Lup Teren (Wolf Land Series Book 1) Read online

  “Who are all of these people?”

  “They are your ancestors on both your father and mother’s side.”

  “They are all…”

  “Most of them are Pack and Romani. However, there are several humans that are remembered with great respect. Your lineage is quite remarkable, Raina. Something to be proud of.”

  She contemplated his statement before saying, “I thought this was the Romani headquarters?”

  “Only special functions are held here. The actual Romani headquarters are located in Transylvania. Your mum’s great grandparents had built this home centuries ago. Since your father married into the Romani and also leads a faction of packs that support the joining of both groups, he was given this place as a show of respect and gratitude when your mother past away.”

  “I see,” she said feeling her lungs tighten.

  “One day, all of this will be yours,” he informed with an unreadable expression.

  Overwhelmed with…everything, she ignored his statement. “Not everyone wants the two groups to be united?”

  “No. Right now there are only a handful of supporters.”

  “Like who?”

  He thought for a moment before saying, “Blaine’s packs in Ireland and North Africa are close allies.”

  “Blaine is the Alpha of both packs?”

  “At this time no, but when his father and maternal grandfather step down, he will inherit the Alpha roles in both. Those packs combined…well…let’s just say I wouldn’t want to go against them.”

  “My father’s pack, do they approve of the Covenant?”

  “They didn’t at first, but your father is a well-respected and feared Alpha. It was made clear anyone in the pack who didn’t agree would be dealt with.”

  She gulped loudly. “Dealt with.”

  “Yup.” Antonio didn’t elaborate.

  Her mind was racing. “What pack are you a member of?”

  “The British pack under the rule of your father. Blaine’s father’s pack falls under the British clan’s umbrella as well.”

  “So, my father is the founder and CEO and Blaine’s dad is like a division head?”

  “Sort of. Your father is the Supreme Alpha. That means he leads all of the packs in the United Kingdom as well as several British territories around the world. He’s a right powerful, ponce of a man,” he chuckled, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

  “Oh.” She had one more question. “Why do you dislike my father so much?”

  Antonio stopped in midstride. “You’ll have to ask him that question.”

  After a few tense seconds she thought, “I intend to.”

  Following Antonio close to his heel, she took in everything she could, at least everything from her low position near the floor. Everything seemed massive from this new angle. Immaculate, cream colored walls, the house’s eastern exposure windows, the mixture of antiques and contemporary furnishings, even the architectural support beams that dissected the ceiling, were a modern nod to her rich Romani heritage and her father’s distinguished British ancestry. They were all notable to say the least.

  “This way,” Antonio directed, motioning for her to follow as he took a staircase up to the second level.

  “Good gracious, how big is this place?” she barked, following him obediently.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever explored the west wing,” he admitted as they continued along another hallway on the upper level.

  Soon, they were walking along a wide corridor to a room surrounded by glass walls that resembled a library/sunroom, where five men were entrenched in an animated debate. She assumed it was her father’s office. Looking around the space, she realized Richard sat behind a large, mahogany desk. Blaine stood near another hand-crafted stone fireplace with his broad back to the others, while Duncan sat in a brown wingback chair facing the desk, and Nicolae stood in front of her father’s desk, his now familiar battle stance in play. The fifth man she did not recognize, but the smell of him told her he was human.

  “You have not told her yet?” Nicolae hurled his question at her dad.

  “No. She’s already confused as it is.”

  “She’s not prepared for this sort of thing, Richard,” Duncan added, a perturbed look on his face.

  “Three days is not enough time to train her,” Blaine’s seductive Irish brogue sounded next. “This is such shite,” he mumbled, turning away from the fire and giving her dad a disapproving glare. “She’s your daughter for pity sake. Doesn’t that count for something? What is the point of her being this so called Hybrid if she has to go through this? It’s cruel and barbaric.”

  “I agree,” Nicolae spoke again. “She needs more time. She is untrained, unpredictable, and untried.”

  The stranger spoke next. “It is your own pack law, Richard. Two thousand years old and written on your damn sacred tablets. It must be done,” he insisted, the thick accent similar to Nicolae’s and a tad bit difficult to understand.

  Stepping into the room, Antonio spoke, “She’s not ready. Training must be given and it can’t be rushed.” He motioned to her location at his feet. “She can’t even shift back to skin. It will have to be postponed.”

  Why was everyone speaking in code? What did she have to do that no one thought she was ready for? And why were they acting like she didn’t exist?

  “She will learn,” her father stated in her defense, at his statement pride filled her chest, “but I agree with Nicolae. She’s undisciplined and reckless. Maybe we could postpone it.”

  “I will not give my clan’s support if it is not done within the stated period, Richard. You know what that will do to the other Romani elders. If you value their loyalty, you will follow tradition and complete the trials within the proper timeframe.”

  “Raina is one of you too, Lucien,” Duncan added his two cents. “Don’t forget that little fact while you’re ranting about support. She’s a descendant of queens. Show some bloody respect.”

  The man turned then, allowing her to see him. Really see him. Dark hair, high-chiseled cheekbones, perfect lips, and sapphire blue eyes nestled in flawless olive skin. There was no mistaking who he was now. Nicolae’s father.

  “Her blood is tainted. Look at her,” he nodded in her direction. “Down on all fours…does that look like a queen to you?”

  “Cheeky bugger!” She couldn’t suppress the snarl that escaped her chest. What a gigantic prick!

  The others, including Nicolae, chuckled which made her self-confidence rise once more. Thank goodness not all of them thought she was pathetic for…whatever she needed to do.

  Then Blaine reminded saying, “She only has the ability to change into her wolf right now, I doubt she can control the rest of her gifts when they are revealed. Push this back a fortnight. That’s not an absurd request, is it?”

  The boost of confidence she felt suddenly disappeared.

  The room was silent for a long time before her father answered, “By our laws it must take place soon, by the next full moon. She will have three days to prepare. No more. No less. It is tradition.”

  Whatever they wanted her to do, they thought she wasn’t ready. She’d have to show them. She’d show them all.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Silently, she followed Antonio upstairs, still locked inside her canine form. The sudden need to scratch her bottom disturbed her. Dear father! Let it not be…fleas.

  “Here is your room,” he said pleasantly, opening the door and waiting as she went inside what turned out to be a tastefully decorated bedroom. The fragrance of freshly washed linens and the subtle floral scent of lilac tickled her snout. “This room has one of the best views of the lake and stables. The sunrise over the pier is gorgeous,” he said with a grin. “Mrs. Radu thought you’d like it.” She yapped her agreement.

  “Where are you staying?” she asked, hoping he would stay.

  “My room is downstairs.” He walked over to the dresser, opening one of the drawers he informed, “Mrs. Radu already unpack
ed your things. Whatever you need, just let her know. She’s in charge of running the household.” He nodded to a closed door to the left adding, “This room has an ensuite bathroom with toiletries and towels. I think there’s even a robe. There’s always one waiting for me in my room.”

  “Have you always lived here? I mean…since you were bitten.”

  “I lived in Scotland for the first year,” he admitted. “This is only my third time here. Your father had me traveling around to the various British packs for a while.”

  “Did you like traveling?”

  “Not really,” he answered, his facial expression blank. “You should turn-in for the night. Training starts tomorrow.”

  Glancing down, she asked, “When will I go back to normal?”

  “During sleep, that’s usually when you’re at your most relaxed. At least it was like that for me when I was newly turned.” Pivoting to leave, he paused, hand poised on the brass doorknob. “I’ll come to collect you in a few hours. We can have breakfast together.” She whimpered telling him she’d like that. “Get some rest.” He smiled, opened the door, and closed it firmly as he left. The sight of his retreating back made her miserable.

  For a few minutes, she wandered around the room taking in all of its different scents…floral, wood polish, glass cleaner, the smell of the horses housed in the stables outside seeping into the room from some unseen crevice. She’d never imagined the world had such unique smells. Finally, exhausted from traveling, she settled on the soft shag carpet at the foot of the queen-sized bed, unwilling to get fur on the elegant and obviously expensive comforter.

  Laying there, she contemplated everything she had learned during the past several days. She was not only Pack, but Romani as well. Somehow, she was meant to unite two groups that apparently hated each other with a passion, if Nicolae and Antonio’s actions were a clue.

  It was prophesied in some old scrolls she’d bring the two groups together. Yeah right! She couldn’t even change back to her human form. How was she supposed to complete such a monumental task?

  Thank goodness for Antonio. Without him, she didn’t know how she would endure. He was her rock. Her heart. And her will to succeed. That fact calmed her enough to have her eyelids grow heavy. Closing her eyes she sighed. Yes, with Antonio she could do anything. Anything…

  *****

  “Wake up sleepyhead,” the deep baritone startled her awake.

  Slowly, she looked around confused of where she was. Glancing down, she saw carpet. Carpet and legs. Uncovered legs. Naked, uncovered legs. Damn it! She had shifted back to skin and was spread out on the shag carpet like some 1950’s pin-up model. Dear heavens! She felt her cheeks heat and could only stare at the floor.

  “Antonio, could you please get me a robe.” When there was no answer, she looked up, but not into the warm brown eyes of the man she was in love with. Instead, she found sparkling blue irises alight with amusement.

  “There is a bed right next to you,” Nicolae jibbed. “You are acquainted with one of those, are you not?” His arrogant tone embarrassed her even more.

  Jumping up like she had just been doused with kerosene, she ran to the bathroom and slammed the door shut. His low chuckle on the other side of the barrier made her want to flush herself down the toilet. If only she could shift into something smaller like a goldfish or maybe a guppy. Focus, Raina. Focus!

  “What are you doing here? Are manners something you’re not acquainted with?” she yelled, not caring who in the house heard. “Where is Antonio?”

  “He is gone,” Nicolae said matter-of-factly.

  Slowly, she opened the door. Peeking through a small gap between the door and doorjamb, she asked, “What do you mean he’s gone? Is he running an errand?”

  Nicolae shook his head. “Your father sent him away on a secret assignment.”

  Her eyes narrowed suspiciously, the pain in her temples building once again making her grimace. “When will he be back?”

  “I am not sure. You will have to ask your father, Miss Jacobs.”

  “Fine.” She slammed the door in his face again. “I will.”

  *****

  It took her only ten minutes to shower and dress in a pair of black sweatpants and pale blue t-shirt. Her sneakers donned without socks since for some unknown reason the pair had gone missing. She’d have to ask Mrs. Radu where the nearest department store was located. Hopefully, there was one on the island.

  Retracing the path Antonio had taken her on earlier, she found her way back to her father’s upstairs office. She could smell the light misting of his cologne from downstairs and knew she was on the right track. Her rage was at its pinnacle and she was ready to throw down.

  “How could you?” She stormed into the room like a woman on a mission, which clearly she was.

  “I’m in an important meeting, Raina. Could you give me a moment?”

  “No, Dad,” she said, shaking her dark locks. “I need to talk with you right now.”

  Richard Jacobs was a handsome man. Intelligent and witty too, women were always throwing themselves at his feet, but he was loyal to a fault and a man of great principles. He was the kind of man who all other men should aspire to be. Until now.

  “Where is he?” she asked, walking further into his office uncaring of the two women meeting with him. They watched her with rounded eyes and gaping mouths.

  “I don’t know what you’re referring to.”

  “Don’t play dumb with me. I’m not in the mood. Where did you send Antonio?”

  “Excuse me ladies.” He stood, sweeping his hand toward the office exit. “I’ll need a few moments with my daughter. It won’t be long.”

  Huh! That’s what he thought.

  The women nodded, gathered up their belongings and left the room, whispering to each other as they gently closed the door behind them.

  “Nicolae said you’d sent him away on a task. Is that true?”

  “Yes,” her father answered without shame or emotion.

  “Why?”

  “There are more important issues that needed to be dealt with.”

  Richard removed his glasses and placed them on the desk. He looked like the respectable businessman he was, wearing a dark navy Armani suit, crisp white, button-down dress shirt, striped tie, and Italian loafers. His hazel eyes and brown hair enhanced by his fair skin.

  “That’s it. That’s your explanation. Antonio is my only friend here. The only person I can…”

  “…trust.”

  “Yes.” It was her turn to be cold.

  “Darling…”

  “Don’t call me that. Every time I turn around you’re hitting me with some new shite. The wolf-stuff…the Romani stuff…the Hybrid stuff and now you take Antonio away from me.”

  “I haven’t taken him away.”

  “Liar,” she hissed. “You’ve done nothing except lie to me. My whole life is one humongous lie.”

  “Raina.”

  “I want the truth. For once in your life tell me the truth. Why would you take him away from me?”

  “He’s a distraction,” Richard blurted.

  “What?”

  “You have a great mission to complete and you’ll not survive it with him around.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Last night, when you arrived, you overheard part of a conversation. Did you not?” She nodded in the affirmative. “You weren’t privy to the entire thing.”

  “No, I wasn’t. I just know that everyone thinks I’m not ready or strong enough to pass it. Whatever it is.”

  “That is correct.”

  “Come on, Dad, give it to me straight. I’m a big girl now. I can take it. What is this task?”

  He stood watching her until she thought she might burst. “You are pack.”

  “Damn it! Enough with this cryptic crap. I know I am Pack. I shift and turn into a hairy, rabbit-chasing, slobbering, flea-infested, four-legged freak. Tell me something I don’t know.”

  “According
to the ancient, scrolls the Hybrid must be tested.”

  “Ok, so give me the damn test. I’m ready. I’m a college graduate. I’ll pass,” she replied confidently.

  “It’s not that type of test, Raina.” He closed his eyes briefly and rubbed his temples just like she often did.

  Softening her voice, she asked, “What type of test is it?”

  “It’s a test of courage, honor, strength, and intelligence.”

  “Ok,” she sighed. “I’m not worried. Give it to me.”

  “It’s also a test to the death.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  “What are you talking about?” Her forehead furrowed and her temples began to throb. “A test to the death? That’s insane.”

  “There are several trials you must face…alone, in order to prove you are the one intended to hold this position.”

  “Please explain.”

  “The tasks are dangerous, skillful and challenging to say the least. They are intended to evaluate how you will lead both sides. Pack Alphas are fierce, cunning, and forceful…and traditionally men. There has never been a female Alpha. Their orders are never to be dismissed. Packs are held together with brute force and an iron fist. If not, there is chaos that can spill into the human world.”

  Her mind began to race. “Ok, what does that mean for me?”

  “You must show you have the qualities needed to keep not only one pack together, but all of them.”

  “How many packs are there?”

  “Over three hundred in Europe alone,” he sighed, sitting back in his chair.

  Understanding dawned as she said, “So, I’ll have to physically fight.”

  “Yes.”

  “No worries. I’m a trained martial artist and I’ve taken numerous self-defense classes.”

  “It’s not the same. Pack members are faster, stronger, meaner, and more vicious than any human assailant.”

  “Your confidence is underwhelming, Dad,” she said, rolling her eyes. “What else?”

  “You’ll be put in a scenario that you’ll have to think your way out of.”