by Sydney Addae
“Most likely,” he admitted and prepared for the argument of his biases against a part of her. Or his arrogance. Or his lack of empathy against a part of their children. Instead she stared at him a few seconds longer, turned and walked away.
Unsure what was going on, he followed and saw the bathroom door was closed. “Jasmine?” he tapped on the door.
She didn’t answer. He tapped harder.
He heard a slight sob. It cut through him worse than a rusty blade in his gut. He squeezed the doorknob, broke it off and opened the door.
She turned away from him but not before he saw the tears in her eyes. He would kill anyone who upset his woman like this, but how did he dispense that sentence to himself? Moving inside, he closed the door behind him and leaned against it.
With her back to him he didn’t see her tears but felt them as if they scraped against his chest like the edge of a scalpel. “I’m sorry.”
She shook her head as she looked up at the ceiling and inhaled deeply. “You’re always sorry.”
The pain and sorrow in her words cut bone deep and hurt in ways he couldn’t explain. What else could he say to express his remorse? If he were on four legs, he’d pull his tail between his legs and roll over on his back for her. With a human in the house that wasn’t an option.
“Truly, I’m sorry. Once he removed the bodies, the problem was solved. I never spoke to him or anything. At the time he said something about alerting the families, so I thought they knew each other and it was an accident. I had no idea he was hunting people. I would’ve told you about that.”
“Those men were her friends. They were on vacation and taken in broad daylight... for what? Target practice. And you know what?” she turned to face him. Her eye shined a brilliant gold. “Running for her life, she yelled for us to run so that we wouldn’t get hurt. She tried to help us.”
He frowned. “Where were you?”
“On the beach. We saw her climb out the water and start running for her life. If we hadn’t been there she would be dead. What about her parents? The families of her friends? Those kids did nothing wrong and now they’re dead.”
“Jasmine—”
She held up her hand. “Do not tell me what you can or cannot do because of the circumstances of their birth. This is about decency. In my case, human decency. Because like it or not, I’m human, Silas. Just like those bodies that washed up on the shore, just like Lynda. You shoot us, we bleed and can bleed to death.”
She wouldn’t bleed to death but now wasn’t the time to mention her super healing abilities that weren’t human. Realizing she needed to get this out he nodded and remained quiet.
“I see that young lady in there and cry for her parents. Their child is forever changed. Who knows how long she’ll have nightmares over hearing her friends cry out or be afraid to leave the house? Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Yes. You’re going to make sure Lynda returns home safe.”
She stared at him and he realized that hadn’t been what she meant and inwardly cursed. “Or you feel for her because as a mother you know the pain her parents will feel,” he backpedaled.
“Both,” she said with a gleam of determination in her gaze. “I hadn’t really thought of how she would get home. What if this guy has people searching for her? If she testified he’d go to jail or prison. Yes, he would be locked away for a long time. Plus, she’s American, that means something.”
Silas couldn’t directly be involved but Jasmine had proven to him and everyone else she would do what she believed was right. Based on what Angus said, he agreed with her. This guy was bad news and probably wouldn’t stop until he killed the young woman. His mate had stopped crying and was talking to him, for that he would make sure she did whatever she wanted.
“When do you want Hawke to send the plane? It’ll take her home, her parents can meet her at the airport,” he said.
“Angus has to scan her and verify her story,” she said.
Silas checked with Angus. “He has and she was telling the truth. You didn’t mention they shot at you.” He tugged her closer and looked her over as red hot anger rolled through him. If he had known he would’ve broken the old man’s neck or allowed Angus to terminate him.
“I never left from behind the shield. Shyla picked her up and carried her here,” she said pushing his shoulder.
He didn’t release her. “Good.”
“When she wakes I’ll have her call her parents and we can make arrangements then,” she said sounding more like herself.
Unwilling to be separated a moment longer, he pulled her close and held her tight. “I want to kick my own ass for upsetting you. Be patient with me. I promise to work on that problem I have. Now that humans live in the Compound, I’ll spend more time around them and get used to the way they think and act.”
She snorted and pushed at his chest.
He held fast.
“They are not humans like Lynda and you know it. They’ve lived almost as long as Hawke.”
“True but at the risk of upsetting you again, I have to say neither are you. Yes, you’re human but you’re not the same as Lynda either,” he said.
Shyla tapped on the door. “Mistress, Lynda is awake and asking for you.”
Jasmine moved around him, looked at the broken door and shook her head as she left the room.
CHAPTER SEVEN
ESTEVAN CORTES WAS dying. The inoperable brain tumor took more and more of his life and humanity every day. He sat in the chair in his bedroom looking out the window over the courtyard of his home. Sentries and special guards patrolled the grounds and shipments. It always pleased him to see his people working to make life better for everyone. He stared in the distance at the forests. When he was younger and rising in the ranks, he led several groups and moved drugs through the Darien Pass. Back then it was easy, no one stopped them or cared if someone went missing.
They had ruled the world.
Then those fools kidnapped the missionaries. He had instructed them that you never take those with religion, things never went well. But Javier and his men didn’t listen and killed the Minister and the others.
Estevan released a long sigh. Things were never the same after that. He missed the thrill of using the Darien National Forest to smuggle drugs. Now Senafront, the relatively new Panamanian Border Police, tenaciously patrolled the area curtailing their overt activity. Estevan had lost several thousand kilos of product and men to Senafront since they patrolled the border between Columbia and Panama. It took more resources and cunning these days to remain profitable.
As a member of a group of Columbian businessmen with similar interests and products, he didn’t have the luxury of living in the past. There was always product to be harvested, shipments to be made, and money to collect. It no longer gave him the same satisfaction as it had before. Living in the shadows with millions of dollars wasn’t much of a life. His twin, Enrique, had warned him when they were much younger that the wealth accompanying this path was an illusion and in the end, would rob him. How old had they been? Nineteen? Twenty? He couldn’t recall exactly but it seemed eons ago.
Approaching the sunset of his life, he realized Enrique had been right. Estevan had no wife or children to comfort him at this juncture in his journey. His twin refused to visit or allow his children to have anything to do with their Tio Estevan. With their parent’s death, that left his younger sister Amelia as his only blood kin.
He sighed. Amelia, bright, sweet, and loving had married a good man, Rafe, who adored her. As the only girl, Amelia had wanted a large family with a houseful of babies but only carried one to term. Despite the many miscarriages, she remained relatively happy and allowed Estevan to visit whenever he had time.
Years ago, Enrique implored him not to draw attention to their sister and her family. His twin had been afraid an enemy might kidnap Amelia or her son. It was a valid concern, so Estevan didn’t visit while building his enterprise and only reconnected to his sister within t
he past 10 years.
According to his doctor, time was running out. He had amassed all of this... for what? For who? He had no one to pass it along to. He wasn’t angry over the path he chose, he loved winning and using his wits to beat the odds. No, what bothered him was that he had been forced to make decisions based on someone else’s moral compass.
“Tio? How are you feeling?” Jandro his nephew asked as he handed him a cup of steaming cafe, reminding him of the situation on the beach this morning. Those men were fast, strong. He could certainly use men of their caliber in his army. Unfortunately, it was obvious they were leaders and wouldn’t follow anyone.
“Better. How is Leo?” He doubted the man would survive the night. Another good Lieutenant lost.
“He didn’t make it,” Jandro said as he took a seat nearby and flicked the leaf of the plant his mom had sent.
Estevan stared fondly at the budding red and white flowers before moving close and inhaling deeply. “Smells wonderful, eases my mind.” He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply again while searching to feel something, anything over the loss of a trusted servant.
“I will be leaving later today when Mom comes,” Jandro said watching his uncle.
Estevan’s head throbbed. “I talked to her last night and am aware she comes for you. I am sad you cannot stay the full two weeks as promised. I have no family here, no one of my blood to pass anything on to.” He pointed to the courtyard. “I had hoped you would be interested....”
“I am joining father’s law firm, you know that,” Jandro said quickly making it clear that he wanted nothing to do with the business.
Jandro’s rejection hit hard, fast, and cut deep. There was no way not to take it personally. Was he to die alone? With no family? Would anyone mourn his death?
Weary of fighting for understanding and affection from those who should give it freely, Estevan nodded. “Si. I know. Still, an old man hopes.” He tried to smile and failed. “Rafe is a good attorney, good father to you, and good husband to Amelia.” Rafe loved his wife and anyone who remained in their presence for any length of time recognized that.
Estevan’s world was shrinking just as his body shrank to accommodate the tumor robbing him of vital resources and life. Surrounded by servants and staff, his immediate future was dim.
“Yes he is. Will you come to their 30th anniversary party next month?” Jandro asked.
“Si. I have been invited and told Amelia I would come. What should I get for them? They have everything.” He looked at Jandro and his throat tightened at the sight of the tall, healthy, handsome, and smart young man. Who wouldn’t be proud to have a son like him? Indeed, Amelia and Rafe had everything already.
“She loves jewelry, that’s what she told me to get her. When I go shopping if I see something I think she’d like, I’ll let you know,” Jandro said with a smile. “A trip to the States would be nice too.”
“Are you saying that for your parents or is that what you’d like for your law school graduation gift?” Estevan asked with a slight smile. Jandro could have anything he wanted. Secretly, Estevan left everything to his nephew in his will.
“New York is calling my name,” Jandro said laughing. “Or New Orleans. I love the food there. Will you go with me, Tio? We would have a lot of fun.”
Sadly, Estevan doubted he would be well enough to make such a trip. Oh, how he wished he could. “Sounds like fun. I’d like that, let me know when you want to go, and we’ll make it happen.”
Jandro’s face lit with happiness. “Thanks, Tio.”
Estevan’s heart squeezed in regret. “Come go fishing with me one last time before you go.” Estevan stood slowly and watched his nephew search for a way out. “I insist, we won’t be more than two hours, plenty of time to get back before Amelia or Rafe arrive.” He didn’t wait, instead, he strode out the door calling for Carlos, his new Lieutenant.
“Sir?” Carlos, a tall, muscular man stood near the exit waiting for instructions.
“Have you done as I instructed?”
“Yes, Sir.”
Estevan turned and waved Jandro forward, come we go now.” The three of them headed outside and strode across the compound to the dock. He boarded the boat and headed to sea. As he hit the open waters he searched for the Polizia and smiled as he saw them turn toward the island that robbed him of his prize yesterday. They would search for the female and answer the mystery of why he could not cross the land.
CHAPTER EIGHT
THE NEXT MORNING JASMINE woke early and left the main house. Heading for the cottage, she held a tray with several pastries, raw bacon and eggs to prepare breakfast for Lynda and herself.
Last night, she and Silas came to an understanding. Jasmine realized Pack couldn’t directly become involved in human affairs and tried not to allow his callous disregard of two dead men bother her. It had been difficult, she tried to see it from his point of view and knew within the marrow of her bones, she would’ve rang the alarm had it been her on the shore. It wouldn’t have mattered to her if the bodies had been Pack, human, Chimera, or any type of life form. Knowing he could, had bothered her to the point they stayed up late last night discussing core values.
In the end, they agreed to remain true to each other and themselves. Code: she would do what she felt was necessary and so would he. Since she wasn’t Pack and under the Goddess’ direct edict, she planned to do everything within her power to help Lynda return safely to the States without involving Pack. That might be tricky. While Silas wouldn’t interfere with humans, he refused to allow her to leave the island and head to the airport with Lynda which was her first suggestion. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust her to take care of herself, he knew that she could flatten any opposition. Which was the problem. Her abilities weren’t normal and they couldn’t risk exposure, not even to help Lynda.
She entered the house. “Good morning.”
“Morning?” the hoarse whisper said. “Where? What?”
Jasmine placed the tray down on the granite counter in the kitchen and headed to the bedroom. Lynda sat up in the bed looking around. She stared at Jasmine a few moments and then visibly relaxed. “You were on the beach and brought me here.” She frowned. “They didn’t find us? How is that... never mind. I don’t care. Thank you. Thank you for saving my life.” She looked around again. “I thought... no I prayed it was a nightmare, a bad dream. Hoped I’d wake up at home. But my bedroom’s not this nice.” She offered a weak smile, took a deep breath and met Jasmine’s gaze. “So it really happened? We... we were kidnapped and hunted.” She closed her eyes and shook her head. “It sounds so awful but if I don’t say it, I won’t accept it. I’ll water it down to something nice, sanitized and there was nothing nice or sanitized about what happened. I don’t want to ever forget there are people like that in the world.”
Jasmine nodded slowly but didn’t say anything.
Tears rolled down Lynda’s cheek. She wiped them away with the back of her hand. “I don’t know what to do,” she whispered. “Are they looking for me? Will that horrible man follow me back to the States?” Her eyes rounded as she looked at Jasmine. “They have my backpack with my passport, wallet, driver’s license, credit cards... everything. They can find me.”
“That’s a possibility but since you didn’t see them, you can’t identify them,” Jasmine said at a loss. “Right now we both need food and then we’ll think better. Go and shower, I’ll leave this caftan for you on the bed and then come out front to eat.” She left before Lynda could say anything else.
When the shower turned on, Jasmine placed the bacon on the griddle and started the coffee maker for Silas. He would be over once he realized she wasn’t in bed. Lynda couldn’t positively identify whoever killed her friends and had only seen the old man at a distance while running away. Would that make a difference to the killers? Would they be willing to let her go or would they send someone to the States to find her? It was something to consider.
“Jasmine?”
“I�
�m at the cottage with Lynda,” she said.
“I’m on the beach with Angus. Two bodies washed ashore and the police are here. They received a call that we’ve been shooting at people who trespass on our island and killed several people.”
“What?” She held onto the counter and stared at the door. “Who?”
“My guess is the old man who shot your friend wasn’t too happy about not accessing the island. There’s a full-blood among them. He says the guy who called it in is bad news. Estevan Cortes. He wasn’t surprised to hear Estevan used humans for target practice, however, Cortes owns the police chief and demanded they check out the island.”
“Owns the police?” She flipped the bacon and sat heavily in the chair.
“Yeah, which is why he cannot stop them from this investigation. Seems like we’re going to have company. What do you want to do with Lynda?”
“What do you mean?” She heard the shower and turned off the stove.
“They were told we held a young woman hostage, showed me her driver’s license. It’s your friend. He sent them to take her.”
“No.”
“What do you want me to do?” He sounded weary.
“How many are there?”
“Six.”
“We’ll go for a walk, stay ahead of them.”
He didn’t say anything for a few moments. “They mentioned two women, what do I tell them when they don’t see two?”
“You said there were six men and one of them is a full-blood?”
“Yes.”
“Tell them whatever you want, if they come after us, I won’t let them take her to be killed, you know that,” she said with finality.
“Jasmine.”
“Silas,” she snapped. “This is not a game. This is her life. They have all her documentation; do you know what that means? She’s not safe anywhere. Life as she knew it is over. And for what? Some guy gets his rocks off shooting at people. Well, Lynda may not be able to positively identify him, but I can. I saw him and the other guy when they jumped off the boat and ran toward us. I had Shyla take Lynda, so they probably didn’t get a good look at him, but I did.”