“Ambrosia is classified as a hallucinogen. That means it makes the person taking it see things that aren’t real. You’re talking about something else, aren’t you?” Uri asks before I can.
The sound of giggling girls and running feet carries through the house. Molly’s serious demeanor vanishes with the appearance of the wide grin on her face. She hops from her chair. Just in time. An identical-looking girl rushes into the room, followed by two redheaded twins.
My heart stops at the sight of Mya’s daughters. I studied their pictures last night. Peyton and Rey are a little older than in the photo I found at Mya’s apartment. Both girls are also more vibrant and happy.
Peyton, Rey, Molly, and Megan delve into an intense, high energy discussion about Christmas trees and whether they can convince Josh to get a twenty-foot tree. I lose track of who’s talking as their words rush together and childlike laughter makes their conversation sound as if it’s in a foreign language.
Uri bumps my shoulder and says in a barely audible voice, “Look at Molly. What do you notice different about her from her twin Megan and Peyton and Rey?”
If I didn’t just speak to Molly about our forefathers’ drug use, I doubt I’d notice anything. All four girls are smiling and bubbling with excitement. They appear exactly how I expect children to behave.
It’s an act. At least on Molly’s part.
Molly’s movements are slower than her twin or Mya’s daughters, and Molly’s smile, though wide, doesn’t quite reach her eyes. Instead, her gaze drifts to her twin. She also stands slightly in front of Megan. Now that I see the difference, I can’t unsee the protective demeanor Molly exhibits.
“She’s an alpha.”
“Yep. A vicious one at that.” Uri’s gaze on me makes me turn my head to face him. He leans close, as if he’s going to kiss me, and whispers into my ear. “When you hear the rumors about Molly and the fear our elders hold for her, you should believe them. It’s justified. I’d die for that little girl, but she’d take my head in a heartbeat if she thought I meant Megan harm.”
Josh walks into the room and ushers the girls out with a promise that if they hurry, they’ll have time to stop at the craft store for supplies before they go to the Christmas tree farm.
Peyton, Rey, and Megan follow Josh out the front door, but Molly stops in the doorway from the kitchen to the hall. She glances over her shoulder and focuses on me. “Your sons can’t leave this area. One of them needs to fight for my sister.”
Taken aback by Molly’s abrupt statement, I frown. “I don’t have any sons. My breeding partner died before we could have children.”
Molly shrugs. “And I don’t have a father, but Josh wants to adopt me like he adopted Megan. If he does, I’ll be his child.”
If I have my way, Peyton, Rey, and Mya’s unborn boys will be my children too. Surely, Molly can’t be referring to them. Then again, I’d doubted her knowledge of Ambrosia too until I talked to her.
Giving Molly the benefit of the doubt, I ask, “Do you know something about my future I don’t?”
“Only what the Leon spirit told me.”
A shiver runs down my spine. I’m not one to be spooked, but Molly’s words set me on edge. “The Leon spirit talked to you about me?”
“The Leon spirit told me the things I’d need to know to protect my loved ones.”
“And he told you one of my sons would fight for Megan?” Hopefully, my disbelief doesn’t twist my voice. I’m not mocking Molly. It’s just that she’s referring to things neither her nor the Leon spirit should have insight about. Only the goddesses know the future.
“Uh-huh.”
Throwing rationale to the wind, I snort. I might as well ask the theory teasing at my mind. “These sons… Are they related to Peyton and Rey?”
Molly nods but doesn’t get the chance to speak. Megan rushes down the hall and grabs her sister’s hand, tugging her toward the front door. “Come on! We need to go before the best trees are gone!”
The front door closes behind the girls I’m certain have changed my life and reminded me of what I am.
A fighter.
“Megan?” I jerk my chin in the direction the girls went. “What does she need to be saved from?”
“Death.” Uri turns his back to me and cleans up the remnants of Molly’s snack. “Megan was experimented on at birth too, but they fucked that poor kid over good. Tied her soul to a wolf spirit instead of a feline. Probably to perfect their method before tampering with Molly’s soul.”
Chest tight, I stare at Uri’s back. “Who are they?”
“Human scientists or doctors who are also practicing witches would be my guess. Magic’s involved in the process of forcing the type of unnatural soul-bond Molly and Megan share with their respective spirit leaders.” Uri rinses the milk glass before placing it in the dishwasher. “At least that’s what I’ve learned since Molly became a part of my life a few months ago.”
The story of Mya’s missing alpha teases my mind. All the pieces fall in place. Hands balled into fists, I fight the rage building within me. “These humans ripped the spirit of the Ammon pack from its alpha and bonded it to Megan, didn’t they?”
“That’s what I’ve been told.” Uri starts the dishwasher, then leans against the sink. “But felines and wolves aren’t meant to share a soul. My guess is Mya’s son will take the Ammon spirit back when he comes to age.”
It is possible to peacefully transfer the spirit of a pack. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. And Mya’s son needs to be close to Megan in order to do so. A transfer can only occur in the pack’s sacred circle.
I’m not an expert on pack rituals and the mystic laws surrounding alphas and their pack spirits. I was never meant to be an alpha, even though I’m strong enough to be one. What I do know is that a pack’s sacred circle flares with life during the monthly celebration when the pack spirit is present, then returns to normal within hours of the celebration.
The lush green grass in the meadow where Mya and I made love reminded me of how a circle looks during that magical one-hour time window that can alter a pack’s destiny. I’d thought it unusual then. Now I know why. Well, I can guess why at least. The Ammon spirit is connected to its sacred circle and Megan.
Both the meadow and the little girl must be defended.
If either is lost, Mya will be taken from me, along with Peyton, Rey, and the babies I’ve yet to meet.
No! I will never survive losing them.
A slow breath eases the anxiety. Determination replaces it. I vow on my soul nothing will hurt Megan, the Ammon pack circle, or my woman.
My path is set. The Ammon pack needs a temporary alpha. Me. I know exactly how to secure my position too. I own Mya’s body and laid the groundwork ensuring I’ll win her heart.
Now it’s time to claim her soul. Once and for all.
Chapter 18
Rick
Harper’s Moon, Wyatt’s diner, was packed by the time Uri and I got there. Church just let out. At least that’s the explanation I heard one of those waiting for a table give to another party.
Perfect. A distracted staff works in my favor. I need to establish probable cause for a search warrant. Working within the confines of the law makes my life difficult at times, but in this case, I have to make sure every “t” is crossed and “i” dotted. Running with Mya is no longer a possibility. Uri’s revelation about the fate of the Ammon pack’s alpha limits my options. That leaves me with only one.
Todd needs to be out of the picture. Permanently.
Short of killing him, only confinement to shifter prison will accomplish that. Dealing Ambrosia to humans will be enough to earn him a death sentence or life behind bars, but the word of an angel of death won’t be enough to convict Todd.
I need hard evidence.
With the buzzer the hostess gave to alert me when our table’s ready, I return to my rental car. Uri’s leaning against it and studying the exterior of the diner with the same intense focus
I’m starting to associate with him. I’ll bet he already has a theory as to whether this rundown place is a supply point for Ambrosia.
I move to where he’s standing. “What do you think?”
“I think we’re going to fail.”
That’s not the response I expect. Or want. “You don’t think we’ll find anything to justify a warrant?”
Uri shrugs. “Maybe. Maybe not. That’s not what I was talking about.”
My patience is already short. I want to be with Mya. Instead, I’m here. I don’t have time or the energy to play games. “Then what are you talking about?”
“Our first case as partners.” Uri turns to me. “We’re going to fail, and Ben Tanner’s killer is going to get away with murder.”
To be honest, I hadn’t given Ben’s case much thought since talking to the angel of death assigned to kill Mya. I won’t share that truth. Uri doesn’t need the confirmation of my distracted mind. “Ben’s case is on standstill until you talk to the coroner. Besides, we planned to come out here and interview Wyatt anyway on Monday. We’re a day early.”
“True, but your focus isn’t on solving Ben’s case.” Uri makes a frustrated sound. “It’s on eliminating your rival so you can claim his mate.”
I haven’t discussed Mya or Todd with Uri beyond the little display with Ella back at the Black Widow. He knows about their situation and my connection to Mya, but that’s it. I hadn’t planned on sharing more insight either.
Arms crossed over my chest, I face Uri, letting him see the annoyance in my expression over his accusation. “My focus is on bringing criminals to justice whether they’re the ones I’m looking for or the ones I find along the way. Yours should be too.”
“Fair point.” Uri nods. “But Todd’s a flunky, not the brains behind this operation or Ben’s murder.” Uri’s eyes narrow slightly. His voice lowers. “Wyatt Silverman is. We need to focus on him, not your rival. If we don’t, Wyatt will slip away, taking any evidence you might be able to use against Todd.”
“Are you implying both cases are connected?” I hadn’t seen anything suggesting that.
“No, but Wyatt is a suspect in Ben’s murder. His diner is also supposedly the supply point for Ambrosia. Wyatt’s the common factor. Not Todd. You keep focusing on Todd, and we’ll miss the clues needed to take out Wyatt.”
“Fair point.” I echo Uri’s words. “But Todd’s involved too. Even if he is a lackey. We’re going to make damn sure he goes down with his uncle.”
“Just because you want him to be guilty, doesn’t mean he is. Stupid isn’t a punishable crime.”
The buzzer vibrates, saving me from this conversation. I won’t fabricate evidence, but I will find a tie between Todd and Ambrosia. Once I do, he’ll be out of Mya’s life, legally, and I won’t have to look Peyton and Rey in the eye and tell them I killed their father, even if he is a piece of shit.
“Table’s ready.” I wave the flashing, buzzing disc in Uri’s face. “Good thing too. I’m starved.”
Uri walks silently next to me, but I sense his displeasure. So does my wolf. We’ve only been partners with Uri a few days, but we’ve accustomed ourselves to Uri’s mannerisms and stance. I doubt I’ve experienced Uri’s every mood, but this is one I’ve encountered multiple times, from our first meeting to the one with Ella when he brought up Mya.
I flick my gaze to Uri. “You’ve got a problem with me and Mya, don’t you?”
“Not Mya specifically. I think females are a distraction and a weakness. If you get attached to one and she gets herself killed, then you might as well join her. You’re worthless.”
“Losing a mate isn’t the end.” Though I have to admit there were days it felt like that. “After Anna died, I joined Shifter Affairs. Did a hell of a lot of good in those years too.”
“I thought we weren’t allowed to talk about Anna Tanner.”
I stop walking. The buzzing disc in my hand sends vibrations up my arm, but Uri’s words hit me square in the chest. He’s right. We weren’t allowed to talk about my dead breeding partner. We can now. Saying Anna’s name doesn’t kill me. I understand what that means. I’m healing. Really healing. Not just telling myself I’m fine so I don’t pull the trigger of my Glock.
Uri stops walking too. He looks over his shoulder and raises a brow. “Well? Is it still a sore topic?”
“No. Things are different now.” Anna would be happy for me too.
Shaking his head, Uri snorts. “’Cause you found your true mate, huh?”
“Yeah. Come talk to me when you find yours. Otherwise, keep your opinions to yourself.” I stride forward. Time to end this conversation. I’m done sharing emotional shit with Uri. We’re not that good of friends. Even if we were, we wouldn’t be talking about our feelings. We’d be talking about important things, like how to protect our women or make them happy. “We’ll order, then eat. After I’m done, I’ll slip into the back while you order a dessert and coffee.”
Uri grunts, then walks past me. “I don’t drink coffee. I’ll order more soda.”
“No coffee?” Grateful Uri’s taking my cue to drop the subject, I laugh. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Many things.”
Uri’s serious tone draws my gaze to him. His neutral expression doesn’t give anything away. His tense posture does, though. My choices are obvious. Ask or let it go. I’d prefer the latter, but some guys do like to talk about stuff. Not many but some. I have a hard time picturing Uri as one of those oversharing types, but I have to ask. I’d be a shitty partner if I didn’t. When I think about it that way, Uri’s concern toward my life makes sense. We’re both feeling out our boundaries with each other. Oh yeah, a partnership is a lot like a relationship.
“Care to share?”
“No.” Uri opens the diner’s door, putting an end to the conversation. Good thing too. While I’d listen, I can’t say I’d enjoy myself.
I follow Uri into the diner and join him at the counter. In my peripheral vision, I catch sight of Todd sitting with a similar-looking shifter male. Wyatt, if I had to guess. They’re arguing, but their low voices and the background noise of conversation and the clicking of silverware makes it hard to pick out words. One catches my attention, however. Mya. They’re talking about my true mate.
Breathing slowly, I keep my attention on the hostess, who’s smiling and motioning for us to follow her. She leads us deeper into the restaurant. I’ll never overhear anything back here.
“Can we get one of those booths along the windows?” A waitress was clearing one as we walked by.
The hostess’s eyes pinch and her mouth tightens, then her smile returns. Obviously, my suggestion doesn’t fit her plans. Too bad.
“It’s not quite clean. We have window seats near the back too.” She motions toward them with the menus she’s carrying.
“We don’t mind waiting.” It’ll give me an excuse to stand in the aisle closer to Wyatt and Todd.
“Of course.” Her fake grin fades. She pivots and leads us to the front.
“It’s quieter back there.” Uri’s knowing look tells me he understands the reason behind my request and doesn’t approve.
“View’s better up here.”
Todd slides his gaze to me as we approach. The frustration flaring his nostrils and creasing his brow deepens. He leans closer to Wyatt and says something. I pick up on the words “agent” and “harassing” before Todd slides from of the booth and hightails it out of the diner.
Silently cursing, I take the laminated one-page menu from the waitress and claim the side of the booth giving me a view of Wyatt’s back. Wyatt doesn’t turn. He continues eating his meal.
So much for eavesdropping. Back to the original plan.
A few minutes into our meal of eggs, pancakes, and bacon, Wyatt stands and makes his way to our table. He inclines his head at first Uri, then me. It’s the proper way to address us, even if I have more seniority with Shifter Affairs. Uri’s a Royal. I’m not.
“What br
ings me the pleasure of having two SA agents in my establishment?” Wyatt asks the question to Uri.
“Food,” I answer.
“You’ve come to the right place.” Wyatt’s smile is as fake as his welcoming tone. He grabs a chair from a nearby table and sets it at the head of the booth. “May I join you?”
“Sure,” Uri mumbles while chewing.
Wyatt turns to me. “My nephew told me you were out to see him.”
“Yep. I was.” I turn my attention to my pancakes, cutting a bite, then dragging the piece through the syrup on the dish before shoving it into my mouth.
Wyatt’s fake, pleasant façade vanishes. Pure hatred replaces it, darkening his eyes and twisting his mouth. “And that you told him I was accusing him of not paying off his debts to me. I take offense to lies, Agent Lyall. Personal offense.”
I snatch a bacon strip from my dish and eat it. Only after I swallow do I raise my gaze to Wyatt’s. The man would take my head if he got the chance. I can see the truth in his twisted gaze. This isn’t about insult. It stems from protection. Wyatt would kill for Todd. My wolf lends me the insight. It’s a protective vibe Wyatt gives off. Not unusual when you think about it. According to what I’ve learned about the Silverman family, Todd is the only breeding member.
Keeping my expression as blank as possible, I nod in acknowledgment. “And I take offense to obtuseness, Mr. Silverman. Your nephew, it seems, was either blessed with the stupid gene at birth or his mama dropped him on his head a few too many times.”
The corner of Wyatt’s mouth rises in a lopsided smirk. I don’t wait for him to make some smart-ass comment back; I pick up my coffee and lean against the booth cushion. “Todd fed the conversation after I asked why he was in a bad mood. As an agent, I was only doing my job by following the conversation where it led. Not my problem your nephew can’t keep his mouth shut.”
Wyatt, smiling, nods. “True, but I don’t like anyone, especially our distinguished law enforcement, to think I’m a bad person. I’m not. Trust me on that. I follow our traditional laws and guidelines closely.”
Freeing his Mate Page 17