You sure you don’t want to shift?She heard Hunter's voice in her head and turned to see the large silver wolf looking at her.
She smiled and shook her head.No, not this time. I’m more comfortable fighting like this.She watched as he slowly nodded his head.
Each group slowly began to move away from where they had gathered. They each went their own way as they circled around the house to their assigned entrances. They waited until everyone got to their spots, and then in unison, they would all move inside quickly. Freja looked back to see two witches joining their flanks, and around the border of the house, other witches were creating a seal, which would lock them all in and everyone else out. There was no turning back now.
Small tingles of excitement ran over Freja, her body’s learned response to killing. This was the moment she always looked forward to. Gripping her daggers, she held them at her sides. She looked at Adam’s wolf. “Stay behind me. Let me go in first.” The wolf nodded his head slightly and Freja stepped in front of him.
Freja glanced up at the sky, the moon hiding behind clouds that were as dark as night, not showing itself on a night like this. She paused right in front of her group’s entrance, closing her eyes as she tried to sense the energies just beyond the door and even further in. She still wasn’t sensing Meryl’s energy, but there was another powerful energy inside, as well as several other witches. She also sensed something else, something that didn’t seem like just a witch. It was different, but it was still strong. She wished she had more time to analyze it, to know exactly what it was. There was indeed a type of protection shield over the manor, and it was messing with Freja’s ability to sense magic. Once she was inside, she would be able to see things more clearly.
A cold wind began to whip around violently. It swirled over each party, then lifted up to the sky. The clouds swirled around in a circle until a dark donut was formed. This was the sign from Jin, the signal for everyone to attack. Freja’s face went blank as her attention focused on what was in front of her. She lifted a dagger halfway up, one in front of her and one behind her. With her lightning speed, she dashed through the door, the wolves following right behind her.
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
Having insisted on taking the main entrance himself, Hunter stormed through the door. He led the charge with Caden at his side. They entered a dimly lit room, which was not a problem for them because of their werewolf sight. The lighting wasn’t the issue … it was the smell. The scent was burning their noses and confusing their senses. They weren’t able to scent the witches over the irritating smell. A couple of the wolves pawed at their noses in an effort to alleviate the burn.
It wasn’t just as simple as smelling bad. It felt like red hot pokers were being shoved up their nostrils, making their eyes water and slightly blurring their vision. Hunter scanned over the area. A gut-wrenching reality hit him. They were waiting for them. They knew they were coming, which meant this whole house was one big trap for the wolves.
Freja, it’s a trap. Are you alright?
Silence.
Hunter, I can’t reach Sam,Caden said nervously after having tried to check in on his son and not getting a response.
Hunter sighed a bit in relief, though this still unnerved him.I can’t contact Freja either. There must be some sort of distantblock? I mean, we can still communicate. Unless each room has its own barrier. Stay alert. They were obviously expecting us.
How?
Yes … how indeed.Hunter lowered his head and began to walk forward, searching for the enemy that was hiding behind a cloak of intense magic. Someone had tipped them off, and he would find out who. If those witches betrayed him, there would be hell to pay. Though he knew Erica wouldn’t have led them into a trap.
He led his group of fighters further inside, slowly creeping upward when they reached the stairs that ascended to the next floor. It was too late to turn back. They would just have to be cautious. He raised his gaze to the top of the stairs and tried to focus on the task at hand. He needed to believe in the others.
Ander rushed inside with Chasen and Winston at his heels. Immediately, the strong scent began to burn their eyes and nostrils. Chasen snorted loudly and looked out over the room. Some strange incense was burning, creating a smokey haze and messing with their senses.
The witches didn’t follow us in.Winston looked at Chasen, who glanced backward briefly.
Hunter?! Jin?!Chasen growled lowly at the same time Winston did.
I can’t reach Adam.Winston danced on his paws nervously as he looked around the room.
Easy, Winston. There must be some sort of block. I can’t reach Jin or Hunter either. Concentrate. They must have known we were coming.A low snarl ripped through Ander. Chasen immediately looked up, following his gaze. They couldsee a light flickering from another room, shadows dancing on the walls. Someone was in there.
They would have to enter the room one at a time. It was dangerous, and more than likely another trap. Chasen took a step forward and looked at the leading wolf, letting him know he would check it out first.
The colossal bear slowly walked toward the door. His nose was numb from the incense, making it impossible for him to smell whatever was lurking on the other side. Whatever it was, if it wanted a fight, he would oblige.
Be careful, Chase,Winston said quietly through their link.
Chasen stayed focused on the door but nodded his head. He needed to take down whoever was here so he could race to Jin and Hunter. He didn’t like this situation one bit and was now beginning to worry about his brother and mate. With fierce determination, he stepped into the room and toward whoever or whatever was waiting for him.
Tony crashed through the door with Sam while Jin flew in from the top, gracefully landing on her feet. She looked back at the wolves, who were all shaking their heads and pawing at their noses. The scent was strong but not unbearable for her. It had to be something that affected shifters. She looked around the foggy room with a frown. They were expecting them.
Chasen … Hunter?The odds that something had happened to both of them were low. She reasoned there was something blocking the mindlink. Jin stared through the fog. The wind began to swirl, creating a vacuum, suctioning the incense smell into it. She was able to locate several sources of the incense, and with the aid of her wind, she pushed it all out the door.
Jin took in a breath of fresh air and looked down at the wolves. “There … isn’t that better?” She giggled, then turned her attention forward and noticed Tony was beginning to act strangely. He started pacing around the room, slowly at first, then more menacingly until his gaze finally locked on a door at the far end of the room.
Jin walked up to the door and quietly opened it. It was a set of stairs that led down into darkness. Something was down there … she could sense it. Suddenly, Tony shot past her and plunged into darkness, his pack immediately racing behind him.
Jin looked back at Sam with wide eyes. “Well, so much for having a strategy.”
