Run (Books Of Stone Book 2) Read online

  Run

  Books Of Stone

  B. L. Brunnemer

  Copyright © 2019 by Becky Brunnemer

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Epilogue

  Sneak Peek At BOS 3

  To stay up to date…

  1

  Christmas Day, 12:15 AM

  Astrid

  “All right, everyone! Last call!” I announced over the din of werewolves. Groans and complaints filled the room.

  “Tough shit! It’s Christmas, and I have plans!” And a very special gift for Ranulf if he’s been a good boy.

  Advar leaned over the bar. With both height and width, the giant of a wolf could be scary as hell. Truth was he was a big, old teddy bear. “Do those plans have anything to do with the fact you were walking a little bowlegged this morning?”

  “They do indeed.” I smiled as I put away a glass and reached under the bar and into the dishwasher for another.

  “I need three beers in the bottle.” Tammy came out of the crowd and set down her tray. “And who the hell is this guy?”

  Advar pointed at me. “If he gets out of line—”

  “I’d take care of it myself. I don’t need my big pack brother saving my ass.” I raised my nose in the air. “I save my own quite well.”

  “I’ve never seen you this excited about a guy.” Tammy leaned on the bar. “Who’s the lucky wolf?”

  My smile faded a bit. “He’s not a wolf, just…just a good male.”

  Everyone’s excitement dimmed as if someone hit a switch, making my heart sink.

  “Oh.” Tammy put on a forced smile as I set the beers on her tray. “Well, someday you’ll find your mate and you’ll be really happy.” She picked up the tray and made her way back into the crowd.

  Except, I already had my mate. And I couldn’t tell anyone. My smile disappeared. I was never going to have a wolf for a mate. I had a gargoyle. And I couldn’t even tell them. I’d never shift and run with Ranulf. Disappointment filled my heart, sinking my mood.

  “When are you going to date a wolf again, Astrid?” Advar turned back to me. “Did David hurt you so much that you won’t even try for a real shot?”

  I plastered on a smile. “I would if it was you, lovey.”

  Advar’s cheeks turned red. “That’s not what I meant.”

  “What did you say now?” Jax, a wolf decked out in leather, moved out of the crowd to the bar.

  “Just that I think she should give another wolf a shot.” Advar turned to Jax.

  “Let the female handle her own love life.” He leaned over to Advar and kissed his mate on the lips. “You can step in if she gets a cat.”

  Advar and Jax chuckled while I shook my head. “There will be no cat. Ever.”

  “Sure, blondie,” Jax teased. “Can I get your best tequila, please?”

  I turned, picked up the bottle of Peligroso, and began pouring his drink.

  “There’s always my brother,” Advar said.

  “Dag?” Jax scowled. “She’s not desperate.”

  The pair chuckled as I put the drink down in front of Jax. “It’s about the guy, not the wolf.” Wasn’t it?

  My phone rang. It was Ranulf.

  “Hey, sexy.” My smile was suddenly back.

  “Evie was attacked.” Ranulf’s voice was rough.

  “Is she okay?” I hurried out from behind the bar and through the crowd.

  “She’s fine, but the high demon possessed that dick Matt!” he shouted as something slammed on his end. “It knows who you are and where to bloody fucking find ya!”

  My heart stopped. If it could find me…I hurried into the back. “I have to call Rina.”

  “Don’t ya dare hang up until I get there!” he growled as wind started to hit the phone.

  “She’s human!” I snapped before hanging up on him. I took the stairs two at a time as I hit Rina’s contact icon. I was on the second floor before she answered.

  “What?” Rina’s voice was rushed.

  “Where are you?” I demanded, my heart pounding.

  “I’m in Albany, New York, with my family,” Rina said. “Evie… What happened?”

  I turned with the stairwell and kept climbing. “Evie was attacked by the high demon Abaddon, who’s in Matt, by the way.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yeah. How’d you know something happened?”

  “Telepath.” Something zipped closed through the phone. “I’m on my way back now.”

  “No!” I burst out onto the roof and searched the sky. Knowing Ranulf, he’d be here any second. “Stay there, it’s safer.” There. Ranulf was coming in fast.

  Ranulf hit the gravel roof hard and didn’t stop. He pulled his wings into his back and rolled. My body throbbed; my pulse picked up as his momentum brought him to his feet in front of me. The predatory look in his eye shoved Tammy’s words out of my mind.

  “The demon knows everything that Matt did, right?” Rina asked as something slammed shut, bringing me back to the here and now.

  “Yeah.” I tried to ignore Ranulf as he began inspecting me for damage.

  “Then he knows where to find my family.”

  Shit. She was right. I pulled the phone from my lips. “Where’s Evie?” I asked him as his fingers moved my hair so he could inspect my neck.

  “St. Joseph’s.” His hands held my face as he looked for injuries. It was sweet. Irritating, but sweet.

  “Fine, get here as fast as you can,” I ordered Rina. “And go straight to St. Joseph’s.”

  “I can’t.”

  “What do you mean you can’t?” Ignoring Ranulf, I focused completely on Rina.

  “Look, I've got to pick some things up for Evie. It might take me a couple days. I’ll see you as soon as I can.”

  “Hold it!” I dug my fingers into my hair to keep it out of my face from the wind. “Where are you going?”

  “The first stop is the Chrysler Building.”

  “Into the city? Are you insane?” My gut knotted at the very idea of her in Manhattan.

  “I have to. If I don’t…just trust me.” She hung up the phone.

  I cursed and looked up at Ranulf.

  “I heard,” he said before I could even ask.

  “She can’t go alone.” I shook my head at the very idea. “A telepath in that city won’t last long. Especially since she’s been struggling with her barriers lately.”

  He pulled his phone out. “Zahur, we have a problem.” It wasn’t long before he hung up. “Falk will catch her in Manhattan.”

  I sighed in relief as I texted Rina that Falk was headed out to help her.

  Ranulf’s turquoise gaze was warm as he pulled me close and held me against him. I slid my arms around his neck as calm poured through me. His lips rested on my forehead as I took a deep breath. The scent of rain clung to him like a second skin. Clean, fresh. It settled my heart. It didn’t matter that he was a gargoyle and I was a wolf. It didn’t matter that we weren’t supposed to be mates. It didn’t matter that we had to hide it from everyone. I
t only mattered that he was here, with me.

  His hand travel down my spine, pressing me harder against his naked chest. When he reached my ass, he pinched me hard. I jumped and shot a look up at him.

  “That’s for hanging up earlier.” He smirked down at me. Heat spread as his hand soothed the pinch.

  I shook my head as I began to shiver. “Rina seems to know more than I do. So, start talking. What the hell happened?”

  “Abaddon attacked Evie. She’s unconscious at the kirk right now.” His body grew hotter against me.

  I pressed myself even more against him, loving that he could turn himself into my personal heater. “I thought you said she was okay.”

  “She is.” He started rubbing his hand up and down my back, creating warmth. “Zahur says she should be up in the next day or so.”

  I sighed; there wasn’t much I could do about it. If she was unconscious, then she was unconscious. But this demon… I looked up at him. “I need to warn the alphas about this high demon. They’ll put everyone on alert.”

  He nodded. “All right, let’s go.”

  “Oh, hell no. You’re not going.” I pulled away and crossed my arms over my chest at the chill.

  He shook his head. “Until this demon is back in Hell, I’m with ya.”

  “Ran.” I tried to think of a way to convince him, but I knew there wasn’t a point.

  He smirked. He knew he had me. “Let’s get this over with, goddess.”

  The ride out to meet the alpha pair was tense. It didn’t help that Ranulf knew David was my ex-fiancé. And it also didn’t help that I was driving us towards his house where he lived with his new mate. Where I had lived until eight months ago.

  Ranulf reached over the console, set his hand on my thigh and squeezed gently. Most of that anxious energy melted out of me.

  “This is the ex?” Ranulf asked, his voice gruff.

  I swallowed hard. “Yeah.”

  He squeezed my leg again, sending warmth through me. “I’m not going to get jealous, goddess.”

  My shoulders started to relax. “You’re not?”

  He turned toward me with a grin. “No.”

  The knowing look on his face had me squirming in my seat. I turned back to the road in time to watch the gate come into view. I slowed to a stop at the guardhouse and rolled down my window.

  Trevor came out of the guardhouse and gave me a sad smile. As one of David's bodyguards and friends, he and I had spent a lot of time with each other over the years.

  The dark-haired hottie leaned down to look in my window. “How’s it going, Astrid?”

  “Doing good, Trevor. How’s the mate?” I smiled up at the big guy.

  He smiled. “Doing great. Flo’s parents are in town, so…”

  “You’re taking the night shift?” I asked, laughing.

  He shrugged. “Guilty.” His gaze moved to Ranulf as he took a deep breath. “Gargoyle.”

  “Wolf,” Ranulf countered.

  Trevor turned back to me. “He won’t be able to go in.”

  “I know.” I tightened my grip on the wheel.

  “Go on in.” Trevor straightened before heading back into the guardhouse and hitting the button for the gate.

  When the gate opened, I pulled through.

  “I’m going in,” Ranulf announced.

  “No, you’re not,” I scoffed. “The only gargoyle who is allowed without invitation is Evie.”

  He cursed under his breath.

  In the few years I had lived here, the mansion had never felt like home. Majestic stonework, ivy, and manicured lawns. It just wasn’t me. How had I gone so long and not realized it? I pushed the thought away as I pulled to a stop outside the front doors. “Stay in the car.”

  He sent me a look full of promise. The thought of his retaliation made my blood rush. I got out of the car on weak knees. Ignoring the looks from the wolves on guard duty, I walked to the door. It opened before I could touch the handle.

  A tall, lithe platinum-blonde female opened the door. I expected the familiar pain that hit me whenever Alia was around. But this time, it didn’t come. This time, I knew. David wasn’t meant for me. I had someone better waiting.

  “Hey, Alia. Sorry for the time.” I stepped through the foyer.

  She blinked in surprise. “Hi, Astrid. He’s in the study.”

  “Aren’t you coming?” I asked, making a point. She was an alpha; she needed to take care of business.

  She sighed wearily and followed as I walked through the marble foyer towards the study. I didn’t bother knocking before I opened the door.

  David kept working on the paperwork scattered around his desk. “You don’t live here anymore, Astrid. So, stop acting like you own the place.”

  It was like a slap and it pissed me off. “Oh, fuck you, David.”

  His handsome, square face was hard as he leaned back in his chair and finally looked at me. When we met, his black hair had been shaggy, his chocolate eyes sparkling with humor. Instead of an Armani suit, he’d been wearing jeans and a shirt. I liked him better back then. But now…his face was too pristine, his nails perfectly manicured, a glint of disdain in his gaze. Something inside me finally was finished and I liked it.

  “That’s not how you talk to your alpha,” he reminded me in such a condescending tone I couldn’t help but push back.

  “You’re right; that’s how I talk to my ex,” I countered. “Look, I don’t have time for this crap. There’s a high demon in town. He attacked Evelyn and is loose in the city somewhere.”

  His gaze narrowed. “What name?”

  “Abaddon.”

  He cursed, then noticed Alia standing in the doorway. His voice was softer when he called, “Come in, sweetheart.”

  Alia looked between David and myself before she moved to stand next to the desk while wringing her fingers.

  “What do you think we should do?” he asked her. Was he serious? She was still too new to this!

  “I don’t know,” Alia admitted in a quiet voice that surprised me. “I’d defer to more experienced wolves. Most likely, Astrid.”

  I bit back a smile of approval. She knew enough to admit she didn’t know how to run the pack. That was something, at least.

  He sighed, then turned to me. “Then, Astrid, what do we do?”

  “Notify everyone via the phone tree. Keep the pack on alert and remind them to report anything suspicious,” I answered without even having to think about it

  He nodded with a small grin of approval. It rubbed my fur the wrong way. “Exactly.” He turned to Alia. “You need to start thinking logically, like Astrid.”

  Alia nodded, her gaze on the desk. Was he fucking serious?

  He turned to me. “Since we’ll have the pack from Thunder Bay in town for the holiday run, I’ll be sure to inform them as well.”

  “Good.” I turned to leave. I was almost to the door when he stopped me.

  “Since you’re already here, there’s something I need to tell you,” he announced.

  I turned at the door and waited.

  “Thunder Bay is looking for a new alpha female.” His gaze ran over me as if he were assessing a stranger. As if he’d never seen me naked or touched me at all. “And since we are trying to create an alliance, I’ve suggested you.”

  My heart dropped. Alliance… What the fuck? “What?”

  “They have a new alpha.” He leaned back in his chair. “And he’s looking to create a stable foundation for his pack.”

  I eyed him. My wolf woke up and bared her teeth inside me. “Why?”

  He gave me a sad smile. “Because you ran this pack with me for three years before I found Alia. I know you’re a good alpha.”

  I scoffed. That wasn’t the only reason and I knew it. He wanted me gone. I ruined his perfect, new life. But, how far would he go? “You know alphas are married unless negotiated otherwise.”

  He nodded.

  A cold stone settled in my chest. “You didn’t make those negotiations.” />
  He shook his head no.

  Stunned, I looked at the man I almost married. The man who knew me for years; who loved me once, and now was trying to marry me off to some wolf I hadn’t even met. “No.”

  He sighed. “Astrid—”

  “No,” I growled, unable to believe he’d try this.

  His eyes flashed with his wolf. “Think about it.”

  There was nothing to think about. I wasn’t going to marry someone who wasn’t Ranulf. I turned and started for the door.

  “Why is there a gargoyle on the property?” he demanded from his desk.

  “He’s not on the property, he’s in my car.” I didn’t even look over my shoulder as I walked out of the study.

  “This conversation isn’t even close to being finished, Astrid.”

  What an ass.

  Rina

  I hit the end call button, grabbed only my backpack and started down the hallway. When I stepped down the stairs into the living room with my bag, I had to slow down. Two of my older brothers were asleep in the dimly lit room. And the two giants were in my way.

  I moved slowly through the room, doing my best not to make any noise. As I was stepping over Danior, something firm snagged my ankle, making me stumble. I caught myself on the floor, flipped my hair out of the way and glared into the brown eyes of my oldest brother. I pulled my ankle trying to break free but he refused to let go.

  Why? he signed with his free hand.

  Sighing, I steadied myself and signed back, Evelyn is in trouble; I have to go help her.

  His frown lessened as he let go. Mom’s going to kill you.

  He wasn’t wrong about that. I have to go.

  Wait a minute. Danior got out of his sleeping bag and went to the Christmas tree in the corner. He came back with the small box I had been dreading since I arrived.