Abandoned and Unseen (Branded Packs #2)(9)

Only, the shifters had allowed the humans to put the collars on their necks. They’d done so to protect their children and legacy in a time where the future was uncertain. The humans also forced each Pack member to wear a brand that signified their species—a tribal head of their animal burned into their forearms. Each Pack took that brand one step further and tattooed their individual Pack marks on one side of the brand, while mates did the same with their marks on the other side. Fully mated couples held a full symbol, while those like Anya, those in need of a mate, wore theirs partially completed.

With each slash against them by the humans, the shifters did their best to rise above it.

“We’re in tight quarters now, and as we’re all still breeding and creating life, I don’t see us finding more room anytime soon. We’ll just have to make it work,” Holden finally said after he’d studied Andrew for a bit more.

“We’ve won battles against them, but not the war,” Jonah said softly. “Not yet.”

“We’re stronger as one, rather than three,” Andrew added in.

Anya knew she was at the site of change, witnessing a treaty that would hopefully, one day, show her sons freedom. These three Alphas knew each other more than they let on to the humans. They’d been secretly sending runners to each of the other compounds over time, but now it was different. Now they all shared a home, and could plan face to face. The human patrols within the compound would be watching, but it was at least a step in the right direction.

They discussed the rest of the patrols for a bit longer, and Anya stretched her legs, aware Cole was staring at her. She wanted to snap at him, but this wasn’t the place. Her Alpha needed her to be Oliver’s support, not a mad bear with an aching paw.

Her brother let out a groan then leaned into her. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and brought him closer. When his body shook, she pressed her lips to his hair, murmuring reassurances. Each vision took a toll on him, not just emotionally and mentally, but physically. They were killing him one premonition at a time, and there was nothing she could do about it. She just prayed that he would find a way to mate with another one day and share the burden. It was the only way Foreseers could live. Yet Oliver had put himself so far apart from others, Anya didn’t see how he could last for much longer.

At that macabre thought, she let out a shudder and waited for her brother to tell them what he’d seen—that was if he could. He couldn’t always relay his visions. She didn’t know if he held back because he didn’t want to burden others, or if he was physically unable. She didn’t understand the breadth of her brother’s powers and responsibilities as much as she should. That too killed her.

Heat radiated at her back, and she stiffened before forcing herself to relax. Cole put his hand on her shoulder, keeping her steady. She hadn’t realized she’d started to lean off the log until he touched her. Energy flowed through his touch, sending shocks through her system. Her heart raced and she cursed shifter hearing. Hopefully, the others would think the increased beat of her heart was due to her brother’s visions rather than the touch of the cat behind her. Cole’s grip tightened for a moment, as if he too felt what she had, then he relaxed. Why did he relax? Did he force himself to do so? And why was she overthinking this? She didn’t push him away, though she desperately wanted to. If his touch kept her steady so she could help her brother, she’d deal with it.

Oliver shook once then pulled away. She let him move back, her hands shaking. She hated to see the grey pallor of his skin; the dark bags that formed under his eyes as the visions took further toll on his body, his soul.

Cole’s hand left her shoulder, and she ignored the sense of loss she felt. Her bear must be going crazy; because that was the only reason she’d be thinking about the lack of his touch as a loss.

The others had gathered around them, silent in their worry and anticipation of what Oliver would say. However, they didn’t crowd him, and for that she was grateful. Oliver hated being the center of attention even on his good days.

“Here, drink this.”

Anya looked up as Cole knelt in front of Oliver with a bottle of water in his hand.

“I’d have brought the booze, but I figured you’d need water first before you drink off the effects of whatever the hell just happened.”

Oliver let out a rough chuckle, and Anya relaxed. If her brother could laugh, even just a little, then he’d be okay. Her brother chugged the water after nodding at Cole. When Oliver looked a little less grey, a little more composed, he let out a sigh.

“Can you tell us what you saw?” Holden asked. He frowned and looked down at his hand clasped with Ariel’s. “Or was that question insensitive?” He shrugged as everyone shot their gazes to him. He was the Alpha, and that was one odd statement. “What? I know what it means to hold a responsibility you aren’t ready for. I was a teenager when I was forced to be the Alpha. I don’t remember meeting Foreseers when we were out in the wild. Hell, I barely remember the stories of them. Us wolves and cats have been so separate from the bears, we’ve missed out on a lot of the shifter culture we should have grown up with.” He growled again before looking directly at Oliver. “For all I know, asking what you saw was taboo, and you’re going to want to claw my face off.” He nodded at Ariel and grinned, even if his eyes were dark. “She likes my face the way it is.”