Angus continued. “Alpha Verrick, we are in his territory now, is calling for your death. Claims your ignorance is fueling police investigations that will expose full-bloods to the world. Of course he did not say that to La Patron, he’s saying things along those lines behind closed doors to ramp up support.”
“No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution,” Chacal said earning him a frown from Angus for using another Machiavellian quote.
“Not this time, my friend. You have never met Silas, more importantly you haven’t met Jasmine, his mate and Asia’s patroness. The moment Jasmine heard whispers of unrest over here; the good lady put me on a plane, not to fix things. Asia and her mate are more than capable, but to act as mediator and serve a warning that no one harms one of theirs. When Jasmine says something is wrong with a picture, everyone has learned to take another look. It’s uncanny how she’s able to see things we missed.”
Chacal looked at Asia and then Hawke. “Who are you today?”
She met his gaze and then looked at Angus. It was his call what to tell his friend about the chameleon.
“Who my mate is today will not solve the problem we are facing. I take exception to any threat to her life. Angus asks your questions,” Hawke said dismissing their host.
Angus snorted. “Quite right, some people are too nosy for their own good.”
Chacal shrugged but remained silent.
“What type of experiments were you working on when Asia entered the lab? What I should ask is why are the mongrels attacking humans? What kind of tests would make that happen?”
“Through the years a number of tests took place on different, what do you call them?”
“The Alphas refuse to call them wolves and refer to them as mongrels. Another test. Over time they overlapped.”
“Overlapped?” Angus asked.
“Yes. The metal in my arms was done first, separate operations of course. When I handled that, they did each leg. When I handled that they’d add or remove something else. That’s overlapping.”
Angus nodded. Asia appreciated the explanation because she did not know that term either.
“What do you think is causing them to attack people?” Angus asked.
Hawke shook his head. His brow creased. Asia could hear him thinking.
“I don’t know. They do not know the kill chips are deactivated, maybe they are reacting to that lack of knowledge.”
“Could be,” Angus said sitting forward. “But I think there’s more. I cannot name it, but something is not right.”
“Should we tell him about the black wolf giving away pups?”
“Do you think it’s related?”
“I freed test wolves from a life of slavery beneath the blade and I’m the bad guy. Yes, I think everything is related. No one seems to care about the test wolves. They went missing for years and now that they’re free, all the Alphas can do is call them insulting names… after the hell they went through in Boris’ castle?”
“I’m sorry.”
She sighed. “Hawke you cannot become embarrassed or offended when I or anyone talk about what happened in that place. I saw how hard your wolf fought for freedom. You are a victim like everyone else. Lord Boris and those assholes stole your youth and Goddess given talent for their foul purposes. They stole mine too. That is the past. Focus on the present. How do we stop this?”
Seconds passed before Hawke responded. Even though Asia suspected what happened to him was an important piece of this puzzle, he needed to be okay with sharing his personal information.
“Tell him.”
“Okay, but Chacal will hear as well. I can’t link with Angus.”
“Good. I like that you link to me and your Mistress. I don’t care if Chacal hears, he may be able to shed light on things.”
“I may have something,” Asia said into the silence and took the next few minutes telling them what she saw in Hawke’s memories. When Chacal and Angus looked at each other instead of saying what she saw was impossible, or pointing out how disgusting Hawke’s former pack behaved, she knew the shit happening was deep.
“What is going on Angus?” Her tone made it clear she did not appreciate being left out of the loop.
“There have been rumors dealing with this issue for a long time now. I have had my suspicions but never… this is disturbing on many levels.” Angus looked at Hawke. “Do you know the name of your clan? I mean within the Black Wolf Clan.”
“No. I have not been able to access my memories yet.”
Angus leaned forward. “I have never mated and could not shed light on the problem you were having regarding his chip. Is this another side-effect to mating? The ability to break through your mate’s barriers even when the mate cannot?”
“I think so.” Hawke said. “That is not something I know much about either. We intend to study the phenomena later. Back to the problem of those wishing to harm my mate. Does any of the information she just gave help?”
“Not sure yet. I need to think through some things. It’s possible it’s all connected since it’s been going on for so long.” Angus looked at Asia. “Remember I mentioned this may be the next assignment the Goddess has for you?”
She nodded, recalling the conversation at the air pad before he returned to the States leaving her to rescue Gunnolf.
“If what I think is happening, then this is your next assignment. You won’t be able to leave until balance is restored.” He shook his head and looked at Chacal. “You hit this one on the head.”
Chacal’s brow rose.
“Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions.”
“What is this? Machiavelli day?” Asia snapped and glared at Angus. “Explain. And no more damn quotes.”
Angus met her gaze and then looked at Hawke. She wasn’t sure what he saw but it must have been okay because there was a subtle shift of energy in the room.
“I left the Black Wolf clan, joined La Patron because the current Alpha and I disagreed on certain fundamental things. But before that, I noted several inconsistencies amongst the Black Clans.”
“Like?”
“Like our bitches have always been fertile and produced healthy litters, but our pack numbers dwindled. That did not make sense. So I asked questions and was assured everything was fine –”
“Or you were sent on an assignment for a significant length of time. Do not forget that,” Chacal said.
“Yes, that is true. I… had forgotten.”
The look Chacal sent Angus called him a liar, but neither argued the point. For a brief second Asia wondered what happened during those side missions.
“To hear black pups are being sold or given away, explains a part of the mystery. The larger mystery remains to be answered. Why? What would make an Alpha betray pack to the point of extinction? There is no explanation for that. It simply does not make rationale sense. And is the reason no one has moved against the leaders.”
“Leaders?” Asia hadn’t heard there were leaders.
“Yes. The Black Clan is the oldest recorded pack. We have a separate Council who meet from time to time. From what I understand they are not as involved now as before. They are the keepers of history and are tasked with maintaining records so that the mistakes of the past are not repeated. Therein lays the dilemma. There is no reason for the Council to be involved in this.”
“Why does it need to make sense?” She looked at Chacal who she now suspected was someone else from a previous life. “A wise man once said, men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others.”
Chacal’s eyes glowed for a second before nodding at her.
“Chances are the beginning started noble, for the good of all, and over time deteriorated into whatever it is now. I bet whoever agreed to this in the beginning never thought things would turn out this way,” Asia
said thinking of Gunnolf.
Angus rubbed his chin and then spoke. “A good point. But to stop whoever is behind this we need to strike at the heart of motive. Otherwise the problem will mushroom like a hydra with many heads.”
“Do I need to reverse the kill chips? Push the red button to shut the test wolves down. Will that fix the problem?” Hawke asked in a neutral tone.
“Hawke no.” Asia knew the cost to his soul for the blood he already spilled. To do that may break him.
“If this saves you, I will destroy each one all without a second thought.”
“We’ll find another way. I promise you.”
“That’s an idea,” Angus said.
Asia frowned. “How does multiple sightings of humans dropping dead solve this problem?”
“Hawke can stagger the drops, kill some every few hours. No need to push the button all at one time,” Angus said.
“What if they aren’t all involved, and it’s just a few. Hawke said there were different tests. Maybe some tests affected these… test wolves who are attacking and not the others.”
“Hawke doesn’t know which tests –”
“It is in the files. If I knew the names of the guilty wolves, I can cross reference to see which tests the wolves had in common,” Hawke said, looking down at Asia.
“Then you can find any others in those groups,” she said, pleased they had found a way to avoid useless bloodshed.
“And then what?” Angus asked.
“Eliminate them,” Hawke said before she spoke.
“Or we could track them to make sure they are out of control before pushing the button,” she added. All three men looked at her as if she had spoken a foreign language.
“That’s a good idea,” Hawke said squeezing her hand and then looking at Chacal. “May I use your computer? I would like to get started on this.”
“Wait.” Angus raised his hand. “Alpha Fredrick scheduled a meeting in an hour and a half, we must leave soon.” He looked at Asia. “You cannot look like that. The bounty on your head increased to eight million. Dress as the one from the Lyrill mission. We may need to kill that face soon, it depends on this meeting.”
Asia nodded. “What is your plan for meeting with Frederick?”
“He asked for a meeting once I arrived. Officially, I am here as Patron’s Ambassador.”
“What’s the real game plan?” she asked. Angus did not need to come across the world to defend her, everyone knew she could morph into another person and leave the country at any time. What was so important to bring Angus here?
“Silas is concerned about Black Clan pups disappearing. With the Liege opening labs in the United States, and a limited supply of Black Wolves, he wants to know everything about this plan. More importantly, he wants the operation shut down.”
Asia’s head reeled at the implication. Jasmine gave birth to a litter of black pups for La Patron. Asia had worked security detail and spent time with little David, Renee, Jackie, and Adam. The idea that the filth of the Liege would touch those pups fueled her with blinding rage. Asia would gut them first. Hawke squeezed her hand.
“Asia?”
Lost in the grip of indignation, she couldn’t speak or think past the killing frenzy in her mind. A curtain pulled to the side, and she saw it clearly. The Liege connected with the human breeders early on and used their pups as test wolves. At some point they realized black wolves were better test subjects. Angus said someone had been seeking answers on her but what if they truly wanted answers on Black wolves and concocted a plan to use them. They had taken Hawke decades ago.
“Hawke, when did they operate on you?” She looked at him. “Your arms, and legs.”
“After your operation was a success.”
She nodded. “So I was the guinea pig, and they tried to repeat the experiments in your lab?”
He nodded. “Yes. That was the reason they modernized and refitted it. I read all the reports of your surgeries. Lord Boris and the others wanted to find more like you. But you are unique; there is no one else even close.”
Asia heard his sincerity, and it warmed her. “The Liege has been doing all of this for centuries. Operating on wolves, testing new technology, trying to improve nature. Why?” she looked at Angus and then Chacal. “Why are they still doing this? Why haven’t they been stopped? Just as you noticed the discrepancy, others had to notice as well. Especially the bitches who birthed them. Who in the wolf nation is benefitting from their research?”
She looked at each man with growing certainty. “I have pledged my life and service to Jasmine Knight, La Patroness to Silas Knight and their four pups. I will know the answers to those questions and stop any threat to my pack.”
Hawke lifted her hand and kissed the back. “I pledge to undergird, and support your pledge with my life.” They stared into each other’s eyes for a few moments until Asia nodded.
Armed with purpose, she stood. “I’m not in agreement with blind killing of wolves, no matter what the Alphas call them. The test wolves are victims and deserve pack support, not death. Hawke will research and cross reference the test wolves. Whoever still lives we will seek out and make a decision at that time.” She met Angus’ gaze. He wasn’t happy but if it were him or someone he cared for, he would appreciate justice in any form.
Angus nodded. “Alright, we have a short window of time and need to prepare for the meeting with Frederick. Silas has made his position clear, there is to be no attacking you. He said that three times in front of Jasmine to keep her calm.” Angus shook his head. “I hope that continues to work.”
Asia nodded. “I will talk to her now that I have a better understanding of my mission.”
“That would help. The way her mind works… she sees to the heart of the matter and will be an asset as we go forward,” Angus said.
“We?” That surprised her. She assumed he’d be leaving after meeting with the Alphas.
Angus met her gaze. “Yes, we. You didn’t think you’d get to have all the fun by yourself, did you?” He smiled. “Leon and Brix wanted to come, but Silas did not want what he’s doing to seem obvious. Don’t be surprised if they show up sooner than later.”
She smiled thinking of the newly mated pair. “I won’t.” Asia looked at Hawke and then Chacal who sat quiet during their conversation. She didn’t know anything about him and would trust Angus’ judgment that he was an ally in the matter. “May we use your computer?” Hawke had asked but Angus interrupted before Chacal responded.
“Yes, whenever you would like. I have already changed the passcodes to allow you to enter at will. Angus has asked to use my home as a point of operations and I have agreed. There is food in the dining area if you wish to eat before you depart.”
Relieved that they had the resources they needed, Asia nodded. “Thank you.”
Chacal waved his hand but didn’t speak.
She and Hawke stood and left to eat. Their mating robbed them of calories and left them on empty. Once they cleared the room, Hawke pulled her close.
“Are you okay knowing I used the research from your operations?”
Asia thought about it for a moment, checked her emotions and nodded. “I think so. Right now I don’t have feelings one way or another. You knew who I was from the beginning?”
He released her and they continued walking. “After you told me your name, I watched you and figured things out. Yes, close to the beginning.” He looked down at her and grinned.
“Why didn’t you say something?”
He frowned. “Like what?”
“I didn’t want you to know all the awful things I’ve done or my limited memories. Who wants a person with no past? I thought it was unfair to mate with you and not tell you. I thought you would be angry, feel slighted.” Asia stopped at the table, picked up a turkey leg and bit into the succulent meat. “You could have saved me from going through all that.”
Hawke bit into his meat and looked at her. She met his gaze, saw the hint of laughter in his e
yes and relaxed.
“I suppose I should apologize, but I’m feeling too good about what you just said to do that. You mated with me because you wanted me. That’s music to my ears and food for my ego. I want you, Asia. All of you. We will discover your past and mine, together.” He took her other hand and placed a kiss in the middle of her palm.
“Together,” He emphasized.
She nodded. “Together.”
Chapter 25
The old building where they held the meeting with Alpha Frederick was situated in a warehouse district. Asia wore the face of the male the European pack recognized. Upon entering, she scanned the area; there were twenty full-bloods in the building. She glanced at Angus. His brow rose as they waited for the Alpha to appear.
Hawke stood on her left. To save time and get ahead of the situation she had suggested he stay behind to work on the files. His lack of verbal response, coupled with the disbelieving look on his face spoke volumes. In hindsight, she would not have stayed behind either. Together, he had said, and that’s how they would handle things from here out.
“There are too may full-bloods here for a peaceful meeting. If they attack, we destroy them. No teasing, no feeling bad, no prisoners. I do not know your Patron, but if we are attacked it must be done in such a way this Alpha cannot retaliate. We will set the precedent now that your Alpha is not to be trifled with; Machiavelli is right in that regard.”
“Okay. I counted twenty inside the building. Not sure how many outside. Any hybrids?”
“No. Not yet. Do you suspect this Alpha works with the Liege?”
“I don’t know. I want to be prepared.”
“Well, I think this Alpha brings a show of force for his pack. As long as they do not attack, allow him his bluster.”
“Hawke, I cannot allow him to disrespect my Alpha or my Mistress.”
“Yes, understood. What I suggest is this, leave Angus to speak on behalf of your Alpha. The reason for the meeting is to deal with a complaint, which makes this a tense situation. He is Alpha as well and must appear as a strong leader to his pack. It is a fine line he dances; allow his bluster to pass as long as he makes no moves to attack. He will be a better ally in the future than if we shame him by destroying his pack members.”
Sword of Inquest (La Patron's Sword Book 1) Page 14