To combat insanity, he’d spent the weeks without them securing their future. Finally, with the help of Ella and the other dedicated agents in her department, everything was in place. Shifters and humans around the world had been recruited as silent participants in his plan to secure his pack. With one call, Michael’s world would crumble.
Other alphas might view Ethan as weak for the choice, but he wasn’t an animal. He was a shifter, a mate, a brother, and a well-respected lawyer. He was not a murderer. It didn’t mean he wouldn’t kill to protect his loved ones. It meant he wouldn’t set out to take another person’s life just because that was the way it had always been done.
In his heart and soul, he knew it was the right choice. His goals hinged on one thing, however. He needed Michael’s cooperation. Getting it worried Ethan. Without it, everything could blow up in his face.
He exhaled slowly, letting the tension and concern over their future drain from his body, and turned his focus back to the issues at hand. He had one more performance to put on for Michael Tanner, except this time, it was real and the most important one of his life.
He shoved his key into the ignition. His ringing cell phone stopped him from turning it. The generic tone didn’t clue him in to who called. Instinct set his heart to race, however.
“Hello?”
The sound of males arguing, along with their vehement curses blasted him. They cut off with a loud click. Ella’s voice filled the line. “We found Owen, but…”
Relief swept over him first. Worry came next. “But what? Is he hurt?”
“No. He’s not physically injured. In fact, he’s very, very strong. Hold on. Let me find somewhere a little more private to talk.”
Silence stretched. Ethan tightened his grip on his phone and tried not to let her statement influence him or stir his unease. The emphasis she put on strong didn’t bode well for Owen. Feral males were often described as having the power of ten shifters.
Another sharp thump of a door, and she exhaled audibly. “Yes, we have Owen. Yes, he’s healthy. And yes, he’s coherent. In fact, I’d venture to say he was sane.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“He has a tattoo on his forearm. A series of numbers much like Holocaust victims were identified with.”
His heart skipped a beat. “And that means what?”
“It means he spent time in a human facility we know conducted experiments on shifters. At this point, we don’t know what was done to him, only that he was one of their early subjects going by the coded number he’s been marked with.” Her heavy sigh spoke of her worry too. “My supervisors are fighting about what should be done with Owen—kill him or send him to a high security government prison so we can study him too. See what was done to him.”
“No.” The growled word slammed between them. “You will do neither. Owen is a victim, not a criminal and not a test subject.”
“I agree, but his past leaves us with a difficult choice. We must take precautions to protect innocents and keep the existence of shifters secret.”
“I’ll make it for you. Release him into my custody. I’ll take full responsibility for him.”
“I’d already suggested that. They were receptive to the idea until they found out which pack Owen belonged to. Your pack’s lack of protectors and strong dominants nixed it. Now they’re debating their other options.”
“Both will destroy him.” Being locked away would break any shifter’s mind. Freedom was essential to them. If they couldn’t let their animals out to run, they slowly went insane.
“I know. Like I said, I’m trying. I even offered to take a leave of absence and become his guardian.”
Ethan smiled. His first impression of the human agent had been right. She was a good person. Worthy, no matter her species. “Give me five minutes. I think I know of a place where Owen can go.”
“Where?”
“The Kagan pack. My mate is the alpha’s sister. He’ll do this for us. I’m sure of it.”
“Nic Kagan.” Curiosity blended into her voice. “I’ve heard much about him over the past month. He’s offered up land to build a Shifter Agency building on. I’ve been debating whether or not to ask for a transfer there once it’s finished. With my lack of experience, I hadn’t expected to get it, but”—she chuckled—“this might be my way out of the paper-pushing job I’ve been forced into. Text me with Nic’s answer, and I’ll make it happen.”
“Will do, and thank you, Ella.”
He ended the call and made another. After two rings, Nic picked up with a gruff greeting.
“I have a favor to ask.” Ethan paused. “My brother, Owen, has been found. I need somewhere safe for him to stay until I can get my pack’s issues straightened out.”
“Sure. I’ll do whatever I can for one of my sister’s mates.”
Ethan froze. “You know about…”
“You, Noah and Hannah? Yeah. Found out when I asked if Hannah wanted me to bless her relationship with Noah during the full moon celebration. She told me everything.”
“And you’re okay with it?”
“I love my sister, and I want her happy. The way she looked at Noah and talked about you told me she’s found her heaven on earth. So, yeah, I’m okay with your relationship, and I’ll take on the world to make sure she can keep both of you. That’s what a pack does for its members.”
Ethan grinned. “You’re right, and thank you, but I have to tell you everything before you agree to help Owen.”
“Then do it. I’ll need to gather my dominants and inform them of our new temporary member.”
“He’s been forced to participate in cage fights, among other things. He’s also been experimented on. I don’t know what was done to him. The human agent who helped to get him back thinks he’s sane, but I can’t guarantee it, and as much as I hate to admit, he might be dangerous.”
Silence filled the line. Ethan held his breath and waited for Nic’s answer. Ethan was asking a lot of him. He got that, but he didn’t have any other option.
After several long moments, Nic said, “Once he arrives, I’ll evaluate his condition and decide where to house him and what precautions I need to take to protect my pack mates. That might involve keeping him under twenty-four, seven surveillance at the Haven, but I promise you he’ll be treated as a patient, not a test subject. My Riley will make sure of it.”
Riley, Nic’s human mate, was the Kagan pack’s doctor, and she worked behind the guise of a veterinarian. Her clinic, Riley’s Haven, was housed beneath the vet center. She was well respected and loved too. Ethan closed his eyes on a relieved sigh, knowing he couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. If anyone could help Owen, it’d be Riley.
“Thank you, Nic.”
“No thanks necessary. You’re family.”
With that, Nic ended the call.
He sent Ella a text with the details of where Owen would be staying, then started his car and turned down the road leading to Michael’s house.
A few minutes later, Ella’s reply popped on his screen. He stopped in the middle of the deserted road and glanced at it. No words but the string of tiny images—from confetti, hearts, smiley faces and finally, a thumbs-up sign—told him what he needed to know. Owen would be released into his custody.
He sent a smiley face in return, along with Nic’s phone number.
As was his habit, he cleared the history, then continued on, feeling stronger than ever. Michael sat on his front porch, his gaze on his youngest children—twin girls about four years old. They played with a selection of princess dolls and dump trucks in the grass. Much like Maria had been as a kid, the little girls were quiet and respectful.
Ethan got out of his car, acknowledged Michael with a nod, then went to the girls. He crouched and opened his arms for the hug he knew they’d offer. They threw themselves in his arms and showered him wit
h smiles and kisses. He spent a couple of minutes talking to them and playing with the doll they shoved in his hand before standing. A quick promise to them that he’d return soon, and he faced the house. Michael’s mate stood behind him. She smiled at Ethan, then made her way to where her children played.
“What brings you out here?” Michael asked.
Ethan locked his gaze with his alpha and announced, “I’ve learned the identity of the shifter who’s responsible for all the tragedies that have plagued our pack these past two decades.”
Michael went completely still. For an endless moment, he simply matched Ethan’s stare. Finally, he blinked. “And who has betrayed us?”
Ethan glanced over his shoulder. Michael’s mate caught his gaze. Acceptance showed in her eyes, along with sadness. She dipped her head, a small sign of understanding, and turned away.
Ethan wanted to say something to her, reassuring her everything would be okay. He couldn’t. It all depended on her mate. Ethan looked at his alpha, whose glare promised retribution. “I believe this is a discussion best done in private.”
“Then let’s go inside.”
Ethan followed Michael into the living room. Ethan didn’t take a seat or ease into the conversation. He tossed a thumb drive on the coffee table. “That is one of about a hundred copies I made of your ledgers detailing how you’ve been selling our pack members off as cattle. The rest have been mailed to each of the alphas across the country, along with several key humans around the world who are familiar with shifters. All except that one have been encrypted with a code, which will be sent upon my death or the morning after the full moon, whichever comes first, unless I cancel the order.”
“And where did you get this information?”
Ella had asked the same question weeks before. Ethan gave the same answer. “I’m not at liberty to say.”
Michael glanced at the row of pictures above the mantel, but didn’t comment. He sat on the sofa and propped his feet on the coffee table. “Then I guess we’re done playing games.”
“Yes. It’s time to act like dominants.”
“And threatening me with”—Michael looked from the thumb drive to Ethan—“damning pictures anyone could’ve planted or created with a good computer program is how a dominant acts? Funny, I would call that the work of a coward. If you want to act like a worthy male, then challenge me.”
Ethan shrugged. “I will if it comes to that. I have nothing to lose, and your daughter will be happy to lead the pack at my side. From what I’ve heard, she refuses to speak to her supposed true mate, let alone spend time getting to know him.”
He’d learned of her actions from his mates the last time he’d called them. Hannah had been doing her best to hint that a ménage relationship might be the answer to Maria’s problems. Maria had called Hannah crazy. Unable to share the truth about the union they’d formed, she’d backed off. In a few days, everyone would know the specifics of their bond.
“I see. So you have everything all figured out, is that it?” Michael asked.
“Yes. I try to pride myself on my ability to plan.” Because never again did he want to face the situation he had last month where Hannah’s life and safety had been threatened.
“And to keep this information from going viral, you want…” Michael raised a brow. No worry showed on his expression, only amusement. It was what Ethan had expected.
“For you to pass on the spirit wolf to me and step down as alpha.”
Michael snorted. “You want me to admit defeat and just hand over my pack to you? You’re a fool. It’ll never happen.”
“Then you’ll die by my hands on the next full moon.” Ethan shrugged. “Either way, I will become alpha. For your mate and children’s sakes, however, I thought to offer you a civilized choice. Once the identities of your buyers are known, do you really think they won’t retaliate? They’re going to target your family.”
Ethan motioned toward the window. “They’ll sell your mate as a sex slave. Offer up your beautiful daughters as lab rats.” He dropped his hand. “Do you want that? Because I don’t.”
Minutes passed in silence before Michael walked over to the table and picked up the small drive. “Much can happen between now and then.”
“And if you think to strike out against anyone in our pack, the Kagan’s pack, or any of the humans I’ve grown close to, you’ll lose. Agents at the shifter department in Virginia have a list of all those I love. If anything happens to them, they will send out that code, and your family will suffer.”
Michael turned furious eyes on him. “Whether it’s tomorrow or next month, they will be targeted, and their deaths will be on your head. Can you live with that?”
“No. I can’t, which is why I made a bargain with the humans for their safety. After you pass on the spirit wolf to me, you will join your family in protective custody, much the same way humans do when they testify against powerful criminals.”
Disdain passed over Michael’s face. “Humans? You want me to put my family’s safety in the hands of the humans?”
“You’d rather accept shifter law, is that what you’re saying? I challenge you, kill you, then kick your family out of the pack.” Ethan took a step forward. “Or do you want me to embrace the old ways that demand your children’s deaths too so they don’t grow up wanting to avenge you?”
Silence and Michael’s scowl answered Ethan. Finally, Michael cracked his jaw. “You won’t kill my little girls, so that is an empty threat.”
“You’re right. I’d kick them out, along with your mate.” Ethan motioned toward the window. “And unless another pack offers them shelter, your mate will be forced to move into a human town and work her ass off to provide a home for your daughters. And what happens if the wrong shifter gets a whiff of them? Without a pack, without a father, who will protect them?”
Ethan dropped his hand. “Of course, there’s always the chance your mate will fall in love with a human. Maybe he’ll fill the role you once had. He’ll share her bed, tuck your kids in at night, watch them grow.”
A look of rage passed over Michael’s face. He shoved from his spot on the sofa. “Never. I won’t allow it.”
“Then take the out I’m giving you. For your family’s sake, don’t be a fool.”
Michael rounded the table. “Maybe I should kill you now. Nobody will know. Tomorrow night I can pass the spirit wolf on to a male of my choosing, maybe Greg. After that, I can pack up my family and leave. I’ve stashed some money away. I can start a new life.”
“I suppose that’s an option, but you should be aware that this conversation is being broadcast to the Shifter Affairs’ agency in Virginia.” Ethan undid the buttons on his shirt, exposing the wires and recording device taped onto his chest. “So, attack me if you want. It won’t change the outcome.”
Michael focused on the tiny transmitter Ethan wore. “You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?”
“Some. Not everything. The human agents who have been helping me closed the gaps I’ve missed. We have other precautions in place too, but I won’t share them all with you.” Including dozens of shifter and human agents who waited just inside the Kagan boundary to take Michael into custody and usher his family to safety.
The odd group of lone wolves, felines, and bears worked alongside the humans in many shifter-related cases. Ethan hadn’t realized how many of their species had thrown in their lot with the humans. Or how many threats loomed on the horizon that both the shifters and humans worked tirelessly to combat. If he hadn’t already planned to become alpha, he would’ve joined them.
Michael studied the small drive he held between his thumb and forefinger. His long weary sigh held defeat. “I hadn’t meant for things to turn out the way they did. I wanted to convince the spirit wolf I was worthy of being its host.”
“It’s not too late. Make amends for the wrongs you’ve caused and
seek its forgiveness. The spirit wolf loves us, even its flawed members.”
The door to the living room burst open before Michael could respond. The sound of giggles preceded a blur of white-blonde hair. Michael’s daughters made a beeline for him and tackled him, knocking him back onto the couch. His breathless mate followed.
“I’m sorry. I tried to stop them, but they’re quicker than me, especially with the morning sickness I’ve had. It’s made me feel as weak as a babe.”
Michael pried his daughters off him and went to his mate, pulling her into his arms. “It’s okay. Ethan was just leaving.”
“Yes. I’ve said everything I came here to say.” Ethan turned and took a couple of steps toward the door before stopping. He peered over his shoulder. “Oh, there is one other thing. My brother, Owen, has been found, alive and well.”
“That’s wonderful news,” Michael’s mate said. “Your mother will be so happy.”
Ethan held Michael’s narrowed gaze. “Yes, she will. Here’s hoping the rest of our pack mates find their way home soon too.”
“Yeah.” Michael kissed his mate’s cheek. “There’s always hope.”
“I agree.” Ethan inclined his head. “Love and honor will see our species through the trials we face, exactly as they have for thousands of years.”
“That’s very philosophical, but civility doesn’t always win. We’re also driven by our primal sides,” Michael said.
“True, but we’re not animals. We’re shifters. If we forget that, then we’ll lose everything.” Ethan opened the door. “Think about my offer, Michael, and text me with your answer by nightfall. It’s the best one you’ll get.”
And it was the only one Ethan could live with.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Hannah tiptoed down the stairs of her house so as not to wake Noah, who slept on the downstairs couch. She made it halfway to the kitchen before the creaking of the floorboards stopped her. She glanced in the direction of the sound.
With a cup of steaming coffee in his hand, Noah leaned a shoulder against the open doorway leading into the living room. “Going somewhere, love?”
Shared for Love: Kagan Wolves, Book 2 Page 27