The Stranger in the Dark

CHAPTER FOUR

October 31 — 11:58 p.m.

The forest had gone silent.

Not a single bird called from the trees. Not a single insect moved through the grass. Even the wind seemed to have disappeared.

Every werewolf in the clearing remained on its knees.

Every human survivor stood frozen.

And in the center of them all stood a magnificent white wolf.

Gianna.

Ryder couldn't take his eyes off her.

Her fur shimmered beneath the red moonlight, almost silver in places. Her golden eyes were brighter than anything he had ever seen. The crescent marking on her forehead looked like a crown.

She was enormous.

Larger than any Alpha Ryder had encountered.

Larger than his own wolf.

And yet, somehow, he recognized her.

Not simply as his mate.

As something ancient.

Something his family had sworn to protect.

His wolf lowered its head.

Our queen.

Ryder fought against the invisible force holding him down.

Get up.

His claws dug into the earth.

Get up!

But his legs refused to move.

Across the clearing, the silver-haired woman watched Gianna with an expression that bordered on worship.

"Beautiful," she whispered.

Gianna turned toward her.

The woman's smile widened.

"You finally remember."

Gianna growled.

The sound shook the trees.

The woman's expression faltered.

"Ah. Not quite."

She slowly lowered her head.

"You don't know who you are yet, do you?"

Gianna took a step forward.

The ground cracked beneath her paws.

The woman smiled again.

"Good. That makes this easier."

She lifted her hand.

A silver chain appeared around her wrist.

Ryder's eyes widened.

"No!"

The chain snapped forward.

It wrapped around Gianna's neck.

The white wolf screamed.

Golden light erupted from her body.

Ryder felt the pain through the mate bond as though someone had driven a blade into his own chest.

He roared.

His wolf fought violently against the command forcing him to kneel.

PROTECT HER!

The silver-haired woman pulled the chain.

Gianna stumbled.

"Come along, little queen."

Ryder's claws tore into the earth.

His bones began shifting.

His shoulders expanded.

A terrible growl escaped him.

The woman looked toward him.

"Still trying to play hero, Ryder?"

His eyes burned.

"Release her."

"Oh, Alpha Blackwood."

She gave a quiet laugh.

"Your father made the same mistake."

Then she pulled the chain again.

Gianna's body slammed against the ground.

Something inside Ryder snapped.

He rose.

The command broke.

His wolf lunged.

He crossed the clearing in seconds, crashing into the silver-haired woman and sending her flying into the trees.

The chain shattered.

Gianna collapsed.

Ryder immediately turned toward her.

"Gianna!"

She was breathing.

Barely.

Her white fur began disappearing as her body shifted back into human form.

Ryder reached for her, but Maya shouted from behind him.

"RYDER! LOOK OUT!"

He turned.

The silver-haired woman stood between the trees.

Her dress was torn.

Her neck hung at an unnatural angle.

But she was smiling.

"Interesting."

Ryder positioned himself in front of Gianna.

The woman touched her throat.

"Your wolf is stronger than I remember."

"Stay away from her."

"Or what?"

Ryder growled.

The woman's eyes shifted toward the mountain.

"You're wasting your time, Alpha. She belongs to him."

Ryder stepped forward.

"She belongs to nobody."

The woman's smile disappeared.

For the first time, something resembling anger crossed her face.

"That is exactly what your father said."

Then she vanished.

Not ran.

Not disappeared behind a tree.

One moment she stood there.

The next, the clearing was empty.

 

October 31 — 11:59 p.m.

"Gianna!"

Ryder dropped to his knees beside her.

She was curled on her side, her arms wrapped around her stomach.

Her clothes were torn.

Her skin was covered in scratches.

Her breathing was shallow.

He gently turned her onto her back.

"Come on, sweetheart. Open your eyes."

Her eyelids fluttered.

"Ryder?"

"I'm here."

"What happened?"

"You transformed."

She tried to sit up.

Pain shot through her body.

"Ow!"

"Easy."

He slid one arm beneath her shoulders.

"Don't move too quickly."

She looked down at herself.

Her hands were trembling.

"What happened to my clothes?"

A faint smile touched his mouth.

"Your wolf wasn't particularly concerned about fashion."

She stared at him.

Then she looked around.

Every surviving werewolf was watching her.

Several were still kneeling.

"Why is everyone looking at me?"

Ryder glanced around.

"Because they recognize you."

"Recognize me as what?"

He hesitated.

"Their queen."

Gianna closed her eyes.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me."

Benjamin approached.

He looked pale.

"Gianna, are you okay?"

She turned toward him.

"Define okay."

He knelt beside her.

"I'm sorry."

She studied his face.

"For what?"

"For not telling you everything."

Ryder's head snapped toward him.

"Benjamin."

But Gianna raised her hand.

"Let him talk."

Benjamin swallowed.

"I wasn't just assigned to watch you. I was assigned to make sure you survived your first transformation."

"Why?"

"Because the First Queen's bloodline has a very specific awakening."

Gianna frowned.

"Meaning?"

"Most werewolves transform for the first time because of a bite, an inherited gene, or the Blood Moon. Your bloodline is different. Your wolf doesn't simply awaken."

He looked toward the mountain.

"It remembers."

Gianna stared.

"Remembers what?"

Benjamin's voice dropped.

"Everything."

 

November 1 — 12:07 a.m.

The new day arrived beneath a dying moon.

Maya helped Gianna into the ranger station.

Ryder refused to let anyone else carry her.

He lifted her carefully, one arm beneath her knees and the other supporting her back.

Gianna protested immediately.

"I can walk."

"You're shaking."

"I've had a difficult evening."

"That's an understatement."

"Put me down."

"No."

She glared at him.

He looked completely unmoved.

"You're incredibly annoying."

"I've been told."

"By women?"

"Mostly."

She stared at him.

"Of course."

For the first time that night, Ryder laughed.

It was a low, unexpected sound.

And Gianna hated that she liked it.

He carried her into a small bedroom and gently placed her on the mattress.

Maya brought a blanket.

"She needs food and rest."

Ryder nodded.

"I'll handle it."

Maya raised an eyebrow.

"You're going to handle feeding her?"

"Yes."

"Do you even know what she eats?"

Ryder looked at Gianna.

"Food?"

Gianna laughed despite herself.

Maya shook her head.

"Wonderful. The future queen is in excellent hands."

She left the room.

Ryder pulled a chair beside the bed.

Gianna watched him.

"You're staying?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

He looked at her as if the answer should have been obvious.

"Because you're my mate."

She sighed.

"We've discussed this."

"I remember."

"And I still don't like it."

"I remember that too."

She pulled the blanket over herself.

"Then why are you here?"

His expression softened.

"Because you nearly died tonight."

For a moment, she didn't know what to say.

He leaned back in the chair.

"Get some sleep."

She looked at his injured shoulder.

"You're bleeding."

"It's nothing."

"That's what everyone says before they pass out."

A faint smile crossed his face.

"Are you worried about me?"

"No."

"Good."

"You're very irritating."

"I've heard that too."

She turned onto her side.

"Ryder?"

"Yes?"

"Did you know this was going to happen?"

He was quiet for a moment.

"I knew your bloodline would eventually awaken. I didn't know it would happen tonight."

"Did you know we'd be mates?"

"No."

"Would you have come for me if you knew?"

His eyes met hers.

"Yes."

"Why?"

He leaned forward.

"Because I would rather die protecting you than live knowing I abandoned you."

Gianna looked away.

She didn't want to believe him.

Not yet.

Especially not after everything she had learned about his family.

But something inside her responded to his words.

Something warm.

Something familiar.

Something that made her heart ache.

 

November 1 — 12:36 a.m.

Ryder stepped outside to speak with Maya.

Benjamin was waiting near the fire.

He had been unusually quiet since they returned.

Ryder approached him.

"We need to talk."

Benjamin looked up.

"I figured."

"How long have you known about her transformation?"

"Since we were children."

"That's not what I asked."

Benjamin stood.

"I knew the Blood Moon would trigger it."

"Who told you?"

"My grandfather."

Ryder studied him.

"And what else did he tell you?"

Benjamin hesitated.

Then he rolled up his sleeve.

The silver symbol on his forearm was glowing.

Ryder immediately stiffened.

"Where did you get that?"

"Birthright."

"That's impossible."

"Apparently not."

Ryder stepped closer.

"You're a Keeper."

Benjamin nodded.

"Yes."

"Your family was supposed to have disappeared."

"Most of them did."

Ryder's expression hardened.

"Why are you here?"

Benjamin laughed without humor.

"To protect Gianna."

"That's not good enough."

"It's the only answer you're getting."

Ryder grabbed his jacket.

Benjamin shoved his hand away.

"Get off me."

"You've been lying to her since you were twelve."

"So have you!"

The words landed hard.

Ryder's eyes flashed.

Benjamin stepped closer.

"Your father killed her parents. Your family knew exactly what she was. And you want to stand here pretending you're the only person trying to protect her?"

Ryder's jaw tightened.

"Careful."

"Or what?"

"Benjamin."

Both men turned.

Gianna stood in the doorway.

She wore a borrowed sweatshirt and sweatpants.

Her hair was loose around her shoulders.

She looked exhausted.

But her eyes were sharp.

"What are you two arguing about?"

Benjamin stepped away.

"Nothing."

Gianna crossed her arms.

"I am getting really tired of that word."

Ryder exhaled.

"Go back inside."

She glared.

"Try again."

Benjamin looked at her.

Then he took a breath.

"There's something I haven't told you about my family."

Gianna's expression changed.

"Go on."

"My grandfather wasn't just a Keeper."

"Then what was he?"

Benjamin looked at Ryder.

"He was the man who helped your father hide you."

Gianna went still.

"From whom?"

Benjamin swallowed.

"From the werewolf king."

 

November 1 — 12:49 a.m.

The ranger station's old radio crackled.

Maya rushed inside.

"Ryder!"

He immediately turned.

"What?"

"There's a transmission."

She held up the radio.

A man's voice came through.

Static distorted the words.

"—any survivors receiving this transmission, proceed to designated military evacuation zones. Repeat, proceed to designated evacuation zones."

Maya frowned.

"That sounds promising."

Ryder shook his head.

"Keep listening."

The voice continued.

"All unregistered werewolf individuals are to be detained. Any individuals exhibiting golden eyes or unusual markings are to be considered high-priority targets."

Gianna looked toward the radio.

"That's me."

Maya nodded.

"Apparently."

Then the transmission changed.

A different voice came through.

A woman's voice.

Calm.

Almost gentle.

"Gianna Hale."

Everyone froze.

The radio crackled again.

"Gianna, if you can hear me, please respond."

Gianna stepped forward.

"Who is that?"

Ryder moved toward the radio.

"Don't answer."

The woman continued.

"My name is Dr. Evelyn Hayes. I worked with your father."

Gianna's heart began pounding.

"My father?"

"Yes, sweetheart. I know you've been told many things tonight. Some are true. Some are lies."

Ryder reached for the radio.

Gianna stopped him.

"Wait."

The woman continued.

"Your father is alive. But there is something you need to know before you find him."

Gianna leaned closer.

"What?"

A pause.

Then the woman spoke.

"Your father didn't create the apocalypse."

Gianna looked at Ryder.

The radio crackled.

"He tried to stop it."

 

1:02 a.m.

Dr. Evelyn Hayes spoke for another several minutes.

She explained that she had worked at a classified research facility beneath an abandoned military installation.

The facility had been studying werewolf genetics for decades.

Project First Blood.

The same project Benjamin had mentioned.

According to Evelyn, the original research had been designed to understand the First Queen's bloodline.

But something went wrong.

A genetic sample was stolen.

A containment chamber was opened.

And something escaped.

"Your father tried to shut down the facility," Evelyn explained. "But the people funding the project refused to let him."

Gianna held the radio tightly.

"Why?"

"Because they believed they could create an army."

Ryder's expression darkened.

"Who funded it?"

Evelyn paused.

"The Blackwood family."

Silence.

Gianna turned toward Ryder.

He looked stunned.

"My father?"

Evelyn continued.

"Your father's family has been funding the research for generations. They believed the First Queen's blood could create the strongest Alpha ever born."

Ryder shook his head.

"No."

"Your father wanted control of the entire species, Ryder."

Ryder stepped toward the radio.

"That's a lie."

"I wish it were."

"Where is he?"

Another pause.

Then Evelyn answered.

"At the mountain."

Gianna felt her stomach drop.

"The same mountain my mother warned me about?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because that's where the original bloodline began."

Evelyn's voice softened.

"Gianna, your father is waiting for you. But I need you to understand something."

"What?"

"He's not alone."

The radio crackled.

A low growl came through the speaker.

Evelyn gasped.

"Someone's here."

Then a man's voice replaced hers.

Deep.

Familiar.

"Gianna?"

She stopped breathing.

She knew that voice.

She had heard it in childhood memories.

In dreams.

In old home videos.

"Dad?"

A pause.

Then the man spoke again.

"My beautiful girl."

Tears filled her eyes.

"Where are you?"

"Listen to me carefully. You must not come to the mountain."

Ryder stepped closer.

"Who is this?"

The man ignored him.

"Gianna, I need you to stay away from Ryder Blackwood."

Ryder's expression turned cold.

Gianna gripped the radio.

"Why?"

Her father's voice trembled.

"Because he doesn't know what his father did."

Ryder moved closer.

"Tell her."

A heavy silence followed.

Then Gianna's father said something that made Ryder go completely still.

"Ryder's father didn't just kill your parents."

Gianna swallowed.

"What else did he do?"

"He made a deal with the thing beneath the mountain."

The radio hissed.

"And the price of that deal..."

Her father's voice broke.

"Was you."

 

1:14 a.m.

Nobody spoke.

Gianna stood frozen.

Ryder stared at the radio.

Benjamin had gone pale.

Maya slowly lowered her weapon.

Then Gianna whispered.

"What does that mean?"

Her father answered.

"It means the Blackwood family promised Malachi the First Queen's bloodline."

Ryder shook his head.

"No."

"Your father promised him my daughter in exchange for power."

Ryder's eyes flashed.

"That's impossible."

"Ryder, listen to me—"

"MY FATHER WOULD NEVER!"

His roar echoed through the ranger station.

Gianna stepped backward.

Ryder looked at her.

His expression changed immediately.

"Gianna..."

She shook her head.

"Don't."

"I didn't know."

"How am I supposed to know that?"

He took a step toward her.

She raised her hand.

"Stay away."

The mate bond pulled painfully between them.

Ryder could feel her fear.

Her betrayal.

Her heartbreak.

It was worse than any physical wound.

Her father spoke again.

"Gianna, sweetheart, I need you to trust me."

She pressed the radio against her chest.

"Where are you?"

"At the mountain."

"Can you get out?"

"No."

"Then we'll come for you."

"No!" Her father shouted.

The radio crackled.

"Listen to me. The mountain is opening. Malachi is waking. If he gets your blood, the world will never recover."

Gianna looked at Ryder.

Then at Benjamin.

"How do I stop him?"

Her father was silent.

When he finally spoke, his voice was barely audible.

"You have to find the first crown."

"What crown?"

"The crown your mother hid."

"Where?"

"Your childhood home."

Gianna frowned.

"My old house?"

"Yes."

"Why would it be there?"

"Because your mother knew this day would come."

The radio crackled violently.

Then a terrible sound came through.

Something hit the other end of the transmission.

Her father shouted.

"Gianna, don't let them—"

Static.

Then silence.

"Hello?"

Nothing.

"Dad?"

The radio remained silent.

Gianna shook it.

"DAD!"

Ryder stepped toward her.

"Gianna—"

She dropped the radio.

Then she collapsed.

Ryder caught her before she hit the floor.

She buried her face against his chest.

And for the first time since the apocalypse began, she cried.

Not quietly.

Not politely.

She cried like someone who had lost everything.

Ryder held her.

He didn't tell her everything would be okay.

He didn't promise her father would survive.

He simply wrapped his arms around her and let her fall apart.

His wolf whispered inside him.

Protect her.

Ryder closed his eyes.

I will.

 

2:03 a.m.

The ranger station had finally settled.

Gianna was asleep in the bedroom.

Ryder sat outside her door.

He hadn't moved in nearly an hour.

Benjamin approached quietly.

"She's asleep?"

Ryder nodded.

"We need to leave before sunrise."

Benjamin leaned against the wall.

"Agreed."

Ryder looked at him.

"You're coming."

Benjamin frowned.

"Wasn't planning on staying."

"Good."

Silence settled between them.

Then Ryder spoke.

"Why didn't you tell her about the mountain?"

Benjamin looked down.

"Because I was hoping we'd never have to go back."

"What's beneath it?"

Benjamin swallowed.

"The original laboratory."

Ryder waited.

"And?"

Benjamin looked toward the bedroom.

"Something else."

"What?"

"The First Queen's tomb."

Ryder went still.

"That's impossible."

Benjamin shook his head.

"Your family has been guarding it for generations."

"My family was supposed to protect the bloodline."

"Your family was supposed to protect the tomb."

Ryder stared at him.

"What's the difference?"

Benjamin's voice dropped.

"The queen wasn't buried there."

Ryder's expression changed.

"Then where is she?"

Benjamin looked toward the bedroom again.

"She never died."

 

2:17 a.m.

Inside the bedroom, Gianna stirred.

She dreamed of a forest.

An ancient forest filled with enormous trees.

The moon hung above it.

But this time, it wasn't red.

It was silver.

A woman stood beneath an oak tree.

Her hair was white.

Her eyes were golden.

She wore a crown made of twisted branches and silver stones.

Gianna approached.

"Who are you?"

The woman smiled.

"My child."

Gianna stopped.

"Are you my mother?"

The woman shook her head.

"No."

"Then who?"

The woman extended her hand.

"I am the beginning."

Gianna looked at her.

"The First Queen?"

The woman nodded.

"Yes."

Gianna stepped closer.

"Why am I seeing you?"

"Because the blood has awakened."

"What do you want from me?"

The queen's expression became serious.

"To warn you."

"About what?"

The trees began shaking.

The silver moon turned red.

The queen looked toward the darkness.

"Malachi is not the greatest danger."

Gianna felt cold.

"Then what is?"

The queen leaned closer.

Her voice dropped to a whisper.

"The one you will love."

Gianna stepped backward.

"What?"

The queen's golden eyes filled with sadness.

"Your mate carries the blood of the man who betrayed me."

A terrible cracking sound split the forest.

The queen grabbed Gianna's wrists.

"Listen carefully. When the crown is found, do not place it upon your head."

"Why?"

"Because the crown does not choose a queen."

The darkness swallowed the trees.

The queen's face changed.

For the first time, she looked afraid.

"It chooses a sacrifice."

Gianna tried to pull away.

"Wait!"

But the woman disappeared.

And somewhere in the darkness, a familiar voice whispered.

Good morning, little queen.

Gianna woke with a scream.

 

2:19 a.m.

Ryder was inside the bedroom instantly.

"Gianna!"

She sat upright, breathing heavily.

He rushed to her bedside.

"What happened?"

She grabbed his arm.

"I saw her."

"Who?"

"The First Queen."

Ryder froze.

"What did she say?"

Gianna stared at him.

"She said you're dangerous."

His expression hardened.

"Did she say anything else?"

She swallowed.

"She said when I find the crown, I must never put it on."

Ryder exchanged a look with Benjamin, who had appeared in the doorway.

"Why?" Benjamin asked.

Gianna's voice trembled.

"Because the crown chooses a sacrifice."

Nobody moved.

Then she looked at Ryder.

"She also said the man I love carries the blood of the man who betrayed her."

Ryder's face went pale.

Benjamin slowly lowered his eyes.

"That's not good."

Ryder stood.

"What aren't you telling us?"

Benjamin didn't answer.

"Benjamin."

He looked at Ryder.

Then at Gianna.

And finally, he said the words that would change their journey.

"The First Queen had two sons."

Gianna frowned.

"Okay?"

"One became the first Alpha."

"And the other?"

Benjamin swallowed.

"The first Keeper."

Gianna stared.

"What does that have to do with us?"

Benjamin looked directly at Ryder.

"Ryder's family descended from the first son."

Then he looked at himself.

"And mine descended from the second."

He paused.

"But both bloodlines were cursed."

Gianna's heart began racing.

"Why?"

Benjamin's voice dropped.

"Because one of them murdered the queen."

 

3:11 a.m.

An explosion rocked the ranger station.

Ryder immediately shifted his attention toward the door.

Maya rushed inside.

"WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!"

Gunfire erupted outside.

People screamed.

Ryder grabbed his weapons.

"Get everyone into the basement!"

Maya nodded.

"Already moving!"

Benjamin grabbed Gianna's hand.

"Come on!"

They rushed into the hallway.

A second explosion shattered the front windows.

A massive creature crashed through the entrance.

It was covered in dark gray fur.

Its eyes burned red.

And unlike the other creatures, it wore a metal collar around its neck.

A collar marked with the Blackwood symbol.

Ryder stopped.

His face changed.

"Where did you get that?"

The creature lifted its head.

Then it spoke.

Not in a growl.

In a man's voice.

"Hello, son."

Ryder went completely still.

The creature smiled.

Its body began shifting.

Fur disappeared.

Bones cracked.

And standing in the doorway was a man with dark hair, a scar across his jaw, and icy blue eyes.

Ryder's father.

Alpha Victor Blackwood.

Alive.

Ryder raised his weapon.

"You're dead."

Victor smiled.

"Not quite."

Gianna stepped forward.

Benjamin grabbed her arm.

"Don't."

Victor's eyes moved to her.

His smile widened.

"Well."

He looked at the golden mark on her neck.

"There she is."

Ryder stepped between them.

"Don't look at her."

Victor laughed.

"You always were a disappointment, son."

Ryder's jaw clenched.

"What do you want?"

Victor looked at Gianna.

Then he answered.

"To take home what belongs to me."

Gianna felt the mark on her neck begin burning.

Victor held out his hand.

"Come here, Gianna."

She shook her head.

He sighed.

"Still stubborn. Just like your mother."

Ryder raised his weapon.

"Take one more step."

Victor looked at his son.

Then his eyes turned completely black.

"You really don't understand, do you?"

The entire building trembled.

Victor smiled.

"I didn't come here to take her."

He pointed toward Ryder.

"I came to take you."

Before Ryder could move, the floor beneath him exploded.

A massive hand emerged from the darkness below.

It wrapped around Ryder's waist.

Gianna screamed.

"RYDER!"

He grabbed the edge of the broken floor.

Benjamin lunged for his arm.

But Victor simply watched.

Then he spoke one final sentence.

"Your father has been waiting for you, son."

The floor collapsed.

Ryder disappeared into the darkness.

And as Gianna reached for him, the golden mark on her neck burned brighter than ever.

A voice echoed through the collapsing building.

One bloodline for another.

Then everything went black.