Twelve

Fitz leaped over the fallen log, the wind blowing through his panther’s tawny coat as his paws hit the ground and propelled him forward around another pine. Elation filled him as his panther tore the ground underneath him, racing Dimitri who sprang from another rise in the earth, doing his best to match his brother’s speed. The scents that filled his nostrils, the feel of the air on his coat, the ground beneath his paws, each leap into the air, all made him feel alive. A couple of nights ago was the first time he shifted and allowed his panther truly to run. Why hadn’t he done more of this in Draven Falls? Because of the craziness that became my life. I permitted my father’s business and goals to consume me. He tried not to dwell on it too much. Instead, using the mindspeech of their animals, Fitz asked his brother, Where did you say we were going again?

Dimitri appeared in his peripheral vision, his brother’s coat just as tawny as his. Since we had problems with Prescott a few weeks back, Josh and I have been patrolling around Jeremiah’s house, which is more like a fancy compound in my opinion.

And the law couldn’t do anything about this guy? Fitz couldn’t believe everything Dimitri told him about how the Order of Wardens came into town a few weeks back and tried to run the owner of Everglades out of town. Fitz knew some of what the Order stood for from his time in Draven Falls. That they ventured down to Florida to spew their agenda didn’t bode well for other parts of the United States where paranormals lived in peace.

Dimitri neared a clearing and slowed his pace, taking his time to sniff around the edge of the woods. Fitz eased his gait as he moved to stand beside his brother. The trees ended and the lush grass of an expansive yard began, leading to a massive home that definitely appeared out of place.

Jeremiah Prescott was rather good at keeping himself distanced from the actual crimes, Dimitri sent. He even sent his grandson to prison in his stead, probably as a punishment for getting caught and bringing the cops to Jeremiah’s doorstep. And we thought our father sucked.

Fitz chose not to comment on that, feeling as if his father sentenced him to a different kind of prison over a year ago. Still, it was a prison Fitz came to love, and now, he couldn’t see his life without Mandy in it. That didn’t mean it had been right, however.

Speaking of our father, Fitz began. Over the past couple of months, he’s increased security around the mills. Seems a major overkill. What in the world could he be protecting?

Dimitri’s panther cocked his head to the side as he looked at his brother. You think he’s up to something nefarious?

No one puts that much security around wood pulp, Fitz said. I just can’t imagine what he’s protecting.

It’s not like you haven’t been distracted or anything lately. Fitz could feel his brother’s grin through their connection. So…, Dimitri continued. That was some kiss last night. Did you know Mandy was going to do that?

Fitz felt a stirring, even in his panther form, at the memory of Mandy kissing Kinsey in the middle of the bar last night. He hadn’t known his wife was going to make out with his mate until he watched Mandy approach her and wrap her hand around Kinsey’s neck, pulling her in until their lips locked. Of course, once the kiss began, Fitz could look nowhere else. He hadn’t told his siblings why he came to Bull Creek, giving no one even a warning they were visiting, but Mandy’s display last night obviously filled everyone in quickly. I think my life is about to become even more complicated, he sent to his brother. He sighed as his panther ducked his head down to the earth, sniffing for signs of prey. Yesterday morning, Mandy came into my office and informed me that her panther had scented Kinsey as her mate. I’ve been struggling all year without my destined mate, and suddenly Mandy has to come find hers. His panther blew at the earth through his nostrils, a form of Fitz blowing out a frustrated breath. Now, I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do.

Dimitri sat on his back haunches, staring with gold eyes at the back of the Prescott mansion. Seems like Fate has solved your dilemma for you. You and your wife both have the same mate, and Kinsey’s already revealed that her panther is called to both of you. Seems like a simple answer to me.

Is that even possible, though? Two shifters scenting the same mate? One shifter scenting two different mates? How does that even work?

Dmitri laughed in Fitz’s mind. Very carefully, I would imagine. And yes, it happens. We’ve already got a triad in Bull Creek. The owners of Everglades found themselves in a similar situation. Both males found themselves called to the same mate. Fitz felt his brother give a mental shrug. It happens. You just have to figure out how to make it happen for you. Dimitri stood and started to circle the property’s perimeter. Come on. I want to check out the front.

Fitz fell in beside his brother as they made their way slowly around the edge of the woods, keeping the mansion on their left. Dimitri kept sniffing at the ground, every once in a while casting a furtive glance to the structure in the distance. Fitz merely followed, not even sure what he would be sniffing for or looking at. It just felt good to be with his brother again. Fitz admired Dimitri for having the balls to stand up to their father, wishing he had the same strength. Even Lainie had escaped their father’s clutches. Fitz never considered himself a weak man, but somehow, when it came to family, he had no backbone. But what if this is exactly how my life was to pan out? Fitz asked himself. Maybe this had to happen in order for Mandy to discover her destined mate? Did the world even work that way?

As they neared the front gates, Fitz noticed a dark gray sedan pulling into the lengthy driveway. He stopped, his eyes narrowing into slits as he stared at the familiar car. You said this Order of Wardens hates paranormals? he asked his brother.

Dimitri stopped, turning his tawny head so that he looked at his brother. Yes. Jeremiah’s goal is to run us out of Bull Creek. Why?

Because that’s our father’s car pulling up to the front door, Fitz sent. Why would a shifter visit the home of someone who wants to kill paranormals?

Good question, Dimitri said. Nothing good, I’m sure. Let’s try to get closer.

Dimitri led the way, Fitz falling in behind him this time. The sun beat down on their tawny coats as they stuck to the treeline as long as they could before belly-crawling closer in an attempt to hear what might be said. Fitz had a churning in his stomach as he watched his father’s car finish traveling the long drive, pulling up to the front door. Nothing good could come of this visit.

Daniel Everest stepped out of his car, his back straight as he adjusted his tie. The wind tousled his salt and pepper hair slightly as he shut his car door, his expression stony as he started toward the front door of the house.

He didn’t get far before Fitz saw the door open and another man, tall with dark gray hair come out, two bulky-looking men behind him. Jeremiah Prescott, Fitz assumed by the way the others flanked him, ready to protect the older man. A show of force? Fitz asked Dimitri, suddenly worried their father bit off more than he could chew.

More than likely to show Father he’s not trusted, even alone, Dimitri answered. They managed to slink their way to a corner of the house without being detected, their ears straight up to hear what they could. Fitz kept his eyes on Jeremiah, waiting to spring to his father’s defense.

“I’ll admit, I was surprised when I received your call,” Jeremiah said as he neared Daniel. “Come to beg for your son’s life?”

Fitz’s hackles rose, his panther growling softly. Without realizing it, he had taken a step forward. Dimitri snapped at his side, bringing him to a halt. We need to hear why Father is here. Relax. Jeremiah can’t do anything to me.

Fitz paused, realizing that his brother interpreted the other man’s words better than him. Jeremiah Prescott wanted Dimitri gone from Bull Creek and probably had no clue Fitz even existed. Was their father really there to help Dimitri? That seemed odd for the man who didn’t even want his youngest child to leave Draven Falls and wrote him off the minute Dimitri loaded his car and left.

The two men stopped when they reached a couple of feet away from each other, neither man offering to shake the other’s hand. Jeremiah Prescott may have two bodyguards with him, but Daniel Everest was a panther shifter, and even in his human form, had enough strength to do some damage before they overpowered him. Knowing his father, Daniel probably took it as an insult that Jeremiah only brought two bodyguards.

“Bull Creek has become a thorn in my side,” Daniel said. “My children need to be back in Draven Falls with me.”

Jeremiah shook his head. “Your children need to be put down for being the unholy beasts they are, just as you do.” He then shrugged. “But Draven Falls is no longer my issue. Bull Creek is. I want them out of this community and away from the human population.”

Fitz stared, his head tilted to the side slightly. What was his father up to?

“You can have this backwoods community as far as I’m concerned,” Daniel said. “I just want my kids back home. Once the paranormal community is gone from here, they’ll have no other choice but to return to the family business where they belong.”

“And the other paranormals?” Jeremiah asked, slipping his hands into his pockets as he stared at Daniel. “Are you taking them all back with you?”

Daniel shook his head. “They’re not my concern. What happens to them is entirely up to your discretion, so long as my children, particularly my oldest son, Fitz, and his wife, are left unharmed. There is a particular shifter, however, I want done away with, a Kinsey Pickford. She has to be eliminated. Guarantee me this, and I’ll help you demolish this town. Besides, your Order owes me for allowing them to use a corner of my property for their hideout. This is how you can repay me.”

Fitz heard Dimitri growl beside him, felt the anger boil within his brother. Fitz, however, could only stand there and stare at his father. The man not only just gave up all the other paranormals in Bull Creek but was actually working with the Order. I can’t believe it, he sent without realizing it. He’s working with the people who want to kill paranormals. What the hell is he thinking? He’s put a death sentence on Kinsey!

He’s thinking he wants his protege back, Dimitri answered him bluntly. He lost two of his children to Bull Creek. He plans on making sure you return to do his bidding. With Kinsey out of the picture, you’ll be easier to manage.

But to kill for it? Fitz couldn’t believe his father would be so desperate. How could he even think of doing something like that?

Because his endgame doesn’t involve anyone but him, Dimitri sent, and Fitz could hear the sympathy in his voice. And you. Lainie and I walked away from him and the family business. You’re all he has left to maintain the future he’s been manipulating for his entire life. He needs you back in Draven Falls and under his thumb. Everyone else is expendable.

Fitz turned his panther’s head to look into Dimitri’s eyes. He didn’t know what to say. Their father just made a deal with the devil to regain possession of his son, and that deal could very well cost Fitz the lives of his siblings. Dimitri, I don’t…

His father started talking again, cutting his sentence off and jerking their attention back to the clump of men in front of Daniel’s car. “I know you’ve had problems with Dimitri and his friends before, so I asked Stella Fletcher, leader of the covens back in Draven Falls to send a little aid.” He turned to his car and gestured for someone to join them.

Looks like Dad’s not alone, after all, Dimitri said.

They watched as a tall, lanky man with greasy dark hair slithered out of the passenger seat of Daniel’s car. The newcomer wore grungy jeans and a dark T-shirt, both of which appeared too big for his scrawny frame.

Have you seen him before? Dimitri asked.

No, Fitz replied. But, if Stella sent him, he can’t be good. She’s striking for more power for her witches since she usurped the leadership role from Agatha Rochester a couple of years ago.

“This is Enoch,” Daniel said, turning back to face Jeremiah. “Stella assures me he will be able to help you with any of the obstacles Dimitri puts in your path.”

How bad are things in Draven Falls that paranormals would join the Order to hurt other paranormals just for a boost in power? Dimitri asked. How deep does this treachery go?

Fitz gave a mental shake of his head. I didn’t even know it went this far. What the hell does Dad think he’s doing?

Come on, Dimitri said. We have to warn the others. Looks like Bull Creek has another war on its hands. He turned, his panther racing away from the house and out of sight of those standing in the front drive.

Fitz stared at his brother a moment, his heart aching over his father’s words. How could a father turn his back on his own kids that way? How could he openly support the attack of paranormals?

Those weren’t the biggest questions, however, and Fitz knew it. The biggest question was what would Fitz do about what he just heard? How would he protect his siblings and their home? He had to stop his father. He had to save Kinsey.