“I understand completely, Juanita. I swear I will look after Jess. I promise not to take my eyes off her.”
My heart gave a twist. Letting Tyler and Danny accompany me might not be entirely the right choice. As Selectives they wouldn’t be allowed to change into their true forms. It was forbidden under a sworn oath to my father, our Alpha. If they broke that vow, they would be severely punished. And the risk and danger, especially facing someone as powerful as Selene, would be immense. But I knew my brother would never see reason, so there was no use trying.
I just had to make sure nothing happened to either of them.
“Goodbye, Chica. I weel take care of things here for you, don’ worry.” She waved and blew me a kiss. I waved back. “And be safe on your travels. Jour grandmother needs you, I am certain. If the road is rocky, jus’ pick jourself up. That’s what my abuela always taught me.”
“Thanks, Juanita,” I called. “I’ll remember that.”
Tyler turned and closed the door, an amused expression still lingering on his face. He shook his head. “They don’t make humans like that very often. That woman has balls, and she’s fiercely loyal to you. Did you smell her strength?”
“I did, but just barely. My nose was struggling to get through all the Freesia perfume. And who knew you were such a rake? You got her out the door in one swoop. That was a talented maneuver if I’ve ever seen one.”
“I have a way with all the ladies.” Tyler grinned. “Even your elderly neighbor.”
“She’s not that old!” I laughed. “I think she’s in her fifties, but she could pass for late thirties on a good day. What do you think she meant about the bad things that are supposed to happen again?”
Tyler scratched his head. “I don’t know. She was probably talking about all your recent ‘coincidences,’ like your break-in and your ailing grandmother.” He smirked. “Your life has been a whirlwind since you made your first shift. Humans who are close to you would be foolish not to notice.”
I guess it was a good thing I didn’t know many humans. Juanita and Ray were plenty. I didn’t want any other human to end up on the wrong side of us like Ray had. If that happened to Juanita I’d be crushed.
“And, Jess, if you’re going to be a good wolf, you have to learn to parcel away scents efficiently. It’s a relatively easy thing to learn. Once you take in a new smell, you file it away and then you open up your senses to the next layer. If you don’t, you’re going to be at a severe disadvantage. You’ll never be able to identify or track anyone accurately.”
I stood, finishing the last bite off my plate as I headed to the sink, so I answered him in my mind. I have a lot to learn about being a wolf, don’t I?
Yep, he replied. Speaking like this felt like a feather brushing up against my consciousness, each word a soft tickle. And you’re damn lucky I’m a good teacher and have the time and patience to work with someone as inept as yourself.
I chuckled, covering my mouth with the back of my hand. I don’t think “inept” is the word you’re looking for. I’m thinking “destined for greatness” or “unbelievably rockin’ ” are better choices. I refrained from licking my plate and rinsed it under the running water.
Tyler had followed me into the kitchen and now was as good a time as any to fill him in on my day. My father and I had decided I’d be the one to tell Tyler what we’d uncovered today. Even though Devon had found the Prophecy on the Internet, it didn’t mean any of the other wolves had discovered the news. In fact, it likely meant most hadn’t. Wolves and technology, other than in the form of an Xbox and a giant flat-screen TV, didn’t mix well. But Tyler needed to know. He had the right to know. I just didn’t want to actually tell him.
Is everything ready to go? I asked instead.
Yep. The vehicle’s packed and waiting. He gathered the empty pan from the bar, one of those throwaway foils, and he pitched it into the garbage can before tying the bag and pulling it out.
I leaned my back against the countertop and crossed my arms. There’s something I need to tell you before we go. Telling him in my mind seemed easier, less harsh than spoken words.
He turned from shutting the fridge and set the garbage bag down on the kitchen floor. That sounds serious. He rested his body against the doorjamb.
Devon got a mysterious e-mail yesterday with a link that contained some interesting news. No use belaboring it. And from that he was able to cross-reference some things together about me. It has to do with who or what I might be.
Where did it come from?
It was on the Internet, of all places, but he doesn’t know who actually sent it to him. But, more important, Dad was there and confirmed it. I still don’t know what I think of all of it.
Dad knows what you are? Hesitation lingered in his voice.
Yes. I shuffled my feet. He believes I might be some sort of female reincarnate from something called the Prophecy of the True Lycan. Apparently it was predicted that a powerful wolf would rise again, or some such thing. To tell you the truth, I don’t get it and I’m not necessarily buying it either. Reading something on the Internet doesn’t equal fact. But Dad has heard stories of the Y Gwir Lycae, and because there are several accounts that point to someone “unique,” he thinks it might fit. For now.
The Y Gwir Lycae? You?
You’ve heard the tales?
Some. When Dad holds the annual Council meetings there’s always drinking and reminiscing with the older wolves. I’ve heard some things over the years. Why would they think a female could be the Y Gwir Lycae?
Apparently this Prophecy has similar phrasing as some of the old tales. I have no idea. According to what I read, it seemed there was a female long ago and her job was to “vanquish” evil from the supernatural world. I don’t know if she was the first one or if she just shows up once a millennium to shake things up.
He ran a hand through his hair and blew air out of this mouth. What do you think it means?
I think it’s a stretch, to say the least. I told Dad I don’t feel any different. I don’t feel like someone else. I just feel like me.
He pushed away from the doorway and strode into my empty living room. I followed. “I think it means you’re strong,” Tyler said out loud. “And you can hold your Lycan form and fight, which we already knew. That means, whether or not you’re the actual Y Gwir Lycae—you’re still a Lycan.”