by Sydney Addae
“The copter is here. It’s on the opposite side of the island,” Silas said.
Angus picked up Jandro as if he were an infant. They left the cottage and headed toward the copter with long strides. Both he and Angus wanted this over so they could enjoy the rest of the day with their mates.
Once they reached the copter, Silas noticed an older man with a slender build, salt and pepper hair, and a wide face waiting just outside the door. Tears filled his dark eyes as he watched Angus lay the young man in the back where medical personnel worked on him.
“Thank you,” the man said as he slipped in behind Jandro. Moments later the copter lifted and headed toward the mainland.
Silas and Angus jogged in the direction of the house which was on the other side of the island.
“You called me?”
Silas stopped, closed his eyes and released a breath.
Angus stopped as well, turned and stood next to Silas in the middle of a circle of trees. Grandfather walked from between the trees as if he were taking a leisurely stroll.
Rather than complain about the delay or the bad timing, Silas sought to recall the questions he had.
“Is there a way you can contact Alpha Nikolas and ask him about the particulars of the ritual?” Angus said as if asking someone to contact the dead was perfectly normal.
Grandfather stared unblinking at him for several moments. “No.”
“Wasn’t sure, we have some questions regarding what Nikolas passed on to his seed,” Angus said unperturbed by the older man’s glare.
“You said you had questions?” Grandfather turned to face Silas.
“I do. What happened to Nikolas’ other pups? His litters. Are they living?”
Grandfather frowned and rubbed his chin. “I... I do not know if any still live. There were at least 20, not all at once. A few died before my birth. Some left on pilgrimages to find their fortunes or destiny. Others moved away to start Packs in distant lands or were killed in challenges or hunts. Do you think that’s important?”
“Yes, it’s all important,” Silas said. “Were any of Nikolas’ pups living when you were chosen to assist the Goddess in saving wolves?”
“Why do you ask? You don’t think I should’ve been Alpha?” Grandfather’s nostrils flared and his eyes flashed green fire.
“Goddess save us from temperamental old men,” Silas told Angus. “No. I’m looking for patterns. Can you just answer the question?” he asked Grandfather.
“There may have been one or another still alive at that time. I assure you I won the Alpha challenge and took good care of our Pack,” Grandfather said in a hard, deliberate tone.
“Look, this isn’t about you personally, so work with us here,” Angus said.
“What happened to the other BlackWolf Clans? Those not related to Alpha Nikolas?” Silas asked before Grandfather got wound up.
“What do you mean what happened to them?” Grandfather said frowning.
“Just what I said. Did they die of natural causes? Were they hit by a plague? Or did someone specifically target them?” Silas asked.
Grandfather stared at him a few moments without blinking as the green in his gaze cooled. “I don’t know. But that’s a good question to ask the Goddess. She would know the answer to that. Hopefully, She’ll share the information.” He walked in a small tight circle with his eyes closed. “Our people died from what appeared to be natural causes or accidents. No murders, nothing like that. Nothing that obvious. What if... it’s possible,” he said just above a whisper. “One line survived from the others. And there were others.”
Silas didn’t want a prolonged conversation and glanced at the sun to gauge the time. He wanted to spend the day with Jasmine. “I think it’s important to know how they died. If there’s been a covert plot for centuries to eliminate all BlackWolves, we need to know because they’ve been successful so far. Now our line, the last line of BlackWolves is under attack. I don’t believe in coincidences. There’s more at work here than bad dreams and erratic behavior.”
“I agree,” Angus said. “There was a reason Nikolas had a ritual performed to protect his line. It’s highly probable, that one action on his part is the reason we’re alive today. It’s important to know what was said and how to fix whatever is broken.”
Grandfather didn’t say anything for several moments. Then he nodded. “What you’re saying makes a lot of sense. It was a blind spot, something I hadn’t added into the equation which makes other smaller things relevant. Thank you for that. There are strings I can pull, areas I can search for information—”
“One other thing,” Silas said, earning a frown for the interruption. “This isn’t a good time for challenges, not to the death challenges. There’s something making us more aggressive and that’s not a good thing at any time. I’d advise everyone to remain calm for now and leave the challenges until we understand what’s at the core of the ritual.”
For several moments Grandfather stared silently at the ground. “What if that is the core of the ritual? What if there can only be one Alpha? One BlackWolf Alpha for all?”
Silas frowned. “That’s not possible.”
“Why do you say that?” Grandfather asked him.
Silas said the first thing that came to mind. “Because Fekete Farkas mandates one of Nikolas’ seed will always be Alpha to ensure his legacy continues.”
Grandfather stared at him. “Every living BlackWolf meets that criteria.”
“Do you think that was deliberate?” Silas asked to step away from the One BlackWolf Alpha conversation. That was the last thing he wanted to discuss.
Grandfather appeared to consider the question. “It’s possible. I hadn’t thought about it before but now... now that I think about it in light of your other questions, it’s possible.”
Silas exhaled. “I hope not but we need to explore all avenues.” He avoided Grandfather’s stare and looked at Angus. “That’s all the questions I had, can you think of anything else?” Silas wanted this conversation over and done with.
“Not right now. It’ll be interesting to learn more about our Clan and our enemies. Someone played fast and loose with either Nikolas or his Mage,” Angus said as he moved along with Silas in the direction of the house.
Grandfather remained in the same spot watching them. “I will contact you when I learn more.”
They looked over their shoulders at him but he had disappeared.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
JASMINE STRODE ONTO the patio in her bathing suit and placed the tray with drinks and snacks on the table in front of Silas. He picked up the pitcher of sweet tea poured a glass for both of them and gave one to her. Angus and Shyla were still in the pool playing and laughing, something the four of them had been doing for the past three hours.
The sunny day was perfect for lying around doing nothing. Leaning back in her chair she placed her legs across Silas’ lap as she sipped her drink. “I’ll put those tuna steaks on the grill once the sun sets.”
He nodded, emptied his glass and poured another. “Sounds good. I’ll munch on these.” He picked up a danish and popped it into his mouth. “Dunk him again, Shyla, he needs a good cooling off!” he yelled and then laughed when Angus went beneath the water again.
Jasmine smiled as she watched their antics. Silas and Angus had played water games like Olympic champions, neither liked losing. In the end, she and Shyla called every game a draw which their men hotly protested. But it was true, in the water, without using additional gifts, they were evenly matched.
“Wonder if all your litter-mates were as competitive as you two,” she said not thinking much of it. She and Renee hadn’t been that way. For the most part they had always been different. Renee’s personality had been linear, she went after what she wanted and didn’t see the forest for the trees. If a person wasn’t a part of, or had knowledge of the solution she sought, they were ignored. Jasmine enjoyed the journey which meant it often took her longer to reach her goals because she got dist
racted by shiny new things. With such different personalities and a genuine love for each other, she and her sister never competed for anything.
“I... don’t know,” he said in a somber tone which made her look at him. “It’s a good question. One of the things I’d hoped to do this week was learn about my past.” He looked at Angus whose lips was locked onto his mate’s mouth.
He faced her. “I’d like both of us to learn about it together. I want to remember my mam and sire. Their names were Declan and Merle.” The corner of his mouth curved upward. “Can you believe I didn’t remember that? Nor my pup, Elyria?”
He released a long sigh and rubbed her leg. “I don’t want to become bitter. At times I understand why I was robbed of my memories, other times... I’m angry, confused. Why erase all of it? I didn’t even recognize my brother. Didn’t realize the hole that had been in that spot until he found me and filled it.”
Uncertain what to say, Jasmine placed her hand over his and squeezed.
“Part of me is afraid. Afraid that knowing will change me in some way. It’s irrational, I know but it’s there none the less.” He looked at Angus who held Shyla high above his head smiling at her. “It’s a miracle he doesn’t hate me.”
“What?” She pinched him to get his attention when he didn’t immediately respond. “Why would you say or think that?” She had no idea he ever thought along those lines.
“We had a conversation with Grandfather on the way home.” He told her of the questions he asked and the old man’s response. “The same question could be asked of me. Why was I chosen?”
“Because you cared for a Pack that wasn’t yours for no other reason than it needed to be done,” Jasmine said remembering the Goddess’ explanation when Silas learned his memory had been wiped.
He waved away her explanation. “Angus or any number of wolves would’ve done the same. I was taken, and the others left. They suffered, Jasmine. I wasn’t there to help and they all died.”
She widened her gaze. “So, you’re the reason everyone died? Their fighting challenges didn’t have anything to do with it? Sometimes you meet a person who’s better than you and you lose. That’s what happened to the others, Silas. Stop and turn off this road of self-reflection. It’s not showing a real picture.”
He stared at her a few moments and nodded slowly. When he stopped talking she wanted to kick herself. Why couldn’t she have simply listened, let him get it all out? Rarely did he talk about his doubts or fears. Although it bothered her to hear him or anyone put him down, this wasn’t about her. This was all about Silas.
She had to make it right.
Angus and Shyla were looking at each other in that way of lovers with plans of being horizontal within the next five minutes. Shyla would have to forgive her for interrupting their afternoon delight session.
“Angus, I just asked Silas about your litter-mates, were they as competitive as you and him?” She added a smile but fully expected an answer.
“Oh yeah. I think it’s in the blood,” Angus said grinning with one arm wrapped around his mate while meeting Jasmine’s gaze.
“What were their names?” Jasmine asked.
Angus’ smile slipped but didn’t completely dim as his arm loosened slightly. “Nosh and Ikan. They... they were always training. After mam and sire died, we lived with Alpha.” He looked at Silas for a brief moment. “Before that we didn’t train as hard, mam said there was plenty of time.”
“Tell me about her,” Jasmine said. Sensing her mate’s sadness, she rubbed his hand.
Shyla pulled out a chair, poured a glass of tea and gave it to Angus as he sat next to her. He took a large swallow, closed his eyes and took another drink. “Mam... she was a little shorter than you, wore her hair short, athletic, most of the Bitches were back then. She enjoyed her brew and always kept a wee barrel in the house.” He chuckled. “She would barter the brew for things for us. Leather and furs for shoes, clothing.” He took a deep breath. “She loved to sing, sounded worse than a braying horse but that never stopped her.”
They laughed along with him. She noticed Silas’ gaze locked with hunger for more information onto his brother. The more Angus talked, the more the conversation was directed to Silas.
“There was this lake where everyone went for water.” He would pause and watch Silas for recognition and then go on. He talked about the games they played in the water running in the shallow end. Their father Declan, tall, muscular, with black hair and green eyes, had been the best hunter in the Pack, often bringing in the biggest kills to the Alpha.
“When we were older, around six summers, mam hunted with him. It was their alone time I guess. Back then there was always something to do and there were four of us. We played together and were never alone,” Angus said.
Silas unclenched his fist and placed his hand on Angus’ shoulder causing him to look at him. “I would give a lot to remember those times with you and the others. Lately, I’ve grieved my missing childhood. I want to remember Mam.”
The pain in his voice broke Jasmine’s heart. She went to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, while Shyla did the same to Angus.
“Thank you for saying that,” Angus said, his voice broken. “So many days I wondered if you ever thought of us or remembered. There was a time I blamed myself for you not returning to our den. When I visited this country and you never said anything or acknowledged me, I thought you blamed me for something... I don’t know why, but I believed I must have done something for you to not want to be with me when I missed you with everything inside me.”
Shyla rocked Angus and placed kisses on his face.
“No... No, that’s not what happened at all.” The words were torn from Silas’ throat as tears formed in his eyes. “I swear to you I never blamed you. There’s a part of me that blames myself for forgetting. No matter what the Goddess did I should’ve remembered. I should’ve remembered you, I needed you and the others. So many nights in this new world I was alone and afraid, I needed my den, my litter-mates...” he said holding out his hand toward Angus. “Believe me, a part of me searched the faces of everyone I met hoping to find the connection you and I share. It never happened and I was incomplete.”
Angus clasped his hand tight. “I should’ve come to you right away once I found you. I’m so sorry I didn’t.”
The two grieved as they held onto each other, the last of their father’s house.
Jasmine caught echoes of what the two men said through their link and backed all the way out of their private reconciliation. Some things couldn’t be glossed over and even though Silas and Angus were close with solid relationships, their underlying pain had festered.
She wiped the tears from her eyes with the back of her hand but continued holding him. If he wanted to run, hop, and skip down memory lane all day, that’s what they would do.
Silas pushed to his feet and pulled Angus into an embrace. “Blood calls to blood. You’re my flesh and I promise I’ll always be here for you. Thank you for forgiving me and sharing our history.”
Angus returned his embrace. “Brother. I missed you when you left, a part of me died, but I knew you were alive. I had no choice other than to look for you. Thanks for forgiving me for waiting to contact you. I could’ve eased your loneliness. We’ll always be connected, always. I didn’t know the Goddess had interfered, once I learned that, it eased the hurt I’d felt for decades. No apologies on that score. I’m glad to serve you and the Pack. It means everything to me to work alongside you. Blood calls to blood.”
“I want Jasmine to hear you speak of our history and our pups. It’s important we all know of Declan, Merle, Nosh and Ikan and what happened to them,” Silas said stepping back and meeting Angus’ glassy eyed gaze.
“I will share as I remember.” He grinned. “As pups, we lived a carefree life full of fun with parents who loved and doted on us. We had everything we needed and enough to share. Life had been good.”
Silas took Jasmine’s hand as he returned t
o his chair. “How were things when we moved into the Alpha’s den? Did they change a lot?” He turned Jasmine’s hand over and kissed the back of it while waiting for an answer.
“Alpha had his own litter. Three bitches and two males. Grialy and Vehik.” He frowned. “Yes, I believe that were their names. At first it was good. We all got along. I think one of the bitches had an eye for Nosh but can’t recall. Anyway, as time went on we learned quickly Alpha ran his den differently than Sire. He enforced competition. Before, we competed against each other, but it was no big deal, all fun, litter-mate rivalry.” He took a deep breath and released it slowly. “Alpha made it a big deal. Which pit his den against Sire’s den. You know where I’m going with this, right?”
“Is that why I left? Goddess said I was in Romania shepherding a Pack during the winter. I have no idea why I’d be in such a place or how I got there,” Silas said.
“Once we realized there was a punishment for losing, we took everything more seriously and didn’t lose. To anyone. Things became tense in Alpha’s den because he berated Grialy and Vehik constantly for not winning against us. It wasn’t right or fair but things were different back then,” Angus said.
“No wonder you left. I’d have left that toxic environment too,” Jasmine said.
Silas frowned. “Toxic? What do you mean?”
“Pitting you against each other,” she said.
He looked at her. “That’s how we train and get better. Rese and Rone train with each other, it’s a part of it.”
“But you don’t put them down when they don’t do a good job or if they lose,” she argued.
“Because they don’t lose,” he said. “I’m not sure you understand what Angus is saying. Living with Alpha was uncomfortable when we were young because we weren’t accustomed to the way he ran his den. But were we upset over the challenges? The fighting?” he asked Angus.