The Gamma's Dark Witch

11 - Ancient Bloodline

(Cam)

I sensed her. She was near.

Lucas and his mate, and I were in the car back from dealing with a situation. I thought I would have a moment of peace, but any sense of relaxation eluded me recently.

“Cam?” Lucas started shaking his shoulder.

I nodded, scanning the territory for her moonlight hair. I didn’t know what was worse- if I saw her or if I didn’t.

“Is everything okay?” Isabella asked her mate; worry and fear laced her voice.

“I think so.” Lucas looked at me and shrugged.

I couldn’t move. Axel was pacing in my mind, running circles. He was feeling the exact opposite of everything that I was.

“Get your a.ss out of here. You’re acting weird.” Lucas tried to drag me out, “You can’t just sit here.”

“I can.”

“Why? What’s up?” His tone softened.

“Nothing.” I brushed him off.

“Then come on.” Lucas hauled me out, and I was still in too much shock to put up much of a fight.

“Get off of me. I’m fine.” I elbowed him once we got through the doors.

“You literally went zombie mode.” Lucas stopped and met my eyes, lowering his voice. “We can go talk if you want-”

The air shifted. Everything seemed to go static and settle. I felt a sense of calm and energy, and my eyes shot to the door. She was here.

The bell echoed off the corridors. Everyone was silent.

Jackson walked up and opened the door before I could protest. She floated into the room, and my throat constricted. Her hair seemed to flow behind her and contrasted with her deep brown skin. She looked like the night sky incarnate. I might have let myself believe that if I hadn’t seen what she was capable of. The dark shadows that were lingering under the beautiful surface. For once, I wasn’t the most dangerous thing in the room.

“Nisha,” Isla greeted her warmly.

“Isla.” Her voice was, as I remembered it, rich, warm, ethereal.

I took a protective step in front of my Luna. Even if Isla didn’t count her as a threat, I wouldn’t give into the follies of compassion that make threats seem like friends.

“Cameron.” She fixed her stare on me. Her silver eyes glowed and seemed to bore right through me. I hated the way she said my name; I hated how it affected me against my will.

But she was here, and I could reject her now.

I couldn’t stand the small talk anymore. I couldn’t stand that everyone was welcoming her in here, especially when they knew how I felt about her. I knew it wasn’t a betrayal, but it sure as h.ell felt like one.

I tore out of the front door and shifted. Axel protested each step away from our mate, but I pushed forward. I needed to get as far away from her as I could.

(Nisha)

“You have a beautiful home,” I told Isla, “Thank you for the hospitality.” I’ve seen many places, but nothing like this. This place looked like a palace from stories that we collected along the roads.

The walls were made of stone I was sure was carved from the mountains themselves. I reached out and ran my hand along the cool walls. It comforted me and grounded me to this place that was older than any of those walking through these halls.

Thick rugs padded our footsteps, and the windows showed the purple mountains beyond, turning darker under the last rays of the sun. Their peaks were covered in snow, even though the ground was bare. They felt both closer and farther away than I imagined.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Isla stopped next to me. “The first time I saw this, I remember how it took my breath away. It still does.”

I looked down at her; her green eyes met mine, and they seemed to twinkle.

“Where are you from?” I asked.

“A pack just a bit further up north, it was my birthright, and we reclaimed it.” A shadow passed over her face, and she shook her head gently. “It’s a long story, but we combined both Jackson and my pack into one.”

“Was it hard? To leave?”

“This was the first place I remembered really feeling like home. Again, it’s a long story.” She offered me a whisper of a smile, but it didn’t meet her eyes. “Anywhere with Jackson would be home, but I’m honored we got to create something bigger together, a home for both of our packs.” Her smile was genuine and warm now.

“I’m happy for you.” I was. I didn’t really know her, but I wanted her to be happy; it made me feel better too.

“I’ll show you around tomorrow during the daylight. It’s warm enough for a walk in the gardens. Even if they are bare now they are beautiful.”

“I would love that.”

We turned, slowly following her mate, Jackson, toward his office.

Jackson offered Isla his chair and put a blanket around her making sure she was comfortable. She closed her eyes, shaking her head, but a small smile played on her lips.

“Nisha,” Jackson said, his voice rumbling through the room, and I felt his ancient power unleash. It wasn’t anything that affected me, but it was interesting to see. “Welcome back.”

“I know you’re a bit apprehensive..” I started.

“Last time we met, you stole my pregnant mate.” His cool blue eyes glimmered, and he gave me a smile.

I shrugged. “Misunderstanding.” I smiled back at him.

“To what do we owe the pleasure?” he asked.

“I’ve been sent to check on her.” I nodded toward Isla. “And the health of the baby.”

“Babies,” Isla corrected me, smiling down at her stomach.

“How many?”

“Two boys.” Jackson smiled down at his mate.

“Congratulations,” I said. Jackson turned his smile to me.

“We are over the moon about it,” he said, placing a protective, loving hand on Isla’s shoulder. It twisted something inside me, and I pushed it away.

“Great to hear.” I tried a smile. “When do you expect them?”

“Any week now,” Isla replied, “It’s hard to tell with twins, but they’re usually early.”

“I came a bit too soon, then.”

A crease appeared between Jackson’s brows. “What do you mean?”

“Soleil, my mentor, wanted us to make sure that you and your baby.. babies are healthy and safe. Since you two are joined from ancient bloodlines, the blood of your babies will be highly sought after. We can sense your individual power, but yours together, mixed into one being, will be something else.” Isla looked up at Jackson, her face contorted, and her eyes widened.

“What do you know?” Jackson’s voice turned icy, and it matched his eyes that were now focused on me.

“Nothing. I was instructed to make sure that you have adequate safety measures in place. My sisters and my promise stand.” I moved my gaze to Isla. “We will protect you, protect them from harm.”