The Lost Years (13 page)

Chapter 21

I'd drifted into a light sleep while lying on the sofa.

When Max came through the door, I sat bolt upright—suddenly wide awake. He'd been gone for almost seven hours.

“Marlow's alive,” he said.

“Thank God. Have you seen him?”

“No. He isn't in Maja. He was, but now he's gone again.”

“Where?”

“He's headed for Lawler territory. That's where Craven is being held.”

“Craven? Are you sure?”

“It appears that Marlow did some digging around amongst his old contacts here in Maja—those he thought he could still trust. I've spoken with a few of them. Some are disillusioned with Milton, and were happy to assist Marlow. According to two different sources, Craven was captured in Lawler territory. Maja has strategic alliances with a number of other packs including Lawler. The border guards down there recognised Craven and reported back to Milton. He's being interrogated down there because it's too risky for them to bring him back to Maja.”

“Interrogated? About what?”

“About you.”

“I don't understand.”

“You're on Milton's most-wanted list. The shifters I spoke to didn't know why, but it's pretty damn obvious to me. He knows what you saw, and he knows that information could unseat him. He wants you dead. He has people all over the country looking for you, but he thinks that the best way to find you is through Craven. Milton is convinced Craven knows where you are.”

“That's rubbish. I haven't seen Craven for thirty years. I thought he was dead.”

“I know that, but Milton doesn't. Anyway, that's where Marlow is headed right now—to Lawler territory.”

“Thanks Max. I owe you.”

“I did it for both you and Tish. Just promise me you'll come back when you've found Marlow. Come back and help me to avenge Tish by getting rid of that scum Milton.”

“I promise.”

Just then, the sound of cars, screeching to a halt, caught our attention. Max hurried over to the window. It was dark outside.

“You'd better get out of here,” he said—still staring through the window.

“Who is it?”

“I can't tell, but there's a lot of them. My guess would be it's Milton's cronies.”

“You can't stay here,” I said. “Come with me.”

“I can slow them down. That will give you a chance to get away.

“They'll kill you.”

“They don't want me,” Max said. “It's you they're after. Here!” He threw me his keys. “My car's around the back. Take it and go.”

Before I could object again, he was pushing me out of the door.

“Take the back fire-escape. My car is parked right next to it.”

I could hear the sound of voices coming from the main staircase as I made my way to the fire escape. I hated leaving Max to face them alone, but what else could I do? I had to find Marlow.

I took the fire escape steps two at a time. When I was on the last flight, I pressed the button on the key fob. The indicator lights, on a white Kia, blinked on and off.  Once on the ground, I glanced both ways, but could see no sign of my pursuers.

As I reversed out, I glanced up to the top of the fire escape from where four men were looking down at me. I engaged first gear, put my foot to the floor, and sped towards the main road. When I pulled up at the junction, I noticed a small crowd had gathered on the pavement close to the entrance to Max's apartment block. I watched as a policeman moved in to push them back. That's when I saw the body lying on the floor—it was Max. He'd died to save me.

I just wanted to sit there and cry, but that would have meant his sacrifice was all for nothing. He'd given his life so I could escape. He'd given his life so one day I could return and depose Milton. He'd given his life so I could get revenge for Tish. I glanced in my rear view mirror just in time to see the four men reach ground level. I turned sharp right, and sped away.

*********

I knew roughly how to get to Lawler territory, but I didn't have the faintest idea what I'd do once I arrived there. According to Max, Marlow had gone there to find Craven, but he could be anywhere. It didn't help that the Maja had an alliance with the Lawlers, so they'd have been warned I was on my way. The main roads were sure to be heavily patrolled. My best bet would be to get as close as I dare to Lawler territory, and then shift into wolf form. As a wolf I'd have a much better chance of searching out an area of the border where I could sneak through unnoticed.

I was twenty-five miles short of Lawler territory when I spotted the black Ford 4x4 in my rear view mirror. It was four cars behind. I dropped my speed until I was doing a little under the limit. First one, then a second, and finally a third car overtook mine. The Ford was now directly behind me. I tried to see the faces of the car's occupants, but it was too dark. For the next mile, the Ford stayed a car's length behind. I was certain it must be Milton's men, but then it overtook, and sped away into the distance. Maybe it was just my paranoia after all.

I was ravenous. The roadside cafe was called 'The Tasty Stop'. Or at least it would have been if the large 'S' had been illuminated. The gravel car park in front of the building was deserted except for two other vehicles. After my meal, I'd find a quiet side-road where I could leave the car, and then shift to wolf form.

I was the only shifter in the cafe.  Behind the counter, a bored young woman chewed gum while playing on her smart phone. At a table to my right—close to the cloakrooms—sat an elderly couple who were studying the menu. To my left was a man in his mid-twenties. He wore a denim vest top which revealed muscular, tattooed arms.  I assumed he must be the owner of the van parked outside which bore the logo: 'Joe's Joinery'. I eventually managed to catch the waitress's eye, and received a sigh and a scowl for my trouble.

“Burger with fries, please.”

“Regular, large or super-size?” she said, without once looking at me.

“Bring me the super-size and a large Coke.” I wasn't sure when I'd eat next.

The young woman disappeared into the back where I could hear her relay my order.

I was three bites into the burger when the door flew open. Three men dressed in identical black suits were standing just inside the doorway. I glanced through the window and saw the black Ford 4x4 which had overtaken me earlier. I wasn't paranoid after all, but I
was
in a lot of trouble. Suddenly, the kitchen door flew open, and two more men appeared. One of them had his arm locked around the neck of the waitress. The other held a man, who I assumed to be the chef, in a similar head-lock.

“Let them go,” I said, getting up from my seat. “I'll come with you.”

“How gallant, but we can't have any witnesses, can we?” The man holding the waitress bit the young woman's throat. Her eyes rolled slowly into her head as he let her body drop to the floor. The chef met a similar swift end.

“Who the fuck do you guys think you are?” Joe the Joiner said, as he marched down the aisle towards the three men standing at the door.  He looked like the kind of man who could handle himself in a fight—with humans. With vampires—even just one of them—he stood no chance. Seconds later, he fell to the floor holding his throat, which was spurting blood. The old couple hadn't moved. Terror had frozen them to the spot. One of the vampires began to walk over to them, but I stepped in front of him to block his way.

“Leave them alone. I'll come with you.”

He pushed me aside with one arm. I flew across the floor and hit the counter with a thud. From there I watched as the vampire despatched the old couple.

I knew I'd have only the one chance. I shifted to wolf form, ran across the floor, and leapt straight at the window. As it shattered, I felt a few cuts to my face and front legs, but it was nothing of any consequence. Vampires can cover ground very quickly, but I had a head start on them. I leapt the fence, and ran towards Lawler territory. Behind me, I could hear voices, and a car engine starting. I didn't look back.

I covered the remaining miles in record time. I hadn't seen or heard anyone behind me for some while. In the distance, I could see the city lights. The border must be close by. I planned to take a few minutes to catch my breath before skirting the border to find a good place to cross.

When I'd returned to Maja, I'd expected to run into trouble from the shifters under Milton's command. It hadn't occurred to me to worry about the vampires. Why would they come after me?

I was in the undergrowth about a hundred metres from the main road. I was about to begin my inspection of the border when I heard something. It came from my left, and sounded like a twig snapping. It could have been a small animal or—”

A huge net covered my body. I tried to run, but my legs were caught up in the netting. I tried to bite through it, but my teeth weren't strong enough. The more I struggled, the more I became entangled. I could see the figures approaching—their silhouettes cast against the half moon.  A sharp pain shot through my upper leg. A dart was hanging from my thigh. I tried to claw it away, but my limbs were too entangled. My head began to swim as the drug took effect.

“Tell Lassiter we have her.” Those were the last words I heard before my body shut down.

Part 8 – CRAVEN (2014)

Chapter 22

It seemed to Craven that the fates were against him. He'd come so close to finding Louise in the Maja enclosure, but had missed her by only days
—perhaps even hours. He'd been rescued from Lawler territory by a shifter who knew Louise, but who had been killed before he could tell Craven anything. Craven didn't even know his rescuer's name.

Since his rescue from Lawler, almost ten years ago now, Craven had covered every territory at least once—some several times. In total, he'd been searching for almost forty years. He was tired. Perhaps it was time to admit defeat, but how could he? He'd promised himself he wouldn't give up the search until he found Louise or found conclusive evidence she was dead.

He was exhausted—physically and mentally. He needed a break for a few weeks or months. Perhaps then he'd have the energy to start over. It was time to return to Terroun. Would he still be welcome there? If Hill was still Alpha, there wouldn't be a problem, but after such a long time away, it was always possible someone else had taken over the throne. A new Alpha might not be keen to welcome an ex-Alpha back into the fold in case he tried to reclaim his throne.

It was a risk Craven had to take.

The last time he'd returned to Terroun he'd been despondent after finding the Maja enclosure empty. This time he was no less desolate. It was a sign of just how much time had passed that two of the three border guards didn't even recognise him. It was only when an older guard stepped forward that they apologised for their mistake, and allowed him through.

“Craven, my oldest friend,” Hill greeted him. “How are you?”

“Tired.”

“I'm not surprised. How have you survived as a lone wolf all of these years?”

Craven shrugged.

“No word of Louise?” Hill asked.

“I thought I was onto her a few years ago when I was in Lawler territory.”

“What happened?”

“A shifter—someone I'd never seen in my life before—rescued me from a spot of bother.”

“What kind of bother?”

“It was nothing. Anyway, he mentioned Louise's name.”

“What did he say?”

“Just that she was still alive. He was killed before he could tell me anything else. Knowing she's still out there has kept me going, but now I need to rest a while.”

“You surely don't intend to continue the search?”

“I must.”

“You've done enough. No one could have done more. It's time to let her go.”

Craven didn't have the strength to argue with his old friend. If he could just catch some rest, and regain his strength, he'd be able to resume the search.

“How are things with the Maja?” Craven asked.

“Not as bad as they were the last time you came.”

“How so?”

“The Maja are in disarray. Milton is still Alpha, but is only just holding on to power. He is widely disliked, and isn't trusted by many in his pack, but no one will come forward to challenge him. The conflict between Milton's shifters and Lassiter's vampires is out of hand. There have been numerous reports of attacks— on each other and on humans—some in broad daylight. The Maja are so busy with their internal conflicts that they have all but given up on the idea of annexing our territory.

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“I wasn't sure you'd still be Alpha. It's been a long time.”

“I still consider this a temporary role until you return.”

“Don't be stupid. You're the Alpha, and deservedly so. Are there any likely challengers?”

“No serious ones. Not yet anyway. Although there are two youngsters, Rayma and Dayton, who may be ready to take my place one day. Now we need to find you somewhere to live. The Grendier I think.”

“Grendier?”

“It's a new complex—only completed within the last two years. The apartments are superb. You can live there as long as you wish. Forever if you decide to stay.”

“A few weeks should be long enough. I don't need anywhere as grand as the Grendier sounds. I've been living in motels and caves for the last few years.”

“Then it's high time you enjoyed a little luxury. Besides, it will give you a chance to get to know Rayma. I'd be interested to hear your assessment of him.”

“I take it he's your favoured successor?”

“I shouldn't have a favourite, but yes. I think he has the makings of a great Alpha.”

“What about the other youngster? Dayton?”

“A fine wolf from good stock. Powerful, confident and very popular.”

“I sense a 'but' coming.”

“Rayma is very much a wolf who puts the pack first. With Dayton, I get the feeling the pack's interests come a distant second to his own.”

“And yet, you said he's popular?”

“Dayton is very charismatic. He says the right things. He's seen in the right places with the right people. He knows how to work a crowd.”

“Sounds like the perfect—politician. What about Rayma?”

“You'll have the chance to judge him for yourself. His apartment is opposite yours.”

*********

The view from his apartment was spectacular, but so was everything about the Grendier. Hill had insisted Craven could live there rent-free for as long as he wanted. The apartment was large enough for a family of four. After living in small motels and caves for so many years, Craven felt lost in such a huge space. The apartment came fully furnished, and had that new, never-lived-in smell. He suspected that Hill was hoping he'd change his mind, and remain in Terroun. That was never going to happen, but he'd make the most of his time there. He planned to eat well, relax and get back into shape—physically and mentally.

Terroun had changed since he was last here. Not only the many new developments such as the Grendier, but the whole atmosphere. On his last visit, he'd been able to taste the tension in the air. The threat of an attack from Maja had been very real at that time. Today, there was a much more relaxed feel about the place.

There was a knock on the door. Instantly, Craven was on full alert. He'd lived so long under constant threat that it would take some time to adjust.

“Hi.” The young male shifter smiled nervously. “I'm sorry to disturb you. I live across the way.” He pointed to the door opposite.

“Rayma?”

“That's right, sir. Is this is an inconvenient time?”

“Not at all. Do come in.”

Craven stepped aside.

“How do you like the apartment?” Rayma asked.

“It's a little on the small side.”

“Really? I'm sure we could find something—”

“I'm joking. I've got lost in here twice already.”

Rayma's cheeks flushed as he smiled.

“If there's anything you need, sir? Anything at all?”

“There is one thing now you come to mention it.”

“Yes, sir.”

“You can stop calling me sir.”

“Right. Sorry, sir. I mean. Sorry.”

“Call me Craven.”

“I can't.”

“Why not? It's my name.”

“You were Alpha. It would be disrespectful.”

“I've not been Alpha for a very long time. It would be disrespectful not to respect my wishes.”

“Sorry.”

“And you have to stop apologising.”

“Sorr—. I mean. Okay.”

“Do it then.”

Rayma looked puzzled.

“Call me by my name.”

“Craven.”

“See. That wasn't very difficult was it?”

*********

Craven asked Rayma to give him a guided tour of the territory—he wanted to see at first hand everything that had changed. They took Rayma's car even though Hill had provided Craven with his own car.

It didn't take long for Craven to realise Rayma was a shifter of few words. He didn't do small-talk, but was always perfectly polite, and answered any questions Craven posed.

“Hill tells me you may be a future Alpha.”

“Rayma's head snapped around, and for a second, Craven thought they were going to end up on the grass verge.

“But not if you kill us both first,” Craven said.

“Sorry.” Rayma pulled back on the steering wheel.

“Is that how you see your future?” Craven asked.

“I think the Alpha must have been joking.”

“You don't want to be Alpha?”

“It's not that. Being Alpha to the Terroun would be an honour for any shifter, but I don't think I'm cut out for it.”

“Do you have a mate?”

“Yes.” Rayma's face lit up. “Freda.”

“I'd like to meet her.”

“She'd be proud to meet you, sir. I mean Craven.”

“Does she live with you?”

“Usually yes, but she's away on a training course this week. She gets back on Friday night.”

“How about you, me and Freda go out for dinner on Saturday night?”

“We'd like that very much.”

“Great. You make the booking. I'll pay.”

“Where would you like to go?”

“I've been eating motel food for forty years. I'm sure wherever you pick will be fine.”