Book Cover created in acrylic by the extremely talented @therealpaul
If you have not read the first book of the series, "Reborn", it is advisable you do so before reading "Renewal" or you will be lost. This link will provide you with a series summary as well as all sixty-eight chapters of Reborn
Chapter Seventeen
Mathias paced around the large living room waiting for Will to call back. He’d phoned them directly after his brief discourse with LeJarien and they were heading to the cabin now.
Their tentative plan was to A: Not get killed by an irate seven hundred year old vampire and B: Try and explain to LeJarien what had really happened to Anna and why she might be unwilling to own up to her heritage. Mathias was fairly confident if he learned the story he would forgive her, particularly due to her age.
Seth crossed the room and laid a hand on Mathias’s arm. “She’ll be okay, after all it’s not as if he can murder her.” The wolf attempted a grin to lighten the mood but Mathias frowned darkly in response.
“How could she be so fucking stupid? She’s already lied to him, tricked him, stole from him, and on top of which she drew a bond he didn’t want to give. To the point that he resisted her for a long ass fucking time, and believe me every day away from your bonded mate can feel like a century.”
Seth’s brows drew together in contemplation. “Mathias…
The male threw a hand in the air to stop the question. “Don’t ask, I don’t talk about it. Not ever.” He resumed his pacing.
Michael and Coderin appeared. They’d been out chasing a lead on another demon gathering when he’d called and filled them in.
“Is she okay?” Coderin asked anxiously, concern on his boyish face.
“I don’t know yet.”
Michael said nothing, just went to a couch and sat down. He hadn’t been himself since Anna left. He was surly and uncommunicative, and strangest of all he seemed to have passed his leadership role onto Mathias. He still hunted with them but didn’t seem to care about much one way or another.
The phone started ringing and Mathias answered hastily.
Will started talking immediately. “They aren’t here and there are no clues to where they’ve gone. We found her phone shattered on the porch so calling her is out of the question.”
“Shit.”
“Yeah,” Will’s voice was strained.
“I think…” Mathias ran a heavily ringed hand through his light hair. “I think we should come to you,” he stated. “Leo’s brother Brett found a few more pieces of prophecy and from what we can ascertain the States is the place the big shit’s going down in. In fact it looks like it’s working up to be some kind of big battle taking place on your west coast in the desert. And from what your father told me there’s already rumors about something taking place there.”
“We would definitely appreciate the help.”
“I’ll call and let you know what we decide. About Anna…she’ll be all right. She’s got a rough road ahead of her, but she’s a survivor.”
“Yeah, true that.”
“Peace out.”
Mathias hung up and faced his brothers in arms.
“I’m not leaving,” Michael stated flatly. “You can do whatever you want, but I’m staying here.”
“Michael…
“No!” He stood up and stretched his big frame, his blue eyes flashing with emotion. “She should have been mine,” he said in a low voice. “Nothing is as it’s supposed to be. I…” He shook his head and walked to the door. He looked back at the concerned trio. “Like I said, do what you need to do.” He opened the door and blurred.
“Fuck me,” Mathias snorted.
Seth nodded. “I think you’re right, it’s time to check out America.”
“I’m good with that,” Coderin chimed in, “I’ve always wanted to spend time there.”
“Let’s do it then.”
Austin sat on the porch of the cabin holding his busted hand. He’d finally gone to the hospital and had it set, now it was in a cast swollen and aching. Like his heart it was shattered. Nothing made sense anymore. And now with his hand out of commission he was useless in the fight he’d been so eager to join. Male vampires were on their way and the thought of them made him feel weak, because next to them he was.
He stood up and announced his decision to the brothers who were sitting huddled on the bench. “I’m heading home. I need to…regroup. Let my fucking hand heal and then get some training. Martial arts, weaponry, even with my hand I wasn’t much good to you guys.” he laughed without humor. “You know I’ve always thought I was a tough guy. My fists against humans and I am I guess, but in this fight? I’m shit.”
“Hey, don’t be like that bro, we’re not superhuman either. We don’t stand a chance against vamps, never have. But you’re right it would be good for you to get some training and to…heal.” Will looked at him pointedly, he wasn’t referring to his hand.
Josh nodded. “I’m really sorry man.” He started to say something else then shook his head and looked away.
Austin held his good hand out to them. “It’s been a trip hanging with you, I hope we’ll meet back up.” Josh took it and shook firmly and Will did the same.
“Keep in touch.” Will told him slapping him on the shoulder.
Austin flashed a half smile as he walked away.
Generously created for me by @son-of-satire