Shifters Eden

by Tia Didmon

Brock’s claws briefly pierced his skin as he clutched the armrest when the plane hit a patch of turbulence. He closed his eyes, willing his anxious cat under control. When he opened them, Cade was watching him intently.

  “We’ve started our descent. We will land soon,” Cade said.

  “I know. My cat has never liked to fly, but he is angry we failed our mate,” Brock said.

  Cade smoothed the lapel of the expensive suit he wore. “Liam and Luca are blaming themselves as well. The truth is, as long as Kevin has the serum that masks a man’s scent and soldiers with abilities similar to ours. We’re all at risk. Tell your cat to calm down. We can’t afford any mistakes once we land.”

  Brock nodded, trying to focus on anything but the mission. They had gone over it a dozen times during the flight. “That’s quite the suit.”

  Cade looked down at the elaborate silver suit, accented by a limited-edition gold Rolex. “Garrett said my suit needed to single me out. Apparently, the man I’m impersonating, Bruno Carter wears this sort of shit.”

  Brock raised an eyebrow. “Draw the attention to you rather than your thug security team, you mean.”

  Cade shrugged. “Something like that, besides, only I could pull off a suit like this.”

  Brock knew Cade was trying to lighten the mood. “Yeah, drug dealer of the week is not really my look.”

  “According to Garrett I’m an arms dealer. Get your scumbags right,” Cade said.

  “You’re a rich bored businessman who likes to watch dogs fight to death. Scumbag is too good for you.”

  Cade nodded. “True.”

  Brock motioned to the suit. “What happened to the real Bruno Carter?”

  “Unconscious. We plan to switch him back in after the mission,” Cade said.

  “He’s on board?” Brock asked incredulously.

  “Passed out in the maintenance closet.”

  “Good place for him.” Brock looked to the side of the plane where Ryan sat looking out the window. He was the only one of them not in a suit. He had barely said a word during the briefing. “I hope we don’t get Ryan killed. I spent the majority of my life hating coyotes and now I am depending on one to help save my mate and possibly kill his best friend in the process. He doesn’t owe us anything.”

  Cade eyes narrowed. “You’re wrong. He does.”

  “How can you say that?” Brock growled.

  “Because Talen made him an official part of your lair. He is now the oldest unmated member and therefore the lead enforcer.”

  Brock sat back roughly. “When did this happen?”

  “Just before we left. Talen made it very clear that Ryan was not to sacrifice himself. That he had a duty to his lair to return,” Cade said.

  Brock sighed. “Talen is a good leader. I’m not sure I would have thought to do that.”

  Cade’s eyes narrowed. “Your parents began training him before the rest of you were even born. You all grew up knowing he would lead. You back him. Support him.” He looked out the aircraft window. “You have an amazing family,” he said bitterly.

  Brock leaned forward. “So, do you. We couldn’t function without Garrett and if you weren’t a candidate for the leader of your lair, Talen would have poached you along with your brother.”

  Cade turned back to Brock. “Your parents were ahead of their time. Your father was instrumental in bringing an end to the shifter wars.”

  Brock nodded. “He says the death of his two brothers made him wake up and realize we were only killing ourselves.”

  Cade nodded slowly. “I wish my lair had adopted his values.”

  Brock glanced out the small window. “You will bring your lair in line when you take over.”

  Cade shrugged. “I’m not guaranteed leadership of my lair. We have several families. You grew up knowing Talen would lead. We don’t have that advantage.”

  “I believe you are the strongest candidate,” Brock said.

  “We’ll see. Let’s get your mate back and kill Kevin Kallan, then I’ll focus on the issues within my own lair.”

  Brock frowned. “Kevin isn’t the mission. Garrett hasn’t been able to confirm he will be at the fights.”

  Cade huffed. “I know but it sure would be a bonus.”

  They both jerked in their seats as the plane touched down on the tarmac.

  Cade looked out the window as the plane slowed. “Welcome to Mexico.”

  Chapter 11

  Jane lay on the comfortable bed with her head in her twin’s lap. Silent sobs racked her body, but she didn’t allow a single tear to fall. Years of keeping her emotions in check couldn’t be wiped away now that it was no longer needed. Carla rubbed her back gently, clearly concerned. She tried to get her body under control to avoid panicking her sister but it didn’t work. Her soul was crushed.

  Carla’s childlike voice, whispered in her ear. “It’s okay Janey. We can fix it.”

  Jane sat up taking a long breath. “There’s no fixing this.”

  Carla pouted. “What’s wrong? I don’t understand.”

  Jane scanned the opulent bedroom they had been locked into. Crushed velvet curtains in a dark burgundy, accented the antique mahogany furniture. “This is nothing more than a beautiful prison.”

  “The man said we have a pool,” Carla said hopefully.

  “His name is Victor, and he is despicable. He hurt the man I love.” Jane had avoided the word kill. Whether she was trying to spare Carla or couldn’t admit it herself, she wasn’t sure.

  Carla looked surprised. “You love a man? Why would Victor hurt him?”

  “He wants me for himself,” She said, acknowledging she had gotten the only man she would ever love killed.

  “Why?” Carla asked.

  Jane blinked her eyes rapidly as the smell of spices cooking wafted through the room. “I’m sorry, Carla. I ruined our lives.”

  Carla looked down as she fidgeted with her hands. “It’s my fault isn’t it? Because I’m broken,” she said quietly.

  Jane stared at the face that was identical to her own. Carla had never acknowledged the accident or her differences since. She had seemed aware of what happened. “None of this is your fault. Why would you say that?”

  Carla frowned. “We are different. We look different. You act different.”

  Jane could see Carla struggle to explain. “You never mentioned this before.”

  “Sometimes I notice things. Things that are different.”

  Jane felt a trickle of hope. Was Kevin’s treatment working? Was Carla starting to heal? “What have you noticed?”

  “You are older. I am too, I think.”

  Jane nodded. “Yes, we both age. That is normal.”

  “I am missing.”

  Jane rubbed her head, trying to beat back the forming headache. “What are you missing, baby?”

  Carla tipped her head to the side. Her eyes lost their focus. “Where’s mom?”

  Jane felt the pain of her parent’s death jolt through her system. She hated admitting to herself that this inevitable conversation was one of the reasons she limited her face-to-face conversations with her twin. “We had an accident, Carla. A long time ago.”

  Carla frowned. “I don’t remember.”

  Jane sighed heavily. “I know honey. It’s okay.”

  “I want to remember.”

  Jane was puzzled. “You usually ask me what happened. If Mom is okay.”

  “I know she isn’t. I feel... lonely sometimes.”

  Jane grabbed her sister’s hand. “I will always be right here. I will never leave you.”

  “I know, Janey. I’m sorry I forget... everything.” Her voice still held a childlike quality but there was a hint of awareness that had never been there before.

  Jane shook her head. “It’s not your fault. You were hurt really bad, Carla.”

  Carla looked sad. “My friend said I would remember when I was ready. Why aren’t I ready yet?”

  Fear mixed the pain in Jane’s heart. “Who is your friend, ho
ney?”

  Carla’s face scrunched. “I know he told me but I can’t remember. He said he would take care of Oreo for me,”

  Was Kevin playing games with her sister? He promised he wouldn’t visit her in person. “Does he visit you often?”

  Carla sighed. “I don’t think so. Maybe. Do you visit often?”

  Jane felt the fingers of regret squeeze her chest. “I haven’t been able to as much as I wanted but we talk on the phone all the time.”

  Carla’s face brightened. “Maybe, I talked on the phone to my friend,” she said cheerfully.

  Jane leaned forward. “Listen honey, the only person you trust from now on is me, okay?”

  Carla frowned. “He feels good to me.”

  “I’m sure he does but I need you to trust me and only me. Can you do that?”

  “Okay, Janey.” She nodded vigorously.

  Janey ran a hand down Carla’s silky red hair. Unlike hers, it had never been cut and flowed down her chest and onto the bed. “Thank you.”

  Carla picked up the stuffed bear she had taken with her everywhere since she was ten years old. She rocked back and forth. Her eyes seemed far away when she spoke. “Is Mommy coming soon?”

  Jane felt the shred of hope snap. Silent tears streaked down her face. “Soon baby, we’ll be with her soon.”

  Brock, Liam and Luca exited the black bullet Proof SUV in front of the private Mexican mansion. They did a cursory inspection of their surroundings before opening the door to allow Cade out of the SUV. Ryan trailed dutifully after Cade. Brock surveyed the massive house. Its bright patio lights twinkled against the yellow stone work in contrast with the dark sky. He found it ironic that the beautiful setting would inevitably be the backdrop for such a horrible event. Death and destruction wrapped up in a pretty bow.

  A Mexican male in a black and white tuxedo approached them. “Evening Senior,” he said to Cade.

  Cade looked past the servant as if he were nothing. “Take us to the event.”

  The servant motioned Ryan. “He must be muzzled, sir.”

  Cade eyes squinted. “My animal is never muzzled. His training is absolute,” he snapped.

  The servant looked down, pulling a muzzle from his jacket. “I’m sorry, sir. All fighters must be muzzled prior to the event or you forfeit your fight.”

  Cade rudely grabbed the muzzle from the servant. He put it on Ryan and held the leash that was attached. “Let’s go.”

  The servant nodded, motioning for them to follow. He showed them around the house to the stables at the back. As they entered the line of stalls, they saw groups of men with their fighting dogs in each one. They were led to an empty stall and motioned inside. The servant closed the pen after them and left.

  Cade crouched down, removing Ryan’s muzzle. “Sorry buddy,” he whispered before standing.

  The sound of men laughing and talking surrounded them as they huddled to the corner of their stall. Brock clicked in his ear piece, waiting while the others followed suit.

  Cade looked toward the ring at the end of the stall. “They are fighting in the ring but I’m guessing only the dogs that are in the current bout are allowed out of the pen.”

  Brock nodded. “We won’t be able to operate until we are led to our match.”

  Cade nodded. “Liam you will stay with me. It will be to obvious if I’m alone. You will make obvious updates to me that the boys are circling the perimeter of the fighting ring.”

  “Will do,” Liam agreed.

  Brock crouched down to Ryan. He hated what he had to ask. “We will need time to find the girls and get them out. I need you to prolong the fight. Your animal will perceive Buck as a traitor and want to take him down quickly but you have to overcome your instinct to make the kill.”

  Ryan lifted his muzzle quickly in assent.

  They all reached for their weapons when they heard the gun go off. The servant returned to their stall, waving his hands in the air. “No problemo, seniors. That is the mercy to the loser.”

  Cade glanced at Brock. “You execute the loser?”

  The servant nodded. “Sometimes the winning animal loses interest in the kill. Only winners leave the ring.”

  Cade shrugged as if he didn’t care. “My boy doesn’t lose.”

  The servant inclined his head. “Of course senior,” he said before bowing and leaving.

  Brock looked at his brothers and Cade. “A bullet won’t kill Ryan or Buck.”

  Cade rubbed his mouth. “A few rounds in the head will kill them and us if they’re using the tranq bullets.”

  “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” Luca said ominously.

  They listened to another fight end without hearing a shot fired at its culmination. The servant returned to escort them to the ring. The stands around the horse-riding ring were full of well-dressed men and women. They laughed and drank while pointing at Ryan. Cade stopped when they reached the centre of the ring and a man wearing a full white tuxedo.

  He bowed respectfully to Cade. “Welcome Mr. Carter. Are you ready?”

  Cade motioned Liam. “My man has the wire transfer ready. Should I lose.”

  “Very good. Your opponent is coming now.”

  Brock watched a tall Russian man escort the muzzled Buck into the ring. He saw the recognition on the coyote’s face. He knew what was coming. He didn’t turn away or alert his handler when he saw Ryan. Brock hoped there was some way to save the other coyote.

  Cade looked around regally then motioned his arm dismissively. “You two secure the exits. My boy will make quick work of this mongrel and I don’t want anyone to avoid my compensation.”

  The Russian scowled at Cade. “Buck never loses asshole. This is his third fight tonight and he will wipe the floor with your mutt.”

  Cade patted Ryan. “Would you care to make an additional wager?”

  Brock and Luca left the ring. They knew Cade couldn’t care less about the money but it was a great stall tactic. The longer he could draw out the negotiations. The more time they would have. They exited the stable area and looked up at the Mansion.

  Brock tapped his brother on the shoulder indicating the soldier on the veranda with an automatic rifle. “That’s a lot of fire power considering the action is over here.”

  Luca nodded. “Yup, let’s check it out.”

  Brock glanced toward the east side of the building. “I will go east you go west. You find the girls. Take them to the SUV. We meet back in ten no matter what.”

  Luca nodded as he slipped away.

  Brock ran quietly to the east with his weapon drawn.

  Brock’s cat smelled its mate the moment he entered the mansion. The combination of sweet spice and despair made his cat uneasy. If Danov had touched her there would be no stopping his enraged animal. He touched the mic in his ear. “I think they are in the back bedroom. Interact with the guards at the front.”

  He stopped at the end of a hallway, quickly peeking around the corner. A large man in a brown suit sat in a chair in front of a room with large black doors. The intricate carvings indicated it was most likely the master bedroom. He was reading something on his phone. He flicked the screen as if he were looking for something. He appeared bored, but the Uzi strapped to his shoulder gave Brock pause.

  Brock clicked his mic. “I’m going in. Take control out front.”

  He heard a commotion out front. Low talking. The guard stood with his hand going toward his gun. He pulled a walkie out of his jacket. “Report Raul,” he said with a German accent.

  “Hold on Jens. It looks like we are switching up,” Raul said.

  Brock walked casually around the corner. Jens pulled his weapon from its holster but didn’t aim it at Brock. “Who are you?”

  Brock glanced back toward the front of the house. “Raul was supposed to tell you to switch up. You’re reassigned to the fights.”

  Brock saw the interest in Jens’ eyes. It was obvious he wanted closer to the action. “You’re new,” he practically accused.


  Brock sighed dramatically. “Yeah, I guess that’s why I get the babysitting job.” He shook the man’s hand. “The name is Ken.”

  Jens laughed, shaking his hand and holstering his weapon. “It’s boring but the chicks are twins. Hot but you can’t touch them.”

  Brock faked interest. “They for sale?”

  Jens shook his head. “No, they belong to Danov. Don’t cross him. He’s a complete psycho. This is his house and the fact that Kevin will hold an event like this here says a lot about their association.”

  Brock nodded. “Thanks for the down-low. You should get going.”

  Jens’ eyes narrowed. “I just have to check with Raul.” He clicked his walkie. “Raul, we switching up?”

  Luca’s voice came through the walkie. “Raul and you were supposed to relocate to the fights. I was told you were en-route.”

  Jens looked pissed. “Fucking Raul is always trying to make me look bad.” He took off down the hall toward the front of the house.

  Brock unlocked the heavy door and entered the large bedroom.

  For a split second he thought he was looking at his mate but her hair was longer and she had a tiny scar at her hairline. His cat honed in on the woman lying with her knees crushed to her chest on the bed. She was sleeping with her head in her sister’s lap.

  The childlike voice that came from the woman who looked identical to his own confused his cat. “I won’t let you hurt my Janey,” she said seriously.

  Brock calmed his confused animal. “Jane is my woman Carla, and that makes you my sister. My family. I’m here to take you home.”

  Jane sat up quickly. Her eyes burned amber in recognition and disbelief. “I saw Victor shoot you,” she said.

  Brock smiled. “Nothing could keep me away from you, babe.” He held out his hand. “We don’t have a lot of time. Come on.”

  Jane flew into his arms. His cat settled at the feel of its mate against his skin. He looked over the shoulder of his mate to her twin. “You ready to meet your new family, Carla.”

  Jane held her hand out to her sister. “Come on honey, we have to go with Brock.”

  Carla frowned, crossing her arms. “I’m tired, Janey. I want a nap,” she said stubbornly.