Men of Sand and Stone

By Jesse Bond

Beaten by monsters, tortured, and waylaid by foes from every angle, Isla Enit and the men who loved her had not forgotten their purpose.

 

Through the settling of blood and dust, beautiful things had happened. Love was found, more children made safe, and the Saviors continued to fight despite all odds. But, to take on Evermere and the council, they needed more, and for that, they had to have allies.

 

A newfound Hero might just be the guy to give them hope and possibly even be the missing link to solidify their bond. In the sandiest reaches of Veradeum, the Saviors would hunt for the foundation and support they so desperately needed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crazy Ink
• Release date: Jun 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201823726

Book preview

Chapter One

Reno Docherty

Seasoned meat and root vegetables simmered and seared in rudimentary skillets over three different campfires. The scent assaulted my nose in a pleasant barrage making my mouth water. It left a lingering flavor of smoked wood and wild onion so thick in my mouth I could have sworn I’d already taken a bite. I’d spent the better part of the last year fending for myself, eating raw vegetables off the land, that the most basic smell of cooking was incredible. But that time had passed. I joined the little group of survivors who accepted me into their fold; no questions, arms opened wide and with it came perks like roasted meat and seeing the pretty silver-haired warrior wolf.

We’d been on the march for the better part of two days since leaving the Brightstar compound. Travel was much slower going with the lunar wolf pups, significantly since most of them couldn’t shift. But it was a lighter atmosphere, with love and laughter ringing through the misty air of the dense forestland. The situation for my friends was dire, but there was something new brewing on the horizon, something the group hadn’t had much of in far too long: hope. I had an idea as to how I could help them even more. It was a big decision.

Hero, will you play with me? The youngest pup, Shanah Enit, only six years old with round cheeks and a face full of wonder, tugged gently at my elbow. With two dirty sock-wolf toys clutched in her tiny hands, she was something else. I wasn’t sure which one of her moms, Sunny or Cheri, had scrubbed her clean, leaving pink staining her cheeks and chin. Shanah’s childish excitement was a breath of fresh air as we settled into camp for the evening.

In my true ogre form, which I’d yet to shed before my new companions, she stood to my mid-thigh, so adorable and innocent in her soft striped pajamas. Soft hazelnut locks were cut to her shoulders and the ends curled around her tiny ears. The only blue-eyed girl of the bunch; the color reminded me of the clearest waters of the oasis: stunning, special.

My heart soared that she wanted to include me in her games. It was even more endearing that she called me Hero like her big sister instead of my real name. I dropped a massive green paw to ruffle the drying hair on her head, and she giggled, batting my hand away with a grin of delight. You don’t want someone like me playing, sweet girl. I’m too big. I’ll hurt your little dolls, and we can’t have that now, can we?

My voice was a deep rumble as an ogre. Not gravelly like Russ, but nothing like my manly form: soft, gentle. Shanah’s lower lip puffed out, and her eyes grew wide. Mom said I can’t play around the fires. You’re the only one not over there.

It was an honest assessment. I wasn’t over there with the others. I’d spent my time trying to be helpful, then when the logs were hauled in and the heavy lifting was done, I became as unobtrusive as possible, mainly by staying far out of the way. Shanah’s brow furrowed, and I chuckled at the stubborn set of her jaw.

These are my pups. She waggled the sock wolves at me, their little yarn fur shaking back and forth. You won’t break them if you change forms. That way, your hands will be smaller.

I grimaced, breaking eye contact with the short trickster, but she was relentless.

Why do you always have to be so big? Are you ugly and afraid they won’t like you? If you play with me, I promise I won’t make fun of you. I’ll be your friend. It will be our secret.

I grumbled like I always did when I felt discontent or didn’t want to say anything for fear of speaking my mind, but I liked her. She was incredibly perceptive and intelligent beyond her six years, something that also resonated with me. I’d always been too bright—seen too much at a young age. Unique in my form, people believed big and strong meant witless and dull. Or worse, because when I was a man—

Shanah waved at her big sister, Desti, a silver-haired beauty with eyes rich like the soil and a soft lyrical voice. We’re going to play at the brook! I’m going with Hero. Okay?

Desti gave her the go-ahead in the form of a wave, and before I knew what I was getting myself into, I was lumbering toward the little stream a short way outside of camp.

See. We’re safe now. Nobody can make fun of you. Shanah plopped down on an old tree stump and started running her wolves along a downed log, making yip and yapping noises. When I didn’t join quick enough, she shot me an expectant look and held out the grey sock-wolf, shaking him at me in invitation. It was a terrible idea to shift. I had surrounded myself with people who wanted me for my wit, who hadn’t formed another, lesser opinion of me.

I knew how to appease the earth elementals, and the guardians, thankfully, had accepted my gift. A charm I’d worn for years represented the soul and soil of Veradeum. I missed having it around my neck, and if I found some ground pixies, I’d beg them to help me make another to replace it. I hoped we didn’t run into any other trouble before finding a place for the pups to hole up. The council at Evermere was out for blood, and it was common knowledge that they wouldn’t hesitate to leverage children against those who opposed them.

Shanah was still waiting for me, and I huffed out a resigned breath, looked around to make sure we were alone, and shifted. It had been a long time since I took my man form, and it kind of itched, like my skin wasn’t really mine. I knew the discomfort would go away fast enough; I just had to ignore it.

With a less than impressive height of five-six, my oversized kilt hit my ankles. I immediately tied it tighter over my lean waist and ran my long fingers through the thick waves curling upon my head. They still flopped every which way in a boyish nature, no matter that I was a man at twenty-two. The only thing that stayed the same were my hazel eyes, which were probably my favorite feature. Between my curly hair, the lack of beard or hair on my chest, and a slight build, I looked the exact opposite of my ogre form. It wasn’t like I had huge muscles like Russek or Xavier or height and prestige like Ronan. I was just—me.

With heat standing high in my cheeks, I took in the child’s wandering gaze as she studiously looked me over. With a tiny lift at the corner of my lips, I smirked and shrugged my shoulders, nowhere near ready for whatever she would say next.

Pft. You’re not ugly at all. You’re not as old as I thought either. Let’s play! She plopped the sock-wolf in my hand and turned back to the log, completely dismissing my moment of uncomfortable self-reflection as inconsequential. Aroo! Chase me, Hero.

With a deep, steadying breath, I drug a hand down my smooth chest, feeling the relief flow through me as my heart gave a little thump and grinned. It would be fun to play with the pup for a little while. Nobody would know anything different about me other than the innocent little girl. I accepted the toy and crouched down next to Shanah, feeling good about letting go of my insecurities for a moment.

We ran and hopped, chased, and explored with the cloth toys until I was left with a relaxed smile on my lips and happiness in my heart.

Momma says I’m going to be a wolf when I grow up. I’m going to run and hunt and play with the pack. Shanah chased down my wolf toy with hers and pretended to gnaw on its ear. Before yipping again. Let’s hunt a pheasant next! They’re yummy.

The familiar twang hit me in the chest as I thought about having a true form that differed so much from my family. I hoped Shanah was a wolf. She would have her pack; she’d have acceptance and understanding. Do you want to be a wolf, little one?

Shanah play growled as we hunted along the log. The sock-wolves chased a leaf dubbed pheasant before pouncing on their prize. After a minute, her nose scrunched, and she stopped her game, looking up at me with a clear gaze. Momma says Daddy was a white wolf. I don’t remember him.

No. You were very young when he died. Isla said that Baron Enit, the father of this pack of pups, was murdered by a basilisk around the same time young Shanah was born.

I’m different. My eyes are blue. She pointed to herself like I hadn’t noticed those stunning azure pools filled with youthful intelligence. Like Isla, but not the same. Maybe I’m a different wolf.

Dia, I hoped not. Though I knew it was my own insecurities surfacing once again. I tried on a smile and bopped her nose. Shanah’s seriousness faded as she ducked away, batting at my arm and pretended to gnaw on me with her toy wolf.

A branch snapped, the sharp piercing sound brought my heart into my throat, and I froze. Who the hell are you?

Sock wolf clutched in my fist, I stood up slowly and turned toward the accusing voice. Isla Enit, the eldest of the Enit sisters, was the most stunning creature I’d ever seen. In her woman form, she was taller than me by a couple inches, eyes birthed from amber and the sun and hair like the snow-capped mountains of the north. Her frame was stiff and vibrated with the power within, and my heart clenched as I realized she was one breath away from attacking me.

Shanah was on her feet instantly, stepped up beside me, and reached a tiny hand between my clenched fist, threading her fingers with mine. Her little body shook too like she was afraid we’d get in trouble, but she was standing brave beside me. Her voice shivered, Momma said I could play.

Isla’s gaze flitted from me to Shanah, then to our hands, and back to my face. I handed Shanah back her toy and rubbed that hand through my hair, blowing out a harsh breath before disengaging with the youngest wolf.

No amount of running would take back the fact Isla had seen me. She would never look at me the same. Not that it should matter. She had her men, several of them from what I’d learned. My place wasn’t with them, even if, for a brief few days, I thought maybe I could be accepted there. If not with her, at least with the group, near her light, which ultimately drew me.

I’m sorry if I overstepped. Shanah wanted to play away from the busy camp. I meant no harm to the pup.

My voice wasn’t deep like Xavier or Rone’s. Not even close to Russek, who didn’t sound anything like the alphas. Or our true forms and their gravelly tones. No, I had a soft voice, something my mother called calming and kind. I’d never seen it that way.

Isla bristled, but her gaze flicked downward again and caught on my trim waist, my kilt, and belt. She blinked, then again, then her gaze shot up to mine, and a brilliant smile replaced her frown. Hero?

Shh. It’s a secret, Shanah found her voice, her little hand gripping mine harder in solidarity as she stood up for me. Such a sweet pup.

I shrugged, my shoulder moving an inch before Isla crossed to us and threw her strong arms around me. The sweet honey from her soap filled my nose, and as Shanah let me go, I found myself embracing the solar wolf. Fearful of hurting her ravaged back, despite it being healed up, I gently hugged her. Placing one hand on her shoulder, the other on her hip, she squeezed my neck; her temple pressed against mine in a possessive hold. My whole world was grounded in an instant like I’d finally found that perfect place to be, yet it was gone just as quickly.

Isla stepped back, taking the incredible sensation along with her. Her fingers gripped my shoulders as she looked me over, with water filling her exotic eyes. You’re so beautiful.

I grimaced, a pang returning to pester my heart. A pretty face. I felt my usefulness drain away like a memory of a dream.

No, no. None of that. Hey, I’m sorry, I just didn’t know it was you. Dia, just look at you. Wow. Just, I mean, wow.

I didn’t want to think about how I looked. I did that enough on my own. Isla’s fingers trailed down my trim upper arms as she studied me, that smile still on her face, her fingers leaving sparks along my skin in their wake. When she met my eyes again, she wiped at her face and called out to the pup. Come here, baby. Shanah crushed herself against her sister’s side, relieved to not be in trouble. Sorry if I scared you, she whispered to the pup.

Why wouldn’t you shift with us at camp? Why only with Shanah? I don’t understand. Isla’s brows furrowed like I just became the biggest puzzle of her life—which was saying something.

I’m not, uh. Oh hell, I hated sounding like an imbecile but did a damn good job of it when I was nervous. Straightening my back, I rubbed my sweaty palms down the front of my kilt and forced myself not to fold under her scrutiny. I’m not very—impressive as a man. I thought I would be more useful to you in my true form.

Isla’s eyes grew wide, her smile fading away as she blinked rapidly. Shanah, run along back to camp. We’ll be right behind you.

Isla’s gaze didn’t waver as she waited for her sister-pup to trot away. Closing the distance, Isla tugged me into another hug, a gentler one, less urgent. I didn’t hesitate to enjoy the smooth press of her skin against mine, no matter how brief, was like the slide of silk; smooth skin against smooth skin, and I could drown in that woman’s scent; it was so warm and pure.

I’d been told that someday I would want a mate. My family had insisted that it would happen and tried to keep me at home where I was protected from the council and had more opportunities to find a match. How inconvenient that I would remember that with Isla, a taken woman, holding me tightly in her arms?

Her breath puffed against my ear; her voice so feminine also held a rough edge. Reno, you’re absolutely perfect. Alright, big guy? It doesn’t matter what form you take or when; you’re still a hero, and I’m sorry for not recognizing you right away. That’s on me. Isla’s lips pressed against my cheek in a sweet kiss before she pulled away, concern marring her pretty face. Are we okay?

Blowing out a breath, the weight that had plagued me since I met her lifted off my chest. Of course. Though, I’ll probably shift back now. I don’t need to go scaring the rest of the camp. I know I can come off a little disconcerting

Isla grinned sadly as she backed away. You’re welcome in every form. Anyone who thinks otherwise can deal with me. And, Hero?

I raised a brow.

You are the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. Never think that you need to hide from me or anyone else. You be you. We like you.

Heat crept into my neck as Isla bit down on her lower lip and bashfully ducked her head before turning back to camp. Had anyone ever looked at me like that before? I couldn’t remember. For that matter, I couldn’t think about anything because I was too busy memorizing that moment, so I could replay it for the rest of my life.

Chapter Two

Isla Enit

Beautiful.

There was no other word even close to comparing what I’d just seen. Reno Docherty, the ogre that came to our rescue and had since done nothing but prove his invaluable worth, was young, close to my age, and absolutely gorgeous. Shorter than me, his body was tight with compact muscle, covered with soft, pale, hairless skin. With an unruly mop of curly chestnut hair and eyes that looked like amber crystals that spoke of profound wisdom, I’d found myself nearly speechless in his presence.

Nearly—I mean, how was I supposed to not take him in my arms. Hugging him was like something of a dream. It was like my soul had recognized a kindred spirit. I’d felt it before while he was in his true form, but there was no denying the attraction my heart had to who he was no matter what form he took. I hardly knew him, though, wasn’t that the kicker?

The encounter left me bereft of dealing with myself, and my body was still numb an hour later as I helped clean up the dinner mess with the others. Forcing myself to do something to distract from our encounter.

Well, of all the things I would have expected, taking on so many stragglers wouldn’t have been it. It’s crazy how our numbers have grown overnight, though half of those are Enits. Still, we damn near have as many women with us now as men.

I choked back a laugh; I did have a lot of sisters and loved every one of them dearly. Giavanna Isabel, my friend Gia, shouldered up to me as we stored away the clean cutlery and cooking utensils. Her massive biceps brushed against my smaller arms, and I bumped up playfully against her.

It’s not a bad thing.

Oh, hell no, it’s not. Not that I want to jinx us and cause unnecessary trouble, but we will need every available body if we want to stand a chance of keeping everyone here alive. The protectors won’t balk at their age. Gia growled, getting huffy, feisty like she was.

I know. It had been at the forefront of my mind over the past week since we left Brightstar. How was I to protect the pups? Most of them couldn’t shift; they were too young, and wandering the forests was getting us nowhere. Given, we hadn’t been found, but I was a realist. Eventually, Evermere would catch up to us, and when they did, I had no way to ensure my sisters’ safety. Good news was, for the first time in forever, we had a healer.

Giselle, the tall, waif-like woman, shuffled to us, shrugging on a thick wool sweater that looked like it belonged to the ogre the way the material dwarfed her. Even with her incredible height, the fabric fell to her knees and pooled at her elbows. Giselle’s lip curled in a sassy, knowing smirk. Henry’s been practicing on clothing. Not too bad, huh?

Gia and I shared a glance, and it took everything in me not to laugh. Gia wasn’t so courteous, sputtering a hearty bellow, she grinned. He must have thought you were a bear.

I chuckled, shoving Gia in her steely arm. Give the mer-kid a break. He’s working his ass off to supply dozens of us now. Though it was pretty funny, Henry was a doll. I adored that kid, and he really was a lifesaver. His conjuration was getting better by the day.

Tying back her lengthy blonde hair, Giselle came closer and took up position across from us to help finish packing up the supplies. We’d been blessed in Brightstar, and it wasn’t until the morning after we left that I realized how many stores had come along with us. We’d been gifted two wagons and four gentle hippogriffs to pull them, all filled with implements to make our journey easier. It made traversing the thickest part of the woods impossible as a group and kept us to the more open natural lanes, but it had done wonders for moving faster. When the pups or anyone for that matter got tired, they’d take turns riding, so we didn’t need to stop.

Well, I’ll be.

Turning to follow Gia’s gaze, my eyes landed on the stunning presence that was Hero. He hadn’t shifted back into his ogre form like he said and was standing at the edge of the farthest campfire. Maybe my words had meant something to him; I hoped so. He chose the fire Rone, Russ, and Xavier were currently tending, though the latter was definitely more interested in watching the darkening forest than bonding with my men. The fact that Reno felt most comfortable