The Colony: Book Three of The Uluru Legacy: The Uluru Legacy, #3

By Anna J Walner

Continue the Obsession

 

Amelia must come to terms with her feeling for Trenton, while trying to adjust to the unpredictable and wonderful world of motherhood.

But the Venandi will not rest until they have blood, and hard choices are made to protect the ones she loves most.

When Anam Charaid make itself known, will Amelia be able to resist the fates, or will she find the truth she didn't know she was looking for.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Silver Dawn Publishing
• Release date: May 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201197377

Book preview

The Colony

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Book Three of The Uluru Legacy

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Anam Chàraid

That Morning

He awoke again, still feeling her eyes on his, still feeling her hands on his body. The way she gently ran her fingers through his hair still left him breathing heavily as he sat up in bed.

Shit, he grumbled, replaying the dream. The same dream. The same terrible, wonderful, painful dream he’d been having since that night he first saw her. Since moving into the Colony he’d been having them more frequently.

His thoughts continued to find their way back to that night when he first saw her. Her essence nearly calling to him, whispering into his mind the tales of old he’d heard since he was a child. Anam Charaid was real.

He kept wondering if she felt it that night. The first night, alone in the desert. He could still remember the cold iciness in his chest start to warm. The piece that he’d felt fade once he came back from the other side of death had returned. He felt alive again. More alive now than he’d ever been when he was still human.

That Goddamned night haunted him like a ghost inside his own private hell. The helicopter in the desert, Roan standing in front of her. The anger, hurt, and resentment he tried to conceal. The force of the bond obscuring what should have been a happy reunion between brothers, as she proudly announced that they had joined just a week earlier.

He thought of that scene constantly, touching his bare chest lying in bed, feeling the difference inside him. The way her blue eyes caught the silvery light of the crescent moon hanging from the sky that night. The way he tried to cover his true and vulnerable feelings with flippant hostility, even outright anger. 

His heart, the way it beat now. The way he felt whole again. The way it intensified whenever he was near her, the flame she seemed to ignite. All of this he had been so careful to hide these past few times together with her as his feelings continued to grow stronger.

Although, he’d like to think he caught a glimpse of something inside her too. A knowledge that she was fighting to hold something to herself and hidden as well.

Over time she’d warmed toward him, he could sense it. He could feel it in their awkward moments together. The way their eyes would lock from time to time, he could tell it took resolve for her to look away.

If only things had started differently. If he hadn’t been such a jerk when he first visited. Maybe that would have helped. Maybe that would have changed something between them. Made it easier for her to accept the connection she must be fighting alongside him.  

All his impulsive and reckless stupidity that had happened with Michelle were regrets that haunted him each day, and each night. He’d been hurt and angry, as he saw how happy she was, completely oblivious to the fatalistic whispering inside herself. He longed to tell her, but every time he came close, she smiled, and he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Not yet.

Transitioning only intensified his feelings. Now it wasn’t only the physical torture of bones breaking and skin tearing. It was the raging heat inside him, the strong pull to be closer to her that hurt nearly as much. As if all his instincts were telling him he belonged with her. Gnawing at him every damned time, driving him closer to the brink of insanity.

He had to tell her the truth, about the way he felt, didn’t he? To see if maybe she could feel it too. . . He fought against asking even the simplest of questions about her feelings toward him, scared of what she might say. Scared of rejection.

All his life he spent hearing about that bond, not believing it existed, and fate had to place it inside of her! Maybe her Garkain side wouldn’t even allow her to feel it. Maybe she didn’t even understand what it was if she did.

But he knew. The same instinctual way he knew when the sun was approaching the horizon, or when the transition back into his human form was near. It was her. It would always be her. He could live ten thousand years, and it would always be her. His Amelia.

There was no way to deny it. He felt it every time he was close to her. Every time he looked at her, smelled her scent from across the courtyard, or heard her voice from afar. For 89 days he’d felt it deep inside him. 89 days of this pull to be with her torturing him every single day.

She had to know, he thought, as he tossed and turned. He hated nights like this. The ones where his mind spun in circles, keeping him awake, torturing him with the same thoughts, over and over.

And another realization continued to plague him, day in and day out. If it were him that stayed and not Roan. If he hadn’t chosen to go with his mother all those years ago, it would have been him to join with her. It would have been him all along as the eldest son of Anatole’s. Roan wasn’t a Leader. He was. He always had been. His brother didn’t deserve someone like her.

He shifted the pillows again, trying to find a comfortable position. He’d promised the pack that he would run with them in the morning. He needed to sleep. But as hard as he tried, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Just like every other night that she crept into the forefront of his mind and into his dreams.

Finally he relented, dragging himself out of bed and pulling his pants on, taking the shirt from the bottom drawer of his dresser and holding it to his face, breathing deeply, then carefully tucking it back in. It was, among all the other meager things he owned, his most prized and secret possession.  

It was Roan’s shirt. The one his brother lent him the first night he stayed in the house, just down the hall from them. It still vaguely smelled of her, like gardenias almost, with a hint of something he could never quite seem to place. Like the way the air smelled after the rain. Something wild and untamed, just like her.

He walked out the door of his room, carefully closing it behind him, then slowly crept down the stairs and out of the pack house. It was completely quiet, the others still lost in their own dreams.

He couldn’t help but look up at her window, still dark with no light behind the curtains. He could imagine her, sleeping peacefully. If she was truly happy, then he would do his best to be happy for her, to let her go about her life. But if he were being honest, if she was being honest, the only reason she was with Roan was out of obligation. Not love.

He took off in a jog, a slow loping run, that might take his mind away from the thoughts, although it never did.

Each time he ran, he hoped it might help, even just a bit. But as the scenery passed, and the kilometers kept climbing, the thoughts stayed. Even the sounds of his feet against the ground seemed to say her name as the dust kicked up behind him, making circles around the perimeter fence.

Sweat covered his naked torso, collecting the breeze from the jog. A slight chill passed through him, but it did little to cool the warmth in his chest. The ever-present ember inside that pulled him closer to screaming out into the open desert in frustration.

He paused at the security gate, leaning against the pole, gazing out into the small city, catching his breath. Her house off to the side by itself. The large condos reaching high into the night sky, with the Larougo houses beside them. It truly was a small city that they had built here.

By this time it was getting closer to sunrise, as several lights in the condo windows flickered on. He couldn’t help himself from looking up toward her window again, surprised to see a subtle ruffling of the curtains, as if someone had just closed them.

He’d become a silent voyeur in her life, watching out his own window, catching a smile from time to time. Hearing a laugh that escaped her lips at something unknown. He savored those moments, those private moments he stole. He kept them safe inside his mind, until they crept out into his dreams, like tonight.

It was ultimately her that made him push the pack into joining the Colony. The hope of just being near her. The possibility of being able to see her each day, even if she was with Roan. It hurt him to be so close to her, and still so far away. But he knew from experience that being back in the desert was almost too painful to stand.  

On more than one occasion, he’d come close to heading out, making the long trek by himself, to do exactly what he was doing now. Just staring up at her window, knowing that behind the glass, she was there.

He ducked into the pack house and made his way back to his room on the second floor. He didn’t bother to shower as he threw on a shirt and ran through the speech he’d be giving in less than half an hour.

It was their first run together, both packs, since they’d moved here, and it was essential that everything go as smoothly as possible. He’d make sure of that. He would prove that he could lead, that he believed in this place as much as she did.

As he walked out of the house again, he couldn’t help but glance back at the window, seeing her there, watching, as the rest of the pack had already come together for the morning transition.

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Labor Pains

"It hurts! Amelia screamed as Trenton picked her up and carried her the short distance to the new clinic. It’s not supposed to hurt!" Amelia insisted while she writhed in pain as they hurried across the grassy courtyard in the darkness.

I know, just stay with me, okay? We’re almost there, Trenton coached, waves of fear and nervous energy radiating from him.

Don’t leave me, don’t leave me, she cried in delirium, another pain shooting through her abdomen, forcing her to stiffen and hold her breath.

Just a few more minutes, love. I’m not leaving you, I promise, Trenton said as she felt him take the few steps up onto the clinic porch, kicking repeatedly on the door. A few seconds later and the door opened.

What’s wrong? Amelia could hear Gwen’s kind voice and feel her concern as she buried her face in Trenton’s chest, clutching him as tightly as she could, while he rushed her inside and into one of the empty rooms.

I don’t know, he said in a panic. All of a sudden she threw up and then she said that something didn’t feel right. That’s when she started screaming and saying she was in pain. It’s too early for her to be, you know . . . right? Trenton asked, as Gwen shot him a look, which told him quite the opposite.

Amelia, what kind of pain are you feeling and where? Gwen asked gently as Amelia tried to focus her thoughts. The pain was so bad now that it was hard to think. Wave after wave kept coming no matter what position she tried.

It keeps letting up and coming back, like really bad cramps. But way worse, she explained, writhing on the bed.

Okay, I’m just going to take a look, Gwen said moving to take Amelia’s pants off, after she grabbed a folded sheet from a drawer across the room, laying it over Amelia’s knees and stomach.

Trenton turned to make a hasty exit as his movement caught Amelia’s attention.

You’re not going anywhere! She growled, as Trenton stepped back into the room and made his way behind the two women on the bed, making sure his line of sight showed nothing but the sheet.

I was coming right back, he said, as Amelia groped behind her, catching his arm, squeezing it tightly then letting go, letting him know that she needed him here.

Gwen gave a shake of her head, looking Trenton in the eyes. Amelia couldn’t help but notice the quick exchange between them.

Ugh, I can tell something’s not right. Your emotions are screaming it at me. Just tell me what’s wrong! Amelia demanded as the pain continued to intensify, making it nearly impossible to breathe now.

Nothing’s wrong. But you’re three centimeters dilated. You’re in labor, Gwen said in a calm but firm tone.

No, it’s too early, Amelia said looking from Gwen then up at Trenton. You said three more months! She panted in near hysterics. And why does it hurt? It’s not supposed to hurt!

I don’t know. Larougo mothers experience childbirth just as humans do. If I had to guess, I would say that the pain is normal. Just try and breathe, Gwen coached.

I’m trying! Amelia growled again, as her hair and nails began to grow.

No! No, Amelia. Listen very carefully, Gwen said as she hastily waved Trenton over to Amelia’s side. You cannot transition. Please, trust me. You have to stay in human form.

Then take away the pain, Amelia begged, tears streaming down her face.

Hey, look at me, Trenton said soothingly, as Amelia tore her eyes away from Gwen and looked over at him, now kneeling beside her bed. That’s good. Just breathe, and listen to me, he said.

Amelia could tell he was trying his best to stay positive and keep her distracted. I promise I’m not going to leave you. And everything is going to be okay. You’re tough, you’ve got this. Okay? He brushed the sweat-slicked hair back from her face, as she nodded.

Okay, Amelia said as the pain released her for a moment. The heat in her chest blooming, as Trenton put his hand on her shoulder. She turned back around, her eyes firmly focused on Gwen, who was busy getting things ready.

What are you doing? Amelia asked as panic gripped her again.

I’m just getting things set up. Labor can be unpredictable. Things may move quickly or slowly. There’s no way to know for sure, and I want to be prepared, she explained trying to force a smile.

Amelia glanced up as Michelle quickly rushed into the room next. How is she? Michelle asked Trenton, who attempted to maintain a stoic face for Amelia’s sake, although she knew he had to be freaking out right about now. He was worried, she didn’t have to feel it, he couldn’t hide the nervous glances between her and Gwen as hard as he tried.

She’s in labor, Gwen answered for him, while another pain hit Amelia hard, as she struggled to keep her breathing under control.

Take it away Michelle, please, Amelia begged her sister, through clenched teeth.

Hey, hey . . . Take what away? Michelle asked, coming closer.

The pain! Influence me not to feel it, do something, Amelia begged as the tears streamed down her face while she struggled to keep her focus. Trenton’s hand found hers, giving it a gentle squeeze, as she stared into his eyes, hoping he understood how much she appreciated him staying with her.

Michelle closed her eyes, trying her best to get inside her sister’s mind, then opened them again. I can’t get in, Michelle said. I can’t get past the pain. It’s like a solid wall, she said, her gaze flitting between Trenton’s and Amelia’s, the helplessness in her eyes unmistakable.

Ambrose sent for a Doctor. He said there’s a helicopter that can get here quicker than the jet. Maybe he’ll have something for the pain? He said thirty minutes, and it’s been nearly that long already, Michelle said, at a loss on how to comfort her.

I don’t know if we have that long, Gwen said. Amelia, you’re dilating fast. You’re at four now. If your doctor doesn’t make it, we’re going to have to deliver these babies pretty soon. And I’m going to need help, she said in a stern voice that told Michelle and Trenton they’d both been drafted for duty.

I need you both to sit with her while I grab some more things, Gwen said, hastily pulling the sheet down over Amelia’s lower half and running into the other room.

To her surprise it was Trenton who stayed by her side, not moving to give Michelle the chance, as he held fast to her hand, his thumb gently moving over the top of hers. The concern and worry in his feelings were so clear now. Hey, my brother would be so proud of you right now, he said as he stared deeply into her eyes.

There was something caring in the way he spoke to her. There was also something about his eyes that she hadn’t noticed until now. They almost seemed brighter, Amelia thought. So bright blue that they appeared lit from behind. Maybe she was hallucinating from the pain, she thought.

But the kind concerned emotions that leaped at her were surprising. Something she hadn’t thought he was capable of, as jealousy clouded the air from Michelle’s direction.

She barely had time to register the implications behind either of their emotions, as another pain hit hard, her screams ricocheting off the walls. Trenton never left, as Michelle came to stand behind them. Both doing their best to provide what little comfort they could.

Gwen was back with an armful of things that she tossed on the other bed across the room from Amelia with a loud clatter.

Okay, let’s take another look, she said, pulling the cover up and ducking under. Alright, let’s get you fully undressed. Michelle, can you grab me the robe behind the door please? she asked in a stern voice, as Michelle quickly ripped it from the hangar and brought it back to Amelia. 

What’s happening? Amelia asked, her eyes shooting wide.

You’re about to be a mom. It’s okay, I’m here, we’re all here, Gwen said as calmly as she could manage. Amelia could feel her resolve that matched her steady and capable hands as she helped Amelia take off her shirt and bra.

Trenton dutifully released Amelia’s hand and stood, facing the wall while the ladies continued to get Amelia prepared.

I think I just had an accident, Amelia said between hitching breaths.

Gwen looked down, then swiftly back to Amelia. Your water just broke, which means it’s almost time for you to push. Whenever you feel the pain intensify, I want you to bear down and push, do you understand? Gwen asked, looking Amelia level in the eyes.

Amelia nodded as she felt the next pain begin to rise. She reached behind her again, finding Trenton’s hand as she heard his bones break when she squeezed this time.

Michelle, there are some things on the bed that look like clothing pins, I need those and the things that look like scissors. I’ll also need the blankets, Gwen instructed, as she continued to kneel in front of Amelia.

Another man entered the room, wearing a white coat. Amelia recognized him instantly. Hendrick, the man on the jogging trail, her first day in Perth, strolling along the harbor with Phoebe. Hendrick was there when you were born, Amelia recalled Phoebe proudly telling her.

Immediately he began talking to Gwen, completely ignoring Amelia. How many centimeters? he asked, as he opened the black leather bag on the floor, pulling out a syringe and a bottle of clear liquid, drawing it out.

She’s fully dilated, but we’ve got a breach, Gwen said to him as calmly as she could.

What does that mean? What does that mean? Amelia asked, not understanding the word, as panic and worry started to overtake her.

I’m Dr. Lawal, Amelia. I’m going to give you something for the pain. It won’t take it away completely, but it will help. Do you understand? he asked in a calm manner, trying to deflect her attention away from Gwen’s comment.

Okay, Amelia said holding out her arm.

She watched in shock as the doctor went below her field of vision instead. She felt a bit of a stick, but within a few seconds, at least some of the pain had subsided.

Both Gwen and the Doctors hands were covered in blood as she heard metal clink on metal, trying not to look, but unable to keep her eyes away completely.

Michelle, I need you to grab three rolling bassinets from the nursery and bring them in here, okay? Gwen said without looking at her, while Michelle raced out of the room.

Amelia, I need you to give me a big push when you feel another pain, okay? Gwen said, as Amelia screamed again, then held her breath, using all her strength to push.

That’s great Amelia, we’re almost there. Now, the next time I want you to really push.

I am really pushing! Amelia said, with a growl.

I know, honey. And you’re doing great, Gwen told her in that comforting tone Amelia needed to hear.

She panted, taking in a deep breath as the next wave came, pulling hard on Trenton’s hand, as she felt