by Sydney Addae
Isodora closed her eyes for several seconds.
No one moved or spoke as the Priestess’ body glowed and she rose slightly from the floor. Kim and Sarita both stood with their eyes closed looking up.
Nervous glances flew around, still, no one moved or said anything.
Several minutes later, Isodora’s feet returned to the ground and her eyes opened. She glanced at Silas, Jasmine, Asia, and Hawke, lingering a bit on him before meeting Jasmine’s gaze.
“Nadira was only able to leave the mountain because of a connection to the one who brought her release.” Her gaze flicked around the room at the men.
“She seduced Cain. Used some type of nasty stuff to keep him erect,” Jasmine said in defense of the Knight.
Isodora shook her head. “The curse wouldn’t have broken for rape, it’s sensitive to criminal activity. And we consider raping a crime, no matter who it’s against.”
Jasmine frowned and looked at David.
“Cain went to her to try to get information,” Silas said and explained the situation to Jasmine.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” She would have told Cain not to do it, the risk of re-contamination was too great.
“At the time I thought it was a solid idea, I was wrong,” Silas apologized.
Jasmine bit back her disappointment at him not fully trusting her. They’d deal with that another time. Now she needed to diffuse this situation.
“Nadira and Cain had sex. She left the mountain after he did,” Jasmine admitted.
“Where is he?” Isodora asked looking at the men in the room.
“Outside,” Jasmine said not wanting to pull him into this unfolding drama more than necessary. “Is there something we can do to assist in making this right?”
Isodora’s gaze locked with Jasmine’s for several seconds. “With Nadira released, new problems have risen.” She glanced at Kim, and then at Jasmine. “Nadira is a murderess, her punishment has been on hold until it could be addressed by the victims. As long as she was in the mountain, we controlled the timing, allowing the victims more time to prepare. Understand, Nadira is old and as you’ve learned, crafty, as well as an excellent warrior.”
Jasmine’s heart raced, hoping this wasn’t going where she thought it was. Her gaze flicked to Sarita and back to Isodora. “I see.”
“I will not allow Sarita to fight Nadira,” Silas told Jasmine.
“For now, the Inuit are safe, protected by their faith which Salah has added an additional layer to keep Nadira from seducing them. From what we’ve learned you’re the only other people on the mountain within Nadira’s reach.”
“She’s limited in where she can go?” Jasmine asked quickly. That would be good news.
“Yes, she’s tethered to the one...”
“Cain,” Jasmine supplied his name. “Tethered? Meaning, she goes where he goes?”
“Yes, for now,” Isodora said. “She will attempt to kill him to break the link to be free.”
Silas tensed. Jasmine heard him communicate the information to Cain.
“Not happening,” Jasmine said, crossing her arms.
“She will pull female energy from everyone in this room to assist her in battle,” Isodora said while Jasmine shook her head.
“No. I will not allow her to do that,” Jasmine said with conviction. “If she fights Cain on her own and can win against him, that’s one thing but she will not take anything from anyone else. Nor will I allow her to use our Knights against us.”
Isodora stared at Jasmine for several seconds. “I see,” she said. “Perhaps I don’t understand what’s going on and need to speak to Salah.”
“We made a mistake, for that we are offering to assist in correcting that mistake,” Jasmine said slowly. “However, as La Patroness to everyone in my pack, I cannot allow anyone to use or abuse my people. Believe me when I say I will utterly destroy Nadira before I allow her to mess with a single hair on anyone’s head in my pack.”
Silas’ energy merged with hers charging the atmosphere. “Thanks, Wolfie, bring it down a notch.”
Isodora’s gaze flits from Jasmine to Silas and back to Jasmine before nodding. “In that case let me explain a few things. You can fight Nadira, beat her repeatedly, please do. I would enjoy watching. But only Hanna’s seed can destroy her.”
“Hanna’s seed?” Sarita whispered drawing everyone’s attention.
“Yes, little one, that’s why I worked hard to prepare you. She knows and will seek to destroy the two of you first to ensure a long life for herself,” Isodora said cupping Sarita’s cheek.
“Shit,” Sarita said, slumping against David.
“Also, her ability to manipulate males is encoded in her DNA, if you have a way to stop that from happening, I suggest you immunize all your males on this mountain now if it’s not too late,” Isodora told Jasmine.
Jasmine connected with Silas. Together they touched Cain and all the Knights with Jasmine’s energy. She’d know the minute, Nadira tried to take the men.
“We can do that,” Jasmine said. “Can Sarita have a substitute?”
Isodora stared at Jasmine. “Blood proves true and that is what calls from the grave for vengeance. If that line is tampered with or does not ring 100% true, then Nadira wins and lives are forfeit. Do not attempt to play with destiny.”
“We make our own destiny,” Asia said. “You said it yourself, Sarita’s not ready to fight this bitch. Do you expect us to allow her to die behind this?” she asked in a furious whisper.
“Hanna was my litter-mate, my sister yet I could not avenge her death, do you think I haven’t begged for the opportunity to battle Nadira?” Isodora shot back.
“I don’t care about you or Hanna or anyone other than my daughter,” Asia said taking a few steps toward Isodora.
Jasmine stood between them with her hand up. “This is not helping. We need information to plan effectively. I’m asking both of you to focus on the real problem, Nadira and her plans to kill Cain, Kim, and Sarita. That’s just for starters. There’s no telling how many people she’ll kill if she’s able to travel wherever she wants.”
Seconds later, Asia took a step back.
The Priestess exhaled. “You’re right. I apologize. The death of my sister is still a sore subject for me.” She looked at Asia.
Asia nodded. “I’m the same way about Sarita.” Hawke took Asia’s hand, pulled her close and wrapped his arm around her waist.
“Nadira has a god complex,” David said drawing attention toward him.
“What?” Jasmine said glad to get back to the real discussion.
“She wanted us to kneel and bow to her, call her queen, that kind of stuff. I don’t see that changing. She’ll enslave people to worship her, set up some kind of Queendom. It’s important she’s not able to get Cain, Abel or the Knights. Dad will have to destroy them to keep them from following her orders.”
“That is true,” Isodora said. “It was how the Liege used her. They allowed her to believe she was in charge instead of the one being used.”
“Was she a part of their experiments?” Hawke asked.
Isodora frowned. “Not that I’m aware of. I’ve watched hundreds of their tapes dealing with their operation, pups, and experiments.”
“The god complex thing,” Hawke said slowly. “Sounds like a chip to me. Especially if she can’t change.”
Isodora’s eyes widened as she stared at him. “Is it possible?”
Hawke nodded. “Yes. The Liege altered personalities to make people easier to control. It’s possible they operated on her and then used her to carry out their plans,” Hawke said. “Or did she always have this attitude?”
“She always thought highly of herself and encouraged others to agree with her. But not quite as bad. She’s never accepted her actions were terrible, thinks I’ve blown it out of proportion, like selling us was a game or a joke.”
Jasmine watched the emotion fly across Isodora’s face. When you’ve thought one way for a long t
ime, it was next to impossible to change your opinion. Would Isodora consider the possibility of Nadira being a victim of the Liege? Did it matter? Maybe the Liege magnified the worst of Nadira’s personality.
“When she comes close, Silas can scan her to see if there’s a chip or something left behind by the Liege,” Jasmine offered softly. “It’s better to know the truth before taking the next step, right?”
“Does it matter?” Kim snapped, stepping close to Isodora. “She killed my mam. That won’t change.”
“It doesn’t change that fact, just the circumstances surrounding it,” the Priestess said softly, placing her hand on Kim’s shoulder. Taking a deep breath, she explained. “If they placed a chip inside Nadira, she would have been their puppet, doing what they wanted without her consent or knowledge. Stealing a person’s will is one of their worst crimes.”
Kim shrugged off her hand and stepped back. “She. Killed. Mam. Period.” Turning she strode out the tent.
“Is she going to be a problem?” Jasmine asked Isodora. They didn’t need someone running unprepared to fight Nadira, drawing them into it.
“I don’t know.” Isodora rubbed the bridge of her nose. “What you’ve said makes so much sense, I cannot believe it never occurred to me.”
“Anger, pain, hurt, will blind the truth. Plus, she never denied it, there was no reason to think differently,” Hawke said.
Isodora inhaled and shook her head. “I will speak with Salah when she is available.” She looked at Jasmine. “Nadira will contact Cain at some point soon. She’s not accustomed to being alone. When she attempts to rouse the natives and fail, she will seek him out. If he meets with her alone, can you scan her then?”
Silas nodded.
“Can you destroy the chip as well?” Isodora asked.
“Yes.”
“Chances are the chip made little difference in her personality. Maybe that’s the reason I was prevented from destroying her.” Isodora shrugged. “Time will tell.”
“Do I need to finish training?” Sarita asked.
Isodora turned and smiled at her. “You should mate, fully become one, draw from his skillset. I’ve heard your mate is a formidable warrior. His connection to you is the only reason he fell through the wards in the mountain. Hanna’s seed always had access to Nadira’s prison, we just wanted them ready and kept you away.”
“That’s why you were sending me,” Sarita said.
Isodora nodded. “Later, we will resume your training. Right now, spend time with your mate and family.”
“Thank you,” Sarita said standing in David’s embrace.
“We will let you know when Nadira arrives,” Jasmine said. They’d done all they could for now. It would be great to finish this before sunrise, so they could leave.
“There’s no need. I know where she is now but am curious if she was tampered with. Once it’s done, I will deal with her.” Priestess Isodora disappeared.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
SILAS MET CAIN NEAR the edge of the small encampment. He clasped his old friend on the shoulder.
“I fucked up,” Cain muttered.
“I approved the plan. We didn’t have enough information,” Silas said remembering the stinging words his mate just gave him for not discussing his decision with her.
“Now she’s free, to do what? Kill? Maim? Hurt innocents? What did I release on these people?” Cain looked at him.
“Like I said she has three threats, maybe four if I count the High Priestess Isodora. You, Kim and Sarita. She’s got to destroy all of you to break free to do whatever.”
Cain snorted. “Not happening.” He shook his head. “Still can’t believe our Sarita’s a descendant of Salah the Blessed. That’s unbelievable.” He eyed Silas. “Good things happened through bad beginnings, gotta mean something, right?”
Silas nodded thinking of Hawke being stolen as a pup, raised by the Liege and Asia’s similar beginning. “Yeah. Hawke, Asia, Sarita, full circle.”
“What about Damian? Ever learn who’s his mam?” Cain asked.
Silas shook his head slowly. Hawke had been given the best of the best to breed. It was amazing that the Liege was able to do the things they did.
Cain exhaled. “How should I play this?”
“Can you box her in?”
“If she comes close enough, chances are I’ll be using a box as a shield. She likes throwing energy bombs,” Cain said. “I’d be surprised if she came too close.”
Silas thought about it for a few seconds. “Protect yourself. I’ll think of something.”
Cain looked away and spit. “She’s an interesting person.”
That surprised Silas. He’d already scanned Cain before allowing him to board the copter, had he missed something? “Jasmine scan the Knights.”
“Okay.”
“Why do you say that?” Silas asked Cain, watching him closely. He would hate to destroy his friend but would do it without hesitation before allowing anything to happen to his family.
Cain rubbed his neck and grinned. “There’s a certain vulnerability about her. Ever meet somebody trying really hard to prove they’re someone or something they’re not?” He glanced at Silas. “Sounds crazy after everything, I know. But I’d get this feeling ... she did and said things in waves.” He shook his head. “Never mind, it’s crazy. She’s crazy.”
Silas nodded.
“They’re good,” Jasmine said. “What happened?”
“Hawke may have been onto something about Nadira being compromised by the Liege.” He told her what Cain said.
“He likes her?”
“Possibly,” Silas said watching his friend. “We’ll see.”
“Are you going to wait with him?”
“Yes, for now,” he said while scanning the area.
“She may not show up with you out there,” Jasmine said.
“I’m his Alpha, she should expect me to be here,” Silas said.
Moments later, everyone except David and Sarita spilled outside embracing their mates. Jasmine headed toward him and Cain.
“Beautiful place here,” she said smiling at Cain. “Very calming.”
Cain smiled at her. “Yes, Mistress, it is. Clean and fresh air. Canada’s a beautiful country.”
Silas wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. “What’s going on? Why is everyone outside?”
“To give David and Sarita privacy. You heard Isodora.” She leaned into him.
“Ah, yes. Is that why everyone’s moving into different positions, circling the camp?”
Jasmine nodded. “No one’s going to interrupt those two. It’s been a long time in the making. Hawke and Asia made the suggestion and we all agreed. Walk with me down by the water, let’s sit on the beach and cuddle.” She wiggled her eyebrows at him.
He squeezed her waist and walked with her. “Make sure the Knights remain close to the camp and are vigilant,” Silas told Cain.
“Yes, Sir.” Cain nodded and moved closer to the path leading to the entrance.
Holding hands, Silas and Jasmine reached the beach and looked out over the water. “Warm enough?” he asked bending close to her ear and nipping it.
Laughing, she pushed his forehead. “Very. Thanks.” She inhaled. “It’s really breathtaking here. We have mountains back home, but nothing like this. Not even close.”
“They say this place is billions of years old. It’s sacred and holy ground of the Inuit,” he said.
“I feel it. We’ve got to be really careful when she shows up, Silas.”
“Agreed. I didn’t tell Cain I’m going to scan her.”
For a few seconds, she didn’t say anything. “Probably best. No telling how it’s going to go. Personally, I don’t think it’s going to make much difference with that one, hopefully, I’m wrong.”
“We may not be able to interfere with her challenging Sarita. The Goddess may forbid it,” he said expecting an argument. When she didn’t say anything, he exhaled noisily.
“She’s mated to David. Whatever happens to one, happens to the other. I refuse to consider I’ll lose my son and the daughter of my heart. I’d rather believe David and Sarita will snatch the heart out of that witch.” Her voice hardened. “And if he pulls energy from his litter-mates and their mates... well, that’s fine with me.”
He didn’t respond. What she said was true. They didn’t know the rules of the challenge. “Me too.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
DAVID TOOK SARITA BY the hand and pulled her behind him to a tent. Once inside he pulled her close and simply breathed her in. She was here in his arms. How many times had he dreamed of this moment? Hundreds? More like thousands.
Her arms tightened around his neck as she burrowed her face against his chest. “Thank you, Goddess for keeping her safe and bringing her back to me,” he prayed.
She leaned back, met his gaze and brushed her lips against his. That wasn’t enough. Would never be enough. Deepening the kiss, he took control, tasting and teasing her.
They broke apart gasping. Her gaze narrowed. “You’ve been practicing, it was never like this before.”
“You’ve been practicing, you didn’t bite me,” he challenged and then smiled.
She laughed. “I’m never going to live that down, am I? How old was I that first time?” She moved with him toward the cot.
“When you returned from the kidnapping,” he said placing his hands on her shoulders, fingering the fabric of her blouse.
“That’s when you told me I belonged to you.” She grinned.
Serious, he met her gaze. “Was I wrong?”
She swallowed hard and slowly shook her head. “No. You always knew, always said.”
“That’s because you’ve always owned my heart.” Gazes locked, he placed her palm on his chest.
Unable to speak, she nodded as her eyes filled. “I’ve always loved you, David.”
He nodded and gently pulled her close. “I know. Stop being afraid of it.”