Shapeshifters: The Quest: Shapeshifters, #2

By Vivian Rolfe

After returning home, breaking their curse, and banishing those who were responsible, Fantasyheart and Legendheart decide to continue their life. They've rearranged the packs so they will run smoother and were prepared to face anything. Or so they thought.

When their own daughter follows in their footsteps of leaving home, they feel a duty to retrieve her. Wherever that may be. With the threat of Black and his followers out there, the Shapeshifters do what they have to in order to get their daughter back safely.

Can they do it before it's too late? Will they be able to still go through with bringing her home even once they begin uncovering truths?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vivian Rolfe
• Release date: Jul 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9798223825968

Book preview

To all those who supported me

My sprint buddies. My betas. My friends.

You are all amazing and I couldn’t have done this book without you

Pack Members

Shapeshifters

Shapeclaw- grey and white wolf

Fantasyheart- light grey wolf-cat

Legendheart- black and grey wolf-fox

Riverflow- silver wolf-fox with white paws

Treeshadow- black wolf

Redthunder- grey wolf

Windmoor- silver wolf-cat

Sunpack

Storm- white wolf

Moonsky- white wolf with grey paws

Suntail- ginger cat

Goldendawn- brown cat with white patches

Echofang- grey wolf with black patches

Star- white cat with grey sides

Lightrose- brown and white cat-wolf

Dustfly- black fox with white patches

Pillpool- black cat-wolf

Shadowpack

Cedarsky- brown and black wolf

Mist- silver blue cat

Lark- dark brown fox

Holly- black cat-fox with white stripe

Valleypack

Tansy- brown cat with white paws

Tawny- tortoiseshell fox

Snowsky- dark grey wold with white ears

Blackpack

Icefall- brown cat

Black- black wolf

Sunflower- tortoiseshell cat

Claw- while wolf

Human World

Sage (Fantasyheart)- red hair, blue eyes

Case (Legendheart)- dark chocolate hair, oak green eyes

Petunia (Mist)- blonde hair, blue eyes

Sunny- dirty blonde hair, amber eyes

Gavin- black hair, green eyes

Brett- dirty blond hair, hazel eyes

Gabbe- blonde hair, brown eyes

Aviana- brown hair, blue eyes

Jade- black hair, hazel eyes

Kane- brown hair, brown eyes

Jana- black hair, hazel eyes

Susan- brown hair, brown eyes

Marcus- light brown hair, brown eyes

Tyrese- blond hair, green eyes

Rayna (Riverflow)- dark red hair, blue eyes

Kara- brown hair, brown eyes

Saylor- blonde hair, hazel eye

PROLOGUE

ONE OF THE Shapeshifters and protectors of the three packs sat at the top of the rock at Five Pines. It was going to be his mate’s first meeting in about three moons. Tonight, every pack member was about to find out why.

Legendheart watched as the packs took their own time arriving and settling in. The leaders took their places beside him on the rock, dipping their head in respect.

When everyone was in place, Legendheart stood to address them all. Welcome. I apologize for Fantasyheart’s absence these last couple of meetings. I hope once we show you why, you’ll understand.

He turned around and stared up at the darkened sky. There were low murmurs and questions heard throughout the pack members before Legendheart told them to quiet down.

The packs all watched as a figure flew into the air. It looked to be too big for a bird, or an owl, then they all realized what was flying. Fantasyheart. The other Shapeshifter. The packs’ other protector.

There was a collective gasp – audible from up on the rock – as the members in the clearing in front of the rock noticed a smaller shape resting on the she-wolf-cat’s back. Fantasyheart carefully landed and helped the pup lower itself onto the rock between the two Shapeshifters.

This is Riverflow, Legendheart announced. She is only a few suns old. I made Fantasyheart stay in our cave these past few moons to rest up and to keep our pup a secret.

We didn’t want any of you to fret, Fantasyheart continued. Over these next few suns, Legendheart and I will come to retrieve one pup from each pack. Now that we have a pup ourselves, we feel as though we are more prepared to ready the next set of protectors. Turning to the alpha’s, the Shapeshifter said, You pick two or three pups, and we pick which one.

Each of the leaders nodded, agreeing to the previous promise. One of the first decrees Fantasyheart and Legendheart made as protectors of the packs was that there would come a time where they would take in one pup from each to raise, and those pups would become the next protectors.

Legendheart declared that was the only news from them. The leaders then took over announcing the good and bad news from each of their packs.

The moon was starting to set when the meeting finished. Legendheart and Fantasyheart watched as the packs trickled out. They saw movement coming toward them from the group heading to Sunpack. Suntail. The ginger tom pounced onto the rock.

Hello, Suntail, Fantasyheart acknowledged him with a dip of her head. How can we help you?

First, Suntail started. Congratulations. And second, I wanted to tell you how humorous it is that a rock started all this. Here you are, this Big Moon Meeting, having changed so much that you have made this rock your home.

It is funny how it works, Legendheart agreed.

Fantasyheart mentioned she had to take Riverflow back to the cave. Suntail bid her well and she picked up the pup and left.

I wanted to talk to you about something, Legendheart said. Suntail nodded and he continued, I don’t think Black acted alone.

What do you mean?

I believe his orders came from someone else. Someone higher up than him, but not in the packs.

I see. Who do you think?

An up-walker friend of ours. They helped us when we were cursed, Legendheart explained. But something they did made no sense.

What was it? Suntail asked.

They said they overheard Fantasyheart and I talking one time, he paused. But we were always careful to never mention anything around her.

Suntail thought before responding. Have you expressed these concerns with Fantasyheart?

No, Legendheart replied. I don’t want to worry her, especially now with the pup and all.

Suntail nodded and told Legendheart he had to go. As he turned to leave, Suntail advised him not to postpone telling Fantasyheart for too long. It wouldn't end well.

It wouldn't be the first thing I’ve kept from her though, Legendheart thought.

With that, he jumped down and went to his cave.

1

TELL US A story, Fantasyheart, begged the little black she-wolf pup.

I thought for a moment before asking, What type of story?

One about the curses, responded the silver she-pup, who’s head rested on her white paws. Maybe one about why in-trainings get ‘-wing’ added to their name or destiny. Maybe –

Legendheart laughed. Okay, Riverflow, we get the point. As it is, there is a story about curses explaining why in-trainings get ‘-wing’ added to their name.

Please tell us, pleaded the grey pup. 

I chuckled. Oh, Redthunder, how young you are. It's humorous that you four want to know this story because it started when Legendheart and I were your age.

Three moons? inquired the black she-pup. 

Yes, Treeshadow, I answered. Well, I was two moons. Legendheart was three.

All four of the pups sat around Legendheart, and I quickly discussed a different tale to tell the pups. As I was telling the story, I watched the pups' expressions. Riverflow was most intrigued by it. Redthunder was interested, but not really into it. Windmoor and Treeshadow gazed at us intently while we explained. 

Now we know that if a pack member leaves and returns with an entirely new pack, I continued. That’s the cure for every pack member, no matter their pack, to unite. No divisions. One pack.

That's what your fathers started, right? stated Windmoor. Trying to create one pack?

Exactly, Legendheart replied. Now, look at the sun. Time to lay down.

One more question? Riverflow asked.

What is it, Riverflow? I looked down at the pup.

Why don’t we have ‘-pup’ in our name?

You four are special, I explained. You four represent something greater than yourselves. A bigger destiny. A different and better future. Haven’t you already noticed differences between us and other packs?

"You have wings and Legendheart has cag-mag good sense," Treeshadow noted.

Right, I concurred. While none of you have wings, you each will have your own power when the time is right.

That’s enough storytelling for one night, Legendheart interjected. Time for bed, pups.

All four of the pups complained but complied. When they were all laying down and sleeping, Legendheart and I sat on top of the rock and chatted. While we had usually always been the same height, not long after coming back to the packs, my mate grew some more and was now a head taller than me. Which allowed him to more easily put his head on top of mine.

Fantasy, why do you think Redthunder likes stories so much? Legendheart cocked his head at me.

I shrugged. Beats me. Maybe we should tell them the story of Shapeclaw and Shapetail?

Why would we do that?

They like stories, Legend, so why not give them one they'll remember?

Legendheart nodded but said nothing.

A couple moments passed before I heard my mate say, Have we been doing the right thing? Raising them the way we are?

I don't know, I sighed. We did take three of them from their packs. I don't even know if they will be able to shift.

Why wouldn't they? Legendheart questioned aloud.

They aren't our pups, I told him. They had different names before we took them. I laid my head on my paws. Eventually, we need to tell them the truth.

Legendheart nuzzled my neck. That time isn't now. So, don't worry about it. He laid next to me. We’ll tell them when the time is right?

When will that be?

I don't know, Fantasy, he paused. But we will know when the time is right.

I nodded, got up, and jumped off the rock to head to our cave. Legendheart followed not long after. We curled up next to our pups and slept till morn.

*****

THE NEXT MORN started like any other. Legendheart went hunting, while I watched the pups. It was different in the sense that Legendheart and I were going to tell the pups a story that would change their lives. Or so we hoped.

Gather ‘round, pups, I called. Legendheart and I have another story to tell. One we think you’ll enjoy.

The pups sat in a semi-circle around Legendheart and me. When they were settled in, Legendheart began the story.

Legendheart told them of Shapeclaw and Shapetail’s curse, how they broke it. I then continued to tell them of our curse, and how we managed to break it. But in more detail than the sun before. Legendheart inserted parts I had forgotten, and Redthunder asked inquisitive questions. Wanting to know more.

Redthunder, Legendheart began. While we may have gone through this curse and broken it, we don’t have all the answers of how.

Come on, Redthunder, Treeshadow cheerfully said. Cheer up! We got the story you’ve been begging for moons to know.

Since he could talk, Windmoor chimed in.

Riverflow chuckled. Quit pestering him, guys. She turned her attention to Redthunder. But they are right, you know.

He nodded and said it was already forgotten. Legendheart and I watched them play the sun away. That evening, all the pups crashed, as did the pair of us. Ready to tackle whatever came our way.

2

I WOKE TO the pups jumping on Legendheart and me. We slowly dragged ourselves out of bed and stretched. As we padded outside the cave, I watched the pups play as Legendheart went hunting. When he returned, we all ate.

When the pups finished eating, I announced, Legendheart and I decided we are going to take you on our rounds to see the packs this sun.

Riverflow could hardly contain her excitement, as Redthunder looked as if he was about to bombard us with questions. Windmoor and Treeshadow had a look of seriously? on their faces.

The time has come for Fantasyheart and me to go visit each of the packs, Legendheart started, and the pups became intrigued. And we thought it would be fun for you to join us. And maybe meet some more pups your age.

I already met some pups my age, Windmoor complained.

Who? I inquired. I already had an idea of who he was going to say.

Riverflow, Redthunder, and Treeshadow, he said matter-of-factly.

How did I guess that? I thought smugly.

Let me rephrase that, Legendheart stated. Maybe meet some pups your age in other packs.

The pups nodded. We laid down some rules for the pups to follow, then headed to see the closest pack. Our home pack. Sunpack.

Walking the path to Sunpack, Riverflow kept asking us questions. Having an inquisitive pup is not a bad thing. Every time I began to be annoyed by a question that we didn’t have an answer for, I reminded myself we chose each pup for a reason.

Legendheart and I had not yet told the pups they weren’t related. It seemed funny that Riverflow wasn’t super stoked about visiting Sunpack. All things considered, if Legendheart and I hadn’t been cursed, she would’ve been a pup of Sunpack. 

If we had still been in Sunpack, would we have chosen each other as our mates? I wondered.

As we neared the pack entrance, we were greeted by our kin. Echofang and Dustfly huddled close to Legendheart while I dipped my head in Lighteye and Goldendawn’s direction.

I herded the pups towards the pup cave and introduced them to each other. I informed my four pups that either Legendheart or I would come retrieve them when it was time to go.

I turned to go find my mate when I noticed my littermate, Lighteye, distancing herself from the small reunion Legendheart was having. I went to speak with her first before grabbing my mate. I had made a point to ask my home pack to not crowd me when I visited. After the human world, big groups of people or pack members surrounding me scared me.

Lighteye, I began. What’s wrong?

Nothing. I could tell she was lying and stared at her until she gave in. I don’t think Dustfly and I are right for each other. That’s all, Fantasy.

What do you mean? You’ve been chasing each other for moons.

Exactly, Lighteye sighed. We became close when you and Legend first disappeared, but I think that was more for comfort than anything else.

You’re still young, I said. You still have time before thinking about a mate.

I’m almost done with all my training, she told me. After that, I feel as if I should have someone in mind for a mate.

I heard my name called and looked up to see Stormsky waiting for me – from a distance I couldn’t tell if it was my imagination or if the Sunpack alpha looked not well. I told my littermate we would finish this conversation after my meeting. I ran toward Stormsky’s cave and entered to find Legendheart and Moon both there.

Moon. Stormsky, I addressed each separately. Is Suntail not joining us this sun?

Moon shook her head. We have things to discuss that he has been previously informed about.

I nodded my head and we began discussing pack business. All throughout I kept wondering which parts of this meeting Suntail didn’t need to be here for and if it had anything to do with how weak Stormsky looked.

If that’s everything, Legendheart stated. Then we best be on our way. We want to be able to leave Valleypack before the sun goes down.

As we stood to leave, Moon asked us to stay for just a moment longer. Legendheart and I sat back down and looked at Stormsky and Moon in wonder.

Any idea what this is about? I asked Legendheart.

If I did, I think they would’ve let us go and have me tell you when we were alone, he replied.

You both know... I’m not what I... used to be, Stormsky said, struggling to get the words to come out. I’ve been talking with... Moon and Suntail and thinking it through... and came to a decision.

Stormsky, I began. Are you about to say what I think you are?

If so, I thought. That can bode either good or bad for us.

I think so, he responded. 

Before he could continue, a fit of coughs attacked the alpha. Moon looked at us with worry on her face and I’m sure my mate and I shared the same expression. As the racking slowly subsided, Stormsky took a few deep, long, shuddering breaths.

I’m getting weaker, he finally said when he had enough energy. Pillpool can’t seem to find a reason as to why.

Well, he does have a theory that – Moon started.

Moon! Stormsky barked, which caused him more difficulty in breathing again. Thankfully, he didn’t hack up a lung a second time. We don’t need to get into all that. Long story short, I’m dying and need to step down in order to not pass with stress on my shoulders.

We understand, Legendheart dipped his head. When will you pronounce Moon as alpha?

Before the next Big Moon Meeting, Moon told us. Stormsky will not be attending so I was going to go in his place anyway. Pillpool suggested it might be smart to have him step down and give me the title.

Whatever you end up doing, whenever you end up doing it, we will stand by you and support you in your decision, I informed them.

Both Stormsky and Moon thanked us before telling us we were dismissed. We exited the cave and I sent Legendheart to go grab the pups while I conversed quickly with Lighteye.

I found her with her mentor, Honeydew, practicing for her final test. I apologized to Honeydew, stating I only needed a moment with my littermate. He nodded and walked away so we could have some privacy.

You get better every time I see you practice, I mentioned. I don’t have a lot of time before we take the pups and head to Valleypack, but I wanted to inform you that if you ever want to talk, feel free to visit us. I’m sure the pups would love for you to come, and I surely wouldn’t mind it.

I’ll consider it, Lighteye said. I won’t be able to until after I pass my in-training test, so that may be a while.

Not after what I just saw. You’re basically ready. Train for a couple more suns then take the test. You’ll pass.

You sure?

Of course! Would I ever lie to you?

No, Lighteye admitted. I think Legend is ready to go. He’s having trouble controlling your pups.

I glanced behind me to see the pups running away from their father. I chuckled lightly and bid my littermate goodbye before going to wrangle up my pups.

After I had gathered up the pups – guiding them with my wings – the six of us began our trek to Valleypack. I asked the pups how their visit went. Only Redthunder had something to say.

Fantasyheart, the grey pup started. The other pups kept saying I smelled like them and Treeshadow, Windmoor, and Riverflow didn’t. Don’t we all smell like you and Legendheart?

I glanced at Legendheart before replying, They’re just jealous, Redthunder. That’s all. The four of you have such a close bond that other pups wish they had. Which pup told you that?

Harvest, came the meek response. 

I’ll talk to his mother, was my response. 

After that, the pups all perked up a bit and began talking energetically. I tuned them out and thought about what my daughter had told me.

Let it go, Fantasy, Legendheart told me through our mental bond. I’m sure Harvest didn’t mean anything by it.

What if he’s right? I inquired. Do each of the pups have a different scent because they’re from different packs? Maybe we should ask Tawny when we are in Valleypack.

If that will put your mind at ease, my mate replied.

I did my best to not dwell on the possible scent difference between the pups. While they did come from each of the packs, their scent should have intermingled by now due to constant proximity with me and Legendheart, as well as each other.

It wasn’t clear before, but I can notice the scent change, Windmoor mentioned as we got closer to Valleypack.

The minimal trees had always been my sign we were near Valleypack, I hadn’t noticed the scent until the pup made a point of it. Not only did the pack members themselves have a different smell, their territory did as well. Most of that was due to how often the pack members roamed the borders, making sure others knew where the compounds began.

While the trees were still numbered, the branches were sparse and the leaves few. It always got a little cooler or a little warmer than the other camps because of this.

When we arrived at the Valleypack border, we were greeted by Snow and Tawny, the first and second deputies. Exchanging brief words with them before they led us towards their camp – an open grass field surrounded by shrubs about half a wolf’s height.

Sunpack was the