by Crystal Dawn
“You could say that,” Carlos acknowledged and his lips itched to smile.
Jesus had always been a straight talker and sometimes the way he expressed himself was funny. Unmated, he played the field not interested in anything less than his fated one. His partners often lasted for several months until he got bored or they started to cling. As far as Carlos knew, no female had ever been the one to leave first although some had claimed it after the fact. None of them had ever meant a thing to his second and neither their outrage at being dumped nor their passion during the relationship had ever interfered with him doing whatever was needed for the pack.
Carlos was older than his second but Juan was much younger. Most of Carlos’ betas were younger than him, the pack wars had cost him his older males and he had lost females to the Cardigan pack through mate stealing. It was a nasty business and it made him think poorly of Cardigan to put females through the abduction and forced matings. These weren’t fated mates either, Cardigan didn’t believe in that. How Cardigan had become a pack alpha, Carlos didn’t know. As far as Juarez was concerned, Cardigan was street trash. The wolf had no moral compass, no manners, and no character. The only point Carlos gave him, was he tried to make his children better than he himself was.
It was alright to be uneducated, but why choose to remain that way when you had what you needed at your fingertips to change it? Furthermore, Cardigan showed no one any respect but he expected to receive it. If war returned, this time Juarez would do what was needed to win and put an end to Cardigan.
The rest of his betas had come in while he was lost in thought and it was time to get things started. “Any updates on Los Lobos?”
“They are staying close but far enough away to have warning if we attack. It’s almost like they are waiting for something or someone. Perhaps a leader that wasn’t with them?” Jesus suggested.
“It is a good day to die, isn’t that a human saying? Send me and my crew in and we’ll shake them up and give them something to worry about. I feel like sharpening my claws on some bones,” Manny his number five beta suggested.
“Let’s finish this discussion and then I may just turn you loose on them. Your claws have gotten a bit dull,” Carlos teased.
“Is there a reason we’re concerned about them? If we just stay here, the mangy mutts will come to us and die by the dozens,” Daniel observed.
“There is a rumor that they have many more soldiers and will eventually bring them here hoping to overrun us through sheer numbers,” Carlos admitted.
“What is the council doing?” Oberto asked.
It was surprising no one had asked that before now. “They are dealing with Chief and other issues. We can expect little help there. I think we must take the offense and try to get a good hit in first when they aren’t expecting it. Manny will get a crew to go in hard, Jesus will support him but stay back unless needed. I want Tomas to film the attack remotely so we can learn something about our new enemies. Everyone get on it,” Carlos directed. His betas scattered to the wind except for Jesus. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready?”
“I’ve learned to delegate. Tomas has been informed and the backup crew is assembling. Now tell me why you’re sending Manny in first?”
“His been itching to fight so I say let him. Maybe he will get it out of his system and settle back down. I also want to reserve my best for last so they don’t know what is still waiting for them. It’s a shame Ryker and Juan are gone but Amee must be protected.”
“It sounds like you’re expecting more than the half assed attack we got earlier.”
“I think this will be a war. Los Lobos don’t back off, they die seeking revenge.”
“I have heard they are insane. It’s the isolation and loss of a true pack.”
“Now it’s time to get this thing done. Go as soon as Manny is ready and be prepared for anything.”
Without another word Jesus left to organize the attack. Carlos had never felt old before, and for a wolf he wasn’t, but he felt the weight of responsibility for his pack, for the life of every wolf that might not see tomorrow. So much doom and gloom hung over his pack right now that he feared this might see the end of them. At least two of his sons would be spared and he was sure they would be taken into one of the white wolf packs.
Pulling himself out of his funk, he headed to the war room where he would watch the live feed from the remote cameras Tomas, his second youngest son and an electronic genius, would have filming the action from several angles. He used drones to carry the cameras and he had three wolves that he had trained to help him with it. Opening the door, he felt the energy that flowed inside. It recharged him and he hoped it was a sign of positive things to come. Tomas was moving back and forth directing his team as they sat at their work stations fully focused on their tasks.
Maybe he was just an old wolf, but the magic Tomas worked never failed to captivate him. His son would be an amazing movie director and Tomas was in charge of a division of the pack’s business that made commercials. It was a lucrative division and Tomas poured incredible creativity into each and every ad he filmed. It was no different than when he filmed an attack and put it together into something much like a movie so that he and the betas could see everything important that occurred without the distraction of the inconsequential.
The attack was getting underway and Manny was leading his crew in as wolves. Would that be an advantage since Manny’s people were already morphed and couldn’t be seen as easily or a disadvantage since they could be easily scented if Los Lobos were alert? It seemed it was an advantage since the warning didn’t come until Manny’s guys were up in the enemies faces. To Carlos, the attack was a beautiful thing even if it was gruesome. A human would look away when the enemy was ripped to pieces, some wolves might too, but not Carlos. Manny’s males leaped in the air, their bodies pure perfection as they landed jaws open ripping at whatever they made contact with. No females or young ones were present so they could attack and let the blood lust take them.
It seemed Manny hadn’t been joking about the bones and sharpening his claws. Carlos winced as he watched. Damn that had to hurt for a little while until Manny broke the wolf’s neck. Manny was the most brutal wolf he had when it came to battle. It was one of the reasons he rarely let him loose on the enemy. This time he had wanted to send them a message even though Cage didn’t think anything would back them off at this point.
As he watched Los Lobos being decimated by Manny’s ruthless crew, he saw the tide turn and the retreat being attempted. Manny didn’t want to let his adversary go and Carlos saw no harm in a short pursuit. It would send the point home, mess with us and we’ll mess you up bad. Thankfully, their losses appeared contained while Los Lobos was thoroughly screwed. A good start, but he would keep in mind they had superior numbers on their way. Tomas’ movie would be exciting to watch and all betas and leaders of any kind in the pack would be present to watch it.
It wasn’t long before Jesus came in with his eyes shining and an aggressive energy running through him. “It was a good fight,” he approved.
“It was a very good fight,” Carlos agreed. They were winning right now, but the battle had just begun.
Manny came in scant moments later with victory in his eyes and doing the walk of success. “How did we do?” he asked preening for attention.
“I was impressed. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen more blood flow and the sharpening thing, did it work?” Carlos asked.
“No, it dulled them more. Maybe I’ll get another chance to fix it?” he asked hopefully.
“I suspect this may be the first of many such fights,” Carlos admitted.
Manny fought his smile but it won. “I don’t want any of our pack to die, but fuck, I just love to do battle. You know what I mean?” Manny asked.
Carlos nodded. Hell yeah every wolf understood about fighting. The aggression was part of most wolves. Carlos had beat it down in himself but at the first opportunity it rose and wanted to join the battle. It wou
ldn’t be long and he would join the battle. It wasn’t his way to hide in the back and let others fight for him. This had been different, it had been a strategy for winning a war. They would all have their opportunity to defend their pack before it was all said and done.
More of his betas headed in to see what their alpha thought of the fight. Normally, there would be a big celebration with drinking, eating, and sex for all but he couldn’t allow that with the enemy so close. Los Lobos didn’t act like any enemy he had ever had before and he tried to understand them. His men were each telling an exciting tale of valor, their own or that of a pack mate. “How many did we lose?” he asked.
“Two,” Jesus replied. He always seemed to know that’s why he was second.
“May the goddess enfold them in her sweet arms,” Carlos said. All his wolves lowered their eyes for a moment in respect.
Before the meeting was over, he laid down some rules for celebrating. “I know you all want to enjoy the victory, but there are reinforcements on the way. You need to be able to celebrate, but it must be limited and you must do it in groups. Jesus will determine who, when, and for how long. Extra guards will be on duty and you must all keep your senses on alert. Now get with Jesus and I will speak to you later,” Carlos dismissed.
He waited until everyone cleared out and the door was closed. It was time to contact Juan since his son had forgotten his number. Hitting Juan’s name on his list and the speaker, he heard it dial while he waited. It was answered on the third ring.
“Hello,” Juan said.
“You haven’t called.”
“We arrived and checked in to a resort. I’ve been trying to soothe my mate and the babies have been restless. I thought Ryker would call you.”
“He texted me about your safe arrival in Branson. I imagine he thought you would call as soon as you could.”
“I’m sorry, I’ll try to do better. I’m worried about her and I’m trying to convince her that I’m sincere.”
“Since you’re telling me this, I assume she’s not nearby?”
“No, she’s asleep. I took the phone away from where it would bother her, that’s why it took three rings.”
“I wasn’t aware she was having trouble getting her rest. Is she eating well?”
“Yes, and she seems alright, just restless. It worries me since I don’t know what to expect. The babies are so big and she seems so little.”
“It’ll be alright, Juan. She’s strong and she’s a white wolf. They are tough and fiery, she’ll make it through this and you’ll have two fine pups.”
“I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to her. The thought tears me up inside.”
“It doesn’t sound like she’s having any problems that aren’t common for expectant mothers. Help her relax any way you can, see that she eats, and if there is any sign of a problem, take her to a doctor. I want to be the first to know if anything changes. Understood?”
“Yes, Father. You’re my first call if anything changes.”
“Good luck with your mate.”
“I’m afraid I’ll need it.”
The call ended and Carlos sent a fervent prayer to the goddess to help his son work things out. It had been so many years, but he still missed Lucinda, Juan’s mother and little female that had died with her. Females could be so stubborn, but he hoped Amee could see that they needed to be a family. She needed to forgive Juan and he’d be the best mate a she-wolf could have. Carlos knew it deep inside. His home would be filled with playful pups and eventually he’d pass the alpha position to Juan and just enjoy all the children. It was a sweet dream anyway, but it could come true.
It was late now and time to turn in because he would have a lot going on in the morning. Hopefully Cage would be back to fill him in on how his talk with Cardigan had gone. Carlos made his way to his room where he showered hoping to relax. He had a bottle of whiskey near his bed and he poured some in his glass and drank it in one swallow. The burn going down felt good and he embraced it. No female to ease his stress, he probably should take up reading but his mind was too agitated. Settling in bed, he would just wait for sleep, neither patient nor restful when it finally came.
Sitting up in bed, he went from a deep sleep to complete wakefulness in seconds. It was his alpha abilities that was alerting him to a danger his sentries weren’t even aware of yet. Jesus received his mental shake, one of the few that he could contact mentally. It was more like a prod than anything. Jumping out of bed he dressed and armed himself. He sent out a text to all leaders and betas, this was an attack, he was certain.
Jesus had checked with the guards, one was unaccounted for and if the enemy didn’t have him, he’d be sorry. Shirking duty was not tolerated. Carlos personally headed to the place the guard had last checked in from and met Jesus there. Blood lingered in the air, it was from more than just one wolf. Maybe the guard had made a good accounting of himself and taken two of the enemy with him. A groan came from some nearby bushes indicating someone was alive.
Rushing forward, he saw it was one of theirs. A trickle of blood ran down his forehead and Carlos motioned that he head to the house. He looked at Jesus and they motioned to each other. There was no choice but to split up, the enemy could be anywhere. Jesus went to the left and he went to the right. In a few feet, Carlos was hot on a trail. It was one of the bleeding enemy which made him think Jesus was following the other. They needed to get them before they could cause any problems. Many of the pack were being roused and an enemy wouldn’t have a chance once they were all up, but for now he’d have potential victims if he moved fast.
Carlos assumed they were searching for Amee which would work against them since she was no longer there. Moving quickly, he headed to the room she’d been staying assuming Los Lobos had some inside information. Few of the pack knew she was no longer there because they’d been told she was ill and in bed. It wasn’t odd for a female with pup in her last weeks to be bed bound. The scent was strong and the wolf must be close but they were nearly to Amee’s old room. Her smell was still lingering since she’d stayed in the room several days and no one had been in to clean it.
He could see the wolf ahead of him slipping into the room not looking around fully intent on his task. As he entered behind the wolf he saw him stabbing the bed with a long hunting knife. They meant to kill her and the pups she carried. Carlos stepped up behind the wolf who sensed him and started to turn. He wrapped his hands around his throat exerting pressure until the wolf collapsed. The desire to kill the assassin had torn at him, but he needed him alive, for now.
Jesus and the other wolf weren’t here. There must have been two targets. Taking the sheets and tearing them to bind this wolf, he did the best that he could. He picked him up and carried him with him until he got to a supply closet. Dropping him carelessly and locking him in before hurrying off to find Jesus, it was no surprise that everything was in hand when he arrived. His suspicion had been right, he had been the second target. His assassin was deceased, no surprise since Jesus was sworn to protect his alpha and would have been incensed by the gall of the assassin thinking he could kill the pack alpha so easily. It was alright since they had one prisoner to question.
“I suppose you had to kill him?” Carlos asked.
“I didn’t have to, I wanted to,” Jesus clarified.
“Mine is alive and will be able to answer questions. He’s in the supply office near Amee’s old room. They were after her and me and they had inside help. Only pack would know what room she was in and where my room was.”
“That was my thought as well. Someone else will be dying soon.”
“Just stay calm and don’t kill anyone until I tell you to. I can’t think of any reason one of ours would betray us. How would they even contact them?”
“I suppose we do need to find that out. Let’s go see what your prisoner has to say.”
Carlos led the way back to the closet. It was reinforced and could be locked down both as a convenient jail or a safe ro
om depending on the situation. These types of rooms were scattered on all floors when the pack wars had been going strong. They stopped at the door, Jesus opened it, and he pulled out the prisoner forcing him to walk beside him. Carlos led them to his office for privacy and security. The whole house was alive with activity and he wasn’t worried about another attack. His people would deal with it.
Once in the office, Jesus pushed the wolf into a chair. “I’m going to ask you some questions and your answers will determine how long you live and how you die,” Jesus explained. “Do you understand?”
The wolf nodded. He was pale and sweat slicked his skin and even dripped from his face. His eyes were wide and he followed every move Jesus made. This male wasn’t an alpha which was surprising since assassins needed to be skillful. Carlos could just hear his heart beat and it was beating like prey often did when it was caught in his jaws. He expected him to piss himself at any moment.
“Why do your people want Amee?” Jesus asked.
“She got away. Bartose doesn’t allow anyone to escape,” he replied.
“Who is Bartose?” Jesus asked.
“He’s the grand leader. I thought everyone knew that,” the wolf said.
“Grand, does that mean he’s the highest authority?”
“Yes, his decisions are final.”
“Did he just make it in a little while ago?”
“Yes, how did you know? We thought his arrival went unnoticed.”
“We notice everything. Why did they want to kill our alpha?”
“He freed the she-wolf. That makes him our enemy.”
“Do you realize all of you are fucking nuts? You abduct a female, treat her like shit, get ready to sell her into slavery, and then your pissed that she escaped and you want to punish her and the grandfather of her pups who helped save her?”