The Alpha took a deep breath and nodded at the slight rebuke before he turned to the others. “When will this ceremony take place?”
Shadow looked grim as he replied, “In four days, on the night of the full moon.”
Blaze sucked in his breath. “That’s not much time to prepare for what could be a full out war. Did you get a sense of how many of the pack members would fight for their Alpha?”
“I’m not entirely sure. From the way the pack has been run, there are those who have favor with the Alpha and those who don’t. As Sandy said, the majority of the pack falls in the latter category. However, Alpha Clifton is not entirely stupid. He has brought in outside enforcers to help bolster his Sentries. Also, those who do back Alpha Clifton are extremely loyal and from the looks of things, capable fighters. This won’t be a walk in the park, Blaze.”
Falcon stepped forward. “From the surveillance pictures we’ve been able to also determine they are well armed with not only traditional weapons, but a few that could give us a problem if they get a chance to use them. They apparently don’t plan to obey all of the old traditions—even if you challenge Alpha Clifton. I wouldn’t put it past him to have a sniper or two hiding in the woods or surrounding buildings.” The weapons expert rubbed his chin. “I assume this large clearing north of the compound is where they meet for pack runs, correct?”
“Yes, that’s where we would gather and then we would head into the woods at the base of the mountain. I remember the woods are pretty dense until you get higher up into the mountains.” Sandy offered as he moved closer to the map, “There’s an old ranger spotting station located just inside the forest—here. I used to play there with some of my friends. But we had to stop ‘cause the Alpha found out—I never saw my friends again after that...”
The weapons expert smiled as he tousled the young pup’s hair. “Good job! Can you remember any other buildings or high areas of land that you or your friends may have used to hide and watch the clearing?”
Sandy bit his lower lip as he concentrated on the map for a few more minutes. “Well there is a ridge on this side of the clearing, it’s not that high, but I know I hid there one time when Ricky was looking for me.” The young shifter sniffed and rubbed angrily at the tear that threatened to fall.
No one in the room said anything as Falcon looked closer at the areas Sandy had indicated. “Well, I’d bet my last dollar that we’ll find a few of the hired enforcers in both of these places. We’ll need to get in and take them out quietly if we want to take their place.”
Radar spoke up, “We can have some of the drones check the whole area to identify where they are hiding. I still can’t believe that Alpha Clifton doesn’t have more high tech surveillance on his pack lands. He’s just asking for someone to invade.”
Blaze nodded. “True, but that’s a lucky break for us.” He glanced at Falcon. “It’s a good plan, but I’m betting there will be more than a couple of enforcers stationed around the clearing, we’ll need some kind of distraction.”
“How about a challenge to the Alpha?” Grant growled. “He will be expecting me to show and to honor the traditions of a challenge. By taking one of my pack he has broken our laws and by right I can seek retribution from him in the form of a challenge.”
“You can’t go in there alone,” David objected.
Grant smiled. “I’m sure he will also expect me to come with protection.” He turned to look at Blaze’s small group of enforcers. “Since he doesn’t know about you and your men, it makes sense that we walk in to the clearing and issue the challenge in the traditional way.”
Tank shook his head. “That would draw attention. But all it would take would be one shout from one of his hired enforcers and the game would be up. Some of those who are close to Alpha Clifton are sure to also be armed. Besides, you say this shifter has no honor, so why wouldn’t he just pull out a gun and shoot you?”
“He could claim he was defending his Semme’ mate and refuse your challenge outright. No one can interfere—it is a death sentence,” Shadow added.
Forest looked at Grant with a thoughtful look before he spoke up. “There may be a way to force the challenge and still avoid any fallout from a Semme’ claiming—but it could be risky.”
“What do you mean?” Jason asked.
The former Alpha glanced at Grant and took a deep breath before he continued, “Just how sure are you that Ricky is your Semme’, son?”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
RICKY SAT BACK AS FAR AS HE COULD IN THE CAGE HE’D BEEN kept in since he’d been delivered to Alpha Clifton. As he fingered the thick metal collar that encircled his neck, he understood exactly what was in store for him in the future. The glorified dog cage was only the beginning. Alpha Clifton had made it clear that he would be expected to remain unclothed and on his knees, ready to do whatever was requested of him. He would not have the stature normally provided to an Alpha Mate because he was not deserving of the honor.
The captive human had been floored when Alpha Clifton declared he was his Semme’ and as such it left him no choice but to mate with him. He didn’t understand how Alpha Clifton and Alpha Grant could both declare he was their destined mate. Was it possible he could belong to both? It didn’t make sense with everything he’d learned from both Maria and the members of the Windy River Pack. Not to mention his own feelings. While the thought of Alpha Grant filled him with a sense of belonging and safety, all he felt for Alpha Clifton was fear and disgust. Just the idea of being mated to the Alpha of Willow Creek made his skin crawl. The only conclusion Ricky could come to was Alpha Clifton was lying.
At least the Alpha’s declaration had lead to a cease in the beatings. Even Alpha Clifton couldn’t condone hurting his ‘true’ mate in the way he had in the past. He’d also made it clear no one would be tapping his ass after the ceremony. Again, the mating bond would not allow the Alpha to accept another shifter touching him in a sexual manner. However, Ricky knew this was more for show than actual fact. While the public beatings and sexual displays might cease, what happened in private would not be seen by those who might object. The human had no illusions that he would be used however the Alpha wanted and that there would be no one to stand up for him.
Which lead to his final problem, what could he do to stop the Alpha from mating with him? It was clear Alpha Clifton saw this as a means to get control over his little brother. He just hoped that Alpha Grant was as honorable as he thought and would keep his little brother away from the Willow Creek Pack. However, just in case, he had to find a way to thwart the Alpha of Willow Creek’s plans. The question was could he do it?
Ricky had tried putting a permanent end to the crazy Alpha’s plans by refusing food and water. Unfortunately, that had ended with a daily visit to the infirmary where he would be drugged and then hooked up to life saving fluids. Even now he could still feel the effect of the drugs that were being used to dull his senses. They made any resistance almost impossible—until Ricky felt the collar around his neck, which was a constant reminder of why he needed to be strong for once in his life.
As he traced the strange designs on the collar with his fingers, Ricky remembered Alpha Grant and his brothers telling him he didn’t have to accept the mating. Unlike with Alpha Clifton, when the Alpha of the Windy River Pack had talked to him, he’d stressed the final decision was up to him to accept the mating. If he didn’t, then no shifter could force him to mate. The question was, could he stand up to the Alpha in front of all the members of the pack and say no?
A loud creak suddenly filled the room and caused Ricky to flinch. He kept his eyes cast down towards the floor but refused to move towards the door of his cage. He knew what would happen, but part of him no longer cared.
“Why are you not presenting yourself?” Alpha Clifton’s voice echoed in the room.
Ricky simply refused to answer as he remained still in the cage. In a way it was a nice side effect of the drugs, things that normally would have scared him didn’t faze him.
Ricky did jump slightly when the front of the cage was banged with enough force to cause the whole structure to rattle. “You will present yourself or you’ll be sorry!” Alpha Clifton growled.
Ricky didn’t care; in fact a small kernel of hope bloomed. Maybe if the Alpha got mad enough, he’d do what the captive human had been unable to do and end his life. Before he could follow the thought further, he felt a surge of pain radiating from the collar around his neck.
Ricky cried out as his eyes glanced up towards the Alpha. “You think you can disobey me human? You will learn to do what I say without question or you’ll suffer the agony of the slave collar!” The pain continued to increase as the Alpha continued to talk. “I really have to thank Biff for finding this little treasure for me. I thought all of them had been destroyed after the Great War, but he managed to find one that I modified slightly to ensure you never escape from me again.”
“What—what have you done?” Ricky managed to gasp as he tried to pull the collar from his neck. His flesh felt like it was on fire as the pain continued to grow. He fell to his side no longer able to remain erect as the torture continued. After weakly tugging at the metal one more time, he gave up as his body twitched on the bottom of the cage. It felt like he was being cooked from the inside out.
Alpha Clifton laughed cruelly as he leaned against the cage and showed Ricky a small black box that had been hidden in his hand. “I was able to convince a down on his luck Magi to give me a spell that would ensure my gift to you can never be removed except by my hand. He was able to help me create the ultimate slave collar. One that not only punishes without leaving a mark, but can only be removed by me…” Alpha Clifton leaned in closer, “…or when the wearer of the collar dies.” Ricky gasped in horror. “That’s right, my pet, you’re not only my property, but you live only at my will. If you ever leave, well let’s just say you won’t live a long and happy life!”
As the pain continued to race through his body, Ricky could feel his heart pounding while breathing became more difficult. He couldn’t help the whimpers of pain that continued to escape past his lips as he endured the extreme torture. Just when he thought the Alpha would take it too far he heard the door burst open and another voice filled the room.
“Stop! Are you trying to kill him?” Ricky recognized the voice. It belonged to the new pack doctor. However, the pain continued to increase as the Alpha growled at the intruder.
“How dare you question me, Artemus?”
The captive watched as the doctor fell to his knees and tilted his head in submission before he continued to speak. Under other circumstances, Ricky had to admit the man was handsome. His thick waist length hair fell forward slightly to surround his form in a shower of reddish brown hair. Even in the dim light of the room, the man’s hair looked as if it was interspersed with a glowing flame.
“I’m only trying to warn you that if you continue, the human will die. If that is what you desire, then by all means continue.” As Alpha Clifton paused the doctor continued in a bored voice, “If you don’t believe me, then use your senses—his heart slows even now.”
Ricky wished the doctor had remained silent. He had begun to feel himself falling away. He didn’t even have the energy to whimper or to tell the doctor to mind his own business. His death would solve so many problems. However, the doctor continued to speak, “Alpha, if you seek to mate with the human tonight, then you need to stop!”
The argument seemed to get through to the Alpha as the pain suddenly ceased. Ricky tried to move, to curl into a fetal position, but his body refused to obey him. As his limbs continued to twitch uncontrollably he wished he could black out, but even that seemed lost to him. Instead he listened as the two discussed his future.
“Fine! I thought Biff had trained this one, but as you can see he is still fighting my commands. I need him to obey me…” The Alpha leaned down and looked directly into Ricky’s eyes as he smirked. “I know he thinks he can say no to the mating.” The Alpha glanced back at the doctor. “You will make sure that he is amenable to the proceeding tonight, right Artemus?”
Ricky felt his last hope dashed as the doctor rose to his feet and nodded. “Yes, Alpha. I will take him to the infirmary and ensure he shows his excitement. He will agree to anything you demand of him without protest. But I must warn you that I’m not sure if the mating will take since he will not truly be able to make an informed choice.”
“That is unimportant. All I need is for the pack to recognize him as my Semme’ and no one will challenge my claim in the future,” Alpha Clifton stated as he stood to face the doctor.
“There is a risk to what I will have to do to him. From what I’ve observed, some beings lose their sanity when their free will is taken from them. He may not be the same person; in fact the human may end up not being able to make any decisions for himself going forward. He could become no more than a shell of what he was.” Ricky could hear the sadness in the doctor’s voice.
As he listened he finally began to feel the fear that had eluded him the past few days. Unfortunately, the only response he was able to give were the tears that fell from his eyes as he listened to the Alpha’s decision.
“Do it. What do I care if he only becomes a hole I have to fill occasionally? It may be better in fact because I certainly intend to bring in a female to warm my bed and provide my heirs. If he weren’t my Semme’, then I would have killed him long ago.” The Alpha laughed as he turned to leave the room. “Make sure he’s ready for the ceremony tonight or your abomination of a half-brother will be delivered to me. I’m sure you don’t want to see him visiting the whipping post again do you?” Ricky watched as Artemus swallowed before shaking his head. “Good! Oh, and I’ll be sending Biff in shortly to help with the final preparations. I’m sure he can remind my future mate of his place.” With a grin, the Alpha left the room.
Artemus stood and stared at the door for a moment, his fists clenched by his side as he took in several deep breaths. When he turned to look at Ricky, there was pity in his eyes. “Come on, human. I will see what I can do to ease your pain a little.”
The cage door opened and Ricky felt himself pulled from it. The doctor sighed and picked him up, careful of his neck as he carried him from the room. Ricky licked his dry, cracked lips and said the only thing he hoped would help. “Please—let me die.”
His hopes were soon dashed as Artemus continued to walk towards the infirmary. “I’m sorry. I really am. But if I don’t do as the Alpha wants, I’ll never be able to find and save my brother Charlie. That bastard is the only one who knows where he is and who can help me get him back. Believe me if there was any other way, I would gladly help you.” Another sigh escaped the doctor’s lips. “If it’s any consolation, I will try to make sure you are strong enough to get through tonight. With luck, you’ll come out of this without any complications.”
Ricky couldn’t help the sob that escaped as tears fell once again from his eyes. This was it; there was no hope for him. As he was laid down on the hospital bed, he let his emotions free for the first time since he’d been taken, he didn’t try to block anything from his brother. He just hoped his brother could feel how sorry he was that he’d broken his promise.
As the members of the Windy River Pack arrived at the airport, Grant took a deep breath and glanced at the shifters who had joined him. Blaze’s Rogues as they liked to call themselves were talking quietly in the back of the private jet. Only this group of shifters would take the name that meant certain death in their society. Yet after being around them for the past few days, he had to admit, the name did fit.
He glanced around the large jet, which was divided into a seating area along with a section that contained a table for planning and even had a small separate sleeping area. While he didn’t use it often, Grant was more than happy that he had purchased it a couple of years ago. At the time, it seemed like an expense that wasn’t needed,
but David had insisted it would come in handy should they need to travel long distances. Of course at the time, he suspected his brother just wanted a new toy but now he appreciated the logic of having a means that allowed them to stay below the humans’ radar. There was no way they would have been able to get the weapons they carried on a commercial aircraft much less have the room to spread out and continue to go over the final preparations for the rescue mission.
David and Jason were fiddling with some of the weapons they had brought with them to make sure any last minute adjustments had been made. They were taking special care of their ‘surprise’, Grant was pretty sure the enforcers and Sentries of Willow Creek would not see what David and Dove had coming. He grinned as he watched Dove and Falcon wander over toward his brothers. They obviously wanted to make sure everything was ready on the weapons front as well. He glanced up front and couldn’t help smiling at the antics of Sparky who was currently doing his best to impress the pilot with his ‘skills’ and then there was Dakota who decided to take the time to catch up on some sleep. In all the years he’d known the wolf, he’d never seen him other than calm. It was one of the reasons he was such a good Sheriff for the town. All in all, he knew the best wolves he could have on a mission surrounded him. And yet—he still worried.
“Everything will be fine, son,” Forest said softly from the seat next to Grant.
Having his father beside him in battle again felt like old times. He turned and saw a gleam in his father’s eyes that he thought had gone out long ago. They had faced many battles together and had never lost. Yet, this time the stakes seemed so much higher, that Grant couldn’t help wondering if his luck may have finally run out.
“I’m not worried about the battle father. It’s just…” He paused and looked directly at the man who had come up with the riskiest part of the plan in Grant’s opinion. “Are you sure you are right?”
The Alpha's Promise Page 15