Goddess of Unity [The Men of Five-O #8] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Forever)

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

  “What? How can that be?”

  “I’m sorry, it has nothing to do with you, or the hierarchy of were protocol and law, it has to do with the reality of being a female wolf. They want to have more meaning in their lives. In fact, there are a lot of great women who are not married to anyone of major importance to the packs but still have wonderful ideas for business and contributing to our packs.”

  Charity smiled. “What do you think I should do to help them?”

  Maya opened her mouth to speak and then closed it again. Her cheeks turned a nice shade of pink and Charity chuckled.

  “Don’t be scared. I wasn’t asking in order to reprimand those who have great ideas. In fact, I’m so glad that you brought this up to me. Times are changing, Maya. With the good changes also come some bad ones.”

  “I understand that. Perhaps that is why I believe that now is not the time for a large gathering of all our packs and their children to gather in one place.”

  Charity squinted “There is no better or safer place than here amongst our land with the support and security of all the major safety organizations present.”

  Maya held Charity’s gaze. “But as you said, changes are occurring. There have been security breaches and direct attempts at destroying members of our pack and others. I have this feeling that something bad is going to happen. I know that I am not a member of importance, but I love my pack, and I would do anything I could to secure their safety.”

  Charity thought her statement through a moment and then felt the tingling sensation move along her skin.

  “Every member of our pack is important. They each can contribute to the strength and continued growth of our pack as well. Before Annabelle can make set plans, the circle of elders and the royal Venificus must be made aware and must condone it. So there is no need to worry.” Charity placed her hand over Maya’s and instantly felt the good in her. She was shy, reserved, and maybe even hiding her strength, and Charity wondered why. Their gazes locked and Maya smiled. “Please, Princess, take this bracelet. Wear it wherever you go,” Maya said and then clasped the bracelet onto Charity’s wrist. Instantly she felt the tingling sensation and something very powerful travel under her skin. She could not get any visions or information from the goddesses or from her own power, but she knew enough to accept the bracelet and thank Maya.

  She looked at the bracelet, the mother-of-pearl beads, and the infinity sign connecting them.

  “It is beautiful, Maya. Thank you.”

  Maya smiled as Charity rose from the seat.

  “Enjoy the gardens. It is quite special here,” Maya said, and Charity smiled before she walked away.

  As Charity walked from the gazebo and toward the main entrance, she thought about Maya. She stared at the bracelet a moment, twirling it around her wrist. It was light and delicate, yet felt strong and unbreakable. Had Maya really made it for her? Perhaps she even knew that Charity was going to visit her in the garden? As Charity thought about it, she shook her head.

  I didn’t feel any special magic. Could Maya really have known that I was coming to see her and made the bracelet specifically for me?

  She felt the warmth, the sensation she always got when she wanted questions answered, yet the goddesses felt that the time wasn’t right. She smiled softly, and pushed the thoughts from her mind and instead focused on Maya’s concern about the gathering. She needed to speak with her men, as well as Maximus, Luther, and Dante. With all that had taken place in the last few months, more security as well as investigating any potential vulnerability amongst the packs could only help, not hurt their people.

  So why was she feeling like something bad was about to happen?

  Chapter 2

  Task Force 8 gathered around the back patio of the Venificus mansion chatting with Orion, Palidor, and Draco Venificus. Ariella was speaking with Saxton Lemark and Tango Grey near the outdoor bar area.

  Kedar stared across the way at Saxton, unable to ignore his dislike of the wolf, despite his fathers’ words to them earlier in the week after they helped to ensure Batya’s safety. Jacob, Troy, Brad, and Luke hadn’t seen Alden, Caton, and Kedar in months. But they knew their sons and felt their dislike of Saxton and Tango.

  Draco leaned closer to Kedar, giving his elbow a nudge.

  “Why the dislike of such good, loyal warriors, my friend?”

  Kedar took a sip from his drink but still remained watching Saxton and Tango speaking quietly with Ariella, their sister.

  “It’s a long story. They betrayed the Brothers of Were and their positions.”

  “You do understand that they needed to disappear in order to protect Kamea?” Draco asked in a whispered.

  Kedar looked at Draco. “There is more to it than that. They’re not to be trusted. I should go over there and take Ariella away from them.”

  Draco grabbed his arm. “Your sister is quite capable of handling things herself. Besides, we’re her mates, and we don’t sense any need to keep her from conversing with Saxton and Tango. In fact, Ariella couldn’t wait to see them and meet them. Kamea speaks very highly of both wolves.”

  “It’s one of the reasons why I’m trying my hardest to be civilized,” Kedar stated and then looked toward his brothers. They held his same intense gaze. They knew his thoughts, and they knew that Saxton and Tango had done some terrible things before being inducted into the Brothers of Were.

  “The faster they can head back to Hawaii, the better,” Kedar added. And then they heard Ariella laughing.

  * * * *

  Ariella could sense the sadness within the two men before her. They had lived tough lives and served their leaders well.

  She laughed at something Tango said and realized that between the two, he was the jokester. Saxton was definitely the serious one. Knowing how he served and protected the Goddess of the circle, she found both men intriguing. She also wanted to get to know them better.

  “So, are you planning on leaving soon, or can you stay and visit longer?” she asked them. Saxton looked over toward her mates as well as Antoinette’s sons. There was definitely some friction there, and she wondered how the men even knew one another.

  “As much as we would like to get back to Hawaii and our positions of security there, it would be nice to visit here, and enjoy this land, and even the gardens. There’s a peacefulness despite all the concerns about this evil power lurking,” Saxton said.

  “We are all on guard. But there is no safer place to be than here amongst the people and with Caliber and V-Con Security overseeing protection. You are welcome to stay at the cottages as long as you both would like to. Definitely take advantage of the gardens. There are many beautiful things hidden within,” she said and smiled.

  “Is that some sort of hint, Ariella?” Tango asked, looking at her inquisitively. She smiled but then shook her head.

  “I speak from the heart, and lots of times from the hip. Which can get me into trouble.” She felt the hands on her shoulders and looked up to see Palidor. He smiled.

  “She sure does get into some trouble. What are you trying to do now?” he asked.

  She leaned back as Saxton and Tango smiled.

  “Just convincing our friends to stay a while, and perhaps explore the gardens and the land. After being involved with battles for so long, wouldn’t it be nice to just let your wolves go and feel free and rejuvenated again?” She asked and Saxton squinted his eyes at her. He knew she was special, a goddess sister to Kamea. She had powers, too, and he knew that she was a good person.

  “We will stay as long as we are welcome. In fact, I think that I’ll check out those gardens tomorrow morning.”

  “But tonight, let’s check out the open land. My wolf could use a good run,” Tango said and then winked.

  Ariella clapped her hands together and then rubbed them.

  “Excellent. Enjoy your run while I go visit with my brothers.” She rose from the seat and headed toward Kedar, Caton, and Alden.

  * * * *

  Palid
or took a seat next to Tango and Saxton.

  “I am happy to hear that the two of you will be staying. I was wondering if you heard from Kamea, and if there is anything more we can do to help keep Ariella and the others safe?”

  Saxton held his serious expression. The wolf was definitely tough as nails, like Palidor’s mother Charity had explained.

  “She suggested that we stay, and enjoy your land, and the peacefulness. In all honesty since securing Kamea with her mates, and then fighting off Morago, we are looking forward to some downtime.”

  “That’s understandable,” Palidor said and then glanced over his shoulder at Alden, Caton, and Kedar.

  “I want to be sure that there won’t be any trouble with Task Force 8. I understand there is some tension here, but I want everyone to feel welcome. We are all hoping for the same thing. To ultimately secure the circle, to protect the present and future generations of our packs, and to continue building a strong and powerful dynasty. With such an evil, unidentifiable force waiting in the shadows to strike, it seems foolish to hold old grudges and not stand side by side. Don’t you think so?”

  Tango chuckled. “I see you’ve taken your role as royalty on the throne seriously, Palidor.”

  Palidor scrunched his eyes together not certain if Tango were teasing or being facetious. He looked at him in challenge.

  Saxton held a firm expression. “Our conflict with Alden, Caton, and Kedar will not interfere in our responsibility to protect and serve. They’ll get over it. We’re not planning on leaving any time soon,” Saxton stated firmly and a bit louder before looking toward Kedar, who stared at him.

  It was done on purpose and Palidor hoped the men would not start fighting.

  “I think we should take that run now, Saxton,” Tango said and then rose from his chair. He reached over and shook Palidor’s hand as he and Saxton stood up next.

  “Enjoy it,” Palidor stated as Saxton and Tango gave a wave toward Orion and Draco before heading toward the house to exit. Ariella was there to hug them both and invite them to dinner tomorrow evening.

  As soon as the men left, Palidor heard Kedar stand up. “Did I hear him say that he and Tango are staying longer?”

  Palidor walked closer. “Yes, they’re going to be staying for a while.”

  “Why? Have they been asked to do some kind of security for you or your fathers?” Caton asked.

  “No. They were invited to stay and enjoy the time of peacefulness and relaxation,” Orion said.

  “I invited them to stay longer. They’ve been going through a lot over the past many years and even recently. It would be good for them to relax and enjoy the property.”

  “You should be careful around them, Ariella. Especially Saxton. He’s a beast, more so than a man.”

  “I don’t see him in that way at all. I find him to be of strong spirit and a true Alpha leader, much like yourself and your brothers, Kedar,” Ariella replied with attitude.

  “They are just warning you to be careful, mate. There’s no need to be offended.” Draco said as he wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close. Ariella snuggled into his brother’s embrace, but Palidor was still curious about Kedar’s comment.

  “It seems that you know a side of Saxton that the rest of us have yet to know,” Palidor stated.

  “I just don’t trust him,” Kedar stated.

  “Perhaps he has changed since those years ago. We were young and unknowing to many of the situations and missions our fellow troops had to complete,” Caton added.

  “There’s no need to discuss it now. They have both proven themselves loyal to the circle, to the Goddess Kamea, and to all of us. I think it’s time to put your hard feelings behind you, my friend, and move on,” Palidor said as he placed his hand on Kedar’s shoulder and gave him a reassuring expression.

  “Now, how about we discuss the need for your team to stick around a little while longer and assist us with some inside security? Charity had mentioned an opening in Caliber for a security team. We’d like to discuss the possibility with the three of you.”

  “That’s fantastic news,” Alden said with a smile.

  “It sure is,” Draco stated as they all gathered around the table while Orion and Palidor prepared some drinks. The sun was setting, the evening drawing near, and plans for old friends to join in their forces was always a cause for celebration. But as Palidor looked at Ariella staring at Saxton and Tango, he couldn’t help the uneasy feeling he had. Could Saxton be trouble? Could Kedar and his brothers have grounds for not trusting them and holding a grudge? They were all very large, very resourceful wolves, and he would hate for there to be a battle amongst such good friends.

  Chapter 3

  “Are you serious? I have been planning this for months. I have the caterers booked, the menu complete, and invitations about to go out. Now the Venificus want to meet and discuss an approval? Why?” Annabelle asked as she stood up from her desk feeling the anger rumble through her body. She tried to calm her breathing, considering that she was on the phone with one of the Venificus representatives.

  It was pretty damn hard to show respect when someone obviously wanted to sabotage her plans. As Langly gave her the details, she thought about the wolf and his role in the secret order. He and his cohort Brutas were leaders, and obviously little puppets. She would find out who did this, and she would take care of them personally.

  “I understand, Langly. When will this meeting occur and will I be allowed to present my plans for the day?” When he told her no, she was stunned.

  He abruptly ended the call, reminding her that she was to respect the decision of the Venificus and the Princess.

  She hung up the call and looked out of the office window to the main reception area. It hit her pretty quickly. She remembered hearing that the Princess visited Maya in the Gardens yesterday. That little wolf shouldn’t even be involved with community affairs. She was a waste and a weakling. Her bloodline may say otherwise but her boring, quiet, weak personality spoke volumes. She had to have something to do with this. Annabelle wasn’t going to let this brat ruin her plans of impressing the royal families, and seeking her right position in the arms as mate to one of the clan.

  Annabelle stomped toward the door and pulled it open. “Maya, can I see you a moment please?” she asked, causing the other workers to look in her direction. They heard her tone, and the other crew knew enough not to mess with Annabelle.

  Maya stood up, wearing a boring pale violet dress and a short sweater buttoned to nearly her neck. No wonder men didn’t find her appealing, she covered up all her assets when assets were what landed Alpha wolves.

  Maya closed the door and clasped her hands together. She couldn’t even look Annabelle in the eyes she was so inferior in nature.

  “I would like to know if you know why I received a call about the party I am planning and the need for the Venificus to approve it.

  Maya looked up and seemed both guilty and shocked. “An approval from the Venificus? Hadn’t you presented the idea to the pack council before making concrete plans?”

  Annabelle gasped and then squinted her eyes at Maya.

  “Why would I do that? I am the coordinator of public affairs. This is my responsibility and my idea. It’s a great idea at that.”

  “Well, Annabelle, it is procedure to get approval from the pack council on matters such as this. I thought you did that? Maybe they were offended?”

  “Offended? No, I think not, Maya. I think that you got jealous because you wanted this position I have but since you’re a nobody with no spine, I got it. You sabotaged this. You were with the Princess yesterday in the garden.”

  “I did no such thing. I don’t want this position. I told you that.”

  Annabelle moved in front of her and bared her teeth. She was an Alpha female, not Maya.

  “You’re finished, Maya. You don’t know who you’re messing with. Now, I have to clean up the mess you made. This party will happen. All the packs and their families wi
ll be in the gardens celebrating together, whether you like it or not.”

  “I don’t know why you’re getting so mad at me. I didn’t cause this. Maybe it’s because of the danger that has faced all our packs these last few months?” Maya said.

  Annabelle squinted her eyes at Maya, looking down at her. “Maybe you should be more careful, too, Maya.”

  She held her gaze and let her eyes move over Maya’s body as if she were nothing at all. Annabelle felt her fear. Her wolf sensed it immediately.

  “I don’t have time for you, or these childish games. Be gone.” Annabelle waved her hand in the air and went around her desk to pick up the phone. She knew who she needed to call. She watched Maya slink out of the room, take her backpack, and head out the front door. Annabelle smiled.

  As the phone rang, she heard her father’s voice.

  “Daddy, I have a problem, and I need your help.”

  “I was going to call you, Annabelle. I just heard that Saxton and Tango are staying on pack territory for a while longer.”

  “Wonderful. I’ll be sure to meet up with them as soon as possible, but first, I need some help.”

  * * * *

  Maya felt embarrassed and angry as she rushed out the door and into the streets of town. She kept her head down and just needed to get out of there.

  Why didn’t I tell her off? Why did I let her speak to me like that and even threaten me? It was a threat. She bared her teeth at me. I can’t believe it. I hate confrontations and I hate dealing with Annabelle. Who does she think she is anyway?

  Feeling frustrated as she hurried through the small town and toward the park, she tried to calm her breathing. Something wasn’t right. Something felt way off, and she couldn’t put her finger on it.

  She looked over her shoulder. No one even noticed her. Why would they? I’m no one of importance, and nor do I want to be.

  She felt the tingling against her wrist, and under the bracelet she wore. Her heart pounded inside of her chest. Her wolf began to growl and pant for release. It wanted to be free. Free to run, to be one with the earth and the forest. She hurried toward the gathering of thick trees, her wolf the complete opposite of her human self, and shifted. She sprung right into a forward roll, and then leaped through the thickest, most dangerous parts of the forest. The scent of the trees, the pine, and the dirt around her added fuel to the fire burning in her belly. Her wolf was strong and most powerful, but her human side was quiet, unaccepting to challenges, to threats, to engaging in combat, and now her beast was upset.