by Sydney Addae
Lucian and the others laughed allowing Angus a few more seconds to dig deep. If there was a connection between what happened here, and the BlackWolf Clan problems Silas needed to know.
Jasmine placed her hand on her hip and glared at Rafe. “You stole her life from her. Fortunately, she still has memories of her loving, indulgent, husband to rely on during the coming months and years. Hopefully, she’ll meet a real man to love and care for her.”
Angus continued holding Rafe.
“What?” Rafe glanced at Angus, shook his head and then looked at Jasmine. “Without Housman it won’t last. She’ll remember everything eventually.”
“Everything?” Lucian asked. “Including what happened to her husband?”
Rafe pulled forward, but Angus didn’t release him. “Just that he left and didn’t return.”
Lucian nodded. “Perfect. Can you let Barticus know there’s someone here for him to pick-up?” he asked Silas while taking Rafe’s other arm.
Angus stepped back and moved to stand near Silas.
“I’ll let him know right now.” Silas contacted Barticus with the news. “An extraction team will be here soon.” To Lucian, he said. “They’ll be here in about seven hours.”
Jasmine glared at a stooped over and pitiful looking Rafe. Gone was the arrogant man from a few minutes before. The combination of Jasmine’s punch and Angus use of the chameleon bracelet sapped a lot of Rafe’s energy.
Silas, Jasmine, and Angus stood to the side while Lucian’s men moved around the house gathering the equipment from the room Rafe had emerged from. There were several unopened boxes, laptops, notes, files, and devices removed and taken out through the back to the van Solo had driven.
“We’re going to destroy all of this,” Lucian told Silas. “I’d appreciate anything Hawke can tell us about the device you’re taking with you but the rest of this won’t ever be in circulation.
Silas nodded.
“Do we know if Rafe and Housman shared their knowledge with anyone else?” Jasmine asked Silas.
“Angus is telling me what he learned now, I’ll pull you into the conversation.”
“Someone covered their tracks fairly well. Rafe had two shielded memory bubbles. One was hidden which took longer to find. He’s not related to anyone in the Liege. His real name is Anthony James, a 49 year old, small time crook who broke into a house 12 years ago and his life changed. They planted the fake memory of Griffin at that time and sent him on odd jobs all over the world. He was speaking the truth about the anonymity; not once did he see a face or hear a voice without some form of distortion.”
“Is there a danger of him sharing information regarding the Nation with humans?” Jasmine asked.
“Working for whoever planted that memory, he’s already been exposed to other humans with knowledge of our secret,” Angus said.
“Which means, what?” Jasmine asked, her gaze flicking between Silas and Angus.
“This guy isn’t going to talk. The others? They’re working behind the scenes to capitalize off old technology.” Silas held up his hands when Jasmine started to speak. “When we return to the Compound, Hawke will give Angus and Shyla a shot so that the waves from a device like that one will never impact them again. For those without someone like Hawke, this kind of thing can do some damage. But it’s temporary.”
“Silas, a moment of paralysis is all it takes to kill someone,” Jasmine said seriously. “Don’t discount this threat. Whoever sent Rafe or whatever his name is, knew Lucian was new and a BlackWolf. With the problems the Clan is experiencing this could be related to Alpha Nikolas’ legacy. Someone’s watching and getting in the mix. The question is why? And why now?”
“Those are important questions,” Angus agreed. “Plus, Rafe had two memory bubbles. The first one with his real identity was several years old. This isn’t a startup operation. They layered the newer memory of Rafe for this specific assignment which is a new level of sophistication. Coupled with the BlackWolf problems and Lucian’s lineage, I don’t see how we can’t investigate this further.”
Silas took a deep breath. “How does this information help Razor and Storm?”
No one spoke for a few moments. “There’s a connection,” Jasmine said. “I’m not sure what it is yet, but I think it’s all connected. The timing and Lucian’s pedigree.” She shook her head. “I can’t see it clearly right now.”
“What do you suggest I do with the information Angus received from Rafe?” Silas asked her.
“Try and get ahead of this thing. Have Barticus pick up the names Angus did get and bring them in for questioning. Between him and Amynta, they’ll be able to learn what’s going on,” she suggested.
“If Barticus permits, I’ll go and interview them,” Angus offered. “They may present a threat to Pack and Clan if they’re beefing up the Liege’s equipment.”
Silas said. “Once we return to the Compound I’ll talk to Barticus. If we’re given a choice, I’d prefer for you and Asia to go check out the places and names. We’ll keep our suspicions regarding a connection to the BlackWolf problem to ourselves for now until we know more.”
Angus nodded. “I’ll be outside with Shyla and the others. Let me know when it’s safe for them to come back inside.”
“They messed with his mind, Silas. It’s a gray area. How can he be guilty of crimes when they’ve placed fake memories and instructions in his mind?” Jasmine looked worried.
“You’re right and I don’t know the answer to that. Asia and Leo and several others experienced mind tampering and survived—”
“Because of you. You were able to go in and fix things, but this... for them to do something like this with humans, that’s not good. Not at all. Is Angus sure that’s not the real assignment? Testing humans with those memory bubbles?”
Silas stared down at her for a few moments while talking to his brother. “He didn’t see anything that dealt with that.”
“Would he? Asia didn’t know about the fake memory either. They were gathering information on how well she functioned around people, how she carried out her assignments, her ability to take punishment and heal. What if that’s what’s going on here?”
He didn’t have an answer.
“Think about it. Rafe was going to take over Estevan’s position. That would bring in a lot of money. Money for research or expansion. If they moved to this part of the world it would be hard to stop them,” she said, wide eyed.
Silas placed his hand on her shoulders to stop her. “If that’s what’s happening we’ll find out and work with Lucian to shut them down, alright? What you’re saying is making a lot of sense and we’ll address it after we’re home. Right now, we need to leave to catch our flight.”
Jasmine took a deep breath, looked around, and nodded. “Let’s get out of here.”
Amelia and Jandro walked inside with Shyla, Angus and one of the security guards behind them.
“It is safe to return inside?” Amelia asked looking around hesitantly.
Jasmine smiled. “Yes. Yes, yes of course.”
Jandro followed slower while looking around. When he reached the place he last saw his father, he looked down the hall. “Has he left?”
“Yes, he left with someone a few minutes ago,” Silas said.
Amelia exhaled, closed her eyes for a few moments, turned and smiled at them. She moved to the buffet and picked up two items before facing them again. “Senor, Senorita, please take this as a token of my appreciation,” Amelia said, holding a small potted plant and a bottle of champagne. “I grow this plant in my garden, it is my prize.”
Silas took the plant while Angus took the champagne. “Gracias,” Silas said wondering if they had poisoned this plant the same as they had poisoned Estevan’s.
“De nada,” she said happily.
Silas placed his hand on the small of Jasmine’s back, guiding her to the exit. “We must leave to catch our flight.”
Jandro and his mother walked slowly behind them to the doo
r.
“If you ever need my services or assistance, I will help you all I can.” Jandro handed Angus and Silas his business card.
“Gracias,” Silas said again, reading the card. “Alvarez Law- Jandro Alvarez, Junior Partner.”
“Best of luck to you, Jandro,” Jasmine said waving good-bye as they left. They headed to the car. Security took the plant and bottle for disposal once they left the subdivision. No one spoke as they pulled out.
“Did you scan that plant?” Jasmine asked Silas.
“Yes. No devices but we’re still dumping it at the airport.”
A different guard was on the gate as they pulled up to leave. “What happened to the full-blood?” Angus asked Silas.
“Don’t know. This one’s human. I’ll check with Lucian.” Silas reached out to Lucian and asked him about the security guard.
“We’ve got him.” When Lucian didn’t say more, Silas let the matter drop. Some things were not spoken of outside Pack.
Silas told him about the gifts Amelia gave them. “We’ll be placing them in the trash at the airport.”
“You’re not taking them along with the device for Hawke to examine?” Lucian sounded surprised.
“No. Them wanting to kill me with a plant or poisoned champagne is no big deal. The device impacts all wolves, so we need to know how to counter it,” Silas said.
“True. Thanks for all of your help,” Lucian said.
“No problem, my friend.” Silas disconnected while wondering if Grandfather had said something to Lucian or not. The wily old man probably had.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
“Jandro told us that his uncle’s business associates had contacted him and his father. At the time he couldn’t find Rafe so the man sat down and interviewed him,” Shyla said once they pulled onto the main road.
“Really? What did they want?” Jasmine asked.
“Information and his opinion on what happened to his uncle. The police were questioning Cortes’ doctor and they learned about the brain tumor. Jandro was happy to know that was the reason his uncle acted so out of character,” Shyla continued.
“His mom didn’t fully understand what happened to Cortes but believes he’s in a good place now, no longer in pain.” Angus shrugged.
“Are they okay?” Jasmine asked. “We don’t have to look over our shoulders for them?”
“They asked Jandro if he thought his uncle was on the boat that exploded. He said yes and that his uncle had been confused a lot, shot at him, whipped the people, those kinds of things. The men who interviewed him were shocked, offered their condolences and left. He thinks the matter is closed.”
“What’ll they do about Rafe missing?” Jasmine asked.
“Amelia and Jandro will tell the truth, he was there, left and is now missing.” Shyla shrugged. “We’ve got nothing to do with that.”
“Jandro told me one of the men pulled him to the side, asked about what happened on the island. After he shared how we saved his life, he was told it was a shame his uncle’s illness progressed to the point he killed himself.” Angus shrugged. “They’re done with it.”
“Good.” Jasmine leaned back in her seat and looked out the window. “This was the most intense vacation I’ve ever had. I need a vacation to regroup from this vacation.”
Shyla and Angus laughed.
“Me too,” Shyla said.
“Whatever you want is fine with me,” Silas said, his thoughts already on Razor and Storm who weren’t getting better.
She covered his hand and squeezed. “I’m ready to go home.”
The twins surprised them and were onboard when they arrived at the private jet area to board their plane.
Hugs, kisses, and lots of smiles were passed around as they sat and prepared to take-off.
“One question,” Tyrone said. “Who put a hole in the island?”
Silas stretched out and inhaled. “That’s a long story.”
<<<<>>>>
THE FOLLOWING IS AN excerpt for BlackWolf Redemption
CHAPTER ONE
Silas and Jasmine walked through the tunnels after returning from their vacation, with concern and trepidation. Tyrone and Tyrese had shared the deterioration of Razor and Storm, along with Renee and Trista’s despair. Neither Silas nor Jasmine were aware of Renee’s suffering and walked at a fast clip to the holding area where Storm and Razor were locked down.
As the gates unlocked, Jasmine’s stomach clenched at the odor of unwashed bodies. She reached back and grabbed Silas’ hand as he came up behind her after sending Angus on an errand. The two of them continued through the next set of gates and the odor slammed into her.
“What’s going on, Silas? Why do they smell so bad?” She looked up at him.
“They’ve lost control of their beasts and are shifting back and forth,” he said as she stopped her. “Take a moment and acclimate yourself to the smell so that they don’t feel worse than they do now.”
She wrinkled her nose, inhaled a couple more times and released it slowly. “Okay.” Dread rolled around the pit of her belly as she prepared to see her child ensconced in filth or Storm hanging off the ceiling speaking gibberish.
“Clear your mind, Jasmine. None of that’s happening. You’ve never been around us when our beasts rule our human side. Storm and Razor will be more animal than human, that’s all. We can control their beasts, remember that and don’t become afraid. We smell fear. It can trigger their beasts to attack. I don’t want to kill them.” He looked down at her.
Jasmine stopped. “Maybe I shouldn’t go in. I can watch from the control room. If I see Storm or Razor out of control, I don’t know how I’ll react, Silas. I don’t want to make things worse.”
Staring at her, he cupped her cheeks in his palms and brushed his lips across hers. “You’re their Mistress, not only when things are good, but also in tough times like this. They need to see us both. Be accepted by us both. Understood by us both. Storm is family, our son. You won’t be afraid of him. Just look at him as you would David, Adam or the twins, see him as one of yours and you’ll be alright.”
She stared into his eyes, mulling over his encouraging words as she thought of Storm, Renee’s mate. In her mind’s eye she remembered the first time she met Storm. He had challenged Hawke over his previous Alpha’s death. During that time, he met Renee and her daughter was the happiest she has ever been. The love between Renee and Storm was complete in the way of mates. Storm fully submitted to Silas and served his Alpha with honor and dignity. It took Storm time to warm up to them as a family but he was hers and she loved him. He was her son as much as the others.
“You’re right.” Strengthened by his encouraging words, she straightened and nodded. “Thanks, I’m ready.”
He didn’t release her gaze immediately before continuing their short walk to the inner cages where Razor and Storm were being held. As they entered the room, Jasmine noticed Renee sitting in an easy chair in front of Storm’s cage, reading. She looked up and smiled. Tears welled in her eyes as she jumped up and ran into Jasmine’s arms.
“Mama, when did you and Daddy get home?” her words were muffled against Jasmine’s chest.
“Just now. We came straight here from the plane.” She held Renee back and stared into her red-rimmed eyes. “Baby, I’m so sorry. So sorry.” She pulled Renee close again, ignoring her mussed hair and splotchy skin and tart smell.
“Mama, it’s bad.”
Jasmine didn’t say anything else. She looked across the room at Thomas who stood in front of Silas, the leader of the Chimera, a group of humans who survived the Liege’s experiments with super-natural abilities. They had saved Jasmine’s life from a virus and moved their compound onto Pack lands at her insistence. She considered Thomas and the others family. Similar in height and width as Silas, over the past few months his straight, dark brown hair grew longer and brushed his wide shoulders. His bluish-gray gaze met hers in a welcoming smile.
“Ma’am,” Thomas said as he nodded a gree
ting. No doubt he and Silas had been talking since they entered the tunnels. Jasmine’s inability to link with anyone other than Silas and Asia prevented her from being a part of the conversation unless Silas opened their link so she could listen in.
“Thomas.” She smiled at him and looked to the side. “Noah. Thank you.”
Noah stood a few inches beneath Silas and Thomas’. His piercing gray eyes flicked to the cages and back at her as he ran his fingers through shoulder length hair and nodded. “Ma’am.”
Silas looked over his shoulder at Renee in her arms, took a deep breath and strode with Noah and Thomas to stand in front of the bars separating them from Razor and Storm.
Trista entered the room and ran to Jasmine. “You’re back.” She wrapped an arm around Jasmine’s waist without dislodging Renee who hadn’t moved. “I’m so happy you’re here. They said we couldn’t contact you while you were on vacation. I prayed you’d come home to help him. Help them,” she corrected.
“Trista.” Razor’s low growl skittered across Jasmine’s skin. She closed her eyes and counted to 10, ignoring the guttural sounds emanating from the man.
“Stop,” Silas commanded.
Razor fell to the floor weeping.
Jasmine’s heart clenched as she heard the piteous sounds.
“What’s happening to me, Alpha?” Razor whimpered.
Before Silas could speak, Storm hit the bars so hard they bowed before snapping back into place.
Renee screamed, turned, and buried her face against Jasmine again while weeping quietly. “When will this be over? He can’t keep doing this. Is there anything we can do?” Renee whispered.
“What has Alpha learned?” Trista asked. “I know he’s working on it, Razor told me.”
Throat tight. The reality of the situation was worse than Jasmine imagined. Storm’s body was locked in between his human and beast form, giving him a ghastly appearance. Although he stood on two legs, the legs were of his beast, bent in odd angles for a human and his arms were too long. He couldn’t fully close his mouth because of the length of his canines. Pointed wolf ears twitched as he struggled to rise from the floor.