Shadow Pride

Chapter 5 -Margo

“Did he use his fists on you?” I ask, again keeping my anger inward, trying to calm the terrified girl.

A slight shake of her head is my answer and I let out a little breath I was holding. “But others did…” She pulls at the sleeve of her shirt, revealing a faint scar—a cruel line etched by terror.

She flinches at the loud growl that escapes me, her eyes going wide.

“I’m sorry.” I tell her, my eyes soft, boring into hers. “I’m not angry at you. I’m angry at the ones who did this to you.” I gently reach out and trace the raised scar with my finger. Being a shifter means we don’t normally scar, our healing kicking in before that can happen. For her to have physical evidence of an injury can only mean one of three things, either it was done over and over again as her healing was kicking in. They used some sort of spell to block her shifter healing. Or she was given an alpha order not to heal. None of the options being ideal.

“Is there more?” I ask, not exactly sure if I want to hear it, but knowing that I need to. For some reason, my mountain lion is connected to this girl. Maybe it’s because she’s a feline as well, but that doesn’t make sense, there are lots of other feline shifters who I don’t feel connected to. I take a deep inhale, trying to register her breed. The scent of salt, sand and muskiness leads me to believe she’s a lioness. I file that information away to ask about too. If she is a lioness, she’s bound to be strong and needs to be shown how to take care of herself and fight or her lion may abandon her, deeming her human too weak. Not abandon in the sense that she would leave completely, no. More like she would find a nice dark corner of her mind to set up residence. If the slightness of her scent is anything to go by, it’s likely already happening.

We train her. My mountain lion pipes up and I look over Lacy once more. Agreeing whole heartedly with that sentiment.

“Last month, he declared all unmated females over sixteen should be sent away," Lacy says, her voice a quivering whisper. "To neighboring prides, to find mates."

"Sounds like a typical tradition," I suggest, prodding for the truth beneath the surface.

"No," she responds, a flicker of defiance lighting her gaze. Her lioness flashing gold in her eyes. It’s subtle, but it’s there and it gives me hope. Maybe her beast hasn’t given up on her completely. "It's a lie.”

“What do you mean?”

“Alpha Aiden traded the unmated females for more territory saying that the other prides paid good money for us girls and that we should let them do whatever they want to us.” A silent tear falls down her cheek and I pull her into my arms.

“I will never let that happen to you.” I declare. Not for the first time, I silently question why I feel so drawn to this little girl. Why when I wrap my arms around her I feel like she’s family.

"A lot of the parents disagreed, but they couldn’t do anything about it. But mine..." She chokes on the memories stepping back out of my hold. "They helped me flee before..."

"Before you were taken against your will," I finish for her, my fists clenching.

"Exactly. But there are other girls who weren’t so lucky. Ones whose parents didn’t risk everything for them."

“What do you think happened to your parents?” I ask.

Her eyes meet mine, fresh tears flowing. “I think they’re dead.” She declares.

I suck in a breath. “For helping you escape?”

She nods sullenly. I dip my chin, the taste of injustice bitter on my tongue. We're bound now, by more than just the silence of this secluded archway. Her story has woven itself into the fabric of my resolve.

We will hunt them down. Make them pay. My mountain lion growls and once again I agree with her. Training her will have to wait. We have some hunting to do.

“Where are you staying?” I ask, a thought suddenly occurring, if her parents are dead…

“Alpha Samara set me up in the dorms. She offered for me to stay with her but…” She says, her voice trembling.

“But Samara has a mate and you didn’t feel comfortable with a man?” I offer and she nods. “I have a friend, she’s a dragon, but she’s all alone, I wonder if you would like to meet her?” Thoughts of Andrea and that empty house fill me with hope. Since River left, it’s just been her, I’m sure she would love some company.

“I don’t want to put anyone out.” She says.

“You wouldn’t be. If she agrees, I’ll have her come find you. Her name is Andrea.” I tell her and Lucy rushes into my arms, squeezing me tightly. A silent tear falls down my cheek at how much she’s gone through in her short life.

"Thank you, Lacy," I say, stepping back, my voice no longer just soft—now it carries the weight of a promise. A promise to act, to protect, to defy the tyrant who thinks he can cage spirits meant to soar. “If you ever need anything, ask for me. I work on the other side, with the Westwood Island Supernatural Enforcement Agency.”