by Sydney Addae
“It’s quiet now.” She walked to the doorway and whistled. The room lay in shambles. The projector, screen, desks and chairs were broken or destroyed. Francesco sat bleeding from multiple wounds in the middle of the chaos. The two full-bloods stood at attention but did not engage.
“What the… stop. Stop right now,” Wulfgar yelled, trying to squeeze between Asia and Hawke.
She placed her hand on his shoulder and activated her bracelet again. Tingles raced through her as she sifted through his memories. In order for him to leave this place alive, he couldn’t be involved with the Liege in any way.
Asia relaxed. Francesco had done a good job keeping Wulfgar out of his activities. She picked up shadows of important meetings but he had no direct contact, dinner at restaurants with Lancaster and Roderick, but nothing to do with business was discussed. Miriam had made it safely out of the room and returned to the castle. That woman was like a cat with nine lives.
Pleased she wouldn’t have to destroy him, she began exiting his mind when she noted a few dark shadows in places they shouldn’t have been. She surrounded them with the energy from the chameleon. Within seconds the darkness dissipated, releasing stored memories which flowed through his mind.
Wulfgar’s knees buckled as a low keening sound rose from his throat, so mournful it raised the hairs on her arms. Holding his stomach, he fell to the ground. Tears filled Asia’s eyes as real memories dispatched the false and filled Wulfgar’s mind.
Images of Francesco killing Alpha Bertoff, and then tossing the older man aside like trash. The subsequent fight between Francesco and the wounded Wulfrik. Francesco stabbed the boy repeatedly and then wiped his blade on Wulfrik’s shirt, turned and walked away. Filled with grief, Wulfgar tracked Francesco to his home later that night and stabbed him while he slept. The next day, soldiers took Wulfgar to an underground lab where doctors worked on him.
By the time he left that lab, he could not recall his father’s or brother’s death. Francesco introduced the young boy to sex that same night. Initially Wulfgar fought. Later, he accepted his place in Francesco’s home.
The death of Wulfrik by Francesco played through Wulfgar’s fractured mind on a loop. Blood and more blood. Now, Wulfgar stood on the precipice of insanity, the betrayal by his lover cut deep.
His mournful cries filled the offices.
Amynta and Barticus came to see what happened. Asia lifted her eyes to her mam and showed her what she’d just seen. The emotional and physical rape of a young boy at the hands of a sadistic monster. Francesco used Wulfgar for years, but never allowed him to become too close, constantly belittled him, stifling his growth.
Amynta knelt in front of her brother, holding him close, whispering comforting words to calm him. “Come with me,” she said, taking him toward the door.
“Wulfgar,” Francesco yelled. “Do not believe them, they are liars who mean to harm you.”
Wulfgar shook his head and ran out the door. Amynta right behind him. She caught him in the parking lot and held him close.
“Why don’t you just kill me, get it over with?” Francesco said in a low gravelly voice.
Barticus laughed, it was a cruel, ugly sound. “Death is a luxury you cannot afford. My men will be here soon to take you to a place where you will live a long, long time. Every day you will beg for death, but it will not visit you.”
Chapter 32
Asia, Hawke and Damian sat in the living room of her parents’ home on Albuslupos land. Yesterday and last night they celebrated with food, drink and music. Journals and drawings were pulled out and they traveled back in time.
Asia’s family had a colorful past. Her sire had operated in the gray areas of the law for several decades, amassing a fortune, but walked within the law in the past two decades. They created videos for posterity with each of them speaking alone, then as couples and then as a den. The fun and laughter would sustain her for a lifetime.
Amynta removed the barrier while waiting for her pack members to arrive later today. Everyone pitched in and helped clean the vacant homes in preparation. The grounds had been spruced up and a light feeling permeated the air. The land welcomed them home.
Wulfgar remained in bed from the time he left the office until now. Asia gave him the necklace she had taken from Wulfrik’s remains the first day she arrived. He held it tight in his grasp while thanking her through tears.
Amynta worried over him and hoped seeing old pack members return would ease his spirits. Every now and then she would sit with him and they’d talk about what they’d like to see happen with the pack. Wulfgar had no interest in the Alpha position, but he did share his opinions. Asia hoped he and the beta would get along when she arrived.
Geo and two others from Barticus’ pack arrived at the office thirty minutes after Wulfgar’s breakdown and removal. They took a bloody, struggling Francesco and placed him in an unmarked cargo van, and drove off. Her sire had looked at his bruised knuckles and sighed in satisfaction.
“Soldiers are coming,” Damian said to Amynta and Barticus. The two left the house and walked down the steps to meet them. Miriam walked to the front, her gaze lingered on Damian before moving to Amynta.
“I am seeking my cousin, Francesco. Is he here?” Her gaze swept the area before returning to Amynta.
“No,” Amynta said, crossing her arms. “You are trespassing on Albuslupos property; this is your only warning.”
Miriam’s jaw tightened. “I see it is opened again. Perhaps we can talk and come to some type of arrangement. We are open to trade.”
Amynta waved Damian forward. He stood next to her. Miriam’s face reddened but she did not turn away.
“This is my kin. You failed the truth test when you tried to turn him in to the Liege. Since he is pack and a part of my den, I could never trust your word any more than he could. We do not negotiate with liars or thieves. Whatever has been stolen already from our land by your people, that is the last of it. I’ve sealed the caves and no one except Albuslupos can enter.”
“But… we need the crystals. It’s how we survive …” She looked at Damian. “I had no choice, they wanted you back and promised to help my people. My people are my pack, don’t you understand?” She looked at him.
“Yes, I do. This decision’s not mine, and it’s been made. Find another source to care for your pack. The Albuslupos returns to their land,” Damian said.
Asia’s chest expanded at his confident words.
“Damian, surely you can help us with this. Think of all the lives that will suffer.”
He stared at her. “Suffer? You aid the Liege who destroyed thousands of my people and talk to me about those who suffer? Don’t say another word, spend the time seeking other ways to help your people. The days of Lyrill robbing these lands are over.”
“Are you remaining here?”
Asia heard the thread of hopefulness in Miriam’s voice and shook her head. If the girl had a moral compass, she would make a great Alpha one day.
“No, I’m returning with my parents to our den. But the rest of our pack will be here, watching.” He walked off, leaving her watching his back.
“As I said before,” Amynta said, drawing Miriam’s attention. “You are trespassing. This is your last warning. I assure you, you will not escape justice this time.”
Miriam’s face reddened as she stepped backward and took another long look in the direction Damian had gone. The soldiers followed her departure.
“Now that’s a bold one,” Barticus said, taking Amynta’s hand and kissing the back of it.
“Indeed,” she said, and then looked at Asia, smiling. “I’m going to miss you, are you sure you cannot stay longer? I would love to get your opinion and help with settling the pack.”
Although it warmed her heart to be close to her mam, she sensed it was time for them to leave. Mistress had been happy to know they’d found her parents and allowed her to stay two extra days, but there was an underlying current of urgency that Asia sensed beneath th
e encouraging words.
“La Patron has been gracious in allowing me all of this time off. He hasn’t met Hawke or Damian, plus they are watching our little one, Sarita. You spoke with her last night and can tell she is a handful.”
Asia had talked to Sarita every night since they escaped the temple. The little girl pulled on her heart in a way she hadn’t expected. Now she looked forward to spending time setting up her den.
“We need to go home and set up our den. Now that the Liege knows Hawke and I are mated, we want to leave foreign soil as soon as possible,” Asia said.
“That is wise,” Barticus said. “We are diligently seeking them in Europe, but it will take time to flush out all of their hidey holes. They have friends in high places as well.”
“There will be some pissed off friends in high places since they can’t deliver those ten full-bloods you sent to your island in Athens. From everything we found, those full-bloods had been paid for in advance,” Hawke said.
Barticus shrugged. “Thanks for programming them to work on my grounds as security. It’s sweet knowing Francesco’s merchandise is keeping him from leaving his prison.”
“I call it justice,” Asia said, wrapping her arm around her sire’s waist. He squeezed her shoulder and placed a kiss on her forehead.
“Seems we just found you and are saying good-bye so soon,” he whispered, his voice rough.
“Mam said you’ll come over next month after the pack is settled,” Asia reminded him. “You’ll stay a couple weeks, I hope.”
“I promised Sarita a doll, crayons, paint, puzzles, and a ball. Where’d she get that kind of list?” he asked, shaking his head.
“From the fantastic four, La Patron’s kids. You’ll meet them when you arrive,” Asia said, hoping she was right. La Patron kept tight security on his pups.
“I look forward to that, and to the day I can bounce a new pup from you and Hawke on my knee as well.” He winked at her.
“Don’t pressure her,” Amynta said. “You’re already working overtime for your own litter, be happy with that.”
“Yes, sweet bitch.” He winked at Amynta and took her hand as they walked toward the house. Damian sat on the porch smiling at them.
“Chacal sent a plane, we need to get moving,” Hawke said into the silence.
Damian nodded and stood. Yesterday they’d moved all their things here so they could spend as much time as possible with Amynta and Barticus.
“Nervous?” Barticus asked Damian. He placed his arm around his shoulder and walked with him to the jeep.
“Not really,” Damian said. “Asia has talked so much about everyone, I feel I already know them.”
“Oh?”
He nodded. “The twins, Rese and Rone, two half-breed bad asses who will whip my ass if I disrespect Mistress in any way.”
Barticus nodded. “I like them already.”
Damian smiled. “Cameron and his mate, they’re the Alphas for West Virginia and La Patron’s godson.”
“Ah…”
“Mistress runs the place, she has four pups, and the twins, her mom and her mom’s mate live there as well. All in all, family is big in the compound.” Damian nodded, as if he were reciting a lecture.
Asia smiled. Holding her mam’s hand she walked to the passenger door. They stared at each other and opened their links. “When I found you, I found myself,” Asia said, touching her mom’s cheek. “I’m free, mentally and emotionally. Thanks to you.”
Amynta’s eyes misted as she leaned into Asia’s palm. “I died a thousand times each day when I couldn’t find you. I failed and couldn’t face myself. Tre tried to revive me but couldn’t fully. I half existed. You freed me from the chains of self-hatred and guilt. Your forgiveness is a gift I will cherish the rest of my life.” She kissed Asia’s cheek. “I love you sunshine.”
“I love you…Mom.”
Amynta’s smile widened. She cupped Asia’s cheek for a few more moments as if memorizing her face. “We will be there next month. Time will fly until I see you again.” She wrapped Asia in her arms again.
Asia inhaled her mam’s unique fragrance, imprinting it on her mind and squeezed. There were no more words to be said. They broke apart, her mam hugged Hawke and then Damian, while her sire embraced her again. He didn’t speak. He didn’t need to, yet she heard his heart all the same. He loved her.
When Hawke and Damian slid into the vehicle, her sire released her and she took her seat. Her heart ached when they pulled off, but she wanted to begin a new chapter with her mate. It was time to go home.
Epilogue
The helicopter landed on the pad inside the compound and was met by Tyrese, Tyrone, Angus, Cameron, and Hank, the security chief. As Asia, Hawke and Damian stepped out and away from the helicopter, Angus waved them to the side. His pet Byte watched nearby.
“Welcome home,” he yelled, hugging Damian, Hawke and then Asia. Tyrese, Tyrone, Cameron and Hank did the same.
“We need to scan and debrief you before you enter the compound,” Hank said, watching Asia closely.
She nodded and inhaled. This was proper protocol, she expected no less. “No problem, glad to be home again.”
Angus clapped her on the shoulder and they headed toward the security port. After they completed and passed the security check, Hank waved good-bye and left.
“This way,” Angus said, waving them to the elevator. Byte barked once and walked in front.
“She hasn’t been gone that long, Angus. You do remember how to find your apartment, right, Asia?” Tyrone teased.
“Yes, but he’s getting old, maybe it’s more for his memory,” she whispered loud enough that Angus could hear.
He scowled at her and shook his head. “Old? Look who’s talking.” Angus pushed open the door leading to the living quarters.
“Welcome Home!” a crowd of well-wishers yelled.
Asia stood stunned while looking at everyone smile, welcoming her home. The light banter with Tyrese and Angus distracted her from picking up the scents and heartbeats on the other side of the door.
Jasmine stepped forward and they embraced. “I’m glad you’re here, I’ve missed you,” Jasmine said near her ear.
“I’m glad to be home,” Asia said sincerely.
Jasmine stared up into her eyes. “Yes, I can see that you are at peace. Another successful mission. There’s someone who wants to meet –” Jasmine looked around at the sound of a child laughing.
“Sarita, I told you to wait a few minutes,” Jasmine said, smiling at the beautiful little girl in Hawke’s arms.
“Daddy,” Sarita said, pointing at Hawke. “Davie, this is my daddy” she yelled at the young pup standing next to Adam, watching.
David nodded but didn’t speak.
Asia stepped forward and knelt in front of David. “Hi, do you remember me?”
He nodded. “Asia.” He reached forward and hugged her tight. Surprised and delighted, she wrapped her arms around him and squeezed.
“I missed you,” she whispered.
“I missed you, too,” he said, surprising her further. “Sarita is happy.”
Asia released him and looked over her shoulder. Sarita stared at her from Damian’s arms. At some point she’d switched from father to brother. Was it Asia’s time now?
“Yes, she is. Thanks for watching over her for us,” Asia said.
David nodded, turned and ran to play with the other children.
Asia wiped her palms on her pants leg and walked toward Damian, who was still holding Sarita. “Hi Sarita.”
The little girl stared at her for a few moments. “Are you my mom?”
Her heart slammed in her chest at the innocently asked question. Asia cleared her throat. “Yes, I am.”
Sarita stretched her arms toward her. Asia didn’t hesitate. She took the young child in her arms and held her close. Sarita squeezed her neck and wouldn’t let go. Not even when Hawke and Damian offered to hold her for a while. For the rest of the party, Asia walked
around holding her daughter while introducing her mate and pup to everyone.
Later, she, Jasmine, Rose and Victoria sat on the sofa, talking. “Where’s La Patron?” she asked. He hadn’t been at their party which struck her as strange.
“He had court today but is on his way home now,” Jasmine said, rubbing her palm over Sarita’s hair as she slept on Asia’s lap. “Tomorrow is soon enough to start talking about everything going on. Tonight we celebrate our good fortune of your return and your den.”
Asia smiled and placed a kiss on Sarita’s forehead. “Thank you.”
“You haven’t seen your rooms yet, have you?” A pregnant Victoria asked.
Asia frowned. “Rooms?” She looked at Jasmine. “You moved me from my other room?”
Jasmine waved away the question.
Rose rubbed her extended belly and chuckled. “Did she? Wow.”
Confused, Asia watched Jasmine, waiting for her to explain.
“You needed more space for your den. You have two pups and a mate, you needed more space. Plus, Silas is starting Hawke in the lab, while you and Damian work with KnightForces, the new security team to help the alphas. Like I said, tomorrow you’ll get all of that.” She stood with an excited grin that caused butterflies in Asia’s belly. “Come see your home.”
Asia told Hawk where she was going and he came along. Damian remained in the hall talking with Tyrese and Tyrone. Rose waved goodbye and put her feet up. Victoria stood and followed them down the hall.
“I don’t recall this area,” Asia said, looking around.
“This wing doesn’t get much use. I had it remodeled to accommodate our growing family,” Jasmine said, not realizing how much her words meant to Asia and Hawke.
Jasmine stopped in front of a set of double doors and opened them with flourish. Her excitement evident in the way she stared into the eloquently decorated space. Asia stood immobile in the doorway, taking it all in. The marble entrance, hardwood floors in the living area, the tranquil color palette.
Asia’s hand flew to her cheek and she leaned against Hawke, too stunned to do more than gawk. “Mistress…” she said in awe.