Connor rung the doorbell, and half a second passed before the butler opened the door.
“Afternoon,” Connor greeted. “Maxim Jr. I’m here to see Devin Caedmon.”
“Good afternoon.” The butler motioned to the inside of the home. “Come inside. The Alpha is expecting you.”
As Connor was ushered down a long corridor, he took inventory of what he could observe. The mansion seemed virtually empty except for the three or four presences on the first floor. He almost wondered if anyone called this place home at all. Was it just a place to hold events and meetings? The Alpha had long since moved his primary residence further into the mountains and outside of the Caedmon village. Some believed the land he now lived on had belonged to his birth mother.
It was said that the Pack Beta, Dawson, lived here, but the youngest brother was also said to spend most of his time away at college or in the city when he wasn’t conducting Pack business. Either that, or living it up in nightclubs or on the streets with other wolves coming of age. While Dawson was a very important member on Devin’s Council, he didn’t seem like the type to subdue his vitality in the process of governing the Caedmon Pack.
Nevertheless, it was a dangerous time for a lone Caedmon. Until the murders stopped, Conner hoped he could persuade Alpha Devin to discourage Pack members from going out without a companion.
They came to a stop, and the butler opened the double doors of a room at the end of the hall. Connor stepped inside without hesitation, scenting the Alpha somewhere in the dusky room.
He had heard the man before he saw him.
Devin stood from his chair in the center of the room and met Connor in greeting. “Max, long time no see. How have you been holding up?”
Last time they’d been in each other’s presence was a little over nine months ago, when that witch no one spoke of any longer was executed. The occurrence had been both a sad and momentous time for all. They were in an era that marked a revelation that could weaken or strengthen the shifter population. Given the events that had unfolded over time, there was still a thin line between the two extremes. They could sit back and watch their Pack become obsolete, or they could take matters into their own hands.
Connor and Devin shook hands and then gave each other a brotherly hug with a few pats on the back.
“I’ve had a surge in outside requests for our protective services over the past few months, that’s for sure,” Connor replied. “Other than that, I’ve been holding up well. What about you, fearless leader?”
Connor followed Devin’s lead to the seating area surrounding an intimate set up of glasses and a bottle of what looked like bourbon or whiskey.
“I’ve been busy with Pack acquisitions and expansions,” Devin said as they sat down. “Tristan and I are making headway on universal enforcement for both Packs. Your coming to see me was good timing. We could really use your expertise where the human laws are concerned.”
Connor was humbled that both leaders had thought of him while discussing Pack politics. “I’d be honored to give my knowledge and serve in any way I can. In fact, my reason for coming to speak with you has everything to do with the preservation of our kind.”
Devin’s brows came slightly together and he settled back in his chair. “Word of the killings has reached me already, Connor.”
Connor sighed in relief. This wasn’t the reaction he’d expected, but it was better than an overreaction or utter surprise. Devin Caedmon was rumored to be the most laid back of the two leaders. Both Alphas had feral tempers, but Tristan was quick to reveal his bad side without much hesitation, or so the word was on the streets. Devin was a little stealthier about his reactions. When he unleashed his anger, most never anticipated it.
“Then you must already know the human authorities plan to intervene if something isn’t done about these murders?” Connor asked. “There are already leads, and before long, they’ll be linked to us.”
Devin’s jaw clenched. “This is not their battle.”
“The witch is dead.” Connor swallowed. “Are we at odds with something or someone else?”
Devin leaned forward to pull two glasses together and filled them.
Connor inhaled briefly, confirming that the beverage was a fine bourbon. And aged to perfection. He accepted the glass and took a couple gulps of the smooth concoction.
“Yes, we destroyed the witch, Shanhah. It’s almost been a year. Her followers have been reduced to nothing. We’re being targeted by another faction.”
“And let me guess. We don’t know who that is yet?”
“I don’t rely on theories,” Devin stated. “I need solid facts.”
Connor placed his glass on the table and faced the Alpha. “I’d be honored to bring you facts. I have a team--”
“I don’t want the Feds involved. None at all.”
“They won’t be. I will personally head this mission. We need to intervene before the humans do.”
“And Maxim Sr.? Isn’t he still employed by the Pentagon in the Force Protection division? Or has he been forced into retirement?”
When Devin rose as Alpha, he stayed true to the original agreement between Maxim Sr. and the late Daniel. The checks continued and thus Maxim Sr. kept his end of the bargain. During the period of transition over the last few years, no pressing matters quite like this one had risen.
“That’s the thing about this," Connor replied. "He’s the one who brought me the news of the Fed’s growing suspicions that the murders could be linked to us. Since the shit has already gotten back to his direct reports, they’ve put a deadline out there. Pass the deadline and they will get involved. None of us will be able to stop them and they will come knocking at your door.”
Devin slammed down his drink, causing everything on the table to bounce. “I don’t answer to the goddamn Feds.”
Connor was silent for a while. “Let me assist by providing a team to investigate on all levels. Would this not give your Council more time and resources to find out what group is behind this?”
Devin rubbed his chin and his uncertain gaze passed across Connor’s face a few times. “It would.”
“I know you weren't around when your father and mine were close. I wasn't either. I went to all human schools. And then after that, my father sent me out to train at various different academies around the world since I would never have the privilege of following in his footsteps and joining the military. What I am offering you is a service that the men of my firm do every day,” Connor assured him. “We clean up before the Feds get involved. I need your permission to act when needed without delay. Time is of the essence in all of the cases. I can’t promise that this will be a clean operation, but we can contain our own issues without the Feds in on it. Wasn’t this the reason why your late father asked us to form Maxim Securities? To keep the Feds out of our affairs? I am at your service, and all you have to do is give me the orders.”
“My permission is given,” Devin stated without hesitation.
Connor nodded. “I’ll see what I can do about getting the deadline lifted or expanded.”
“And your price?” Devin asked cooly.
“I didn’t come with one.” Connor bit into his bottom lip, trying to contain his thoughts about what he could gain from a successful operation. Devin was no common Alpha. His reach where resources and cash were concerned was far and wide. “Let’s just call this ‘taking one for the Pack’.”
One corner of Devin’s mouth lifted in a grin. “A wolf can only take so many hits for the Pack until he has to choose between risking his life and the ultimate goal.”
“We’ll see,” Connor replied.
“But you know me, Max, and I like to repay my debts as they come due.”
“When the job is done, I’ll send you an invoice. Wolf’s honor,” Connor held out his hand, palm open to Devin.
Not a second passed before the two of them shook on the deal.
This was Connor’s chance to prove himself worthy of the Pack. For years,
the Maxim family line had been living outside of the Pack laws, remaining neutral on both sides. Being a lone wolf had caught up to Connor and made him a hardened wolf in a shell he wished to vacate. Would he ever let his wolf take control again? Or would he give in to this life of protection and servitude as the Maxim family was designated to do?
CHAPTER FOUR
William drummed his fingers on the steering wheel as he pulled into Antonia’s apartment complex. He seemed to be driving slower than usual, and Antonia silently tapped her own fingers in time against the bucket seat of his brand-new leased Porsche. She was set to meet Andrew in less than an hour to prepare for the drop tonight.
The drive from the restaurant back here had taken longer than Antonia had hoped. William had insisted on going to a more upscale Sicilian restaurant when she had hinted to him many times that the regular Italian hotspot they frequented was fine.
Antonia’s “cold-feet” escalated with the number of dates she went out on. It was as if she got another dose of cold feet with each and every one. She’d been dating William for over a month now, and with the exception of a few innocent kisses, they hadn’t made it to the next stage of the relationship yet. He’d hinted twice before that he wanted her to meet his parents, but she wasn’t ready for that either.
She never had close relationships with anyone and, quite frankly, she was comfortable with it being that way. Her parents, whose identity was still a mystery, had abandoned her and her brother when they were just babies. So, based on that, she knew most every relationship could be broken.
The numerous foster parents she and her brother had had were always temporary. They’d never found a permanent home, and she and Andrew had decided long ago that they wanted to stay together. Plus, her counselors, who claimed they were her friends, had applied too many stereotypes to her situation whenever her evaluations had come up. Thank God she wasn’t subject to evaluations anymore. Not since her eighteenth birthday, and that had been over five years ago. Now, the appointments weren’t mandatory. Just because she had grown up an orphan of the State, didn’t mean that she was stupid or mental.
“Well…” William pulled into a parking space and pushed the gearshift into park. “We’re here.” His hand moved awkwardly away from the stick shift.
He turned the sports car off, and that was her notice that he planned to walk her to the door like he always did. He’d never been inside her apartment because she always declined his requests. Her excuse had been the same since day one: She wanted to get to know a man well before inviting him inside. And he’d always accepted that.
William got out and came around the other side of the car to help her out. He walked her to the front step. “I had a great time, as always. I have something in mind for our next date?”
He looked proud of himself. His brown eyes sparkled with enthusiasm and his lips had already broken out into a smile.
“What’s that?” she asked, trying to smile back.
It wasn’t that she wasn’t interested. It was just that nights when she was anticipating pulling off a drop had always been nerve-wracking for her. When she’d accepted William’s suggestion to go out to dinner, she’d thought it would clear her mind until the very last minute, but it hadn’t helped. As the virtual clock counted down, all she could think about was all the reasons why she should have told her brother no this time.
“It’s going to be a surprise.” He lifted her hand and pressed his lips to it. Always a gentleman. He’d given off the nice guy persona since the very first day they’d met, right around the time she’d started a new job at the diner. She had been on her way out the door after working two shifts, and he had an appointment with the manager to discuss funding for the building expansion. William’s people were bankers and big investors. She knew he was wealthy, and she kind of figured that he knew she was not. As they continued to date, she wondered what this rich, privileged, and polite guy saw in her.
“William, I’ve been meaning to tell you some—.”
“—I have everything planned. My parents are driving out to see you since we never got a chance to visit them. They know you’re in school and all.”
“But, I’ve—”
“Next week? What do you say? If the date is not right, we can always change it.”
Antonia sighed and pressed her lips together. “Let me think about it. Thanks for the date.”
“Thanks for seeing me on such short notice. I just wish you could stay out a little longer.” His eyes swept from her face down to her body and then came level with her breasts. His lips parted slightly.
William never acted on his obviously blatant urges to consummate their relationship. She never encouraged it either, which, of course, left her wondering. This was all foreign to her. She’d never had a steady boyfriend before. She’d never had a boyfriend at all.
Antonia fumbled with her keys. “I wish I could stay out later too, but I have an early shift in the morning. Thank you for the date. I enjoyed myself.” She cracked the door open and waved goodbye.
Reluctantly, he held up his palm and returned the gestured.
She entered the home and closed the door behind her. When she heard the faint sound of an engine starting in the distance and tires screeching off, she knew he was gone.
William wasn’t the problem, she was. She’d have to let him go sooner or later. He deserved a better girlfriend.
“I can see you’ve been out with that rich dork again.”
Andrew’s voice came out of nowhere and she jumped. He peeked his head out of the kitchen.
“Yes, and?” She threw her purse on the sofa.
“It’s been what? Two months? Shouldn’t you have a car like the one he has by now?”
Antonia scowled. “Why don’t you shut up? Everything’s not always about money.”
“Oh, is it now?”
Ignoring Andrew, she glanced down at her watch as she made a beeline for the bath. “I need to shower before we head out.”
“We’ve only got thirty minutes,” he shouted at her back.
“I can tell time,” she retorted. “And if you weren’t such an ass, maybe you could find a girlfriend of your own.”
As Antonia retreated down the hall, she heard him chuckle and mumble something to himself.
She loved her twin brother deeply. He was the only family she knew on this Earth because their parents did not want to be known for some reason. However, she didn’t know how much longer she could stand living with him.
CHAPTER FIVE
Antonia couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt her veins pulsing frantically against her skin. She was used to quick jobs that resulted in fast money where she knew exactly what to do. There was no room for failure or hesitation. Besides, when was the last time she or Andrew had ever botched a job? Never.
She could see her brother’s back as he clutched a pole in the middle of the bus about ten feet in front of her. He stood between an elderly gentlemen and a woman who was holding on tightly to her rolling luggage.
The city bus rocked and jostled all of its passengers as it progressed at what seemed to be a snail’s pace toward the next stop.
Antonia repositioned the strap of the backpack on her shoulder and pulled her hoodie over her head. The bus came to a screeching halt and her body moved forward then back as the driver parked the vehicle curbside.
She rose immediately with the crowd, ready to get lost in the herd of bodies on the street.
During the night, the city district became the place to be for bar hopping or touring the various eateries along the three-mile strip. With the university only fifteen miles away, this area was also a prime location for college students to celebrate the nightlife.
One would think their liaison would have picked a more desolate place for them to make the drop, but they were given opposite instructions. She partly understood why. No one would be paying attention to two college students in their own environment. Antonia and Andrew weren’t strangers to the strip
, in fact, they fit in quite nicely with the backdrop and demographic of the area.
As Antonia looked out of the windows of the bus on her way to the exit, she could already see the rowdy and drunken students prowling around in the streets.
The lingering thunderstorm and pending rain also served as an effective distraction to unknowing bystanders. Of course, she didn’t have the luxury of packing an umbrella either. The hoodie she wore would protect her recently styled hair from the rain. It had taken her an hour to curl it and make it look halfway decent for the date with William, and she expected it to remain presentable for another few days. Between finishing up her last year of technical college during the daytime and busing tables at night, she barely had any time to pamper herself at all.
Having no time was really a blessing in disguise. Ever since she’d started taking a full load of classes again once the semester began to complete her degree sooner rather than later, she’d managed to save up a substantial amount of cash. But what was substantial to her was probably not substantial to anyone else, especially her brother. He’d most likely blow the two thousand dollars she had in a savings account in a day on frivolous things, like the latest gadget. They had shared the same womb but they were complete opposites. Like night and day.
The one thing that she had decided was that this was the last time she would do something this risky with her brother. It had to stop. Plus, they were doing perfectly fine making ends meet legitimately for just the two of them. If she had to cut the ties from her twin brother, she would. This was not the life she wanted. Not anymore…
As Antonia exited the bus, the crowd parted and damp air sailed across her face. She shifted the book bag from one shoulder to the other for what seemed like the dozenth time. They were never privy to information about what was contained in the packages they were to drop, but this one certainly was heavy. She didn’t want to know. Her job was to be courier for the one hour and thirty minutes that this job was supposed to last. Once the drop was made and payment was received, she and Andrew would split the proceeds in half. Three thousand dollars would mean she could afford to cut her hours in half at the diner while she studied for her upcoming finals. That was just enough motivation for her. Once she’d secured her degree, she’d look much better on paper. These days, if your resume didn’t pass muster, you hardly got any notice at the well-paying companies in the area. Last time she’d applied to become a flight attendant, they’d told her she needed a degree under her belt. Since when did one need a degree to point to the exit signs and pass out stale pretzels and flat soda to a plane full of people?
Wolf’s Honor: Caedmon Wolves Book Six Page 2