“We got the main part, but not all of it,” Flynn said with a little disgust.
“Well, come on and eat. She can finish while we fill our bellies.” Charlie ushered them to the dining room, her arm around Sasha’s shoulders. “You just keep getting more popular as the days go by.” She squeezed Sasha’s shoulder in sympathy.
“Unfortunately,” Sasha grumbled.
“Don’t worry, dear. We’re all here for you,” Charlie soothed.
“Thanks.” Sasha gave her a wan smile; then Charlie walked away and took a seat at the table.
Everyone else was already at the table. They had apparently been waiting for the four of them.
“By the looks of displeasure and annoyance I see on both your faces, I can safely assume Angel has departed her bit of news,” Roan stated, looking not the least bit surprised by the whole tale. Or proof. But that was Roan. Cool and collected.
Flynn pulled her chair out, waiting for her to sit, then took his own, getting a plate for them both and filling them with agitation. “Yes, we got a brief outline, but not the whole tale.”
Sasha thought about what Angel had already told them and decided she was going to remain silent for the rest of the story. She had learned that she picked up more details that way. And, to be honest, she was simply starved. The food going in was way more important than any questions that she might have. Besides, Flynn or someone else was bound to ask something she was thinking. So she could enjoy her meal and learn at the same time. She just hoped the account didn’t give her heartburn.
Robert took a sip of his drink and started the story. “Like I said outside, the prophecy was hidden. All knowledge of it was destroyed, and the few who knew of it were eliminated. Both torque sets were sold to get rid of them, thus ensuring the female set never landed in the hands of a Lupa again.”
“But why? Why go to such lengths? And who would do such a thing?” Flynn asked with clear impatience.
“The why and who are easy enough,” Angel replied, finishing a bite of her food. “Love, jealousy, anger, greed, all the usual reasons. The who was the Alpha’s ex-lover because she thought she was going to be his Mate.”
“Sounds familiar, eh, brother?” Roan asked drily.
Flynn sat back in his seat, a look of resignation on his face. “All right, all of it. The whole tale. Now.”
Sasha looked around the table, noting the myriad expressions on faces. They ranged from grim to downright confused. As for herself, she wasn’t sure what she was feeling about the whole thing. But she did know this much—whatever else Angel and Robert had to say, she wasn’t going to like it, and neither was Flynn.
“Her name was Neena, and she’d been the Alpha’s lover for years with aspirations of more. Then on a routine trip to meet with other Pack members, the Alpha—his name was Nikos, by the way—met his True Mate, Tala. She was young and had yet to go through her First Transformation. Her father, Orren, was the old Alpha’s Beta and had moved away to start a family of his own after the old Alpha’s death. Nikos stayed in touch, but travel was slow back then, even for a Lupus, so months or even years would pass before they could meet,” Angel explained. “Anyway, when word got back to Neena about Tala, she started plotting. Everything went wrong, of course, no matter what she did. And after a few years and a couple of children, Nikos and Tala had had enough, banishing Neena to one of the more remote Packs.”
“Didn’t stop her, though. In Neena’s mind, the Alpha and his status rightly belonged to her. And gaining that position was a goal she would achieve at all costs,” Robert added.
“Even if it meant dooming future generations?” Flynn’s expression said he was appalled by such actions. He wasn’t the only one, if the varying looks around the table were any indication.
“Even then.” Robert nodded. “And after she learned of the prophecy, she was even more determined. If she couldn’t have what she wanted, then no one would.”
“What a nut,” Gabe quipped, shaking his head.
“Yes. Which probably explains a lot of her rather irrational behavior,” Roan commented.
“Somehow, she had Nikos and Tala murdered. Details are still sketchy at this point as to how it was done. But we do know they were killed, and the chosen few who also knew about the prophecy were killed as well,” Angel continued.
“The old seer—Diona was her name—did have some parting words before she died, though,” Robert said with a glee that only a lover of mysteries could understand.
“I’m almost afraid to ask.” Flynn groaned, rubbing his head with frustration.
“Take heed, for old hates die hard,” Robert supplied.
“Jeez, she knew, didn’t she? She knew that it would happen again?” Gabe asked.
Robert nodded. “Yes, Diona knew history would repeat itself. She also knew her time was running short. With Nikos and Tala dead, along with several others who had shared the secret, Diona had to make sure those deaths, and her own, weren’t in vain, that her knowledge of the events taking place and her prophecy would be left behind somehow for future generations.”
“So she wrote it all down. The prophecy, everything that happened with Nikos and Tala and Neena, even a sketch of both torque sets. Then she hid the documents in a puzzle box and gave them to Nikos’ eldest son with instructions that the box only belong to an Alpha and it had to be given as a First Mating gift if and when the Alpha found his Mate. True or otherwise. Then she too was murdered.”
“A puzzle box? I don’t remember Father having anything like that.” Flynn looked at his mother.
“That’s because he gave it to me before any of you were born,” Charlie replied. “I thought it a strange First Mating gift, but your father said it was an Alpha tradition, so I didn’t question it. And the box is beautiful. All inlaid semiprecious stones in wolf designs and gold accents. I knew it was old, so I put it away in the attic for safekeeping. It had totally slipped my mind that it was still there until Angel and Robert brought it to me.”
“Before Father was killed, he had asked me to catalog some old documents and a few ancient pieces of pottery. He asked Robert to come along as well in case any of the pieces needed to be restored and/or have better storage facilities,” Angel said.
“I jumped at the chance, of course. Not many in the Pack are privileged enough to actually get to handle pieces of our history. I was thrilled. Even more so when I accidentally tripped over an old skateboard, landing in a cardboard box full of old clothes and the puzzle box. It popped out and slid a few inches across the floor.” “When I first picked it up, I thought it was some sort of jewelry box. But after closer inspection, I couldn’t find any clasps or hinges. The workmanship and detail were exquisite, and I knew it was old. It was also damaged. Some of the stone inlays were loose or coming out and needed to be repaired. When I told Father about it, he explained what it was, why he had it, and made me promise to bring it back after it was repaired. I didn’t have a problem with returning it.” Angel shrugged. “Our history and traditions are important, and the box was part of that.”
Robert laughed softly. “Little did we know how important and how big a part the box played.”
“So how did you find the documents? Or should I say, how did you know they were in the box?” Flynn asked.
“We didn’t.” Angel snorted, getting confused looks from everyone.
“Found them by accident. The loose inlay piece was actually a part of the opening mechanism. When I tried to fit the piece back in place, I heard a click, and one of the stone wolves sank into the box. I thought I had broken it somehow. So to keep from damaging it further, I ran it through my X-ray machine. And the results were astonishing. Lying in the middle of the box looked to be a wad of something. I really couldn’t tell at that point what the wad was, but I knew it was something important.” Robert’s eyes fairly gleamed with the telling of his find.
“That’s when I decided to call Father. He had to be told about our discovery and what he wanted us to do about
it. He wanted us to be cautious, of course, but to proceed and let him know what we found.” Angel too looked excited about their discovery.
“It wasn’t easy, I’ll tell you that.” Robert chuckled good-naturedly. “Whoever designed that box was a genius. My X-ray showed where some of the pressure pieces were, but not in what order to push them. It took me and Angel nearly a year to figure the sequence out.”
“A year?” Gabe retorted.
“Yeah. The box has nine pressure pieces, and four of them had to be pressed at the same time. On opposite sides of the box. My hands are not that big.” He laughed, holding up both hands.
“Which is why the old seer instructed the box be given by the Alpha to his new Mate. When the box is passed to another set of hands, the pieces are pushed, and the four are pressed at the same time. The four stone wolves sink into the box activating the opening mechanism, and the top comes apart like a starburst. The documents were wrapped in oiled hide directly in the center of the box,” Angel explained with a delighted smile.
“Like I said, genius.” Robert nodded.
“Hmph.” Angel snorted. “The box wasn’t the only thing created by a genius. The documents were as well. They’re written in four different languages, three of which haven’t been used since the birth of Christ. The other one was totally unknown. If it wasn’t for the fact that it reminded me of Egyptian hieroglyphs, I never would have figured it out. Though to be honest, I’m still not sure some of my translations are accurate.”
“Hieroglyphs?” Roan asked.
“More like pictographs, but a few of the figures are almost the same as the Egyptian. I’ve never seen anything like it in any of the ancient cultures I’ve studied.” Angel shook her head in wonder.
“So, you’ve had this information all this time yet didn’t say anything,” Flynn said calmly, though Sasha could feel that he was anything but.
“Sort of,” Robert hedged.
“I would appreciate an answer on that as well.” Roan’s face was impassive, but his tone wasn’t.
“The documents are a few thousand years old, Roan. Once the air hit them, they started to decay. Rapidly. We had to place them in a special container to keep them from further damage. Then we had to set up a lab to examine them. And with my regular studies, lectures, and Robert’s traveling, it was another year before we could get everything set in motion. Then Father was killed and, well, the box was forgotten for a while,” Angel said sadly.
“But we did tell you, Roan. At the time, though, you were busy being the new Alpha,” Robert countered.
“Ah, the new research project five years ago. The one about some ancient translations.” Roan nodded.
“Exactly how long did it take to translate these documents?” Gabe asked.
“We’re still working on them. Especially the pictographs. That’s what the prophecy is written in,” Angel answered.
“But why haven’t you said anything before now?” Flynn’s tone was sharp, and Sasha could feel that he was getting a bit angry, so she put her hand on his leg. He smiled at her, knowing what she was trying to do. It worked, of course. He was smiling now instead of frowning.
“Like I said, the translations took time. And the only parts we had any ease with were the ones about Nikos and what happened to him and Tala. Being the Pack historian, I’m the only one who would be interested in such information. As to the prophecy, it’s only been six months or so since I was able to figure out some of the glyphs. After I did, I called Roan and told him I needed to update him on a research project. We had an appointment for next week.”
“Only Gabe’s e-mail upped the time frame and the importance of the information,” Roan guessed.
Flynn nodded in understanding, his brow scrunching. “Gabe, why did you e-mail Angel that picture of the set?”
“Well, the torque was badly damaged, and the bracelet didn’t fare that much better. And what with Robert’s expertise at repairing old jewelry, I thought he would be the perfect choice,” Gabe explained. “And with all the energy and attention focused on Sasha getting well, I didn’t think it that important to tell anyone.”
Flynn nodded again.
“All right, now that we have the facts, the only question left is what to do about the information we have. Or should I say, how do we use this information?” Roan leaned back in his chair.
Dinner had come to an end along with the story. Now that Sasha was full and rested, she thought about everything. And she kept coming back to one topic in particular. Children—or the soon to be lack thereof. Why would the prophecy pin its hopes on one female? If children were a concern, why not have a dozen females donate to the gene pool? That was obviously what the problem was about.
“You’ve been awfully quiet through all this, Sasha. You okay?” Flynn interrupted her thoughts as Charlie and Angel got up to remove the dinner’s remains.
She got up as well and grabbed hers and Flynn’s plates. “I’m not sure. My mind is still working on all this.”
She followed the other women into the kitchen, hoping Flynn wouldn’t get upset with that answer. Truthfully, she wasn’t sure what to think. Her mind was filled enough as it was. Adding an ancient prophecy to the mix was a little too much too soon.
“Now, Sasha, you didn’t have to do that. We could have gotten everything,” Charlie admonished.
Sasha smiled. “Good manners dictate I help. Besides, I felt the need to stretch my legs.” Sasha was starting to feel a bit edgy and jumpy the longer she sat at the table.
She put the dishes in the sink and got a good look around. It was a big kitchen. All black granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. A nice roomy modern kitchen.
Angel walked up behind her, and she jumped out of the way. Sweat was starting to bead Sasha’s upper lip and forehead. She was getting so hot.
“You don’t look so good,” Angel said with worry.
Sasha wiped her forehead off with the back of her hand, leaning against a counter. “I felt fine a moment ago. Now I feel like the walls are closing in on me, and I’m burning up.”
Flynn burst into the kitchen, his light eyes filled with concern. “Get her outside, Angel, now. I’ll fix a cool drink for her and meet you.”
“Outside sounds good,” Sasha agreed, bolting out the nearest door.
Good thing the kitchen had access to the backyard. She hit the back door running and didn’t stop till she found the barn and smelled hay and horses.
“Soon, I think. Maybe even tomorrow night.” Sasha whirled around, crouching to brace for an attack. She sighed with relief when she realized it was only Angel.
“Jeez, don’t do that. I’m jumpy enough as it is.” “Sorry.” Angel chuckled. “I’d forgotten how the symptoms are before the First Transformation.”
“I didn’t hear you come up. It was reflex.” Sasha’s toes started to tingle, a spasm hitting her in the back as she gave Angel an excuse for her odd behavior. The pain wasn’t enough to drop her to her knees, but it was close.
“I’d say it was more like instinct.” Angel looked at her curiously.
Sasha didn’t have time to dwell on the look, because Flynn was coming. She smelled him before she saw him. He was carrying a glass of ice water, but that wasn’t what she really wanted. The minute he came into view, need hit her like a sledgehammer, turning the tingles and cramping into a throb between her thighs. She had to have him.
Flynn stopped abruptly, nostrils flaring.
“Well, I think I’ll just mosey on back to the house.” Angel laughed as she left.
When Sasha knew Angel was gone, she started forward. Flynn dropped the glass and met her halfway. He picked her up, kissing her senseless as she moaned and wrapped her legs around his waist.
“Flynn.” She momentarily came up for air. She wanted so much more than a kiss, though.
He was one step ahead of her as he strode into the barn and found the nearest empty stall. They fell in a pile of straw, kissing and tugging at clothes. B
efore she knew it, they were both gloriously naked, skin-to-skin.
“Please,” Sasha moaned.
She didn’t want foreplay; she was way past that. No, she wanted the main course. She wanted Flynn inside her, filling her up.
He grabbed both her wrists in one hand, putting them above her head. His other hand squeezed her breast, pinching the nipple hard. Sasha groaned with pleasure, then nearly screamed as he plunged into her. He rammed into her and kept the pressure on her nipple, instinctively knowing what she wanted. By the time the orgasm ripped through her, she was completely lost, Flynn catching her screams of release with his kisses, his own release following in seconds with a shout of completion.
She must have blacked out, because when next she opened her eyes, she was covered with a blanket and lying in Flynn’s arms, still in the stall.
“Feeling better?” Those light eyes were dancing with merriment.
She looked up into his smiling face, feeling her own flame, but she smiled back anyway. “Yeah. I still feel a bit jumpy inside, but my back isn’t cramping anymore.”
His amusement was suddenly replaced by concern. “Any tingling?” He sat up so he could check her over. He took her pulse and looked in her eyes.
“A little in my hands and feet. It started in my toes first but was replaced by something else.” She gave him a sexy little smile.
He took her face in both hands and kissed her gently. She knew he was scared for her, that he didn’t want her to go through the pain. She could see it in his eyes, feel it.
“Soon, huh?”
“As fast as your symptoms have started, probably tomorrow night.”
She blinked. “But I thought I had at least two more days.”
Flynn let his breath out in a rush. “I had hoped you would, but what with this virus being so ancient and Jenna being a threat, seems your body and instincts have pushed your time sooner.”
“I don’t understand. I thought you said it had to be during a full moon.” She wasn’t panicking. Yet.
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