Shadow Witch

Chapter Two

"So this is the Soul Plane?" Ryhes asks brushing his side against my hip as we make our way down a gray version of my street.

"Yeah." I pull my magic to the center of my chest and use it as a homing beacon. I can feel Ryhes left behind but I needed to leave it in order to keep us connected.

"Everything okay Summer?"

"Yeah, I'm just trying to concentrate. I don't think Maddie is here. I'm trying to find a few of the friendlier Shadows to keep an eye out."

"Do they trust you?"

I shrug, "Not trust so much as owe. There are a few I have let host my body for a few hours."

"What the hell Summer." The wolf stops and grabs my shirt between his teeth, tugging me to a stop as well.

"It's not what you think. I can still be in control. Most just want to go to dinner or a movie. It's hard to explain."

When he doesn't let go I tap his nose causing him to sneeze.

"What the hell Summer." The wolf growls.

I laugh and reach out to rub my fingers through his fur, "Nothing bad has happened, I know what I'm doing."

As we start down the street that leads to the pack estates the Shadows grow in number. They tended to go where most of the magic was present. Ryhes ran one of the biggest packs in the country.

"I know you're here Dante." I call out.

When I first started traveling here it gave me the creeps. Everything was bleak and colorless. Like watching through one of those old school T.V's. Darkness was everywhere, if you were to stay too long you'd forget what colors were, I've made that mistake before. To me, colors gave life a reason, they made everything more bearable.

"Such an original name."

I ignore the condescending remark and watch as a Shadow disentangles itself from the others. It slithers across the gray grass before stopping inches from my feet. I grip at the fur on the scruff of his neck.

"I'm not a cat Summer."

I ignore him and watch the Shadow take form. Dante was probably considered uncomfortably handsome before he died. Dark wavy hair parted down the middle. Thick black eyebrows rest above almond-shaped eyes the color of a raging storm. High cheekbones, a rounded nose, and a strong jawline. Everything led down to lips so full you would think they were enhanced.

"Hello my love." He reaches for the hand not buried in Ryhes fur. I let him grab it willingly.

Ryhes grumbles a growl and his need to protect me is so strong I'm momentarily surprised. I pull Ryhes closer so his big body leans even more against me.

Dante leans down to place a kiss across my knuckles.

"I need your help."

He doesn't drop my hand as his eyes lift to meet mine, "What is the matter my love?"

"Drop the act D." I snatch my hand from his.

"Jealousy is such a fickle feeling." He says eyeing Ryhes who looks ready to eat Dante whole.

"If I didn't know any better I'd say you're the jealous one I've brought plenty of people here, yet you've never acted like this."

"You've never brought anyone with romantic feelings for you."

Excuse me?

"I think you've been here too long."

"Always so blind to what is in front of you." His eyes flick to my wolf before stepping back.

"How can I be of help?"

"How long have you been around the house?"

"A little over two days."

"He should have seen her."

I don't bother answering Ryhes, "So you saw a blonde girl leave?"

"The lion?"

"Yes."

"She went out last night into the forest, I did not see her return."

I could feel Ryhes go stiff against me. I tug lightly at his fur to let him know I was here. "Has anyone said anything?"

"I have not been around much."

I laugh, "Have you forgotten I've seen into your life? You got around plenty."

His eyes dance with amusement, "That was then. I tend to keep to myself now. I will however ask around."

"I would appreciate that."

Dante holds out his hand for mine again and I don't hesitate to give it to him. I knew I was going to have to explain myself to Ryhes.

"Anything for you Cushlamachree."

His body melts into Shadow form before slithering back into the forest.

"What did that mean Summer?"

"Nothing Ryhes."

"Don't lie to me."

I sigh as we keep walking till the colors bleed back into the world. We start up the almost mile-long driveway to the pack estate.

"I didn't know what it meant at first. It's Irish Gaelic meaning 'vein of my heart'. My father used to use the term."

"I prefer storeen." The words are said out loud as he shifts back.

The shifters never seemed to have a problem with their nudity. I however was not okay with it.

I keep my eyes straight ahead, "So I'm a little treasure to you?"

"Among other things."

"Go put on some clothes and meet me in the forest."

We stop at the bottom step leading to the back door of the estate, "How long does the bond last?"

He steps in front of me but I turn sideways so I don't get a full-frontal, "A few days at most. If you decide to go back we'll probably have to do it again."

"I will have questions Summer."

"Yeah, yeah. Poor Alpha doesn't know everything."

Before I can fully turn he grabs my hand and brings it to his face. I'm shocked into silence because for a fleeting second I believed he was going to follow in Dante's footsteps. Instead, he presses my palm to his scruffy cheek and nuzzles it.

"Are you scenting me?"

Swirling amber eyes meet mine, "You smell like him. I really don't like it."

"Careful, your Alpha is showing."

He smiles and drops my hand, "I'll meet you out there."