“Agreed,” they all responded, and off they went to destroy hopefully the last lab and to bring some closure to the situation.
Chapter 9
Maya scrambled off the bed and took a quick shower. She rotated the bracelet she made in leather and stainless steel and smiled. It was funny how she just made the five bracelets alike and as she began to make the sixth she suddenly stopped and felt as if she should leave it that size. It had the exact same design, the twisted leather with the infinity symbol and five charms. She felt this tight, fearful feeling in her gut. She missed them already. She couldn’t help but to feel disappointed about not making love to Kedar and Caton, too. They were the most serious and mysterious of the five wolves.
Where Saxton and Tango were more mature, older in their way of talking and acting, Caton and Kedar were so serious and tough. She would need to take her time peeling away those layers of security and hardness. Then there was Alden. He looked so wicked sexy just like Tango but in a darker way. Where Tango had blond hair and a pretty-boy kind of face, Alden had dark crew cut hair, an olive completion, and dark eyes. He looked like he could play the role as nice guy and evil guy.
It made her body hum with appreciation. All five men were so different, yet they shared similarities.
They were all warriors, Alpha wolves who were used to leading and being in charge. She wondered if they would fight often when they were all together? That thought made her feel a bit of an anxiety attack hum within her. They were going to all be living together.
Where would they live? Would they argue over where to move to? Would they want to move away from here? She didn’t want to leave her family and her sisters. But these men held important positions. They were needed to protect important people.
Suddenly she wasn’t sure if she could handle this. There were certain obvious responsibilities that came with being a mate to men like this. She would have to change her life, her goals and dreams for them.
That made her feel a little sick as she pulled on a pair of capris and a tank top then a sheer pale pink blouse. She needed to see what Annabelle wanted. Perhaps dealing with her would take Maya’s mind off all the things she didn’t know or understand about mating. Maybe after meeting Annabelle, Maya should go see her mother, Lexi.
She grabbed her things and headed out of the house.
* * * *
Annabelle stood by the back door to the public affairs building. The three men she’d hired to take Maya were waiting for the opportunity.
Maya pulled the car right next to the SUV and got out.
“What’s going on? You sounded so urgent,” Maya asked as she pulled the strap to her bag onto her shoulder.
“It is urgent.” Annabelle walked closer, blocking Maya’s way into the building and keeping her between the cars.
Maya looked around.
Annabelle had a feeling that her wolf senses were kicking in and she probably smelled the three other wolves. They were from around here, and they would take Maya away where no one could find her.
Annabelle sniffed the air, and now her own wolf was pissed.
“You fucked them?” she asked. Her eyes began to glow and Maya took a step back.
“What?”
“You little whore. They’re mine.” Annabelle struck Maya.
Maya screamed as she fell back but recovered, having quick reflexes. But Annabelle continued. “You won’t take them from me. You won’t ruin my plans. I’m going to be someone important to the pack. Saxton, Tango, and the others are mine.” She struck her again, and as Maya tried to defend herself, the three men got out of the SUV and grabbed her.
“No! Let me go. What are you doing, Annabelle?” She screamed but then one of the wolves stuck her with a needle. Annabelle smiled.
“Shall we take her to one of the labs?” one of the men asked.
“I don’t care what you do with her. Just make it so that she never returns here again.”
Annabelle watched as they carried Maya into the back of the SUV and took off.
Annabelle hurried back into her office. Not a soul would know what happened outside and that she was to blame for Maya’s disappearance.
Things were going to change. She would show her father that she had the capabilities and gall of any male Alpha wolf out there. In the meantime, she needed to get ready for the interrogations. Once Task Force 8 along with Saxton and Tango came looking for their mate, she could start getting them to pay attention to her.
That, and a little bit of science.
She reached into her desk drawer and pulled out the brown wooden box. Six syringes sat ready to be used. One for each wolf and one for herself to seal the deal and their fate. Nothing, no one would stand in her way.
* * * *
Task Force 8, Saxton, Tango, Orion, Palidor, Draco, and Ariella met near the facility.
“Where is Maya?” Ariella asked.
“She was meeting Annabelle at the office. Let’s get moving so we can return to her quickly,” Kedar stated.
“Okay. We’ll explain the layout of the facility,” Orion said.
“There are two direct entrances to the building. The front door and the back exit door. The building is three stories and contains a basement,” Palidor said as he pulled out the blue prints. Ariella held her head and began to moan.
“Ariella, what is it?” Draco asked as he grabbed her shoulders.
“We must hurry. They’re injecting them now. They’re in so much pain.”
“Shit. We’ll split up. Where are the wolves being held hostage?” Kedar asked.
“Basement,” Ariella said as the men looked at the blueprints.
“We’ll get to them. Palidor, you and your brothers take the main floor. The teams from Caliber can take the top two floors. Tune your radios to 3, so we can keep communication.” Saxton was now giving orders.
“I’ve got this, Saxton. This is our team’s responsibility,” Kedar challenged.
“We’re here to help. What I say makes sense.” Saxton replied.
“Please stop fighting. We need to get to the prisoners. Let’s just do what Saxton said,” Ariella stated as she began to walk toward the front entrance. Her men pulled her behind them and they continued to proceed, ready and armed.
Kedar gave Saxton a dirty look. Saxton raised his eyebrow at him in challenge.
“Let’s move,” Kedar ordered and everyone spread out, ready to infiltrate the building.
* * * *
Saxton was ready to hit Kedar. He didn’t take orders from just anyone and he sure wouldn’t allow Kedar or his brothers to think that he and Tango were pushovers. They’d dealt with many covert operations as members of the secret order and Brothers of Were. Kedar was still hung up on what he thought he knew about Saxton’s past. When the time was right, maybe he’d explain it to the young wolf and make him see how wrong he really was. But right now all Saxton wanted to do was to get back to Maya. The thought of her made his heart race and now even his wrist throbbed. He glanced at the bracelet she gave them just as Kedar shoved open the back door. He gave his hand signals and they went in, guns drawn and wolves ready to fight.
* * * *
The basement was pitch black as Kedar led the way and they made it through the first floor and down the stairs. They could smell death, blood, and fear. Scrunching his nose, he glanced over his shoulder at Saxton who had taken position up front and next to him. Caton smirked but kept his glowing eyes around the room.
Kedar didn’t know what to expect. The entire idea of forcing the mating bond between creatures that weren’t meant to be irked him. Knowing the depth and instant connection between mates, as he did now, made him feel angry and sick. So badly he wanted to be back at Maya’s home, lost inside of her body, and securing their bond.
More sobs and crying, his heart hammered inside of his chest, and then they came into view. The soft glow of candles illuminated the entire back area. Bars of silver encaged the wolves waiting to be forced to mate to others. They
looked so sick and weak. Some lay lifeless, others moaning and rocking in the fetal position on the concrete floors.
They lost the sparkle in their eyes. Even now in the dark when their wolf eyes should be glowing, they weren’t. They appeared undernourished, eyes sunk into their eye sockets, they were dirty, some naked, some partially clothed.
“It’s okay. You’re all going to be okay,” Alden stated as he used some special gloves to handle the lock on the cages. Suddenly they heard growls and then without any other warning, they were attacked. Kedar shot his gun taking out two wolves about to rip him to shreds. They all shifted as they realized they were being attacked by wolves.
As Kedar tumbled over, being hit by two wolves at the same time, he heard the enormous roar and then the swipe of a large black paw right before a wolf tried to rip out Kedar’s throat.
At first Kedar thought it was Caton and then inhaled, knowing it was Saxton who’d just saved his life.
The battle continued while the prisoners cried out, wanting to help fight those wolves who’d battered them and held them against their will. Alden must have read Kedar’s thoughts as he manipulated the lock and set the wolves free. The rage and anger was enormous as the prisoners shifted and tore apart the rest of the wolves who attacked.
They watched in understanding as those who were prisoners moments ago now sought their revenge. It was understandable now that they too had a mate they wanted to protect and love. If anyone tried to hurt Maya, their rage would be heard from miles.
These poor wolves. Many of them would never get to see their mates again, or even survive without their intended mates. In this moment, under these circumstances, he understood their need for vengeance. He needed his mate now more than ever.
After shifting back to their human form and putting on clothes, they got word from Palidor and the others. They were successful in taking over the lab and securing the poison.
* * * *
Caton stood in silence, his own wolf in agony as he saw the destruction and bodies around the lab. He couldn’t believe that some sick bastard was responsible for doing this, and for trying to force a bond that wasn’t condoned by the gods. He watched as Ariella consoled those who’d lost their mates, and attempted to heal those who survived. She was truly a Goddess of love, and he felt her power, her ability and commitment to the Were. When all was done, and the lab cleared of any other drugs, they gathered around talking about what they’d witnessed.
“I hope that there aren’t any more of these labs around,” Alden stated as he stood by Caton.
“I fear there are still others. Whomever the evil is that tried to take Batya and myself is still determined to destroy the circle and all were. It wants power and control. It wants to be the sole ruler of all realms. I can feel the evil,” Ariella stated.
“How can you tell that it’s the same thing that went after you?” Saxton asked.
They watched as a tear rolled down Ariella’s cheek.
“They told me. All these men and women forced to be part of this and to create the labs, the formula started by Dr. Henry Lesting. They say that this evil has more power and ability than even the gods and Goddesses.”
“We need to identify this thing and destroy it. This can’t go on,” Palidor added.
“My fear is for Kamea.”
“What do you mean?” Tango asked.
“The third Goddess must be identified and located so we can secure the Security Ring and the circle of elders,” Ariella whispered as Orion pulled her against his chest and hugged her close.
Caton swallowed hard.
“It would be nice if the gods gave us a sign, a way to identify this third Goddess so we can destroy the evil.”
“Caton, this power seems stronger than anything I’ve ever felt before. It can control one’s mind, alter one’s heart, and perhaps control one’s decisions. We’ve all been wracking our brains trying to figure out what and whom it is. All we can do is wait on the third Goddess to appear. Then we can combine our powers and complete the Security Ring.”
“I pray that you are correct. We will do whatever you ask of us to assist,” Saxton said and then bowed his head before walking away. Tango did the same thing and followed.
Kedar, Alden, and Caton watched them walk out and then they looked at Ariella.
She gave a soft smile. “It is extra difficult to share yourself fully with a mate when you’re not sure of the integrity of those around you. Perhaps working out your fears and concerns with your brothers, Saxton and Tango, might make the mating process easier and happier for you.”
Kedar looked at her as Palidor, Orion, and Draco smirked, with arms crossed in front of their chests.
“That’s more easily said than done, Ariella. But we will give it a try. Maya has already come to mean so much to us,” Kedar replied.
She smiled and then reached for his hand. “Where did you all get these?” she asked, eyeing the bracelet.
“Maya made them,” Alden told her.
Ariella smiled. “Very nice. I think I’ll go assist the medics with the injured. Thank you for helping us today.”
They bowed their heads as she walked away.
“That’s some mate you have, Orion,” Alden teased.
“She is indeed very special. You five should head back to yours. I’m sure it is difficult being apart when you have just begun the mating process,” Orion replied.
“Yes, we need to get back to her,” Tango said and then shook Orion’s hand. They exchanged good-byes and off they went to get back to Maya.
Chapter 10
Feldman moaned as he lay on the ground shackled and cold. He tried to calm his mind and figure out a way to trick the demon so he could get word to Charity. Every time he thought of her, the others popped into his head. Charity, Lexi, Antoinette, Ariella, Batya, and even Samantha. Lord Crespin’s granddaughter was important to the Were world and the other realms. A shot of pain went through his temples and he cried out in pain.
It hurt so badly he felt as if he were actually bleeding from his head.
He focused. He needed to do something even if it meant giving up his life. But he wasn’t sure how to do it. And then he felt Bethany.
A small smile emerged on his face. He thought of wild flowers, the realm of the Goddesses, and all that was good and just. He felt the calming sensation and knew he had only moments to explain without the demon being aware of his thoughts. He sensed the blackness, like a curtain of shadow separating his mind from the demon’s view.
Maya is the Goddess. The evil has me captive. Save her.
The curtain evaporated just as a shot of pain filled him. He screamed out, his muscles burned, and his eyes did, too. He looked down at his firearms and saw the lines, the scars instantly appeared, and blood ooze from under his skin. It was torturous and painful. He growled louder, clenching his teeth until he had no voice, and could not breathe and finally, he passed out from the pain.
* * * *
“Fuck. What do we do with her now? The lab has been destroyed. There are police everywhere,” the rogue wolf, Burna asked the other two wolves, Brie and Mard. They looked at Maya, as she lay in the seat, still asleep.
“We got our money, I say we drive for a while and dump her somewhere,” Mard suggested.
“Dump her? Look at her. We can do whatever we want to her and no one would know.” Brie added.
“Her mates will. Don’t you smell them on her? Those are big shots in the pack,” Burna told them.
“What the fuck do you care, Burna? No one is going to find her. We’re not part of any pack, and we answer to no one but those willing to pay the right price,” Brie said as Burna took off for the highway. “Where are you going?
“Someplace safe, until we know what we want to do with her. The woman who paid us, her father is representative of the circle. He may be willing to pay us to keep what she’s done a secret.”
“More money? A bribe?” Brie asked with a smile as he caressed Maya’s hair.
>
“Yep. I’m thinking we can make a good amount of cash on this deal. We’ll bring her to the house, secure her for a few days, you know, keep her doped up, and then we’ll wait for Galan to hand over the dough,” Berna stated.
“And that bitch who paid us can face the elders for what she’s done, that way we don’t have to worry about her at all,” Mard added.
“Sounds good to me, but can I play with her while we keep her?” Brie asked as he moved his hand along her neck and right to her voluptuous breast. “She’s just too pretty to not touch.”
“Sure, just don’t do too much damage. We don’t know if Galan will want her dead or alive.”
Brie smiled as he lifted Maya up and held her against his chest. He maneuvered her legs so that she straddled his waist, and her head lay on his shoulder. He was out of breath, his wolf so aroused by her curvy figure. He licked her neck and the smell of the other wolves only bothered him a little. He had no allegiance to anyone but himself and maybe Burna and Mard. They had been on their own for a while, and this tasty morsel would be an indulgence he would enjoy for as long as he had her.
“She is weak. You saw her back there. She couldn’t fight against that woman, Annabelle. Her mates are better off with a woman like that than with this small, delicate flower. I think I’m going to enjoy this time with her,” Brie said and then held her tight as Burna sped down the highway.
* * * *
Maya heard every word they said. At first she wanted to cry. She was weak, and she wasn’t good enough for Saxton, Tango, Alden, Caton, and Kedar. They were Alpha wolves, and perhaps it would be better to allow a woman like Annabelle to have them. But that wasn’t what the Goddesses wanted. She knew it in her heart, as thinking about the men brought a surge of fight and anger into her heart.
Goddess of Unity [The Men of Five-O #8] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Forever) Page 9