A Shifter's Curse, Raven Steele [the top 100 crime novels of all time .TXT] 📗

wanted some action. Any kind would do at this point. I watched Luke play football and by the looks of it, he was one of the best players. Heavy metal music came on, and with it came more drinking.

I was beginning to think the night was a bust when all of a sudden the music cut. Everyone stood as if that had been some kind of signal. They set down their drinks and gathered to the side of the fire pit. Shadows cast by the dancing flames illuminated their serious expressions, a sharp change from moments before.

A moment later, Dominic walked outside. He was followed by Silas and one of the sister witches. The fur on my neck stood on end, and a soft growl sounded in my throat.

Dominic walked to the front of the crowd like he was going to speak to them, but he stopped abruptly and turned my way. Instinctively, I flattened myself to the ground. He scanned the forest for a moment, his face not stopping to rest on anything in particular. He turned in a full circle, still looking at the trees.

My pulse raced, and every nerve hummed. My instincts told me it was time to go, but I forced them down. Something was about to happen, and I needed to see it, but I'd run as soon as they came my way.

Seemingly satisfied with his inspection, Dominic motioned Silas forward and whispered something in his ear. Silas nodded his head, then returned inside the house, limping slightly with his slick, black cane.

My lips turned downward, and I returned to my feet, ready to bolt. I doubted he could smell me from all the way over there. It would take a powerful wolf to smell through all the horse manure matted into my fur.

Dominic turned back to the crowd. I noted Luke had moved to Dominic's left, a few feet back. This was telling. He held an important position within the pack, I was sure of it.

Finally, Dominic began to speak. "Thank you all for coming out tonight. I know this meeting was called unexpectedly so I appreciate your willingness to drop everything to attend." He scanned the group, meeting the eyes of everyone. His Alpha powers radiated from him, and all showed the proper respect. "The reason for the gathering is to conduct an emergency blood trial."

The crowd exploded in conversation and activity.

Blood trial? I wasn't familiar with the term. I scooted forward, eager to see what was about to happen.

"The man in question," Dominic began, after the crowd settled, "was found conspiring against the Silver Claws. He was caught with plans on how to take out several key members."

More voices cried out both in horror and surprise.

"Bring him out!" Dominic ordered and stepped back.

Two tall and muscular shifters escorted a man toward the group. The man was slumped over, his hands tied behind his back. He was smaller than many of the others present, and by the streaks of silver in his dark hair, older too. Several in the crowd gasped as if they recognized him. Some shouted a protest. Even from where I sat, I could feel their anger radiating from the pack. But not necessarily directed at the bound man. They were upset he was being accused. Interesting. More division from within.

The two shifters dragged the man to Dominic and threw him at his feet. Dominic kicked him in the stomach. The man yelped in pain. Several of the braver pack members disapproved loudly, but with a mere look from Dominic, shut their mouths.

"You were one of us. Why did you betray your family?" Dominic rammed his boot into the older man again. A strand of hair on his head fell out of place. He quickly smoothed it back as he turned to Luke. "Bind him to the post."

I crept closer, focused on what was going to happen next. It couldn't be good.

Like a good little soldier, Luke pulled the man to his feet. The man's head flopped forward as he struggled to walk. It was clear he had already taken some hits; his eyes were swollen, and his face smeared with blood.

Luke had to practically drag the man across the ground, heading for a large wooden post.

My blood chilled at the sight. It was stained a dark crimson and held several deep nicks in its wooden surface as if it had been hit repeatedly. Probably by a whip if I had to guess.

Luke motioned to another shifter, who scrambled to help tie the man to the post. Everyone else watched on, some with looks of disgust, but none were shocked. They'd done this before.

The need to help the man was so ingrained in my blood, I had to hold back from running into the circle. I couldn't stand by and watch them kill the man, if that was their intention. The thought of doing so brought back too many painful memories. Hopefully, murder wasn't part of their plan. A good beating I could handle, but not straight-up killing a defenseless old man. If they dared try, I'd have to blow my cover to save him.

Dominic stood in front of the older man, a sliver of a grin splitting his face. "Secure his head. I want him to see the faces of those he betrayed."

Luke nodded and lifted the man's head to the pole while another shifter used duct tape to secure it. Holy hell, what was wrong with them?

I cocked my head, staring at the man's face. There was something about his features—the high cheekbones, straight nose—that were strangely familiar. I sniffed the air, trying to sort through the smells to see if there was one I recognized. Where had I seen him before?

Dominic faced the pack. "Silver Claws, all of you already know this man. Many of you are his friends. But this is a blood trial. You all know the rules. We must uncover the truth." He paused for dramatic effect. "The trial for Vincent Moretti begins now."

My blood drained to my paws, and I stumbled forward in shock. That name. I didn't believe it. It had to be a coincidence.

I shuffled forward to squint at the man again. It had been years since I'd heard that surname. It was the same as mine, and one I hadn’t used for over fifteen years.

I swallowed hard. It can't be. It just can't.

My breathing quickened as I stared at the older man's familiar face in wonder. That's when the truth hit me, and my mind was flooded with hundreds of memories all at once. I nearly lost my balance.

I thought everyone had died. I thought I was the only survivor. And yet, not far from me tied to the pole, sat my uncle, and my father's most cherished brother.

I wasn't alone after all.