Discovered (The Shalean Moon) Read online

  Mr. Connor had really jumped when he’d introduced himself to him.

  ‘Why is dad being so weird?’ The thought jumped into his head.

  It was Rach; he was sure of it, and he was certain she didn’t know what she was doing. He knew he had to talk to her and find out what was going on. Why didn’t she know she was Shalean? She definitely had Shalean blood in her, and it was strong.

  ‘He’s worried about you.’

  He waited, but nothing came back. So she definitely didn’t know she was projecting to him. That might cause a few problems unless he did the responsible thing and blocked her. But, he wanted to feel close to her; know what she felt about him—about them. She might be underage now, but that wouldn’t be true forever.

  “Brios? Shall we run?” He’d been so deep in thought he hadn’t heard Leira come up to him. She walked like a cat naturally, but he usually had keen enough senses to know when anyone was close—usually. It wasn’t like him to close them off. Ever since he’d been little his senses had been getting better and better. Rach was really messing with his head.

  He stretched slowly, enjoying the ripple in his muscles, and the power that ran through him. He looked out of the window. It was still light and easy for people to see and freak out at what they saw; but, it was their own land they would run across so there shouldn’t be any problems.

  “Mum says dinner in an hour, so we have time to ‘lose the grumpiness’ according to her. Dad should be home by then as well. So?” Leira stood in the doorway. Already her eyes were changing shape and he saw the hope there. She needed this as much as he did.

  “Let’s go.” He shivered and the air around him swirled silver mist and rainbows as his skin shimmied and shook. His dad called it the ‘shimmer-zone’; it was sort of like a curtain around you. It was said Shaleans were unique in this. His body stretched, elongated and changed. Instead of bronzed skin, there was glossy fur; the spots proud and bold.

  An older, more highly placed Shalean always helped and guided a less experienced Shalean through sensing and shifting until they were comfortable with their gifts. Usually, the shifting didn’t happen until the person was mature. In some cases, such as with Leira and him, things had started at a much younger age. This was a sign of their status; their position in the Sept.

  There were several Chapters of Shaleans living in the Scottish countryside and even one in Australia. All held different levels of power, and all were directly responsible to the Great One. His Chapter was the Great One, and their power was absolute. When he became Patriarch he would guide and watch over many Chapters.

  He knew if he ever did take a partner she’d need to be Shalean; for she’d become Matriarch and almost as powerful as he; another thing to worry about. Not the power—Shaleans have always believed in equality. The head of the Sept was as likely to be a Matriarch as a Patriarch. In fact, Asheleya, a friend of his grandmothers had been Matriarch before his dad—but, he had no idea how other Shaleans would accept a Matriarch who was only half Shalean; to say nothing of how her dad would feel. If he had never mentioned it to Rach, he must have very strong views about the Sept—negative views.

  He looked towards Leira. She was also altered, albeit her spots were not so pronounced. The saying ‘a leopard can’t change its spots’ didn’t refer to Shalean shifters. His would be brighter and more assertive the nearer he came to being Patriarch.

  Leira’s would also change, and when she mated her spots would become identical to those of her mate. Although knowing Leira, he thought as they left the house, if and when she did choose to be part of a couple she would demand that her partner’s spots change, not hers. Feminist was an understatement.

  Female Shaleans were very assertive in some areas; like whether they accepted their mate or not. The choice was always theirs, and they could not be swayed or persuaded.

  He led the way across the wide expanse of grass behind the house and into the woods beyond. Shala, their mum, waved as they loped passed her studio at an easy pace. He slowed to let Leira catch up. She was still new to shifting and could become over eager and hurt herself if he didn’t watch out for her.

  The leopard in him reveled in the freedom of feeling the air rushing past and feathering his fur into whorls. This was when he came alive. As he lengthened his stride, but still kept an easy pace for his sister, he read her thoughts to him.

  ‘I love it, Bri. I used to watch you and be so envious. I was so pleased to become a woman and experience this.’

  ‘This is our heritage. Why do you think Rach chooses not to embrace it?’ Brios wondered what Leira would say.

  ‘Perhaps she doesn’t know?’

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Since Brios was determined not to probe into Rach’s mind, he had no idea how much Rach knew about her heritage or her gifts. As he ran along the well-known tracks between the trees, the sunshine dappled the leaves and warmed his fur. He wondered if perhaps she didn’t know anything about her Shalean blood. Presumably her dad knew something? He’d been jolted by the name Parde, and then became distinctly less friendly; so, why not tell Rach? It was something to think about—later; for now, the thrill of his freedom needed addressing.

  ‘Let’s stretch and see how much we can do.’

  He heard Leira’s assent and leaped forward. Now they were really moving. The trees blurred, and seemed to melt together. This was part of them; part of their heritage and their lives. That feeling of speed, exhilaration and freedom was guaranteed to bring his Shalean senses to the fore and expand his knowledge of everything to do with his Sept even more. He had no idea why, but after a shift and stretch—as his dad called it—he always felt much more in tune with his Shalean self. His dad had told him it was a way of helping him accept his future. When he first started shifting he hadn’t understood what he’d been told, but now he did. When he became Patriarch life would change, but he knew he would have all the help and guidance he needed from past Patriarchs and Matriarchs within him. He would just need to look inside and trust those long dead guides. These runs helped him do that.

  Brios began to slow down as the river came into view. He was pleased to see Leira had obeyed his unspoken command and followed suit, gradually reducing her pace.

  He heard her frustrated, annoyed growl and laughed. Donny sat along the river’s edge. The sun reflected him into the water—all leopard.

  ‘Did you tell him?’ she asked fiercely.

  ‘No need, he can read you.’

  She veered suddenly and jumped around him; her fur standing on end as she stood with all four legs rigid, and faced Donny.

  ‘Why? Why? I’m not his mate.’

  ‘Not yet.’ Was the snarled reply from the leopard on the rock. He stretched, unconcerned and rearranged his body to absorb more sun.

  Her shriek was pure Shalean. ‘Not now, not ever. Get used to it. I am never going to be subservient, or anyone’s mate.’

  ‘We will be partners.’ Donny was definite. Brios thought his tone was so sure that he knew Leira would fly off into a temper; and she did.

  ‘In your dreams. There’s too much for me to see and do without being stuck with someone.’

  ‘Not only in my dreams, Leira, in my reality—in our reality. You can go and follow your dreams, but eventually you’ll come back to me; and if you leave too long…’ Brios saw the gleam in his friend’s eyes. ‘Then, I’ll come for you.’

  Brios smirked. Donny was so positive it would happen, and Leira was equally as positive it wouldn’t.

  His growl of humor was cut short as his mind received a message.

  ‘What the heck is up with dad? Why isn’t he telling me what’s worrying him?’

  Rach—Trying to get her dad to talk, and coming through to him without him asking. The link between the two of them must be really strong. He opened up his mind to absorb better. If she had broken through to reach him, unwittingly or not, he knew it must be important.

  Does she know I can hear her? Duh Brios, he shook his b
ody with a feline shrug that made his fur dance wildly, of course she doesn’t.

  Something was definitely bothering her.

  ‘Please Dad, I know something’s wrong. You’ve been weird ever since you met Brios and Leira. They seem nice, so what’s the problem?’

  That’s what he wanted to know. Brios waited, but sensed nothing more. He growled in frustration.

  He looked across to the river where Leira and Donny were now happily splashing water over each other’s pelts, Leira having forgotten her earlier snit. He suspected if they did get together as Donny prophesied it wouldn’t be easy going for him. Leira was strong-willed and had very definite ideas about what she wanted; Donny was the same. The fact his friend came across as easy going, and seemed not to bother to assert himself sometimes was just a front for the real Donny; the determined, hard-working, tough, kick-ass-when-necessary Donny. The side of him that he didn’t show to many people, but whom Brios suspected Leira was going to have to get used to.

  They weren’t paying any attention to him, just to each other.

  And Leira reckons she isn’t interested in Donny. Huh, and I’m not Shalean!

  Suddenly he’d had enough. So much was happening. Rach turning up at school; exams; and only yesterday his dad hinting it was time for his training in the Sept to move up a level. He needed to have space to himself to think about it all.

  ‘Leira, it’s time to go.’

  She left Donny without a backward glance, and they moved slowly into the trees.

  ‘I need to speak to Rach alone tomorrow. When is your free period?’ He knew he could trust Leira to help him.

  ‘Second. Why?’

  ‘Will you cover for her, please? I can get out of my P.E. class, and I’ll take her somewhere to talk.’

  Leira growled her assent, and Brios was pleased. He didn’t want Rach to get into trouble, but he needed to speak with her somewhere where they wouldn’t be interrupted, and he couldn’t think of a better way to do it. Somehow he didn’t think her dad would say yes if he asked him his permission, so he’d do something he hadn’t done very often and skip a lesson. He had a sudden thought.

  ‘This is one occasion where you most definitely don’t do as I do Lei, promise?’

  He could see the smirk on her jowls as she rumbled her assent.

  ***

  In the end it was easier than he thought to get Rach to meet him. As he entered the school foyer she was standing to one side.

  Waiting for me? He liked to think so.

  He could tell without any Shalean sensing whatsoever that she was not happy. Struan was standing much too close to her and trying to have a conversation. He watched as one finger jabbed Struan sharply in the chest.

  “Look, I’m not interested.” Jab. “Get it?” Jab. “I do not want to go dancing, to the pictures or even hold a conversation with you.” Jab, jab, jab. “You’re talking of things about which you know nothing, and as well as that you’re a rude, jumped-up little shit. Now sod off, or I’ll make you. Ever had a schoolbag in the balls? Because, now’s your chance.” There were a couple more jabs for emphasis.

  Brios reminded himself never to upset her. She sounded dangerous, and it seemed her temper matched her hair. So did the color of Struan’s face. He scowled when he saw Brios walking up.

  “Might have known you’d get your nose in somewhere,” Struan remarked nastily. “Always got to be showing off somehow.” He flicked his finger over Rach’s cheek, and before Brios could retaliate, Rach did it for him. The schoolbag swung through the air and Struan went down like the proverbial log hugging himself.

  “Next time you touch me I’ll send your balls where the sun doesn’t shine,” Rach said softly so no teacher could hear, before dropping her schoolbag and just missing the curled up Struan again. “That was a warning; no strength behind it. Watch out if I do use some effort.”

  Then she spoke loudly for the benefit of a couple of passing teachers, and ignoring the giggles of some of the pupils in the area. “Oh gosh, I’m so sorry. Oh clumsy me. Are you all right? I didn’t drop it on anything that matters did I?”

  Her answer was a gurgle. The first-aid assistant hurried up and shooed Rach and Brios away.

  “Horrible little toad. Next time …”

  “There won’t be a next time Rach, I promise you. Look,” Brios said urgently, “we need to talk. Can you meet me at the end of first period? If you can get to the side gate I’ll pick you up. Please Rach, it’s really important; just this once. Leira will cover for you.” Slowly she nodded and he heaved a sigh of relief.

  Struan sent hate darts in Rach’s direction as the concerned assistant helped him to his feet. With a swift backward glance, Brios walked rapidly up the stairs to his registration room. He knew he’d have to keep a close eye on him.

  Brios ignored everyone, and was pulled up by his teacher for not paying attention. Economics was one of his strongest subjects, but seemed to go on forever before it finally was over. The second the ringing of the bell faded he was up and out; not even acknowledging Donny who was obviously wanting to talk to him.

  ‘Bri, watch out for Struan. He’s mouthing off about you and Rach, and hinting at all manner of murky doings. You might need to get the council to speak to him. He’s never going to accept that you’ll be Patriarch. The council needs to be aware.’

  Brios knew that Donny must think this was a serious matter if he was projecting at school.

  ‘Maybe, but not yet; we’ll keep an eye on him. We both know he thinks he should be in my place.’

  ‘As if he could Bri; he’s a sneaky piece of shit. He will try and cause you trouble, we both know that; and he’ll drag Rach into it. ‘Cos let’s face it, you don’t need to be Einstein to know she’s the one.’

  That was said confidently. It pleased Brios to know how much Donny backed him, though he was not so sure about the ‘she’s the one’ bit. Hell, he’d hardly come to terms with that, and here was his best mate confidently predicting what was going to happen.

  He’d have to keep Struan under close surveillance. A previous aborted try to chat up Leira had resulted in Donny threatening to claw him, and now it seemed he was stalking Rach.

  His mother was a cousin of Brios’s dad and so he thought he should have more powers. Struan had always resented him, Brios thought as he made his way to his car; however, he hadn’t realized just how much until recently.

  No way, not in a million years.

  He had deliberately not used the car park that morning, but parked just outside the school grounds, making it relatively easy to leave unseen. Rach was waiting for him outside the gate. She looked worried sick as she got into the passenger seat and put her seat belt on.

  “My dad says I can’t have anything to do with you Bri. Why? What’s going on? I’ve never defied him before—well, not on something major like this.”

  He didn’t answer straight away; he drove swiftly but safely to a parking spot overlooking the river. Then he switched off the engine and swiveled in his seat to look at her. They only had half an hour and he had so much to try and explain.

  “Perhaps he thinks I’m too old for you. Two years at our ages is a lot.” He knew that wasn’t all of the reasons, but it might do for now. His mind was whirring, trying to decide just how much to explain and the best way to do it.

  “Crap. For god’s sake Bri, he knows we only want to be friends.” She blushed. “Leira’s my friend, and you’re her brother. I’m not allowed to contact you at all.”

  “Yet you’re here,” Brios pointed out.

  “Because it’s unfair and I wasn’t going to cut you dead without telling you what was going on. Hell, Brios, I like you, I really want to be friends. If you hadn’t suggested this I was going to. Dad is being totally irrational about you, and I want to know why.”

  Brios took her hand and felt the zing of connection. He could tell Rach felt it too as she tried to rub her fingers together; not easy when he was holding on to them.

  “
Really? Only friends—even with this?” He looked at her closely.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Rach felt an electric zap up her arm. She couldn’t figure out what was going on; why Brios was looking at her the way he was.

  ‘Can you hear me?’

  Argh, why do I keep thinking I hear voices in my head? Dad definitely has to stop this foraging lark.

  He might think it was fun to go and collect blackberries and mushroom and things that grew wild, but Rach could still remember the time the mushrooms sent her all giggly and silly, and gave her weird and wonderful thoughts—like now. Dad said they were magic mushrooms and he hadn’t meant to pick them, but she had a feeling he’d made the same mistake again.

  ‘You can hear voices Rach—my voice. It’s me! Look at me Rach.’

  “Brios? What …” She didn’t know what to say, how did you ask someone if they were messing about with your mind?’

  “It’s a gift, and it’s not messing.” At least that was real and out loud.

  “Um, what do you mean?” Rach asked cautiously, not really sure she wanted to hear his explanation.

  “I can send messages to you.”

  Ri-i-ight.

  But, Brios looked sane, like a normal, hot-bod boy in a boring school uniform. But shoot—his face was solemn and he didn’t look as if he was ready for the funny farm.

  She began to fumble with the door handle.

  ‘I’m sane, stop worrying.’

  “Hells bells Brios, what the heck is this all about? How can I hear you when you’re not speaking?”

  “It’s complicated. It’s a gift given to certain people. Who can project and receive thoughts.”

  Rach thought about that. She figured she’d just smile and go along with it; just until she was back at school and away from him. One day she might just listen to her dad!