Black Bear's Due (Northbane Shifters Book 2) Read online

  “Easy there, big bear,” Xander said. “We need to figure out what to do with her first.”

  “Man, I think she went through some shit, so I don’t know about putting her in a holding cell,” I rushed to say. “We’ll have to figure out some kind of lodging, maybe…”

  I trailed off, realizing everyone’s eyes were on me. Reagan was shaking her head, Luke was hiding a laugh, and Xander was giving me a patented Xander look.

  “What?” I asked warily.

  “No one wants to lock her up, Rett,” Xander said. “I agree with you, she needs safe lodging.”

  “Sure,” I said and stood up, glancing around. “So, what’s the plan? I’ve been up all night and am starving, so please don’t expect me to come up with a solution…” I paused and rubbed my face, waiting. Then I caught on to the weighted silence. Shit. “Shit, Xander, no.”

  “Aw, Rett, you’d be the best person for the job,” Reagan wheedled. I knew Xander had put her up to it, and I shot him an evil look. Bastard was staring at the sky, all remote and granite-faced. “She’ll be so comfortable with you. I mean, you were one of the first people besides Fallon that I became friends with in Winfyre.”

  “Hey,” Luke said, and Reagan shot her fiancé a look. “I mean, yeah, you’re great when you’re not pretending to be grumpy. The kids love you.”

  “Gee, thanks. But I’m swamped right now.” My voice was tinged with desperation. “No Kal, no Tristan?” I shook my head. “I’ve got like a two-week backlog of work.”

  Having Laia show up was one thing, but having to take care of her after she’d smuggled in contraband and collapsed? Plus, the awkward fact that we had a history she wasn’t privy to…

  “Laia takes precedence,” Xander said. “And she’ll help you once she’s well.”

  “And you can hold this over Tristan’s head forever,” Luke added.

  I winced. “You know I can’t do that. I mean, I owe Tristan. Big time.”

  Xander and Luke glanced at one another, as it finally dawned on them why I was being so reticent. Reagan looked politely puzzled. Tristan had done something for me and my family after the Rift. Something I didn’t think I could ever pay back.

  Especially where Laia was concerned.

  “I forgot about that,” Xander muttered. “Shit, I don’t know…”

  With a sigh, I asked, “You want me to claim her, right?”

  Both of my friends now looked pained on my behalf, fully realizing what they were asking. Goddammit, I didn’t want to make them feel bad. But, at Xander’s resolute nod, I knew that from a practical standpoint, this was the best plan.

  Too bad practical didn’t always work in a place like Winfyre.

  “I’ll claim Laia Llary,” I said.

  “Thank you,” Xander said, and a faint smile played around his lips. “I’m sure it will work out.

  Yeah, or she’ll claw my eyes out in my sleep.

  And if she doesn’t, then Tristan will probably throw me into the sea.

  “Go on, already,” Reagan said and pushed my back. “Waiting out here won’t do anything.”

  I shot Reagan a look over my shoulder. She beamed at me. Man, if Reagan wasn’t so damn nice, hardworking, my best friend’s girl, and one hundred percent right…

  There was no getting out of this.

  I knocked, and Rogda opened the door, raising her eyebrows and ushering me in.

  “I’ll wait out here,” Reagan stage-whispered. “Call me if you need me.”

  “What brings you here, nephew?” Rogda asked. She was a tough old Russian broad who’d made it to Winfyre with her sons a few months after the Rift. They were all incredible shifters, but Rogda and her son Niles were also healers. While her other sons mainly worked the patrols, getting sent all over, she and Niles were based here in Cobalt. “Sickrooms should not be this busy.”

  Even though she sounded stern, her one eye twinkled at me. We’d helped get the Orlovs into Winfyre after some Skrors and SB bastards had tried to prevent their passage. She’d lost an eye in the skirmish and now wore a patch, but it made her look more badass, like a lady pirate. Rogda, being Rogda, liked to joke that losing an eye was worth gaining five nephews.

  “Um,” I said, avoiding her gaze and studying the ceiling. “Well…”

  “Bit early to be causing my patients trouble, mm, Bear?”

  I fumbled for words as I nodded. “Sorry, I need to talk to Miss Llary.”

  Standing on her tiptoes, Rogda patted my cheek and said, “You’re a good man.” Then, in a whisper, she ordered, “Don’t upset her. She’s worn herself to the bone. Her adrenal levels need to recover; otherwise, she might go into shock again.”

  Horror punched through me. Tristan’s cousin couldn’t show up only to die on us. “Yes—I mean, no, we wouldn’t want that.” Rogda glared at me, and I held up my hands. “I’ll be nice.”

  Rogda stepped aside and ushered me in as she stepped out. Laia was sitting up in bed, and I stopped dead in my tracks, surprised. Her glossy auburn hair was down around her shoulders, and her hazel eyes sparkled with gold. The early morning light made her glow, and, as I looked at her, her cheeks deepened with a flush. I didn’t think I’d ever seen anyone as stunning as she was.

  And then Laia gave me a tentative smile. I almost clutched my chest as my heart throbbed.

  What is happening to me? Are these sleep deprivation side effects?

  “My hero,” Laia said lightly, and I tried to smile. But I’d noticed how her hands clenched around her knees. “Better stop saving the day, or I won’t be able to ever pay you back.”

  “Nah, don’t worry about that,” I said and moved closer, hoping I wasn’t making her uncomfortable. “Is here okay?” I blurted out, not sure what else to do.

  “For what?” Laia asked, and gestured. “I mean, there’s a chair.”

  “It’s okay, I can stand over here,” I said, and Laia raised an eyebrow. “I know you don’t like Alphas. But I didn’t tell anyone, nor will I, and, uh…”

  “What are you talking about?” Laia asked casually, but her knuckles went white.

  “Last night, before you passed out, you realized I was an Alpha, and you—”

  “Oh, I was delirious, bear-boy,” Laia said easily, and I frowned. “It’s fine. Sit.”

  Moving over to the chair, I sat stiffly and rubbed my hands together. “All right, then, Miss Llary, we need to talk about why you’re here, and, uh, next steps.”

  “To find Tristan,” Laia said firmly and sat up straighter, wincing a little. “He needs to look at that Excris weapon. I’m sorry I even brought the thing into Winfyre, but it’s too powerful and too dangerous to have been left where I…found it.”

  I nodded. “Didn’t Xander and Reagan tell you?”

  “Tell me what?” Laia went rigid. “Is Tristan okay? They wouldn’t tell me anything—”

  “Oh yeah, yes, he’s fine,” I assured her. “I mean, we haven’t heard from him in a while, so...” Laia’s eyes went huge and terrified. “No, sorry, that’s normal. He’s been scouting outside the territories and figuring out new safe routes between ’em. Best man for the job, you know?”

  Laia sighed. “No, I didn’t know he wasn’t here. Of course. I’ve only been looking for him for months. At least I’m close. That’s something.”

  “You didn’t know he was in Winfyre?”

  “No,” Laia said. “Not until recently. I was told he’d left the Northbane.”

  I drew back, outraged. “By whom? He’s one of the five Commands, a Tiger Alpha—” I broke off, seeing a shadow of fear cross Laia’s face. She was afraid of Alphas—why was she pretending not to be? “Don’t worry, he’s still the same smartass we all know and love.”

  “Great,” she said and rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I doubt even the apocalypse could rattle my cousin.” Her voice was wry with warmth and affection. “And a tiger? How often does he sing Eye of the Tiger?”

  “At least once a week,” I said with a laugh.

&
nbsp; Laia let out a small laugh. “Oh, Tricks.”

  “Now there’s a nickname I haven’t heard in a while. We should bring that back. That’s how you knew who I was, huh?” I asked, and Laia nodded. “Can only imagine what the crazy bastard told you about me. Please take it with a grain of salt.”

  “He said you were one of his best friends, someone he trusted with his life, and you had an annoying habit of rubbing off on others—for the better,” Laia said.

  “Seriously?” I asked in a gruff voice, trying to hide my amazement and pleasure.

  "After he said you were too big for your own good and ate everything in sight."

  “Yeah, that sounds about right,” I said and grinned at her. “Laia, until Tristan comes back—”

  “I can’t see my other family,” she blurted out. “Not yet.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked, feigning ignorance.

  “They’re north of here, right?” Laia asked. “Veda or something?” I nodded. The Llarys had all settled up there. “They can’t know I’m here until that weapon is destroyed.”

  “Winfyre is secure, Laia. Your family is safe, and I know they’d be happy to see you…”

  Laia put on a pleading, big-eyed look, and I grimaced, then fell silent.

  “It’s not what you think,” she said after a minute, and then she bit her lip. “Rett, if there’s any other way I could stay here, any other predator’s price…I’ll pay it. Happily.”

  “I’m sure we could work something out—if you tell me what’s going on,” I said.

  “It’s only a matter of time before someone figures out that Excris weapon is here. It has the potential to tip things in favor of the Skrors and the Excris,” Laia said. “And their new allies…”

  “Is that where you’ve been?” I asked, amazed. “Undercover?”

  Your family has been worried sick, Laia. I’ve been worried sick. Do you know how many nights I lay awake, hoping and praying you were alive? That we’d find you? And now Tristan isn’t here…

  “More or less,” she murmured, and I snapped out of my reverie.

  "I mean, of course we'll help you, but there is a price, and our Laws…"

  “Of course,” she said and squared her shoulders. “I’m ready.”

  “Why do you look ready for the firing squad?” I asked. “Do you think we’re going to throw you in jail?” Laia flinched. “Woman, you just have to put up with me until Tristan comes back.”

  “Wait, really?” Laia asked, and a small grin flitted over her face. “All right, I’m listening.”

  A warm buzz filled my chest. “Uh, yeah, well, see, you’ll be my guest and claimant, and—”

  “Excuse me?” Her face was horrified. “Claimant?”

  “I have to claim you, Laia Llary,” I said and cringed at the look on her face. “Told you, there’s a price to pay for sanctuary.”

  Chapter Six

  Laia

  “Price to pay?” I asked in a horrified, breathy voice. “Claim…me?”

  “Uh, yes?” Rett looked about as thrilled as I did.

  “This is some arcane bullshit.”

  Claims were a big thing among the Northern shifter packs. From what I knew, it had started in the Northbane and spread to the others. Basically, one shifter “claimed” another, as a kind of pact to protect their life and keep an eye on them. A tangible bond that appeared at first sight and linked the two in mysterious ways.

  “A claim—that’s the price?” I pressed Rett, and I thought I detected squirming. “Why can’t I just be your house guest? Or, hell, even stay here, maybe check in with you? What, I need a bear babysitter?”

  “I see you’re feeling better,” Rett muttered.

  “No, it’s not, well…” Okay, fair point. But I had to know. “You felt a claiming bond with me?”

  Rett swallowed and nodded. Bullshit, he did! Oh no, this had to be a scheme cooked up by Xander Bane. The Head Command of Winfyre wanted someone strong, capable, and close to him keeping an eye on me. My teeth set, and I tried to remind myself to calm down, that the Northbane were right to be cautious. In any case, it was probably a good idea to go along with Xander. The no-nonsense shifter, tall, dark, and mysterious—he looked like he knew how to deal with Llarys.

  I opened my mouth and shut it. I didn’t know what to say, and, by the looks of it, neither did Rett. Silence pushed between us, his head down and my eyes burning. I was too tired, too weak, to deal with this. My thoughts were becoming sluggish, not catching on anything.

  I shivered under the blankets. All I wanted to do was sleep and feel warm again. Couldn’t someone else take over for a little while?

  “You didn’t sense anything?” Rett finally asked.

  It had to have been my overtired brain, but I thought he sounded disappointed.

  “No, should I have? From what I understood, it’s one way.”

  “Not always,” he said and sat back, the chair creaking underneath him.

  I wondered what it would be like living with someone who could pick me up in one hand and toss me if I irritated him. Oh, God, I’d have to be on my best behavior with this shifter.

  “A double claim?” I finally asked, trying to wake up more, and Rett nodded. “Oh, hell no. I wouldn’t even know how to handle that. Being a shifter is weird enough half the time without adding more occult layers.”

  A dry laugh escaped Rett. “No shit.”

  “Uh, is there anything else I should know?” I asked.

  “No. Well, I guess I could tell you I haven’t had a claimant in a while, but I've had them," he said. “You’d be the first in six months.” Wow, he sounded thrilled.

  Make a girl feel special, why don’t you? I thought wryly even as I forced myself to nod.

  “You have any others I’ll be competing with?”

  Rett’s face became guarded, and his face smoothed itself of expression. “No. Not that I’d tell you, in any case.”

  Ah, there was the gruff bear shifter I’d seen last night when I’d been accused of being a smuggler. He’d be a joy to live with. I mean, I guess I was a smuggler, but more of a Robin Hood meets Lara Croft. A tinge of hysteria tickled the back of my throat, and I had to close my eyes to keep from imploding.

  This would be fine. Sure.

  Living with a bear Alpha, being a Command’s claimant, and waiting for my cousin.

  Well, I was in bad shape. No, let’s face it: I was on death’s doorstep and utterly useless to Winfyre in this condition. Whatever else Rett was, he would help me get better, I was sure. Besides, the plan had always been to get here and lie low. I’d planned on doing that with Tristan, but one of his best friends wasn’t a bad proxy.

  If Winfyre couldn’t help me, though, I’d have to figure out a way to escape a bear shifter. Hm. That sounded only vaguely more suicidal than my usual shenanigans.

  “I owe your family, and especially your cousin Tristan, a lot,” Rett suddenly said. “So, you, too, Laia, by extension of that.” He tripped over his words, and my chest went hot. “Feel free to ask me for anything and everything. I mean it.”

  I forced my eyes open. I wasn’t sure where he was going with this, but it sounded like it was veering into a guilt trip to get me to see those Llarys to whom he owed so much.

  “I absolutely cannot see my family right now, Rett.” Panic fluttered through me at the thought. “They need to remain ignorant…” I winced as a spike of pain went through my temples. “Please, that’s all I ask right now.”

  “I wish you’d rethink that, but sure,” he said and sighed. “I can respect that.”

  The panic ebbed into warmth, and I smiled at him. “Thank you.”

  “You know, you’re lucky you made it here,” Rett scolded, scowling and folding his arms.

  My smiled curved up. “Careful, Deacon, I might think you have a soft spot for me.”

  “I…” Rett hunched up. Ah, he was loveable under that growl. Now I could see myself having some serious fun with him. “I—what is that look f
or? What are you up to?”

  “You’ll see.”

  “Don’t give my patient a hard time, Bear.” Rogda’s voice floated into the room, and the Russian woman bustled in. I’d liked her on sight, a fierce, eye-patch-wearing healer who made a mean cup of tea. She handed me another now, and I struggled to take it. I hated the way my hands shook, my muscles heavy and listless. “You are very weak, Laia. If you shift—”

  “No,” I said and upset the teacup, spilling it on the bed. “Oh no, I’m sorry, I…”

  “It’s all right,” Rogda said gently. “I’ll go get another blanket.”

  “Not shifting can take a toll on you,” Rett added, taking the cup as Rogda bustled to the closet. “When’s the last time—”

  “Don’t worry about it.” Irritation burst behind my eyes, and I snapped, “And I’m well aware of the ins and outs of shifting.” My breath caught as fissures of pain rippled up my back and into my shoulder blades. “Shifting can also take a toll on you.”

  Rogda came back over, swapping the quilt for another. “I can give you something to help you with the weakness, but I have to warn you, it will knock you out for a good day.”

  “That’s fine,” I murmured, too tired and aching to fend off any more questions. I curled up and closed my eyes. “I need to catch up on about a year of sleep.”

  Rett stood up, nodded at me, and said goodbye, then murmured something to Rogda. She followed him out, and I sank back into sleep, my dreams coming in odd fragments. I kept dreaming I was trying to leave and follow Rett, get to his house, but I kept hearing voices and footsteps outside.

  Voices belonging to people I hoped never to see again.

  Someone shook me awake, and I opened my eyes onto Rogda’s gentle smile. “Come on, dear.”

  “What?” I asked.

  “You need to relieve yourself and wash off,” Rogda said. "Then we can administer the treatment. When you wake up, you'll feel a lot better." She chuckled. "I think of it as a mini-hibernation. Just for a day, to realign yourself."

  As I sat up, dizzy and not quite comprehending what she meant, my hand seized Rogda’s wrist in a moment of sudden clarity. “You know, don’t you?”