N. Walters - Howl of the Wolf

They all looked toward Phoenix, who shrugged. “It was reflex. Unfortunately, I was not able to save the woman who set me free.” Sadness filled his emerald-green gaze. “I was weak, my powers almost nonexistent and it took me decades to regenerate. I’ve only become aware of the world again over the past few years, and I’ve been searching for all of you ever since. When I felt the Lady’s power, I was able to follow the trail and I found her here.”

“Hades never had your soul, never truly had you, Mordecai.” The Lady glided across the room, stopping in front of Mordecai. “If you’d gotten out of Hell during the first twenty-four hours after you were released from the curse, you would have been free. You tricked the devil himself. But you gave up your freedom and stayed in his domain for decades.”

Mordecai nodded but said nothing.

The Lady continued. “You did it to protect your fellow warriors, to help them as much as you could. But you were playing a dangerous game, Mordecai. You had to do enough to keep the devil from realizing he had no real hold over you. But you were residing in his realm. Because you went willingly to him, because you were in Hell when your twenty-four-hour time limit of the curse came and went, he had the power to kill you himself if he chose. You were alone in Hell.”

“It was a chance I was willing to take.”

The Lady placed her hand in the center of his chest. “Your heart is heavy, Mordecai. You are whole once again, your soul returned to you, your animal half joined with your human half once again. Because of that, you are now free from the curse and from Hades for all time.” She shook her head and sighed, sadness filling the very air around her. “But you will never be the warrior you once were.”

Sabrina reached out and took Arand’s hand, wondering what was going to happen to Mordecai.

Arand was stunned, and there were similar expressions on the faces of his fellow warriors. Mordecai had tricked Hades and then willingly gone into his domain to try to help the rest of them. All this time they’d thought he was a traitor he’d been trying to help them.

But the Lady was right. Mordecai was changed by the experience. There had always been a darkness surrounding him, but now it seemed a permanent part of him, clinging to his very skin.

Arand was grateful for Sabrina’s touch. He held her hand, wishing they were alone so he could make love to her. After so many long centuries in captivity, it still stunned him to realize he was free. They all were. And according to his brethren, his Sabrina was now immortal, his forever.

His cock stirred, but he willed it back into submission. Now was not the time for such thoughts, but later, later he had plans for his woman.

The Lady removed her hand from Mordecai’s chest. Power surrounded the goddess, pulsing like a heartbeat. Arand felt the hair on his arms stand on end. He swallowed hard, wondering what the Lady was going to do to his former friend. No, Mordecai was still his friend. He’d tried to help them, putting himself in peril.

Arand gave Sabrina’s hand a squeeze before he released it and stepped away from her. He took the two steps necessary to bring him to Mordecai’s side. “My Lady, I beg you have mercy on my fellow warrior.” He looked at Mordecai, seeing the depth of pain in his eyes. Arand kept Mordecai’s gaze as he added, “My friend.”

He looked toward Sabrina, willing her to understand. She offered him a soft smile and her complete understanding. Arand could see in her eyes that she knew this was something he had to do. He truly was lucky to have her in his life. And he could thank the Lady for that miracle.

It was Stavros who broke ranks next, coming to stand on Mordecai’s other side. “I beg mercy for my brother.”

Mordecai glance at both of them, looking overwhelmed. He swallowed hard and inclined his head at both of them. “I thank you, but I am ready to stand alone in my judgment.”

“But you are no longer alone.” It was Phoenix who joined them next.

Roric heaved a great sigh and stepped up to join them. “You always have to be difficult, don’t you, serpent?”

“It’s a gift.” Mordecai’s quip made Roric smile.

“What the heck.” Marko joined them, leaving only Leander.

The lion glared at Mordecai but grudgingly came forward, the floor buckling slightly beneath his heavy footfalls.

The Lady’s gaze fell on all of them. Arand could sense she was both pleased and disappointed, and she confirmed that with her next words. “You think I would punish one of my warriors for trying to protect his brothers?” She twined a lock of her hair through her fingers. “I have failed you.”

The warriors protested at once, their voices rising in a cacophony of sound. She said nothing until they fell silent once again. “It is true. I did not listen to your warnings about the Greek gods until it was too late. It was because of me you ended up trapped and cursed for five thousand years.”

“You saved us,” Roric protested.

“The Greek gods would have attacked no matter what you did,” Mordecai stated. “They are always power hungry.”

The Lady shook her head. “I failed you so I now offer you compensation. You are free. The women who freed you and lived now share your immortality. You no longer owe me service.”

His fellow warriors protested, but Arand’s gaze went to Sabrina. She appeared to be as shocked as he felt. Free from the Lady. He wanted to be with Sabrina, but it felt wrong to cut ties with his Lady.

Sabrina met his gaze and shook her head. His heart swelled with a love he knew would never fade and die, would only expand and grow richer over the coming centuries.

Arand once again went down on one knee before the Lady of the Beasts. “I thank you for the gift of Sabrina. My heart is full. But I would also serve you as you wish.” He stood and smiled at his goddess. “I can do both.”

“As can I,” Roric added, bowing before the Lady.

Marko and Leander echoed Roric’s vow. Then Phoenix and Stavros renewed their commitment to the Lady. Arand felt bad for them. Neither of them had been lucky enough to find love as he had. He didn’t know how he could have survived if Sabrina had died or lived her life without him. He admired the bravery and fortitude of his friends.

Mordecai was the only one who didn’t pledge himself. They all waited, but he didn’t speak.

“What of you, Mordecai?” the Lady asked.

“I am not worthy.”

The Lady shook her head. “No, my brave warrior. You are very worthy. You are changed by your experience, your soul dark and weary, but you never wavered in your intent. Your courage is great.” She smiled at him. “I would be a very lucky goddess indeed to count you in my service.”

“Then I am yours, my Lady.” Mordecai pledge his life and service to the goddess who had created him.

“That is good.” The Lady smiled and turned toward the door. “We have many years until Hades starts to make trouble again, and then he will be someone else’s problem. I plan to roam the world and visit my favorite places. I suggest you all enjoy your new lives.”

“My Lady?” It was Mordecai who asked the question. “What will I do?”

The goddess glanced over her shoulder and smiled at him. “Rediscover the world and the many wonders it has to offer. Find happiness. Live. You all have your full powers again and can be by my side with but a thought. You have your fellow warriors. You are not alone.” She put her hand on the doorknob but paused. “Mordecai, you and Stavros and Phoenix need not be alone. If someday down the road you find your mate, you may share your immortality with her as the others have done. That is my gift to all of you for your years of imprisonment.”