was no longer crouched. I was five-feet-four; he was about six inches taller than me. Which I didn’t like. A few low growls rumbled my chest.
I loathed to be the first to speak – you know, alpha-domination and all that – but I had to protect my pack. “I need safe harbor for myself and my six friends.” My words were hard; contrition just wasn’t in my personality.
The male unfurled his arms. I was getting a weird vibe from his energy. He seemed to be fey, but also … something else … and I did not want to be around anything unknown. I tensed, preparing myself. It didn’t seem he was going to attack, but I was taking no chances.
He widened his arms, as if inviting me to come closer. Not likely.
“Welcome to the sanctuary, and city of mystics.” His voice was low, with a mild accent. Not Romanian though, something closer to … Spanish, maybe? “You’re halfway through your initiation. The second part requires the mark to be visible.”
I didn’t hesitate, I started ripping off my layers of clothes. I could only imagine how insane the Compasses were going outside. I couldn’t hear anything; this side of the mountain was quiet. Soundproof. But I knew they would be losing it.
When I was down to just my bra, I spun around so he could see the black and red symbol which traced along my back and side. Twirling and twisting from my shoulders down to my hip, it was a tribal dragon. I still hadn’t seen the entire image; it was difficult to capture it in one look, and really … I hadn’t had much time to examine it closely.
Only the fey’s eyes moved, running down my bare body. I was getting goose bumps all over – it was warmer on this side but still freaking cold. He needed to move along this skeezebag moment.
My eyes slashed out at him. “You about done?” I swear if laser beams from eyes were possible, mine were fired up enough to shoot them. “I’d appreciate if you stopped wasting my goddamn time. I have friends outside freezing to death, so either let us in or let me go.”