BirthSign (La Patron, The Alpha's Alpha)

by Addae, Sydney

  “No. I hadn’t perfected it back then. He had worked the old fashioned way and rose through the ranks. His chameleon was a simple physical change so he would not appear so intimidating.”

  “That is a powerful weapon, no wonder those assholes are after it. How did they find out about the bracelet?” Tyrese asked. Silas had wondered about that, Angus implied someone from his previous pack had done something, but he wasn’t sure exactly what.

  “Thank you, I have been working on it for two decades to get it where it is today.” He tapped the side of his head. “I have it stored up here, no one can access it. No computer to hack.” He glanced at Silas. They could access each another’s minds if they chose. In fact, Angus asked him to share some files with him for safekeeping. They hadn’t gotten around to it yet. But he sensed this was the information his littermate wanted stored. That was a good idea, although, if he had the information, Jasmine would always be able to access it. He needed to make sure Angus understood that.

  “As to how the Liege discovered them, I am not sure,” Angus continued. “I believe I was betrayed by someone I trusted in my pack. But since I cannot prove it, I will not make that claim. It is a matter of who it could not be that leads me to believe it was him.”

  Tyrese nodded. “That sucks. Can anyone use the bracelet? Like the one Asia recovered from the Liege, could they have used it?”

  “No. They are created to work by my will. I turn them on and off. Also, when I create them, I sync them to the person who wears it. Once again, that’s why I am suspicious of my pack mate. The bracelet Asia returned was for a specific person, yet it was in the possession of the Liege.”

  “If something happens to you, do they stop working? Like in the middle of an op?” Tyrone asked the same question Silas had been thinking.

  “No… or perhaps I should say I don’t know. That has never been tested.” He met Silas’ gaze with a thoughtful one of his own. “But if the bracelet is configured correctly, it will take on any image, human or object. There will be no body heat to lock on, no heartbeat to track, and long lasting side effects.”

  “Side effects? Like what?” Silas asked.

  Angus shrugged. “You are wearing another façade over your own, so there is a small learning curve. Once the bracelet is removed, your body shuts down for a minimum of twenty-four hours. I have been out for days. Brix passed out for a few hours while you raided the lab, but he only remained on his feet because of the threat to his mate. That seems to override everything.”

  Silas nodded. “That’s understandable.”

  Angus continued. “Unless you lock down the memories of the other person, they fight for supremacy against your own. To take another person’s memories, their emotional and physical aspect leaves nothing but a husk. You must be comfortable with that.”

  “Husk? You mean it kills them?” Tyrone asked.

  “Yes. You have essentially taken that person. That is not sharing, which can also be done, as I said earlier, the chameleon can work in degrees. But the ability to change into any living matter does not lend itself to sharing, it is a taking. Your physical and emotional beings are not impacted unless you allow it. For instance, if you decide to change into a rabbit…” They laughed. He waved his hand for them to quiet.

  “You will know who you are at all times, however the instincts of the…rabbit are a part of the chameleon. You will take off running before your mind comprehends there may be a threat.”

  Fascinated, Silas nodded. “Well done, Angus. You are light years ahead of anyone with that technology. Guard it well, there are too many who will misuse it and I would hate for someone close to me to not be who they should be.” He met his brother’s gaze with a message. “Never use it against me.”

  “How long does it last?”

  “The body has to rest in order for the chameleon to work properly. Brix used his for five years. Once every two months we met and I returned the bracelet, not because it malfunctioned or anything. But because the person who the chameleon imitated was growing. Whether in knowledge or weight or anything different than the initial chameleon. Remember all living things change.”

  “True,” Tyrese said. “What do you need for the ceremony? I’d like to keep everything just as it is.”

  “I already shook your hand. I can recreate a simple façade from that.” A moment later, Angus looked identical to Tyrese.

  “That is awesome,” Tyrone said walking closer and peering into Angus’ eyes.

  “Thank you,” Angus said, sounding like Tyrese.

  Tyrone stopped and looked harder at him. “Damn if you don’t sound like him too. Is there any way to tell if the person is fake?”

  “Yes.”

  Silas knew the answer; he had read it in Angus mind before. He also knew his brother only shared that information with him to build trust.

  “How?” Tyrone asked when Angus remained quiet.

  “I don’t share that. But there is a way. I hope that eases your concerns.” In a fluid array of ripples across his skin, he changed back into himself.

  “Well…if La Patron knows that would ease my concern. No offense, but this is just too… too powerful for there to be no way to detect a fraud.” Tyrone rubbed the back of his neck and returned to stand next to his twin.

  “I understand. That is why there are no notes, no databases, no paper trail and only a couple of people have access to my mind. That limits the chances of theft.”

  Pleased with the demonstration and the explanation, Silas decided to incorporate his litter-mate’s skill in any back-up plan he needed to create if things went wrong with Tyrese’s job. He’d rescue his son and crush the fuckers at the same time.

  Chapter 2

  “I got it! Granny, I got it,” Danielle screamed running through the living room to the sunroom where her grandmother sat working on a canvas she had been painting the past few weeks.

  “Stop yelling and tell me what you have.” Maheegan glanced over her shoulder at her and continued working. The older woman was not her biological grandmother, although the woman had raised her from a pup when her mom disappeared. The bond they shared showcased their love and affection for each other. Danielle shared a den with Maheegan, who had no pups of her own, for the past thirty one years.

  “Everything, my approval letter, my plane tickets, my visa, the transportation voucher from the airport and my hotel information.” She looked up from the box holding the items. “I’m going. I am actually going to Lyrill for the crowning ceremony.” Goosebumps exploded across her arms. “Finally, after all this time I made the cut. They only allow five outsiders from around the world to the ceremony--”

  “And the ceremony happens every ten years, yes…yes, I know.” Her grandmother chuckled.

  Heat rushed to Danielle’s’ face and then she shook it off. As a world famous artist, her grandmother’s creations hung in mansions, museums and galleries around the world. “I know you went fifty years ago…”

  “Sixty and it does not matter how long it’s been, the ceremony is a vision for any artistic eye.” She met Danielle’s gaze and smiled. “I am happy you’ve been accepted, it is an honor and you’ll do well. Do you have an idea where you’ll be assigned when you reach the castle?”

  She spun around and landed in the chair on the opposite side of the table. “Castle… a real castle, I can’t wait. I’ll be taking pictures until my fingers fall off.” She laughed. “Ooooh, I am so excited I can’t believe I’m the only photojournalist they allowed for this event.”

  Her grandmother frowned. “That’s coming up soon isn’t it?”

  Danielle pulled out the letter and read it quickly. “Ah…someone cancelled at the last minute and they gave me their spot. My flight leaves tomorrow morning.” She checked the time again. “Very early tomorrow morning.” She jumped up. “I need to pack.”

  “Wait,” her grandmother said stopping her.

  “Yes?” Her mind touched on all the things she needed to do before her flight. Di
d she have all of her equipment here or would she need to make the hour drive to her studio? Who did she absolutely need to track down and say good-bye?

  “La Patron’s mating ceremony is tomorrow, we are leaving tonight.”

  Danielle had forgotten. Their Alpha had been adamant that their pack present their finest talent at the ceremony. He had given her and granny two of the coveted tickets. “I hate to miss it. But this opportunity is once in a lifetime.” The mating ceremony would be a huge three or four day party, she’d meet lots of new people, make all kinds of contacts, but it wasn’t Lyrill. She couldn’t turn down her Lyrill adventure. Not after applying time and time again. It didn’t matter that she wasn’t their first choice; she planned to be on that plane in the morning.

  “No… La Patron will only have one mate…ever. And one mating ceremony. That is once in a lifetime. The Lyrill crowning ceremony happens every ten years,” the older woman said in a dry tone.

  She pushed past the guilt and focused on what she wanted. “I know, I know. But I’ve applied for the past three ceremonies and barely got accepted this time. They won’t invite me again if I turn this down. I’m sure Alpha Edon will understand.” She moved toward the hall, intent on reaching her bedroom on the second floor of the large estate home.

  “Okay, make sure you give him my regards and tell him I’ve finished the painting. He can pick it up tonight or in the morning for wrapping.”

  Danielle stopped and looked over her shoulder. “Huh?”

  Her grandmother’s gray eyes darkened and flashed beneath her thick brows. “You have to call him and explain why you won’t be attending the ceremony. Make sure you do that before you start packing, he may want you to go up to the Alpha house. Is Conner in town?”

  Danielle groaned, but knew she would do as requested. “I don’t know, but I don’t think so. I’ll call Alpha now.” She and Conner, the Alpha’s son and beta to their pack, had an on and off again relationship for the past five years. The two of them had been clear that they were not exclusive. That suited her fine. Conner had moments when he forgot and would give her a hard time when she went out with someone else. They’d back off; give each other space for a while. That was the present stance of their relationship.

  “Don’t drag about; you have a lot to do to make that flight in the morning.” She paused. Her voice changed, it was lower, hesitant. “Did I tell you I’ve been dreaming about the black wolf again?”

  Accustomed to granny’s conversations being all over the place, Danielle answered. “Yes, you mentioned it and then we found out Kendra was pregnant with her first litter.” She continued down the hall toward the curved staircase.

  “But the dreams have not stopped, in fact, they’ve become more vivid to the point my work is affected. I feel as if I am missing something important, but I have no idea what.” The simple words fell with the force of a mini explosion.

  Danielle’s heart stuttered and then raced as if hell-hounds were on her trail. She retraced her steps. Nothing has ever impacted the woman’s work. Nothing. Hearing those words the day before leaving town sent a shiver of fear down her back. Something heavy had either happened or would happen. Her grandmother’s dreams were never wrong.

  “Your work? What happened? You didn’t mention that before.” She returned to the room and looked at the canvas, unsure if she should ask about the dream straight-out or wait. In the end, fear of hearing something that would alter her plans compelled her to choose the latter. “Is that La Patron and his mate?” She gazed at the portrait and shivered at the hard bluish-green eyes of the huge black wolf and the beautiful woman standing beside him.

  “Yes, Alpha gave me her picture, she’s very beautiful, a joy to recreate.”

  Danielle gazed a moment longer at fair complexion, curvy figured woman with warm brown eyes, a contrast to her mate who stood on four legs next to her side. No matter how many times she saw La Patron, her heart always reacted. The man scared her. His wolf terrified her. Dragging her attention from him, she still didn’t want to ask about the dreams straight out and looked at his mate instead. “What is that?” she pointed to a mark that looked like some sort of blemish on the woman’s upper thigh.

  Her grandmother shook her head and released a long sigh. “That is what I’m talking about. No matter how many times I sketched and painted this, that birthmark keeps appearing. I hope she has one, otherwise, I’ll have some explaining to do.” The disappointment in her grandmother’s voice tugged her heartstrings. Her grandmother’s identity was intertwined with her creative ability. Those who knew her best knew her meticulous nature. She burned more artwork than she released to the public. To fail, or sense her work didn’t meet her high standards, was a crippling blow.

  Danielle wrapped her arms around the older woman’s neck and kissed her on her smooth tanned cheek. They were similar in size and height, which made the embrace more comfortable. “You have known La Patron for two centuries. He knows your work and that you’ve been the record-keeper of pack history for years. Just because everything’s electronic now does not diminish your work. If he asks questions, it is because he needs answers. His mating a human and them having pups is causing problems throughout the pack, he knows that as well. Maybe this birthmark is important and you can discuss it with him after the ceremony.”

  Her grandmother patted her cheek and held her close for a moment longer. Her long fingers warm against her flesh. “You’re right. The Goddess blessed him with a litter of pups. I don’t care who or what kind of bitch birthed them, the man deserves to have his own den after his service all these years to our people. I’ll offer my support and help in any way I can.”

  Danielle inhaled the lavender scent that always lingered around her grandmother and squeezed her again. “He’s lucky to have you and he knows it. I’m going to call Alpha and then I need to take care of some things.” She stepped back thinking of everything she’d do in the next few hours. “Do you need anything?”

  “No, child. Just tell Alpha our pack gift is ready. I’m going to lie down a bit, close my eyes and rest. Be careful on the road.” She stood slowly, gazed down at the canvas again and then moved down the hall.

  Danielle watched the older woman’s slow movements with a heavy heart. Although she never spoke of it, she worried over her grandmother, more now than before. Her grandmother was old. Old and tired. Her long ebony braid hit just above her pelvis with every other step. She could not imagine her world without Maheegan and refused to move out or away, which had been the root of many arguments she’d had with her lovers.

  The woman had been everything to her since she opened her eyes for the first time and she would never abandon Maheegan. Danielle gazed at the picture on the canvas. The top of the black wolf’s back almost reached the woman’s shoulder. It was inconceivable that anyone would challenge him, even on canvas; he represented raw strength and courage.

  The woman drew her. She was human, but she had to be special to deal with La Patron. “Who are you?” The making of a story entered her mind. Would the woman allow her an interview? Probably not, there were too many rebels against the mating right now. But if she could show, through pictures and words, the wisdom of the Goddess with this mating… it was something to think about. She would give it some thought later, after talking to her Alpha, after running last minute errands, after packing for her trip and after returning from Lyrill. She moved steadily to her bedroom and called Alpha Edon. She had too much to do to put it off.

  Chapter 3

  Jasmine rolled over and stretched. She opened her eyes and noticed Silas sitting in the chair next to the bed, fingertips steepled beneath his chin. Something was wrong. She resisted sighing. She didn’t need or want another problem, not today, her plate already overflowed.

  “What is it?” she whispered. Afraid if she moved an inch the cramps would return.

  “Hmmm? How are you feeling?”

  She eyed him for a second and then exhaled. The cramps were still there, just not
as bad or debilitating as before. Maybe one of the drugs finally worked.

  “Better, I think. I’ll wait to hear whatever you have to tell me before I fully answer that question. What’s happened now?” She braced herself; it could be anything from the rebels in town to something at their home in West Virginia.

  He tipped his head and nodded. “I received a call from the Joint Chief of Staff an hour ago.”

  She blinked and then blinked again while the words fell like bricks from a high ledge. That announcement came out of the blue. She pushed up and slid slowly back until she rested against the headboard. Her mate, his connections, his influence, constantly surprised her; no way would she have guessed that.

  “Really…like from D.C.? The Pentagon?” She asked, impressed.

  “Yes, I have always been on a first name basis with whoever is the director.”

  She nodded, wondering if they called about the celebration, or the rebels in some part of the country. Or did they want to know about the lab blowing up in Pennsylvania a few months ago? There had been a lot of damage to the area and then another explosion from the house Asia had escaped from. Alpha Samuel had told them he had taken care of things within his state, but maybe he hadn’t. Another possibility hit her. “What’d they want? Are they sending someone to the celebration?” That would be interesting to meet humans from such a high government branch.

  “Yes, there will be a few representatives from each branch of the government, but they will be full-bloods. I explained to you that this is for the wolf nation only, no humans. That’s why Renee and Mandy cannot come.” She ignored the stern lines that ran across his forehead.

  Reminding her that her sister would not be here tonight soured her mood. She crossed her arms and met his gaze. “You could’ve worked it out so Renee could be here with me, you chose not to. It would’ve been great having my family here to share my big day, but you refused me that.” Pouting wasn’t attractive and was something her children did, so therefore she wasn’t pouting no matter what thoughts leaked through Silas’ link.