BlackWolf Preserved

by Sydney Addae

  One moment they were in their prayer room, the next she saw their reflections mirrored in the water in front of them.

  “Silas. Jasmine. Rise. I sense you’re troubled.”

  Jasmine locked down her sarcastic thoughts and merged with Silas.

  “Thank you for granting us this audience,” Silas said. “Recently, we’ve learned a group of military men paid a geologist to find Kirlethanium in Costa Rica. The old Alpha staged the uprising to hide the fact he allowed humans access to Pack lands. These men are using this crystal in human experiments to alter themselves further. My concern is they will return to Costa Rica, possibly with a show of force for more of the Kirlethanium. What would you have us do? Warn Lucian of the possibility? Or remain quiet of the potential threat?”

  Jasmine appreciated how Silas worded the question. The ball was now squarely in Her corner.

  Silence filled the space for several moments. “I am not informed of human actions and was unaware of this. How did you come by the information of humans removing crystals from Pack land? Has it been verified?”

  Silas explained Matteo, a Chimera, had been hired by one of the Olympians.

  “They call themselves Olympians?” the Goddess asked.

  “Yes, they do. One of them is called Zeus, another Apollo, Hera and so forth,” Silas said.

  “They are all human?” She sounded perplexed.

  “Enhanced humans, like our Chimera friends with a major exception. They are fallen soldiers who die in war and are given a shot that changes their physiology. Most remain dead. Those who live are enhanced and forced into the military program. They have no Alpha, no one who can make them obey. For now, they remain a loosely gathered group searching for a way to make them better and experiment with this crystal to find answers,” Silas said.

  “Can the crystal give them what they need?” the Goddess asked.

  “I don’t know,” Silas said. “But they have left many humans dead on the streets from their experiments.”

  Silence.

  “You believe they will return to Costa Rica for more of these crystals?” the Goddess asked.

  “It’s a possibility,” Silas said.

  Again silence.

  “Lucian is at a pivotal point. With Raven’s absence...” She paused. When Silas didn’t say anything, the Goddess continued. “The installation of new Alphas, consolidating the continent beneath his command, this new threat isn’t welcomed.”

  Silas remained quiet.

  “Lucian can defend himself... but if he does, it will draw attention to Pack and their way of life. He is not prepared to defend against these men.” She looked at Silas and Jasmine for a few moments. “How do you plan to stop this new enemy from returning to Central America?”

  “We can expose them,” Jasmine said.

  Silas and the Goddess looked at her. “If or whenever they arrive record them and then put it on the news. They’re supposed to be this covert operation, blow their cover. Make the military explain to the world what they’re doing there.”

  “That’s one way to deal with it, another is to have Lucian shut it down. Allow him to tell them they cannot cross his land,” Silas said.

  “That will stop them?” the Goddess said.

  “Probably not, but he would’ve met the requirement, the human legal requirement of saying no. Whatever they do after that is not on Lucian. They become lawbreakers and would be dealt with in accordance to human courts,” Silas said.

  “Initially, you wanted them stopped before reaching Lucian’s lands. You’ve changed your mind, why?” the Goddess asked.

  “First, I’m not sure that’s possible without exposing secrets we’re not ready to share with the world. I won’t ask the Chimera to do anything that would endanger them. Second, Lucian’s Alpha over that continent and should be here discussing this matter with us. He’s responsible for keeping his Pack safe, not me.”

  Silence again.

  “You are right, Silas,” the Goddess said. The next moment, Lucian appeared. He seemed surprised and then bowed low when he realized where he was.

  “Rise, Lucian.”

  Lucian looked up at the Goddess and then glanced at Silas and Jasmine.

  “Silas has serious concerns regarding Central America and has asked if I would permit him to share what he learned with you because in the past I have not allowed him or Grandfather to share certain things.”

  “Why?” Lucian sounded surprised.

  “I did not want you distracted.”

  “But I needed to know about the Liege to protect the Pack. Several members were hurt because outsiders used Liege technology against us and we knew nothing. They could’ve done more damage and we’d be in the dark,” Lucian said.

  “I made the decision to withhold that information so you could focus on consolidating the Pack beneath your rule. Now there is a new challenge. I will allow Silas to share this information with you so you can prepare.” She nodded at Silas.

  Silas told him about the military sending the geologist and their experiments using Kirlethanium. “It’s possible they may return to Costa Rica.”

  Lucian stared at Silas for several moments and then nodded slowly as he looked at the Goddess. “You would have told him to keep this information from me?”

  “Perhaps, but he was right to seek My permission before telling you,” the Goddess said.

  “I see,” Lucian said, his voice tight.

  “No. You do not see,” the Goddess said. “My decrees come first and I expect you to set My desires above all. You must trust that I have the best interest of all wolves in mind at all times because that is the truth even when it doesn’t look like it or it is inconvenient for you.”

  Lucian inhaled and released it slowly. “Yes, Ma’am.”

  “Do not be angry with Silas or Jasmine. They were following My instructions and will always do so. In time, you will understand.” The Goddess waved at Lucian. “Silas has stated you should be here to make decisions for how to handle this possible threat instead of him. He is right. What do you want to do, Lucian?”

  Lucian’s brow rose as he glanced at Silas. “I have not given permission for anyone, human or Pack to come on our lands to take Kirlethanium and will not agree to it. So far they have not reached out to me, when and if they do, I will say no. If they decide to come anyway, we will defend our land.”

  “Jasmine has another suggestion,” the Goddess said as She looked at her.

  Jasmine cleared her throat and told Lucian how she would handle it.

  He looked at her in amazement and laughed. “That is brilliant and an interesting way to handle humans. It’s possible we will still fight but your way will damage them in ways a good whooping won’t.”

  Jasmine smiled.

  “Silas, you and Jasmine may leave. I would speak to Lucian alone,” the Goddess said.

  The next moment they were in their prayer room. Jasmine leaned back and stretched her feet. “That was intense. I thought She was going to zap Lucian when he got mad.”

  “I sensed his hurt and frustration. Alone, She will talk more personally about Her decision to help him understand,” Silas said.

  “Apologize, you mean?” Jasmine asked, shocked.

  Silas frowned. “She has nothing to apologize for. We serve Her, not the other way around. He’s new and will learn.”

  Jasmine rolled her eyes before closing them. “What was I thinking with that question?”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  THE EVENING SUN DIPPED low in the sky as Perseus – Staff Sergeant Andre Milano, Janus - Sergeant Jeffrey Brown and Hypnos - Captain Joshua Campbell, returned to their base camp beneath the lab. Gil Schmidt tried to hide his disappointment and frustration that the men returned with no clues or any information regarding what happened to Hermes, Livingston, Polsi, and Bignis. Four enhanced men didn’t simply disappear. How would he explain their absence to his Commanding Officer?

  Hera – Sergeant Dianne Boxer, wrinkled her nose at the men a
nd flipped her long, dark ponytail to the side as she watched the silent trio. Petite at 5’3” with a curvy athletic build, dark eyes and a heart-shaped face, she appeared innocent and safe but emitted a dangerous toxin that would incapacitate a person within seconds. In large doses, it would kill. She hadn’t been able to reach that goalpost and had asked to join Hermes here in the lab to see if the crystals would boost her powers.

  Now Hermes and the others were missing.

  “What about the guy who gave Hermes the information?” Hera asked, stopping Perseus while the other two continued out of the room.

  Dark gray eyes that reminded Schmidt of angry storm clouds before a hurricane clashed with hers. Stocky and a few inches taller than Hera, his dusky complexion blended well in the area making him a real asset. “No trace of him either.” The arrogant tilt of his head and curl of his lips dared her to question their tracking skills.

  Hera was made of sterner stuff and returned his stare. “Come on. No one saw anything? That’s five men and Owen is massive.”

  Perseus’ eyes darkened and glowed. Pencils, papers, tablets, keys, and other loose items rose in the air and turned toward Hera. “Are you calling me a liar?”

  Schmidt held up his hands before things escalated. These three men hadn’t been out of training long and this was their second assignment. He hoped Perseus, Hypnos, and Janus would bond into an effective team, like Zeus, Apollo, and Poseidon.

  “Are you threatening me?” Hera demanded.

  “Stop this. It’s not helpful,” Schmidt said, watching Perseus as the items moved together to become one large projectile that would skewer Hera if she remained in the same place. Of course, she would release her poison and Perseus, as well as anyone else in the room, would hit the floor. Some days it seemed as if he were a preschool teacher dealing with adolescents.

  Perseus glared at him. “I assure you I’m no adolescent.”

  “Stop acting like one and put those down. The question had nothing to do with you or the other's abilities.” He raised his mental shields to ensure none of his thoughts leaked again. Perseus’ telepathic and telekinetic abilities were very strong.

  The items fell on desks or the floor as Perseus turned and left the room.

  “Pity someone as handsome as him has such a quick trigger,” Hera said watching him leave.

  “Knowing he has a quick trigger, do not aggravate him,” Schmidt snapped, aggravated. The day had been long and filled with disappointment. The loss of the scientists and their notes from the lab in town would set them back quite a bit. For the past three hours, they tried to access files stored virtually with no success. Two older scientists were en route to try to put the puzzle pieces together with the understanding it may never happen. Although Kirlethanium had been around for centuries and used to extend life forces, without the right formula composition it didn’t work.

  Schmidt wasn’t sure how much longer they would continue funding this research. The scientists working on improving the original formula believed Kirlethanium was too unstable and unpredictable. With this last setback, the General might agree with them.

  “What do you think, Gil?” Hera moved and sat next to him after everyone left the room. “Hermes has been around a while. I can’t see anyone taking him out. But something happened to them.”

  He met her gaze. “I have no idea and that’s not a good thing. Let’s hope the two men coming in can salvage this project. If I can give a definitive answer on the viability of Kirlethanium for the team, the rest will be overlooked. On the other hand, if it doesn’t help, there’ll be hell to pay.”

  “How can I help?” She looked at him.

  “Get some answers, any answers. What happened to the lab? Who started the fire and why? What happened to Owen? Hermes?” He shook his head in frustration. “What are we dealing with? Maybe you can find out what they couldn’t.”

  “Did Hermes have any problems? I haven’t seen any reports,” she said.

  And she wouldn’t. None of them would. Schmidt wasn’t stupid. Hera would take the information and use it to save herself without thinking of the others. “Nothing. The last report I received from him stated they had a lead on finding another enhanced male who used the crystal for decades to extend his life. Hermes planned to talk to him, see if he would work with them.”

  “Talk to him? Or coerce him to work in the lab?”

  Schmidt had his opinion but didn’t say, instead, he shrugged.

  “Maybe that’s what happened to Hermes. He went up against another enhanced person who took him out,” she said watching him closely.

  “Possibly.” Schmidt had already thought about that and if there hadn’t been three other enhanced soldiers, he would’ve seriously considered it.

  “I can go into town, look around, listen, see if anyone’s talking,” Hera offered.

  Tempted, Schmidt looked at her. “The last time you did that we had a high body count.”

  She rolled her eyes and flipped her long ponytail across her shoulder. “We’ve gone over that several times. That jerk tried to take me against my wishes. Athena was there, she told you what happened.”

  “Doesn’t change the body count, Hera. This is a covert operation, we’re not here. That’s why I didn’t bring Zeus or the others. They would stand out.” Zeus, Apollo, and Poseidon were working on another job and refused to leave and come. Schmidt was almost positive neither Hera nor Athena was aware of that.

  “Fine. How can I help you from here?” Her dark eyes flashed as she crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him.

  “I didn’t say you couldn’t go into town. You need to be careful and not draw attention to yourself or hurt anyone,” Schmidt said. He glanced at the wall clock. In another hour he would meet with his contact to discuss what happened earlier today and gather further information regarding the crystals.

  Hera grinned as she turned and walked toward the door. “I’ll take one of the cars.”

  “Take Janus with you. He’s the life of the party and will blend well,” Schmidt said.

  She frowned. “If he goes Hypnos and Perseus may want to go.”

  Pleased, he kept his face neutral and shrugged. “Between the four of you, we’ll learn something, right?”

  Hera held his gaze a few moments longer, turned and left the room.

  Schmidt stared at the door and released a breath. Is this what his life had come to? Babysitting men and women who could wreak havoc on an unsuspecting world. He shook his head. They had some of the best minds working on the formula that changed men and women into Olympians and they continued to lose the majority of their force within 90 days. The ones who survived were becoming more and more difficult to control. In the beginning, it was enough for him to give an order, their military training would kick in and it was obeyed immediately.

  Last year he reported his concern to the General that the longer the men remained in the program the more autonomous they became. Zeus, Apollo, and Poseidon insisted on working together and refused jobs when Schmidt split them up. Didn’t matter how small or big, they were a triad and he had no other choice but to meet their demand. Hermes, Athena, and Hera had complained, claiming he gave the three men special treatment, which was true to a point. But those three were the best in the unit and always provided results.

  Schmidt released a breath and sat up. Would Janus, Perseus, and Hypnos do the same at Zeus and the others? Most likely. With new soldiers constantly reporting and failing to make the 90-day mark, those who survived seemed to gravitate to each other.

  Janus opened the door and stuck his head inside. “You want us to head out with Hera?” Dressed in a light blue collarless shirt with the sleeves rolled up showing off his mocha complexion, he looked as if he were dressed to go to dinner or a night on the town.

  “Yes. Keep your ears and eyes open. We need to find out what happened at the lab earlier today and to our team.” Schmidt met Janus’ dark gaze.

  Janus stroked his close-cropped goatee which mat
ched his low haircut. “There’s nightlife in this place?”

  “Have no idea,” Schmidt said. “Use your charm and see what you can learn. Remain low-key. No bloodshed and be ghosts. In and out. No pictures. No videos. I don’t want anyone to be able to identify you later.”

  Janus grinned and he looked like a young man in his early 20’s. He’d died too young. “I promise not to stop the clock or mess with time. No Cinderella episodes tonight. I’ll pass the word along to Hypnos so he won’t put anyone in dream-like states or give them nightmares either.”

  “Much appreciated,” Schmidt said with feeling. Janus’ ability to freeze, stop, and fast forward time for small blocks of time was an asset in the field. Hypnos was scary. His ability kicked in while a person was awake, which in Schmidt’s mind was worse than being asleep. In testing, Hypnos pulled people into deep dreams and could make them fun or nightmares. Not everyone was susceptible but those who were, avoided Hypnos whenever they saw him.

  Janus closed the door with a soft click.

  Schmidt stood, stretched and looked at the security monitor. What happened to Hermes and the others? The question continued racing around his mind. Would Zeus, Apollo, or Poseidon be able to find him? Maybe. But bringing them in to check behind the others would cement challenges in the rank and they didn’t need that. Schmidt had already informed Zeus that Hermes was missing and presumed dead. If Zeus was shocked or upset, Schmidt couldn’t tell by his response or actions. He hadn’t asked any questions after Schmidt explained the team’s search.

  Minutes later the security monitor beeped as two vehicles left the garage and after clearing security, drove down the road toward town.

  Relieved to have no other witnesses than human security, Schmidt left his office and took the elevator down to the lab. Inside, he locked the doors and entered a secure room to wait for Prokam. If he was lucky, the man would bring his gorgeous wife, Helen.