Magic and Wolves: Book 1 of West Mountain

Francis

Being inside a bubble of magic made Cecilia's hair stand on end. The air felt electrified with power, and she could feel the tension of the three men behind her. They were shooting from the hip with this idea and Cecilia knew it was just as likely that they all end up dead as succeed.

They were led to a small clearing, barely big enough for a dozen people to sit around the shallow hole they had dug for their fires.

When they entered the clearing, they could only see one person standing with their back to them. He looked to be an inch or so under 6 ft and skinny. His hair was cut close to his scalp and a dull mousy brown color. When he heard them coming, he turned around and the scars covering one check, half his neck and disappearing down into his flannel shirt where visible. When Francis's cold and lifeless eyes took in Alistar his lips pulled into a sadistic sneer.

"Well, well. I was starting to think the woods had turned my men's brains into mush, but I guess not. Alistar McCraigen, returned to me at last." His eyes sparkled gleefully when he took in the cuffs and the collar around Alistar's neck." It's a good thing you collared him, otherwise you might end up looking like me."

He gestured vaguely at his burn scars.

"You deserve more than that you sadistic fucker!"

Cecilia pinched the bridge of her nose, already this was going to shit.

Before the Mage could react, she spun around and slapped Alistar across the face. Grabbing a fist full of his hair, she leaned in close to his ear.

"Stop antagonizing him. I need you to bring down this shield, not have a testosterone fueled bitch fit."

"Behind Francis Alpha. The orb, it's a magical battery, it has to be powering the shield. I can destroy it, but I need my powers."

Cecilia released him roughly, her hand moving over the back of the collar, releasing it just enough to break the magic but leave it on his neck.

Carson, Oscar, Alistar found the source of the shield, be ready.

Turning back around she focused back on Francis.

"So, I'm assuming you want this mouthy piece of trash?" Cecilia spat, trying to maintain an air of uninterested arrogance. She was trying to imitate Zachariah as much as she could. They probably would have gotten along as much as two psychopaths with Species Superiority complexes can get along.

"He was my objective. Although I am curious how you found us. Something about a wolf?"

Cecilia hummed her agreement. "We found that useless mutt running through the woods, rambling about Mages and it wasn't too far of a leap to think you were the ones looking for this asshole."

"And what of my friend, the wolf? You don't seem fond of him. I'd be happy to take him off your hands. We had such fun before."

Carson stiffened slightly, his wolf wanting to be let out and rip apart one of the men who had hurt his Mate.

Easy Brother. Focus on our task. We need to be ready for battle, not start it before the shield has come down.

Oscar's voice in his head helped distract him form the tension and rage building. His eyes moved around the clearing, taking in the details, he could see slight movement in the trees. It must be other Mages, watching their leaders back, or getting ready to spring a trap.

"I'm not sure what use you'll have for him, he was half dead when we found him, but I'm sure we can come to a mutual agreement."

Cecilia was starting to feel uneasy, like a trap was slowly closing in around them. She expected this but it didn't make it easier.

"You know what I find amusing." Francis's sneer grew as he gestured behind him for someone to come out. "Is that you think we don't know why you're really here.... Alpha."

Out from the shadows of the trees stumbled Hammer, his hands cuffed together, a leather collar similar to the one Alistar wore around his neck. He was a mess; the crisp gingham suit he had been wearing the day he was taken was ripped and filthy. His cheek and one eye were sporting new bruises and there were several shallow cuts on his arms. Francis pushed him to his knees and pressed a knife to his throat.

The three wolves in the clearing tensed instantly, fighting not to shift. There was no way for them to get close before Francis could hurt Hammer. Alistar's eyes narrowed but he kept crafting his spell silently, his rage building.

"it's a real loss to magic that he allowed himself to become so tainted. He would have been so valued by our people." Francis ran the flat of the blade down Hammers neck and over his chest. "He could have helped save us all from the taint of impure Fae everywhere. But alas...."

Cecilia felt her breath hitch as Francis looked up at them, a wild and crazed look on his face. This was clearly someone who had lost touch with any sort of reality. His grin was wide and all teeth, his eyes gleamed with a kind of psychotic glee.

"He says he won't help us. Can you believe that Alpha?" His voice suddenly changed, becoming angry and harsh. "He'd rather degrade himself breeding abominations with a filthy mutt in that cesspool you call a town."

Cecilia's breath became shallow as she started to panic, her wolf was clawing to get out. Her eyes meet Hammer's falling into that warm green shed grown to love so much, and she felt more regret than she'd ever known in her life, more than when her family was murdered. This was all falling apart.

"Don't worry about him though, he won't see what I plan to do to the rest of you. Your whole town will become a base for our glorious undertaking and your people will be sacrificed to the alter of knowledge and study. Such beautiful experiments we will perform."

Francis looked down at Hammer, he stroked his hair almost fondly.

"But first I must set our favorite son free."

He smiled sadly at Hammer and plunged the knife into his chest.