Sanctuary's Price

Chapter One


By the time he managed to set fire to the damp wood in the dusty old fireplace, Dylan had resorted to giving himself half-hearted pep talks. Could be worse. You could be dead. Could be back in Helena. Could be stuck listening to Bobby bitch about how they screwed up the Battlestar Galactica finale.

The soggy wood in the fireplace smoked at him in agreement. The stench would have been bad enough to a human nose, but for a werewolf

Dylan sighed and pushed himself to his feet. The rain that afternoon had drenched the stack of firewood out back, but he hadnt thought to bring any of it inside before this evening. Not when the house was still so far from livable.

Hed had ample opportunity over the last month to make it so, but hed gotten comfortable in Cindys house. Even when things hadnt been entirely blissful, hed had the luxury of a roof over his head and the knowledge there was plenty of time to renovate the rundown little house. Plenty of time to make it his.

He eyed the bedroll hed begged from Brynnthe bag belonged to Joe, and was high quality, at leastand squared his shoulders. The house had four walls and a roof that mostly didnt leak. The plumbing worked sometimes and it wasnt so cold hed freeze to death hunkered down in the sleeping bag.

Far from livablebut hed make do. He always did.

With a feeble fire lit, Dylan turned his attention back to the scarred wooden table. The renovation plans hed been working on had been shoved haphazardly to one side, leaving space for the sack Brynn had pushed on him along with the sleeping bag. Upending it on the table revealed two boxes of toaster pastries, a box of crackers, three cans of soda and a bag of licorice.

The sight made his chest ache even as he smiled. Just snack food, and probably the first things Brynn had put her hands on when shed realized he had no intention of staying long enough to face any questions Joe might have about Dylans sudden change in residence. But Dylan had known Brynn for years, maybe even knew her better than her older sister did. Licorice and strawberry pastriesBrynns nervous comfort food. Something she clung to when life was overwhelming.

And badass warrior alpha wolf Joe Mitchell had obviously been doing his best to make sure she had anything she needed, no matter how silly those things were. It was sweet.

It sucked.

Guilt stabbed at him, and he snatched up the box of crackers and tore open the cardboard top. Brynn had gone through hell, and she had Joe. Her sister Abby had gone through hell, and she had Keith.

Dylan had a smoking fireplace and a toilet that didnt flush consistently.

It really, really sucked.

The soft knock carried easily through the dead quiet of the house, but the door opened immediately. Gavin, Red Rocks alpha wolf, stuck his head through the door. Busy, Dylan?

Even if he had been, he couldnt have sent the man away. No, come on in. I was just He held up the box. Having a snack.

Gavin arched one graying eyebrow as he walked in. I went to Cindys. She said you were over here, roughing it. Reliving your Boy Scout days?

Dylan fought a wince. No word of Cindy being upset, no indication shed said anything more damning. In a way, it was almost worse. Things hadnt been great with Cindy, but shed been important. It would be nice to think hed been important too.

Quit your bitching, whiner. It had been the motto in his apartment, words repeated in a wry voice by werewolves too low in the pack to be anything but punching bags for unbalanced alphas. He repeated the words silently now and felt that same wry amusement. It could always be worse.

Gavin still watched him expectantly, so he forced a smile. Figured I might as well get to work on this house, if I want to fix it up any time this decade.

The alpha hummed and jerked his head toward the hearth. Mind if I sit? I need to ask a favor.

Dylan eyed the dirty hearth and felt a twinge of self-consciousness. Sure. Want a soda?

No, thanks. Sammies expecting me back soon. Gavin sat down slowly, braced his hands on his knees and took a deep breath. Its about the witch, Sasha.

For one terrible second, Dylan thought Cindy had complained to Gavin. But their fight over Sasha had been days ago. Besides, Gavin looked too worried for this to be something so petty. Is she okay?

Shes fine, as far as I know. Mostly, anyway. He ran a hand through his already-messy hair. Trying to help. Trying to stay busy.

Sometimes when he closed his eyes he saw Sasha, eyes blank with fear and the pale skin of her neck bearing ugly bruises in the shape of Alan Matthews fingers. The instincts that had gotten him into so much trouble with Cindy stirred, tingeing his words with a concern he couldnt hide. Brynn said shes been leaving your house a little. Going to sit with Abby and Keith sometimes?

Gavin hesitated. Taking care of chores while Abby takes care of Keith. Its hard for Abby to let people near him.

Dylan had heard as much from Cindy, whose visits to Keiths bedside left her tense and exhausted. Thats good though. I mean, that Sashas been getting out at all, after everything that happened to her.

Indeed. Gavin rose and paced a few steps. Its a lot to ask, this favor. Sashas learning our ways, but the death of her mentor has left her without a teacher. Most of the wolves here who could teach her cant get within ten feet without making her cringe. But you Faded blue eyes focused on Dylans face. Sasha trusts you.

It was wrong to feel that thrill at Gavins words, to feel so proud of having someone look at him and see safety, a protector. But after a decade of being everyones joke in Helena, Sashas blind trust was intoxicating.

Which was exactly what Cindy had accused him of being when theyd fought over Sasha. Intoxicated. Drunk on male ego and the thrill of someone needing him. Words hurled in anger that she probably hadnt meant, but they still stung.

Gavins eyes saw too damn much, so Dylan turned away. Ill do anything I can to help, but Im not exactly an expert on our ways. You of all people know that.

I do know that. But youre picking it up fast, Dylan. It might be good for Sasha, in a way, if she felt you two were taking the journey together.

Maybe. Noncommittal, and pointless. Hed do it. If it had been any other person, he would have done it because he owed Gavin everything. But it was Sasha, scared, trembling Sasha, and just the thought of her turning that trusting gaze on him stirred something instinctive inside him.

He heard Gavin stand. Ill understand if you cant do it, you know. If its going to cause problems for you.

I dont think Cindys inviting me back. It was supposed to be a casual statement, maybe even a joke, and he was surprised by the raw pain in his voice.

The heavy weight of Gavins hand landed on his shoulder. Im sorry to hear that. I wish I had something to say that would make it easier, but All I can tell you is that youll make it through this, just like everything else.

Dylan closed his eyes and soaked in the comfort Gavin offered, the strength of an alpha who protected his pack, who sheltered them with his strength and compassion. In Helena there had been no comfort in the pack. Survival, maybe. Camaraderie from shared suffering and shared secrets. But nothing like the complicated but reassuring dance of protection and obedience that hed found in Red Rock.

It made the idea of him being the one to teach Sasha even more absurd. What things does she need to learn? Because if its the social crap, I cant do it. Im still lost.

No, well take care of that. Gavin tapped his fingers absently against the edge of the table. We have a room in the apartment above the bar, a library of sorts with records and history volumes. Werewolf lore, essentially. Some magical histories too, though not many.

It felt like meddling. Did Abby tell you?

Gavin cocked his head. Tell me what?

The confusion seemed honest, and it brought with it a rush of longing. God, hed missed books. Studying. The dusty-smelling manuscripts in the stacks at the college library, ancient stories of history and legend that hed pored through on Friday nights

Ten years ago. When hed been twenty-one and human, and his reputation had been that of an up-and-coming scholar of history instead of a passable carpenter.

Dylan clenched his fingers around the box of crackers, and the thin cardboard buckled under his grip. I used to like to study things. History, mostly. But it wasnt really considered a viable contribution to the pack.

It took Gavin a moment to answer. Well, it is here. If you can handle the lore, youll be doing more than your share already. Twice that if you and Sasha can manage to determine how our legends and hers dovetail.

Sure. It would be better than sitting out here by himself all day long, but the house wasnt going to fix itself while he spent his days reading through old history books. He glanced around the pathetic little living room. Might need to hold off a few days, though, at least until this place is livable.

Why dont you just stay in the apartment? Rain should last through the week, anyway.

Are you

The walkie-talkie on Gavins belt crackled to life, and his wifes voice spilled out. Gavin, you need to come back here now. Bring Dylan. Cindys already on her way. Justine just showed up and shes in bad, bad shape.

Gavin snatched up the radio as he turned toward the door. On our way. What happened, Sammie?

Damned if I know, baby. Shes babbling and I hope to hell shes wrong, because shes talking about vampires.

Dylan stumbled. Vampires?

Damn it. Gavin shoved the radio back onto his belt and caught Dylans arm. Thought there werent any left around these parts. Come on. We have to hurry.

He found his footing and moved to keep up with Gavin. Justinedoes she mean our Justine? The one who lives in Helena?

The alphas jaw hardened. Yeah.

Shed always been an anomaly in the Helena pack, a woman who stood outside the harsh realities that dominated the lives of most of the packs females. In his ten years in the pack, Dylan had seen one man lay a finger on Justine. That fingerand the arm attached to ithad ended up torn from the mans body. Their late and unlamented pack leader had always favored the swift and brutal method of teaching lessons to his pack.

And I emptied a clip into his head a few weeks ago. Dylan could live all of the hundred and twenty years attributed to Gavin and not accomplish anything else as satisfying as killing Alan Matthews.

Except doing so had obviously revoked whatever protection kept Justine safe within the Helena pack. Dylan refused to feel guilty as he followed at Gavins heelsnot to the alphas house, as he might have expected, but instead to the large bar that seemed to serve as Red Rocks unofficial meeting spot.

A crowd had gathered outside the building, but the way cleared as Gavin stomped toward them. Where are they?

A man Dylan vaguely recognized flashed them a worried look. Sam and Joe took her into the back office.

Which explained why Joe hadnt been home while Brynn had been busy loading Dylan down with snack foods and camping supplies. Gavin started forward, but Dylan hesitated, unsure what part he was supposed to play in a meeting of some of the strongest wolves in the pack.

Gavin made it two steps into the bar before turning. Now, Dylan.

The office door hit the wall, and Gavin growled. A binding ceremony? he demanded. Sammie, have you lost your mind?

The bulk of Joes body blocked Justine from sight but, from the worried look on the mans face, Dylan surmised the situation was bad. He eased into the office and closed the door just as Samanthas temper evidenced itself in a wave of power terrifying enough to make him cringe.

Gavins wife was every inch as tall as Dylan and looked forty of her reputed seventy years. Before coming to Red Rock, Dylan had never met an alpha female; their life expectancy tended to be short in Helena, a fact that had spurred his desperation to get Abby out of town.

It was hard to imagine anyone threatening Samantha. She turned to glare at her husband, her eyes dark as she slammed a white pillar candle down on the desk. Shes going to die if someone doesnt do something fast, and Im not watching that happen.

Gavin spun and caught Dylans gaze. Go to our house and get Sasha. Hurry.

Dylan reached for the doorknob, but froze when Sams voice lashed through the air. Wait. Shes been through enough.

Caught between conflicting instincts, Dylan turned a pleading look on Joe, asking silently who he was supposed to obey.

Before Joe could speak, Gavins roar cut through the quiet, along with a lash of power that left Dylan fighting the urge to back into a corner. Goddamnit, go!

Gavin was more than capable of handling his wife. Dylan wrenched open the door and ran.



The knock at the door was light and even, but Sasha still nearly dropped her bowl of popcorn. Gavin and Sam were both gone, and all she had to do was go to the door and tell their visitor. Theyre not here. Im

Im alone.

Her hands shook as she set down the bowl and walked to the front door. Glancing through the window, she caught a glimpse of dark clothing and short red hair.

Dylan. She relaxed and opened the door. Gavin and Sam arent here.

The tension around his eyes brought back her nervousness. I know. Gavin sent me. I think he needs your help.

Her heart in her throat, Sasha reached for the borrowed jacket hanging on the rack by the door. Whats wrong?

A woman from the Helena pack showed up looking for help. Samantha said Dylan broke off and rubbed his hand over the back of his neck. Well, I dont know whats going on, except Sams talking about vampires and Gavinsupset.

Sasha swore as she pushed past him. She was attacked by a vampire?

Dylan dragged the door shut before hurrying to catch up with her. So youre saying there are vampires? Because I was living a Dracula-free existence until about ten minutes ago.

There arent many. Most of the ones shed met would never have risked a fight with a wolf. It was little better than suicide. If this one had won Her hands shook. You said the woman was alive?

Yeah. Sam said she was in bad shape, and it looked like she was getting stuff ready to try a binding ceremony.

Sharing energy through a bond with another wolf might buy the woman some time, but the sickness that came with a vampires bite would affect the other wolf as well. Its not the safest plan.

Dylan shifted closer to her until his arm brushed hers with every step, and too late she noticed a man watching them from the shadow of a nearby building. His gaze felt unfriendly, but he looked away when Dylan fixed a pointed glare on him.

After a tense moment, the man dropped back, disappearing around the building. Dylan kept walking as if nothing had happened. Tell me about the vampires. What happens to someone who gets bitten?

My mentor said a vampires bite can kill a wolf slowly, like a poison.

He seemed to mull that over as they passed two more houses and slipped into the alley between the motel and the general store. Is it a physical thing? Like actual poison? Or something magical?

She wished she knew. Im not sure. It could be either. Ive never seen

Her breath cut off as they came out of the alley to face a gathered crowd. Sasha fixed her gaze on the bars door and tried to ignore the wolves chilly stares. They didnt trust her, but it wasnt personal.

It didnt make it easier. The crowds distrust evidenced itself in prickly power that flowed from the strongest ones. Dylans hand came up to rest against her lower back, and his power was steady and unwavering.

He kept her moving forward as he prompted her to continue talking. Youve never actually seen a vampire? Or just never seen someone whos been bitten?

It took her a moment to speak through the fear closing her throat. Ive met vampires, and Ive seen bitten humans. Just not wolves.

Maritzas voice echoed in her head as they pushed through the door and made their way to the back hall of the bar. A vampire can feed on a werewolfs magic, but the beast will usually fight it. It makes them feverish, sick. They often die.

A throbbing wall of tense magic spilled out of the office, and Sasha stumbled. I cant She swallowed her own words and gripped Dylans hand.

Its okay. Dylan rubbed his thumb over her fingers in a soothing gesture before tugging a little on her hand. Its just Gavin and Sam being pissy at each other.

Okay. You can do this, Sasha. Okay.

An anguished moan met them in the doorway. Joe Mitchell stood at the end of Gavins desk, restraining a pretty, petite blonde lying on the desk.

Sasha had expected blood and rent flesh, some sign of a struggle or fight. Instead, dozens of rows of small puncture wounds marked the insides of the womans arms. Her stomach turned, and she pressed the back of her hand to her mouth. Had the woman let herself be bitten? Whats going on?

Samantha turned, and the friendly, encouraging look Sasha had come to expect from the older woman was gone. Fury stood plainly in her face, and her entire body was rigid. Theyve had her since the day after Matthews died. Five weeks. Justines been my contact inside the Helena pack for more than a decade, and someone wanted to find out just how much she knew about us.

In spite of her fear, Sasha stepped forward and touched the raised welts on Justines arm. The bites were infected and hot. What could a group of vampires want to know so badly?

Not a group. One vampire. Sam returned her gaze to Justine, and power twisted dizzily around the room as the alpha reached down and cupped Justines cheek with a whispered word. The power soothed the woman momentarily, and her struggles reduced to soft whimpers. Shes been in and out of consciousness. I cant keep her calm, Sam whispered. This is the fourth time Ive had to quiet her. I want you to bind her to me so it isnt so difficult.

If Sam hadnt spent the last few weeks telling her over and over to trust herself, Sasha would have stayed put. Instead, she moved to the end of the desk and laid her hands over Justines chest. Step back.

Joe let go of the womans shoulders, but Sam barely edged out of the way. Sasha waited until Sam let go before bending her head and calling forth the magic that slept inside her.

The calming spell was simple, one of the first an apprentice could master during her training, and she whispered the words confidently now. She felt it begin, the swathe of comforting, quieting magic that would grow and envelop Justine.

The spell complete, Sasha straightened and shook her head. You cant bind yourself to this woman. Shes dying.

Sams jaw tightened. I can give her more time. Maybe enough time for someone to find a way to save her.

Sasha glanced at Gavin. Its dangerous. If the bond isnt broken before

Ill do it, Gavin interrupted. Im stronger.

Barely! Sam took a deep breath and moderated her tone. You may be a little stronger, but youre the alpha and were at war. Youre not expendable.

Damn it, Sammie, neither are you!

The woman on the desk didnt react to the surge of power in the room, but the other wolves did. Sasha caught Dylans gaze, and she could feel his tension clear across the room. Isnt there someone else?

It was clear from his expression that he didnt know. Keiths not completely healed yet, and Cindy His tiny hesitation made her remember the doctor was his lover. He wouldnt want to put her in danger. He cleared his throat. Shes busy trying to keep Abby sane since she wont bind herself to anyone else. And Joes got his hands full with Brynn.

It doesnt matter, Sam said, her quiet voice cutting through their conversation. She spoke to Sasha, but her gaze stayed locked on her husband. Gavin knows theres no one else, but he doesnt deal well with me putting myself in harms way. So Ill compromise. One week. If we cant find a way in one week, Ill let her go.

Justine might have a week left, if she could draw on Sams strength, but it could take months of research to find some esoteric spell or therapy to help her.

Still, Sam was willing to risk it. Sasha closed her eyes. This will hurt. With those words, she drew Sams energy toward and into herself, shuddering when the full force of it hit her.

It was intoxicating, this magic, but it felt foreign in her body, and it wasnt hers to keep. She murmured the incantation and laid her hands on Justines head.

The pain must have been intense, but Sam did nothing more than grunt softly as the bond settled into place. The scrape of boots on the floor and a muffled curse were the only sign something more had happened. Sasha opened her eyes in time to see Gavin catch Sam as she listed forward, deep lines of pain etched on her face.

Dylan appeared at Sashas shoulder, so close she could feel the slightest hint of his aura even though he wasnt quite touching her. Are you all right?

She fought the urge to lean into his strength. Im fine. But I need to get to work. She needed to get upstairs to the library, to the collection of records and histories Gavin had been telling her about the last few weeks. Can I do anything else, Gavin?

He waved her away, one arm still holding his wife. Joe and I will take care of Sammie and Justine. Dylan, can you?

It didnt seem to be a full question, but Dylan answered it nonetheless. Yes. Of course. Should I stay here tonight?

The alpha was already headed for the door as Joe gathered Justine in his arms. If youll bring Sasha home when shes finished.

Of course, he repeated. His hand fell away and he hurried to open the door before Gavin reached it.

Sam stopped walking and turned to meet Sashas gaze. Are you okay here with Dylan? Her voice sounded hoarse and exhausted, but she ignored Gavins impatience. We can have the books brought to the house if it will be easier.

Sasha gave her a reassuring smile. Dylan and I will be fine. Dont worry so much. Just go rest.

Okay. And Sasha I wont blame you if you cant save her. But I would have blamed myself if I hadnt given you a chance to try.

The pained promise made the hair on the back of Sashas neck lift. Ill try like hell, Sam. I swear.

Gavin nodded once, his normally light eyes dark with worry, and hurried out. Joe followed close behind him, though he spared a gently encouraging look for Sasha.

When she and Dylan were alone, she rubbed her hands over the thick fabric covering her arms. She began to shiver, a delayed reaction to the loss of the energy shed expended. How are you at speed-reading, Dylan? she tried to joke.

Actually, Im good at it. He reached down and tugged his navy blue sweatshirt over his head, revealing a plain white T-shirt and a leather shoulder holster. Put this on until I can see about warming it up upstairs.

No, you should keep it. Its not Her teeth chattered. It wont help. Its the magic. It drains me, and I just have to rest.

Dylan held out the sweatshirt. I may not be as obnoxiously overbearing as Joe or Keith, but Im not going to be able to concentrate with you shivering and looking miserable. So humor me while we find you some food and build up a fire. Please.

Sasha bit her tongue and pulled the warm fleece over her head. Im not hungry, but thanks for the shirt.

I dont think the kitchen upstairs is stocked, he said as if he hadnt heard her. But I know where Olivia hides the cookies down here. And I havent had anything but crackers since lunch. He grinned at her, crooked and a little mischievous. Come on. Ransack the pantry with me.

Okay, but She glanced at the desk and the pile of items that had obviously been swept quickly off of it and onto the floor. After that, youre helping me with research.

Until you pass out, he promised. Hell, until we both pass out.

Sasha followed him out into the darkened bar. She knew from her time in Red Rock that it wouldnt normally close down, even after an injured refugee showed up looking for sanctuary. Did Olivia go home?

Guess so. People were starting to leave when I went to get you. Anything that freaks Sam out is scary enough to terrify the crap out of the rest of us, I guess. He smiled again, this time in obvious encouragement. Except you. But you know more about this stuff than we do.

Im scared. The second she said the words, she wanted to take them back. Weakness was embarrassing under the best of circumstances. With wolves, it had almost cost Sasha her life.

Dylan just shrugged one shoulder and pushed open the door that led to the bars kitchen. Smart people usually are. We know how bad things can get.

But we cant stop those bad things from happening.

Not yet. He moved past the large stainless-steel refrigerator and reached up to open a cupboard high above the industrial sink. But we keep trying. Theres a lot to be said for that, you know, Sasha. Its easy to keep trying when youre Keith or Abby and dont have any other choice. The rest of us have to work at it.

So I keep telling myself. A stool stood in the corner, and Sasha pulled it closer to the counter and watched him. You dont scare me. It shouldnt have been surprising; the energy radiating from Dylan was gentle, constant. It rarely flared, and hed always been careful not to upset or alarm her. You dont scare me at all.

Good. He pulled a battered tin from the top shelf and pried off the lid to reveal a stack of chocolate-chip cookies. Im not all that scary anyway.

Sasha touched the raised pink lines traversing her cheek. I guess not.

He glanced up at her, his gaze focusing on the scars instead of her eyes. The edge of the cookie tin bent under his fingers, but his voice stayed steady. Hey. Im here, and Im armed. No ones going to hurt you, okay?

It had been weeks since the last attack on Red Rockand the night Alan Matthews had threatened her. The bruises had faded, and shed managed to stop flinching so damn much. But what stayed with her, hazy but unmistakable, was a snapshot of memory: Dylan, walking through the streets with her cradled in his arms.

Now, his distress made her chest ache. Thats not what I meant. It hadnt even occurred to her to worry that Dylan couldnt protect her if something happened.

Were not all monsters. Dylan sounded like he might be trying to convince himself more than her. He set the cookie tin on the counter in front of her in obvious, silent command before turning to the refrigerator. Tell me more about vampires. I still cant believe they actually exist.

She took a cookie because he expected it. Theres not much to tell, really. Theyre as different as wolves, or people, for that matter. Ive met some vampires who were perfectly civil, and others who were feral. They mostly just drink blood and live a long time.

Dylan disappeared behind the fridge door and she heard him shifting things around on shelves. Thats nuts. Man, I told Abby there werent any vampires. I guess that teaches me not to act like I get this even after ten years.

He looked to be in his midtwenties, about her age. If hed only been a wolf for a decade, he probably wasnt much older than that. I got the idea from Gavin that the Helena pack wasnt focused on educating new wolves.

A snort answered that question. Depends on your definition of educate, I guess. Guys like me, were around for tithes and cannon fodder. The only thing my pack tried to teach me was my place in life as everyones punching bag.

The ache in her chest deepened. Im sorry, Dylan.

He finally resurfaced from the depths of the refrigerator with enough cold cuts to make a dozen sandwiches. He shrugged as he kicked the door shut. Could have been worse. I could have been Abby or Brynn. Or Justine.

Just because others had suffered didnt mean he hadnt. Maritzamy mentorsaid wed have to work with the wolves to make sure people like Alan Matthews were taken out of power. The alpha who had her killed disagreed.

Dylan dumped the food on the counter and studied her face. Do you want to talk about it? You dont have to, but I dont mind listening.

She wondered what he would say if she did open up, if she told him how shed watched Maritza die, how the wolves had told her she was next. If he knew how many scars she carried under her clothes.

She bit her lip. Another time, maybe, with beer and pretzels. We have work to do tonight.

That we do. He leveled a look on her that was every bit as stern as Sam at her worst. And youre going to eat before we do it, because I know how hungry expending power makes me. Youre just going to have to humor me.

There was something almost pleading beneath his stubborn expression, and Sasha caved. I like corned beef and Swiss cheese.

Relief flashed in his eyes. Get ready for the best sandwich youve ever had.

Twilight Guardian	Dawg Town: Playing for Keeps	Up On the Housetop	Alien Bond	Dark Currents