Shapeshifter (Harbinger #3)

By Claire Farrell

Margo and Dorian's lives have only just begun to run smoothly when a new threat approaches, a harbinger with a deadly secret who knows exactly how to push Margo to her limits. To survive, she must change - whether the pack likes it or not.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Claire Farrell
• Release date: Mar 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005391720

Claire Farrell

Claire Farrell is an Irish author who spends her days separating warring toddlers. When all five children are in bed, she overdoses on caffeine in the hope she can stay awake long enough to write some more dark flash fiction, y/a paranormal romance and urban fantasy.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Eli hid his scorn well, coasting past his true feelings because the old men looking down on him had no idea that their days were numbered. Power belonged to the young, and he was so close that he could taste it. He would absorb every drop of influence he was about to sever from their old decrepit fingers. He had been patient for long enough. His time had come.

An opportunity had practically fallen into his lap. The mistake that had almost destroyed his family name would soon elevate him instead. His throne would be built on lies and ignorance, fortified by chaos and betrayal, but it would be built, and he would never be removed from it.

All six members of the Board of Elders looked down on him, literally and figuratively, as they always had. They relied on him to be their loyal soldier, their mindless weapon who protected them from the real world. Too arrogant to ever imagine that he could rise from his station and change their reality, they had no idea he had been working towards his own goals for years.

His people needed a strong leader, a true power, one who could replace the Board of Elders and lead the way to a new order. Others like him whispered in the shadows, unheard by anyone but him. He was almost ready for the next stage. He had planned on gathering the loyal and creating his own compound where he would build strength before making his final moves. By instigating trouble between the Elders and the pack, he had the opportunity to skip a few steps. While they were busy turning on each other, he would rise.

In the end, his beloved little sister would be at his side, under his protection—whether she liked it or not. He owed her that much. She had been the one to bring him his first great opportunity, his first real chance to succeed. Together, they would restore the harbingers to what they had once been. No more hiding away from the world. No more pretending their gifts weren’t designed to manipulate and control both enemies and allies. No more weakness. No more waste.

The werewolves haven’t returned, the Elder at the head of the table was saying in a patronising tone, fiddling with the yellowing ends of his thinning silver hair. They left us alone and went back to their hiding place.

They know where we are and how to find us, Eli snapped. You’ve left the women here helpless. Father, if you had only listened to me—

The man slapped his palm on the table. The others flinched, but not Eli. You will address me as Elder Ammon.

The room fell silent. Eli struggled against the urge to squirm under his father’s stern glare. One day, he promised himself. One day, he would be the one to look down on his greatest threat with scornful eyes.

Elder Ammon made an effort to relax. He glanced at his fellow Elders. There’s no need to overreact. Those beasts are no threat to us.

They have a child with a harbinger’s gift, Eli blurted. Don’t you understand what that means?

They stole a child, the portly Elder at the end of the row guessed.

How could they without us being aware? Elder Ammon said in a scornful tone. They bore a child with one of our own.

The rest of the Board of Elders gasped in horror in unison.

They’re teaching it, Eli said with patience he didn’t feel. Teaching it to upset the balance while they grow in number. The scattered wolves have been gathering for years.

Under a madman, Elder Ammon scoffed. One who doesn’t know how to lead. They’ll never be more than mere beasts.

No, no. He died years ago, the short man next to him said. Remember? It was Eli who told us. He did well while he tracked them. Perhaps we should listen to him, let him travel again. Surely it’s time to forgive his past indiscretions.

Oh, yes. I recall that event now, Elder Ammon said with a dismissive wave of his hand. Well, no matter. They’re still weak. No need to bother ourselves with a problem that barely exists.

But they’re strengthening themselves every day, Eli persisted. While we hide, our numbers shrinking. Few among us even have the power to protect the compound.

You would have us allow hysterical teenage girls access to the power to draw death. Elder Ammon’s face contorted with disgust. That would be disastrous for the world.

We need to do something about the werewolves, Eli continued.

Ignore them, Elder Ammon said. They won’t dare return here. We’re at peace. Let’s keep it that way.

This isn’t your decision, another Elder argued. You aren’t the leader here, Ammon. We all have equal say.

Though his father glared, he couldn’t argue with the truth, and that gave Eli hope. These shifters have one alpha above them all. He’s settled a pack in Ireland. They live in a small town, hiding their growth, but they’re already expanding, training, growing stronger. Who knows how many more packs have been settled elsewhere by now?

It’s a concern, the Elder at the end said. I’m worried about this, Ammon.

Don’t let him rattle you, Elder Ammon said. He’s always had a flair for the dramatic.

They’re different now. Eli’s anger was starting to show in his voice. He swallowed hard, pushing down the feeling. This alpha is smart, living amongst humans, pretending to domesticate his animals. It doesn’t bode well for us. Who knows what they’re doing with the lost child? You’ve always pushed the importance of removing the stains of lost children from the earth before they endanger us. Why would the werewolves let it live if not to use it against us? These animals will be a danger to us until we have nothing left.

Well, what do you propose? The Elder who spoke looked distracted, as though he wanted the meeting to be over already.

We reach out to them, take the child, and figure out their weaknesses while we’re at it. And when the time is right, we wipe them out for good.

And the child?

Eli smiled, satisfied. The sensory room will reveal all.

CHAPTER 1

Margo

---

The sharp spring air made me shiver. I shoved my good hand deeper into my pocket as I made my way over to Dorian’s house. My cast would be removed soon; I couldn’t wait to be rid of it. Dad was already on pack land, working on plans for landscaping the entire garden. Even if I was roped into helping him, I’d still end up hanging out with Dorian and Victor.

Once I arrived, my gaze was immediately drawn to the alpha. His sleeves rolled up, shovel in hand, he stood in the centre of activity, barking orders. A group of teens and adults alike had been set to task, taking care of the grunt work. Dad noticed my approach and waved. The satisfied, good-humoured look on his face only appeared when he worked with dirt. He beckoned me over, so I knew I was in for it, too.

As I skirted past some of the pack members, I noted their reactions. Victor nodded at me while heaving a heavy sack of fertiliser out of my path. Alison granted me a small, wary smile while others almost imperceptibly moved out of my way. They were never cruel or rude to me, but some of the pack were still scared of me and what I could do. It helped that I hadn’t used my harbinger power in a while, but even still, I made them uneasy.

Footsteps raced behind me. I turned in time to see Dorian right before he gathered his arms around me. I wriggled out of his mucky grasp, an odd feeling running down my spine. Over Dorian’s shoulder, I spotted a man with a determined stride head straight for Byron. Tension worked in his jaw, and one by one, each pack member he walked by stopped what they were doing to stare.

I brushed Dorian aside to get a better look. Is something going on? I wasn’t sensing death, but the atmosphere had changed.

Dorian glanced behind him. Jorge, he breathed. He’s Pavel’s brother, remember?

I reflexively touched my cast. How could I forget? Jorge had helped protect my family from his brother who had then been exiled from the main pack.

I thought Pavel's family left with him to go to Byron’s son’s pack, I whispered.

Jorge stayed. Dorian rubbed his cheek, leaving a streak of dirt behind. He’s been in a bad mood for weeks. I suppose it’s time now.

Time for what?

Dorian reached for my hand as if for comfort. Everyone seemed nervous, except Dad, who looked as confused as I felt.

Byron set down the shovel then faced Jorge. Jorge, he said in a calm, even tone. Is there something you need?

Jorge took a deep breath. A young woman took a step towards him, but he shook his head at her then smacked his fist against his chest.

Don’t, she pleaded.

Quiet, Cecilia, Byron said. Let him speak.

Jorge almost ducked his head in submission then shook himself off. I challenge you, Alpha. If I rule, my family can return. Will you accept my challenge?

I swallowed a gasp. What the hell?

Dorian squeezed my hand, moving ahead of me. I glanced around to see how everyone else was reacting. Cecilia shook her head in disgust then turned her back. Victor was trembling. Alison was biting her fingernails. Ryan moved closer to Byron, his demeanour tense. Most of the pack now looked interested rather than nervous. I exchanged a glance with Dad who shrugged, unsure of what to expect.

That’s fair, Byron said. In what manner do you request?

I didn’t understand the question until Jorge said, As a wolf.

Ryan, Byron said. Prepare the area. In ten minutes, a challenge will begin. Jorge, do you need a second?

Jorge shook his head, his entire body trembling. His fingers flexed into fists.

Then neither do I. Byron smiled warmly. I’ll see you shortly, Jorge.

He turned his back on Jorge then strode towards his own house. How was he so calm?

Jorge licked his lower lip, his dark eyes unreadable as he watched Byron leave. He finally turned then walked in the opposite direction.

I tugged on Dorian’s hand. What’s going to happen now?

They fight, he said, watching Jorge’s departure. You and your dad can leave if you want. We’re all going to watch.

Can I? I asked. Everything about pack dynamics fascinated me.

Alpha never forbade you. Dad joined us as Dorian said, You really want to watch the challenge?

Dad had the same uncertain expression I knew I was wearing, torn between wanting to know what would happen and dreading the outcome at the same time.

I looked at him. What do you think, Dad?

Your mother will kill me, he hedged.

"Dad."

He winked at me. Maybe we should stick around, in case anyone needs our help.

The others had already dumped their tasks and walked away.

Dorian hesitated. Stay with Perdita then. I need to tell Nathan anyway, so come with me.

We headed to Dorian’s house. Amelia and Perdita were laughing together over a hot drink in the living room. At seven months pregnant, Perdita’s already swollen belly seemed to grow a little larger every day.

Alpha challenge, Dorian announced breathlessly.

Who? Perdita asked.

Jorge.

Ah. She didn’t look surprised. Had everyone been expecting it to happen?

Amelia leapt to her feet, skidding cartoonishly across the floor and causing the sleeping dog at Perdita’s feet to lift his head and bark a lazy warning. At the door, she shouted, Nathan! Challenge!

Something crashed upstairs. Perdita smiled, grasping hold of Dorian’s hand and slowly getting to her feet.

Are you going to watch it, too? Dad asked her. I mean, in your condition.

She nodded. It would be rude not to let Jorge have his say in front of the pack.

Who do you think will win? I asked nervously. Though he didn’t look it, Byron was close to sixty, while Jorge, in his twenties, looked strong and vital. Surely it wasn’t a fair fight.

You’ll see, Perdita said with a reassuring smile.

Nathan rushed downstairs, clapped Dorian on the shoulder, then brushed his mouth against Perdita’s for a kiss. He was gone out the door, my boyfriend close behind him, before Perdita could react. Amelia hesitated before shooting Perdita an apologetic glance.

Go on, Perdita said, patting her stomach. My big, slow self has company.

Amelia left before Perdita had finished speaking.

Is this normal? Dad asked.

It happens now and then, she said. It’s a way to air grievances, mostly. Jorge did it the right way. Some have tried to sneak up on Byron. The pack sees that as cowardly. This is respectable and far less likely to have a fatal ending.

She spoke casually, but I exchanged a worried glance with Dad.

Perdita grinned. I’m teasing a little. I know you’ve seen the worst of the pack, but it’s not all savagery. There’s civility, even in a challenge. It’s not the way the human world works and accepting that makes everything easier.

She led the way outside. We were greeted by Evelyn, her cheeks rosy from the cold. She was a new addition to the pack, having recently declared her loyalty to Byron. She hadn’t been raised with a pack, other than her parents, and she had grown up in a human world, despite her ability to shift.

There you are, she said with a bright smile. It’s my first challenge. I was hoping you would be there.

I’m going, Perdita. Albeit slowly.

Evelyn offered an arm. Let me know if it gets too exciting, and I’ll walk back with you.

No chance of that, Perdita scoffed. I have to make sure you three newbies see how it ends.

Evelyn looked at me. Are you nervous?

I nodded. I don’t know what to expect. What about you?

Same, she admitted. This is the first time I’ve been part of a pack that needed challenges.

Needed. It was an odd word to use, but I supposed it fit. Just like Victor needed the alpha around to stay calm and the pack needed to run and hunt together to stay whole. The pack had lots of unique needs that I was trying to understand because being with Dorian meant being with the pack. I’d learned that much from spending time with Perdita.

The four of us walked together to a large space behind the houses where some of the pack had already begun to gather. They moved out of the way for Perdita, making sure she had a bench to sit on.

Oh, it’s cold, Perdita said, easing herself into the seat. I hope this doesn’t take too long.

The rest of us joined her, squeezing together to fit.

What happens if Byron loses? I asked nervously.

Then there’s a new leader, Perdita said matter-of-factly. And things will change.

Not too much, I hope. Evelyn’s knee bounced up and down. I’ve only started to get used to this.

Dorian thinks Nathan should be next, I said.

Perdita rubbed her stomach, but I caught her grimace. Some people agree.

Dorian came jogging over to us. They’re on their way. He sat on the ground in front of Perdita and me, but he kept fidgeting. If he was nervous, then I was extra scared. But could Perdita watch the challenge if she thought it would end badly? I didn’t know what to think.

We had a clear view as Byron entered the space, accompanied by Nathan and Ryan. The pack formed a wide circle around them, but nobody got in our way. Byron was topless and barefoot, the hair on his chest a contrasting mix of black and silver. He looked strong, which seemed like a good sign. He patted Nathan on the shoulder then said something to him, smiling. He didn’t seem nervous at all. Nathan replied, they both laughed, and then Nathan approached us.

He greeted us before standing behind Perdita, his hand on her shoulder. She reached up to cover his hand with hers. Dad nudged me, making sure I was okay, so I forced myself to smile.

Evelyn leaned forwards. I’m suddenly extremely nervous.

Everything will be okay, Nathan said in a reassuringly confident tone.

Evelyn visibly relaxed, Dorian stopped fidgeting, and even my shoulders stopped hunching up.

Ryan protectively paced around Byron, looking far tenser than the alpha. The crowd whispered excitedly. Some, like Victor, seemed unable to keep still. The atmosphere reached me and pulled me in, transforming my nervousness into excitement.

Byron addressed the crowd, dismissing Ryan. Nobody is to interfere. No matter what happens. This is a legitimate challenge. Jorge and I will meet as wolves and deal with the consequences alone.

Something in the tone of the alpha’s voice sent a thrill down my spine. I glanced at Dorian. As though he sensed me looking, he patted my calf.

The crowd separated to allow a completely naked Jorge to approach Byron. Dad and I avoided looking at each other. Everyone else seemed nonplussed, but I wasn’t sure where to look. I snuck a glance at the women beside me. Evelyn was full-on staring at Jorge, while Perdita didn’t react, although she looked away when Byron stripped off.

I assumed there would be some kind of warning or countdown or something, but I blinked and suddenly both were shifting into wolf form. The shift looked painful and ugly, but the wolves that grew out of the misshapen forms were beautiful. Byron was large and black with a couple of silver streaks. Jorge was as tall, though less bulky, his chocolate brown fur glinting red in the sun. Byron’s fur was more coarse and curled compared to Jorge’s straight, sleek fur.

Dad gaped at them as though he would never grow used to the sight, but when he met my gaze, he mouthed, Aren’t they amazing? which made me laugh, given the circumstances. I couldn’t imagine Mam ever having that same reaction. Something was amazing about the werewolves though. They made me feel like a child reading fairytales, able to believe that anything was possible. At the same time, some hidden part of me recognised their otherness as something akin to my own.

A growl drew my attention back to the wolves. They circled each other, Jorge meeting the alpha’s gaze. Byron bared his fangs in answer. They glinted in the bright daylight, a reminder of the danger I was about to witness. Jorge abruptly pounced on Byron, forcing a gasp out of me. Dorian gripped my leg and held on.

The werewolves tussled for a moment before Byron shook Jorge off. He waited while the younger wolf panted and backed up for a moment. Soon, he took a second try, almost immediately finding himself on his back. I blinked a couple of times, unsure of how Byron had gotten the better of him.

Byron again backed off, and Jorge scrambled to his feet. They circled again, but this time, Byron was panting a little, too. My insides curled into a tense ball. I hadn’t realised I was biting my nails until Dad tapped my knuckles to stop me. Jorge was a good person, but I couldn’t bear the thought of the alpha losing. I wasn’t quite sure why, only that the idea made my insides squirm.

Jorge pounced again, but this time, Byron met him mid-air. Their growls sounded ferocious as they snapped at each other. Byron wrapped his jaws around Jorge’s neck and somehow flipped him onto his back, giving him three short, violent shakes. I almost rose out of my seat in alarm.

Pinned, Jorge struggled then calmed, foam about his mouth and chin. His eyes remained wide and wild. I waited for something to happen, but Byron merely held him still for a moment before letting him go and stepping back.

It’s over, Dorian whispered.

Already?

That wasn’t so bad, Dad said, though he sounded rattled.

Byron stood still while Jorge gathered himself. The younger wolf struggled to his feet. He approached Byron. I gripped Dad’s arm, fearing it wasn’t over, after all.

Jorge bowed his head. Byron sniffed him then licked his muzzle and around his eyes. All around us, pack members relaxed.

What’s happening? I asked.

It’s done, Nathan said. Jorge accepts the loss, and Byron forgives him for trying.

Dorian looked up at me. Jorge never wanted to be alpha. He wanted Byron to acknowledge his pain. He had to try to honour his family, but he understood Byron made the right choice when he sent his brother away. Jorge chose to stay, but he had to resolve the situation in a way that satisfied the wolf part of him, too.

What happens now? Dad asked.

We run, Nathan said. The pack will run together to get rid of any bad feelings or grudges. We run and make a fresh start. Jorge will start to feel better soon. He leaned over to kiss Perdita’s cheek. I’ll see you later. Evelyn, Dorian, let’s go.

Evelyn said goodbye, while Dorian lingered before leaving. Will you wait for me? he asked. I’ll try not to be too long.

If Perdita wants company, I said.

He smiled, looking relieved. Good. See you all later. He brushed his fingers across my cheek before hurrying after Nathan and Evelyn.

Dad cleared his throat. As bracing as that was, I think I’ll start clearing up here. We abandoned everything. Let me know if you want a lift home later.

He patted my head then left.

Well, Perdita said in a tight voice, we should head inside and warm up.

I helped her to her feet with my free arm, and we strolled away. I couldn’t help looking back at the scene, at the other human members of the pack left behind. Did they ever wish they were werewolves?

Back at Perdita’s house, I filled up the kettle, forcing her to rest. She looked exhausted. So, she said. How was your first challenge?

Scary, I admitted. But also exciting. I was afraid Byron would lose because Jorge is so much younger.

Being in charge takes a lot more than youth, she said. I knew he would win, and not only because Jorge’s heart wasn’t in it. Byron won’t lose to anyone but a member of his own family.

Which meant either his son, niece, or nephew. Does it make you sad?

Sometimes. She wrinkled her nose. He had to force his father out. It was a sad time for the family. Nathan’s grandfather couldn’t recover from the loss of his mate. I don’t want that for Byron. He lost his mate a long time ago, and it affected him badly for years. Taking over the pack got in the way of any new relationships he tried to form. I’d like him to step down when he’s ready and enjoy the rest of his life. He deserves that much.

Can he do that? Just… stop?

I hope so. He’s been good to me, so I don’t like the idea of anyone beating him. Still, the responsibility of running a pack this large is tiring for him. I know he deserves some rest, and I’ve grown close to Byron over the years, but the thought of Nathan taking over for him also terrifies me. Byron’s son would never let it stand, and Nathan would never know peace again. She patted her stomach. There’s not much point worrying about what might happen, but I can’t help it sometimes.

I finished making hot chocolate and brought one to her. Not everyone can shift, right? Even if their parents are wolves. Dorian told me that. Is it true?

He’s right. Anything can happen. She took a sip of her drink. We’ve no idea what the future will bring for our baby or any baby that’s born within the pack. Dorian’s the only early bloomer I know of, so it’ll be a long time before a possible shift can happen. Either way, this little one will be part of the pack. She sighed. I suppose it would be nice for Nathan to run with his child. He can’t with me, obviously, but at least he has Dorian.

It feels weird, waiting behind while they go off together. I wish… I don’t know. I can’t help feeling left out.

Here’s how I see it. She set down her cup. I wasn’t born a shifter for a reason. There are things I envy, but I like being able to do my own thing. That would be harder if I was a werewolf. There are pros and cons, but I don’t feel lesser than anyone else. You have your own special quality that the wolves can never experience.

It must be nice to belong to a community like this though, I persisted. I mean, you’re part of the pack, too, but it’s kind of like a family day out when they run together. I’ve been thinking about the harbingers a lot since I met Vira. I know I don’t belong with them, but my parents are completely normal, so I’m not like anyone else around me, you know? Sometimes, I wonder how it would feel to spend time with people who are like me.

She reached out to pat my hand. Do you feel like you’re missing out on that?

Sometimes. I’ve always been the outsider, so you’d think I’d be used to it. I dunno. I shrugged, not entirely sure what I wanted to say. Meeting my birth mother made me think about what might have been.

I get that, she said. My mother wasn't around for me. Even now, we’re nothing like mother and daughter. I still sometimes wonder how my life might have changed if she’d been there. That doesn't take away from the people who raised us.

I love my parents, I said hurriedly. They’re so good to me, but they aren’t like me. They can’t always understand how I feel. There’s nobody I can compare experiences to because nobody knows what the hell is happening to me half the time. It’s nice for the pack. The way they’re all in it together. I suppose I’m a little jealous at times like this. The words sounded silly hearing them out loud, but a lot of niggling feelings seemed to come out of my mouth whenever I spoke to Perdita.

Do you regret Vira leaving? Was there something else you wanted to hear from her?

My birth mother had been a disappointment for the most part. When I think about it, she wasn’t exactly like me either. I don’t know what I’m even looking for, but meeting her and the pack is making me miss it, whatever it is.

I won’t say I completely understand, because I think that would be impossible, but I can certainly sympathise. I can see how being unique might get lonely. Maybe Vira isn’t as different from you as she makes out. Perhaps she's suppressed that part of herself. She may even have been brainwashed. The compound she lives in sounds like a cult to me. I don’t think you should ever go there, Margo, even if it feels like the missing piece.

I thought about it, about the harbingers offering me sanctuary at their home, about them suddenly accepting me and teaching me their ways. Would I be tempted? I watched Perdita potter around the kitchen, her stomach sometimes getting in the way. I thought of Dorian’s crooked smile, the freckles that dotted his skin. Then, with great clarity, I recalled the nightmare I’d had about something dark and unseen stalking those mountains where my birth mother’s people hid. No matter what was missing in my life, I never wanted to go there.

CHAPTER 2

Dorian

---

We were all swept up in the excitement of a pack run after the challenge. It had been a good challenge with the right intentions, and we all felt that. Jorge was one of the nicer wolves in the pack, but his mood had been off since his family left. I pitied him; his entire family had abandoned him to leave with his banished brother.

Jorge had put the pack first, putting up with the whispers and shame his family had left behind. It was only right that he got to air those grievances and defend his family’s honour in front of the whole pack, and in the process, silence those whispers for good. Jorge had protected Margo from his brother. He had proved himself to be trustworthy, even if the rest of his family couldn’t claim the same.

I was glad the challenge was over. I hated the taste of his tension in the air, hated the murmurs of the rest of the pack about why Jorge had stayed behind. He would grow closer to the alpha. Byron would keep him buoyed above his feelings of anger and abandonment. He wasn’t even mad at Byron, more at his mother for leaving, I would guess, and maybe at his brother for the mistakes he had made.

But now the wound could begin to heal.

The rest of the pack raced ahead, while Victor nipped at my heels to hurry me. Once, I would have held back, maybe even dipped away while nobody was looking. On that day, I was as keen as everyone else to run to the head of the pack where Nathan led the way. Byron kept pace with Jorge who was slower after the fight. I liked the way Byron gave him chances before ending the fight, the way he was careful to make sure Jorge