Alpha and Omega: The Uluru Legacy, #4

By Anna J Walner

   The stunning conclusion to the award-winning, International Bestselling series.

  The Legacy comes full circle in the final installment, proving that love conquers all, and that fate truly cannot be denied.

  An epic ending that ensures The Legacy will stay with readers and fans, long after the final page.

 

Anna's ability to weave both the real and unreal worlds of her story together is quite masterful. For those readers committed to tales of vampires and werewolves or other exotic themes, her manner of incorporating that realm with the contemporary world and life will likely satisfy as much as for those readers testing the waters of fantasy for the first time.  - Grady Harp, Top Shelf Magazine

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Silver Dawn Publishing
• Release date: Nov 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201730635

Book preview

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Alpha and Omega

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Book Four of The Uluru Legacy

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Someone Like You?

Morning sunshine, came the voice she knew and loathed.

She tried to sit up, the pounding in her head intensifying with the effort.

What the hell did you do to me? She spat at the blonde-headed bitch in the corner of the cargo hold of the plane.

I used this handy potion that one of our witchy friends brewed up for me, and voila, here you are. The others should be waking up soon. Don’t worry, I left a note, she said, flashing her bright white teeth in the darkness. I’m not that evil.

And what’s to keep me from ripping you apart right now? Amelia threatened, the rage inside intensifying, her teeth erupting from her gums with the taste of blood.

Nothing I guess, unless you do actually do care about the man in the other plane, Nicole said shrugging.

Amelia searched out with her mind, trying to find Trenton.

I can’t feel him. I don’t believe you.

That’s because we’re not anywhere close. See, I needed an insurance policy. And I originally thought Roan would be the one. But boy did you throw that plan out the window. So I had to take Trenton, which is fine by me, either one, it didn’t matter.

Screw you! Amelia seethed.

No thank you, you’re not my type. I prefer my women pretty, and you don’t quite fit into that category. So here’s how it works. Trent is flying off to another location. You help us, help convince others like you to join forces against Delilah and then you get your boy toy back.

Yeah, and what’s your great plan? Fly all over the world looking for more like me? Amelia said with a heaping of sarcasm and more than a bit of hatred for the blonde bitch across from her.

Considering that we’re on our way to Russia right now? Yes.

She wasn’t serious. Couldn’t be serious, could she? Worry swept over her as she thought about Ambrose and her children who should be coming home today. She fought back the tears as best she could, allowing her anger to pull her through the emotions.

Okay, so what’s in Russia? Polar bear werewolves?

Surely you’re smart enough to know that when all the crazy shit was going down in Europe, it was more than just Ambrose and Anatole who had the bright idea to get out of Dodge.

Actually it was their parents, not them, Amelia shot back.

Nicole waved her off. Potato potahto. Whatever. The new colonies of America, South America, Russia, Australia, were all viable options for Vampires and Werewolves. And until I spoke with Anatole, I didn’t know that more like you existed outside of our pack. So where there’s one, there must be others.

Amelia had to admit to herself that although the logic was twisted, it was in fact possible. Anatole had mentioned that there were other packs around the world. That he kept up with them when he could. There could be more like her. She really hadn’t given it much thought.

And what does your pack think about your brilliant plan? Amelia asked, trying to put her on the spot.

At first they weren’t so keen on the idea. But after more and more of our pack went missing, I finally persuaded them to think logically and see things my way, she said, her tone heaping with arrogance and pride.

And where is Trenton?

He’s safe. He’ll be waiting with my pack when we get there. Don’t worry.

I see, so put the person I care about right in the middle of a war with a centuries-old mother and son werewolf snatching serial killer, and I have no choice but to agree. Amelia snapped.

And it’ll work. So don’t even think about doing what you’re thinking about doing. The pilot knows to make a phone call if anything happens to me, and my pack is quite loyal. You’ll never see him again. Nicole taunted into the darkness.

She hated to admit that the bitch was right, but she had Amelia in a no-win situation unless she went along for the ride. Pissed, and not wanting to hear that pompous voice anymore, she closed her eyes and tried not to think about how badly all this could end.

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Several hours later her eyes flashed open as she felt the plane skid to a stop, the landing gear just underneath them grinding into the ground. Amelia shivered as the doors to the cargo area rumbled open, sending snow and frigid wind rushing toward her.

Here, you’re going to need this, Nicole said, tossing Amelia a thick coat with fur lining. You’re going to feel this cold, she said as she started walking toward the blanket of white.

The only illumination was the glow of the red lights on the top of the plane and the full moon overhead.

Stepping out of the plane, Amelia looked back. It wasn’t like any plane she’d ever seen. If she had to guess, she’d say it was made specifically to land on ice, which her sneakers struggled to grip, as she zipped up the fur lined full length coat.

The landscape was nothing but white and green. The light from the moon made the ice and snow dance with specks of what almost looked like glitter. Fresh, completely untouched virgin snow. This was not a place that people came, at least not in a long time, although she couldn’t help but notice light prints in the snow, being covered with the new drift. Wolf prints, if she had to guess, which only added to Amelia’s intrigue.

Her keen eyesight searched around, but the wind stung her eyes, and the frigid snow was obscuring her vision, causing her to try and blink away the discomfort. A mask or at least a pair of glasses would have been nice. She noticed Nicole happened to have a pair in her coat. Amelia searched each pocket, but no such luck. Bitch, Amelia thought for the tenth time in an hour as she kept following Nicole through the driving white sheet.

It was the same snowy landscape from her dream back in Sydney, she realized. Thick forest trees off in the direction Nicole was heading, while the wind continued to whip at Amelia’s face without mercy. She pulled the hood up over her head, but even that did little to stop the biting cold.

Where are we going? Amelia screamed against the wind, as the snow only continued to grow deeper and deeper. She could see something in Nicole’s hand, although from this distance she couldn’t tell what it was. She doubted that phones would work out here.

I’m following coordinates, this is as close as we could get to the den without causing a scene, she shouted and slowed a little so Amelia could catch up. There was something less bitchy about her now, more cautious, and it wasn’t the cold. She was nervous, bordering on scared.

And why would that be a problem? Amelia said.

Because this pack, this Alpha, has been in hiding for longer than any other pack. They’re not like the pack you know. They’ve lived out here for nearly a thousand years, maybe more, she said, still slowly but steadily trudging ahead.

Then what makes you think they want to be found? Amelia shouted as the wind picked up. Nicole wasn’t making any sense.

I don’t think they do, she said curtly as the gadget in her hand began to beep. Now we wait.

Wait for what? Amelia’s feet were soaked through, and the bitch was right, this kind of cold, she could feel. She watched Nicole settle into the side of the large pine tree, tucking the device into her pocket. Wait for what? Amelia yelled again louder.

For sunrise, dummy, which is in about six hours, and only lasts for two. The full moon is done for the month after tonight, so this was our only chance, Nicole spat at Amelia.

The whole point of this stupid expedition was to find more like me, which means they should be able to choose between animal and human forms. The full moon shouldn’t matter. Amelia spat with an air of irritability.

That’s not why we’re here.

And why does the full moon even matter? It doesn’t work like that Roan said. Not anymore. Amelia continued to argue as she saw Nicole sigh heavily.

You’ll find out, She said, pulling her knees up and under her coat as Amelia did the same.

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True Alpha

The hours ticked by like days, Amelia doing her best to stay warm. She knew she couldn’t freeze to death, but it didn’t make her any less uncomfortable, tucking her face as deeply inside the fur hood as she could.

They’d heard howling in the distance a little while ago, but nothing for at least an hour. Nicole must have taken it when she knocked out both her and Trenton.

She’d been trying to feel for him, but the connection was so slight, so very faint that she doubted he was anywhere close. She worried about him, she worried about her children. She hoped that Ambrose was figuring something out, and she wondered if Roan would help.

The frigid cold, and the time inside her mind with no conversation was driving her crazy. Not that she wanted to speak to Nicole at all, but the sound of wind, and creaking branches through the thick forest were the only sounds that had found her ears for the past hour.

She started to speak when another howl sounded in the distance, and closer this time. Amelia dared to peek out from the fur, noticing that the dim light of the sun was nearing the horizon, only a faint glow threatening to intrude on the darkness.

Okay, we’ve got to go now, Nicole said in a low tone, as she stood, brushing the snow from her pants and her coat.

I’m not following you until you tell me what we’re doing and where we’re going, Amelia said, standing her ground.

Fine by me, Nicole smirked with a shrug, knowing that Amelia was lost without her. If it weren’t for Trenton, she would have already killed her by now, hell she still might.

Step by slow step they kept moving toward the howls in the distance, which continued to grow louder. Nicole’s glance kept shifting this way and that as she kept a vigilant eye. Fear was nearly radiated from her with each step, Amelia noticed, her curiosity now as thick as the carpet of snow.

She stopped dead in her tracks as the large grey wolf blocked their path, easing toward them both. Head down, a snarl already nearly on its lips. Nicole was merely sniffed, as teeth were shown at Amelia.

You may need to shift, Nicole said, as her emotions screamed caution. They’ve never seen one like you before, she explained calmly. Too calmly.

Amelia forced herself to concentrate, stripping off her coat slowly, fighting the intense cold, then beginning the transition. As soon as her animal form had taken over, she was much warmer, she noticed. And much to her relief, the large wolf in front of her turned and trotted off.

She took off after him, instinctively feeling that she needed to follow, as she heard Nicole yell at her from behind. She could also feel Trenton again, and stronger, as she always did in animal form. She knew he was safe. Knew he was alive, and she let herself breathe a sigh of relief.

She followed the wolf in front of her for a while, until she saw the mound, rising like a snow-covered bowl upside down between a clearing in the forest.

The entrance to the den was nearly invisible, a blanket of white against white, as the mysterious lead wolf dug away the snow just enough for them to squeeze through.

Nearly immediately the difference in temperature was noticeable. Amelia sat silently, waiting, and then, without knowing why, without questioning it at all, she bowed, submitting on all four legs as he crept toward her.

He shifted into his male form, grabbing the set of clothes from the corner, throwing a long coat in her direction.

You can shift now, he said, as Amelia’s transition began instantly, almost by his command. She struggled to quickly pull on the heavy coat. But it was warming her quickly, at least she wasn’t freezing anymore.

Who are you? he asked in a lyrical voice, speaking English, but with a heavy European accent.

My name is Amelia, sir, she answered, kneeling, as if she had no control over the action. The same instinctual response took over as it had before.

How can you walk in the night as a human? And why to you reek of the blood drinkers? He asked in a straightforward way.

I am both. Werewolf and vampire. Amelia confessed, as she tried to feel his emotions. But unlike even Ambrose, there was no wall, no nothing, just emptiness. A vacuous space where nothing could exist.

An abomination. He spat at her accusingly.

Or a product of love. Amelia offered instead, bowing reverently in front of him.

Why have you come here? What do you seek?’ He asked, taking a seat in front of Amelia, lifting her chin up to meet his eyes. And how did one like you come to know Anam Charaid? Where is your mate?"

I was brought here against my will, my mate was also taken. Amelia explained in the same formal tone he used. I’m not sure why I’m here. Where are the others? She chanced to ask, looking around as if at any moment they might expect company.

The others? The man asked with curiosity, his bearded face and long hair nearly obscuring his facial emotion entirely, while Amelia searched for any sign of his mood. She had no inkling of what he was thinking or feeling. Which she had to admit, was unsettling, being used to having the inside scoop for so long now.

Your pack.

I’m alone. Some nights I crave the companionship of the others in the forest. Run with them. It helps to ease my mind. He said simply. The other woman, is she searching for me?

Amelia nodded, again lowering her head without her say so.

You can look at me, child. I will not bite, he said with a smile as Amelia dared to look at him again. He began to build a small fire in the corner, as the snow drifted down from a hole in the top of the den, the smoke curling up and through it, back out into the night air.

To be honest, I am quite surprised you found me. I usually kill the ones that are brave enough to look for me so word should not travel, he said, letting Amelia understand what he was saying.

I’m sorry, and I ask your forgiveness. I was made to come. I’m not the one looking for you. Amelia couldn’t hide the fear in her own voice at his words.  

How rude of me, I should introduce myself, my name is Madarach. And something tells me that you need my help.

It’s a pleasure to meet you sir. Amelia addressed him, as the man in front of her laughed as if it were the first time he had in years.

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A Tenuous Start

Amelia watched the mysterious man busy himself around the inside of the den while she sat in the corner. It was clear that he’d been here for a while, there was an order about the way he kept things, things that had obviously been scavenged over the years.

A chair by the fire, stones to make a kind of hearth, tattered books tucked into a kind of shelf that was hewn into the dirt wall. There was also a shelf for pots and pans that had seen better days. Most likely they were all things that various hikers or campers had left behind over time.

The fire continued to warm the den around them until she was nearly comfortable, thankful to be finally