by Cheree Alsop
Alex swallowed the lump in his throat. “Okay, it’s exactly what it looks like.” He touched Siale’s shoulder. “But it didn’t mean anything to me.”
She bowed her head. “Nothing at all?”
“Nothing,” Alex replied.
“How am I supposed to believe that?” Siale asked quietly. “You liked her before you met me. That much is obvious. What if me coming here was a mistake? What if I—”
Alex tipped her chin up and kissed her. She hesitated for a moment, then kissed him back with a fierceness that surprised him. It chased away the feeling of Kalia’s kiss and replaced it with completeness. With a kiss like that, there was no doubt in Alex’s mind where Siale stood. He could tell by the small sigh that left her that she felt the same way.
“You’re my Alex,” she said, drawing back to look up at him. “I’m not going to share you with anyone.”
Her words filled him with such warmth he could barely speak. “I like that,” he replied softly.
“You better.”
They both turned at the sound of Jericho’s voice. The entire Pack Jericho stood at the end of the hallway watching them.
“You okay, Siale?” Jericho asked.
“Yes,” she replied with a small laugh. She leaned against Alex and he held her tight. “I’m just fine.”
Jericho met Alex’s gaze and nodded. Alex gave a smile in return. The Alpha pushed his pack mates back into their quarters. “Let’s give them some space,” Alex heard Jericho say.
Alex looped his fingers through Siale’s hair as she leaned against his side. “You’re my one, Siale.”
“You’re my one, Alex,” she replied.
The smile he heard in her voice made his heart skip a beat. She set a hand on his chest.
“You need to take care of that.”
He shrugged. “I can’t help it if being so close to you makes my heartbeat uneven. You have that effect on me.”
She looked up at him. “You deserve love, Alex.”
He smiled down at her. “I want only you.” He covered her mouth with his and smiled when she returned the kiss.
“I don’t want to leave,” Siale said when Alex leaned back.
As much as Alex wanted her to stay, he admitted the truth. “Your dad would kill me if you skip the holiday break to stay here.”
She sighed. “I know. Telling him I have a boyfriend is going to be hard enough.” Her eyes danced. “And telling him it’s you is going to be even more difficult.”
Alex pretended to be offended. “Red likes me.”
“Yeah,” she replied. “Until I tell him you kissed his daughter.”
“If he kills me, you can tell him it was still worth it.”
“Don’t worry,” Siale said with a warm smile. “I will.”
Alex held her close, dreading the morning when she would leave on the school bus out of his life for the next two weeks.
“My life won’t be worth living until you return,” Alex told her.
“Mine, neither. Maybe I can get Dad to send me back early.”
The thought cheered Alex immensely. “That would be great.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” Siale promised.
Alex rested his chin on her head as she held him, her hand still over his heart and the fingers of her other hand tracing patterns on his palm.
Chapter Twenty-one
“We’ve found another of the General’s warehouses,” Jaze said, addressing the small group of werewolves that made up Alex’s pack while the Termers were gone.
“Is it full of dead werewolves?” Trent asked with a shudder.
“We’re hoping we found it soon enough to rescue at least a few,” Jaze replied. It was clear the dean didn’t relish the thought of another warehouse of bodies.
Terith spoke up next. “How soon are we heading out?”
Jaze tipped his head at Brock.
“Five minutes,” Brock replied. “Mouse is getting the chopper ready.”
“Great,” Kalia muttered. “Death by chopper.”
“Don’t worry,” Terith told her with a grin. “Trent won’t be flying.”
“I didn’t do that bad,” Trent argued.
“I’m not getting in a helicopter if he’s flying,” Torin said.
“I’m not flying it!” Trent replied, exasperated.
Terith and Cassie burst into laughter.
“Mouse will be flying,” Alex told the Alpha.
Torin wandered past to look at the array of weapons Brock’s cousin Caden had set out.
“Alex, why is he here?” Trent asked in an undertone.
Alex pushed down the feeling of trepidation that was rising in his chest. “Jaze said we needed help. The GPA will be at the warehouse, but the Black Team is occupied somewhere else. The more werewolves we have checking for those who might still be alive, the better.”
“I think it’s a bad idea,” Trent replied.
Alex agreed, but didn’t say so. He strapped on his bulletproof vest and picked up his gun. The Glock felt comfortable in his hand, cold, simple, and deadly accurate. He checked the cartridge and slid several more into the pouch on his belt.
“They trust you with that?” Torin asked with doubt heavy in his voice.
“He’s saved hundreds of lives,” Trent replied defensively.
Torin’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Guess I should stick near you then.”
“Hundreds?” Alex whispered as they made their way to the helicopter.
Trent shrugged with a hint of red in his cheeks. “I might have exaggerated a bit.”
Alex stared out the window as they lifted into the air. He barely heard Torin’s exclamation of surprise when the ceiling of the cavern split. Alex’s thoughts were on Siale, what she was doing, if she missed him. Watching her ride away in the school bus loaded with Termers had been harder than he had expected. He felt like half of him was missing, like his thoughts were muted and even the colors of the snow-bathed forest floor below were faded and washed out.
“You look like you’re not feeling well.”
Alex glanced up to find Kalia watching him.
“I think I just...” He hesitated, and went with, “I’m not feeling like myself right now.”
“Maybe you should stay at the Academy?” The concern in her voice was unmistakable.
Alex shook his head. “I’d rather help free werewolves. I’ll be fine.”
She gave him an unconvinced look before turning away.
They landed at the private airfield and boarded Jaze’s jet. Alex was grateful they didn’t have to use the regular airport. He couldn’t imagine trying to get all of the weapons past security.
“This is sweet,” Torin exclaimed. He fell into one of the plush chairs. “I could travel like this every day. Hey, Dean, any chance we can take a trip to the Caribbean? I’m dying to get away from this snow.”
“Let’s focus on the warehouse first,” Jaze replied. “Your vacation plans will have to wait.”
Torin chuckled and reclined his chair. “It was worth a try.”
“You remember we’re trying to save lives, right?” Kalia asked, taking a seat across from Torin and buckling her seatbelt. Her face was a bit pale. Alex knew she hated flying. Going from the helicopter to the jet no doubt pushed her comfort limits.
“I’m sure they’ll be grateful,” Torin replied. “But not as grateful as I’d be digging my toes into the sand of a perfect white beach.” He met her gaze. “I could teach you how to snorkel.” He moved his eyebrows up and down invitingly.
“Where did you learn how to snorkel?” Kalia asked dryly.
Torin shrugged. “Nowhere. I’m just naturally good at everything. You could learn a lot from me if you wanted to.”
Kalia gave a snort of disgust and turned to stare out the window.
Alex had taken the seat behind Torin. He watched Kalia’s hands tighten on the armrests as the jet picked up speed.
“Uh, Kalia?”
She looked back at h
im. Her fear of flying was bright in her eyes.
“Maybe snorkeling wouldn’t be so bad,” Alex said.
Torin nodded. “See?” He gave Alex a grateful smile. “I think you’d like fish.”
“To chase or eat?” Kalia asked. Alex didn’t know if it was to avoid looking out the window that made her humor them, but he figured the fact that she was actually speaking to Torin without the note of disgust in her voice was a good sign.
“I’m guessing a fresh-caught halibut would make a fine meal. It wouldn’t be that hard to make. I could fry it up over an open fire; tell you stories as we listen to the waves. It would be a very romantic evening,” Torin said.
Kalia actually gave a small laugh. “And you would do all of that for me?”
“I was planning to eat the halibut,” Torin replied. “But you’d be welcome to a bite or two.”
Kalia rolled her eyes and sat back in her seat. “You are a gentleman.”
“I know,” Torin told her. “That’s why the ladies love me.”
“What ladies?” Tennison asked from the next seat up as though he couldn’t stop himself.
Cassie nudged him with her elbow.
“Your lady, for one,” Torin said.
Cassie’s smile erased completely. “I have no interest in you, Torin,” she replied tersely.
“You keep telling yourself that,” Torin told her with a wink.
“Idiot,” Kalia muttered. She crossed her arms and looked out the window. When she saw that they were already well on their way, she looked back at Alex. He could tell by her expression that she knew he had used Torin to distract her.
“Thank you,” she mouthed.
He shrugged in reply and sat back with a smile.
Jaze came back from the cockpit. “The GPA reports that the warehouse has a few signs of life, but they haven’t seen any Extremists. If we’re careful, we can get in and out without any problems.” He nodded at Tennison. “Tennison, you’ll take Terith, Cassie, and Trent on a northwest sweep. Alex, take Torin and Kalia to the southeast. Chet and Kaynan’s teams are already there. They’ll take the roof and basement. We’ll meet in the middle. I want everyone to stick to their groups.” He speared Alex with a look that said he expected strict obedience. “No heroics. Safety and getting our teams out along with the surviving werewolves is our priority.”
“Got it,” Alex replied. He couldn’t shake the tightness in his chest. He didn’t know if it was the thought of walking through another warehouse after rescuing Siale, but he had gone with Jaze’s pack to other rescues without any problems. Something wasn’t right. He kept telling himself that it would go away, but doubt pressed against the back of his mind.
They landed at nightfall on a little strip of pavement near a farm. The GPA’s customary black SUVs were there to pick them up.
Agent Sullivan shook Jaze’s hand and led the way to the first vehicle.
“Are you okay?” Cassie asked quietly, touching Alex’s arm when they were settled inside.
Alex nodded. “I’m fine,” he replied. “Just anxious, I guess.”
“Nobody would blame you if you don’t want to do this one,” Tennison told him.
Alex met Jaze’s gaze in the rearview mirror. He shook his head. “I want to help.”
The dean turned around to face them. “Don’t take any risks,” he instructed. “We have enough help to sweep the warehouse and get anyone out we can save within fifteen minutes. The General might have it wired to blow, so we’ll be quick, efficient, and survive without reckless heroics.” Jaze winked.
The words brought a small smile to Alex’s face.
“Wired to blow?” Torin repeated. “Are you serious?”
“The General doesn’t appreciate us freeing his captives,” Trent told the Alpha. “Mouse can usually block the signal, but there may be secondary triggers. We like to play it safe.”
“Sounds like a good idea,” Torin said, sitting back in his seat. “I don’t know what I’m getting myself into.”
“Why are you here?” Kalia asked curiously.
Torin glanced behind him at Alex. “Uh, to help my fellow werewolves. I’m always on the lookout for a good cause.”
“You are?” Kalia’s tone was doubtful.
“Of course,” Torin replied.
“This is it,” Agent Sullivan said from the driver’s seat. He drove slowly into the parking lot of the warehouse. “Blueprints show that this used to be a holding center for produce. It was climate controlled, so there are air ducts and cooling rooms along with eight separate storage areas with adjoining loading docks. Keep your eyes open for anywhere the General might hide his experiments.”
“What kind of experiments are we talking about?” Torin asked quietly as they unloaded from the vehicle.
“The worst kind,” Trent replied, his tone bitter. “The kind that makes you wish he was locked up like his son.”
Alex nodded in agreement. The alarm that was growing in his chest was constricting and causing his heart to skip.
“Kaynan and Chet are in position with their teams,” Brock said into their earpieces. “Move in.”
“I’m not sure how I feel about taking orders from a human,” Torin muttered as he followed Alex around the side of the warehouse behind Jaze and Agent Sullivan’s team.
“I’m not sure I like giving them to you,” Brock replied sarcastically.
Torin gave Alex a wide-eyed look. “He can hear me?”
“Just like you can hear him,” Alex explained. “He’s our eye in the sky. He has a lock on the cameras and watches the drone for heat signatures. Without him, there’s no way we could have taken as many places as we have.”
He motioned for Torin not to ask any more questions. Kalia’s arm brushed Alex’s. Her eyebrows were pulled together in worry. Alex wondered if she was thinking of the same warehouse where he had gotten trapped rescuing Siale. “It’s going to be okay,” he whispered.
Torin looked her way. “Oh, yeah. I’ll make sure you’re just fine,” he said. He put an arm around her shoulder and she ducked out from under his grasp. “Just stick with me and nobody will hurt you,” he continued as if he didn’t notice.
“Quick and silent,” Jaze said as he pulled open the door. “Let’s get in and out.”
Dusky moonlight filtered through the high windows.
Alex led Torin and Kalia southeast down the first corridor. Racks and pallets covered in dust lined the aisles. Alex’s nose wrinkled at the smell of death and decay.
“Disgusting,” Torin muttered.
They turned a corner and saw the tables.
“Found it,” Alex said.
“Check them, but I don’t think you’ll find anything,” Brock said over his earpiece. “No heat signatures on that level.”
Alex motioned for Torin and Kalia to take the other side of the tables. He didn’t need to check the tables to know that the werewolves on them were dead. No sounds of heartbeats reached his ears, and the green, fresh scent that blanketed the living was nowhere to be found. It was obvious by their condition that they had been dead for weeks.
“These poor werewolves,” Kalia said with a hand over her mouth.
“Let’s get to the next aisle,” Alex told them shortly.
He rounded the corner and stopped short.
“I’m picking up some strange heat signatures,” Brock said into their earpieces. “I’m not exactly sure what I’m looking at.”
“I think I know,” Alex replied.
A scent touched his nose. He turned to see Kaynan standing a few feet away, motionless as though his feet were frozen to the floor.
“What is it?” Jaze asked into his earpiece.
“Bodies, uh, creatures attached to life support, although I’m not sure if they’re really alive.” Alex took a step forward. The sluggish mass of whatever was on the table twitched.
A glance sideways showed Kalia and Torin close to the wall as if they didn’t dare to move. “I don’t know what we’re loo
king at,” Kalia said, fear and horror making her voice tight.
“Clones.”
Everyone looked at Kaynan. The professor’s red eyes reflected in the faint moonlight. Dismay showed on his face along with something Alex was surprised to recognize as familiarity. Kaynan had seen such things before.
“These are clones?” Alex repeated quietly.
Kaynan set his hand on a distorted shoulder. The creature beneath his touch let out a little moan through a misshapen mouth. Crooked fangs showed through holes in its cheeks. One limb with two fingers and a claw tried to move, but it was obvious the creature didn’t have the muscle structure to do so.
“They’re trying to make werewolves.” Kaynan swallowed and looked down the long row of tables, each of which contained another deformed creature. “Or something.”
“You’ve seen this before,” Alex said.
Kaynan nodded. He put a finger to his earpiece. “We need to clear this warehouse so we can blow it.”
“With them in here?” Kalia asked in shock.
Kaynan met her gaze. “It’s the nicest thing we can do for them.”
He led the way back. “I’ve cleared the rest of this level.”
“Finish with the basement,” Jaze told them in their headsets. “We’ll meet back at the doors.”
Chapter Twenty-two
Alex followed Kaynan numbly down the stairs. He couldn’t stop picturing the tables filled with the General’s experiments. Nausea made his stomach roll.
“It’s horrible,” Kalia whispered, grabbing his arm. “How do things like that happen?”
“Bad people who don’t care who they hurt to get the power they crave,” Alex told her.
A check over her shoulder showed Torin glowering at him. He remembered his promise to help the werewolf gain her trust.
“I’d better catch up to Kaynan,” Alex said. “I don’t think he’s taking it well.” He shrugged out of her grasp and hurried down the rest of the cement steps. The professor had already vanished into the darkness.
Alex followed him for a few paces, then froze. In front of him was a round hole sunk into the warehouse floor. Memories flooded over him, images of falling into a hole so similar he couldn’t stop the shudders that ran over his skin. He heard Siale’s whispered pain, and felt the pile of bodies beneath him. He was overwhelmed with stench, the smell of death and decay so thick it felt like it was choking him.