by Sydney Addae
“Got it?” Barticus asked, his gaze flicked over her as he stopped at the red light.
“Yes, I need to contact La Patron, this isn’t what we thought.” She could tell he wanted to ask questions but respected protocol. With investigations of this nature, La Patron, her Alpha outranked family.
“Mistress? Hawke?”
“Yes? Is everything okay?” Jasmine asked.
“I’m here,” Hawke said.
“I just read one of Hector Palisades littermates.”
“Hold on, let me get Silas,” Jasmine said.
“Everything okay?” Hawke asked.
“So far, not as bad as I thought,” she said hearing the concern in his voice. They’d discussed her feelings about her dad and the twins. Asia’s emotions flipped from one minute to the next over sharing a man she hadn’t known most of her life. Maybe that’s why she didn’t want to share, especially now. Her parents would only be here a short time and she’d wanted to get to know them better.
“Asia?” La Patron said.
“Sir, there are a lot more rebels here than we realized. Hector works for someone, Manny doesn’t know the name but it’s another full-blood. They’ve been taking half breeds to Hector who takes them someplace else and returns with money. Manny was afraid of his brother, seems he’s changed in the past three months. Sounds familiar?”
“The drug?” Jasmine asked.
“Could be,” Asia said as the car stopped in Damian’s drive. She waved her father and Randi out the car so she could focus. “Hector didn’t share any important details with his brother, seems he became obsessed with Randi when he saw her and Raoul in the mall. He hired Raoul to do a few odd jobs but decided he wanted Randi. Hector’s mated with pups.”
Jasmine gasped.
“What? That’s impossible,” Hawke said. “We’re not built that way. Is it possible the person he’s working for wants Randi?”
Asia had thought of that but Manny’s memories had been clear. Randi was for his brother and Manny didn’t think anything bad about that.
“That’s a bigger problem than the rebels,” Silas said. “Someone playing with our genetics again. Could you tell if he’d been given any drugs lately?”
“No I didn’t look for that. He didn’t seem sluggish or under any influence but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been tampered with.” Asia paused thinking the man seemed okay which could mean a lot of things or nothing at all. They needed to know more. “I pulled Hector’s location, Eugene and Russell will be here soon. I’d like to pay Hector a visit, see if I can get information on whoever he’s working for.”
She waited for La Patron to approve her request.
“In two days it’s Christmas,” Silas said slowly.
Asia closed her eyes briefly and then opened them. Hector would be furious when he found out about his brother’s condition. Manny would never recover. He’d never speak again or remember what happened. She’d taken his memories and more with her chameleon bracelet. Would Hector retaliate? Could she leave Damian and the others alone to finish what she’d started?
“In that case I need to go see Hector right now so that we can leave tonight or first thing in the morning,” she said.
“Careful,” Hawke warned.
“I should’ve waited to take out Manny. Randi would’ve been in the compound far from Hector’s reach. This whole thing could’ve waited but I jumped the gun. I have to fix this,” she told Hawke.
“Tell me how you want to play this out,” Silas said. “I’ll need to inform Bartholomew what’s going on in his territory.”
Asia hadn’t thought of a plan yet. “I need to talk to Damian, Eugene and Russell. This is their area as well. Once we get the ideas down I’ll contact you, Sir.”
“Sounds good,” Silas said.
“We’ll probably be at lunch or shopping in the mall in three hours, should be there another three or four just depends on how bad mama needs this break,” Jasmine said after Silas clicked out. “Your mother spent the morning with the kids.” Jasmine gave Asia a quick update on what happened earlier and their plans for the rest of the day.
“I hope to make it back for dinner but if not, Christmas Eve for sure,” Asia said hating she missed lunch and shopping with her mom.
“I know. Be careful and I’ll see you when you get back,” Jasmine said.
Asia sensed Hawke’s unease and waited to hear whatever was on his mind.
“Are you leading this?”
“No. I plan to tell Damian what I learned and offer my assistance. If he doesn’t want to act now… I’ll back out and let them handle it alone.” She prayed to the Goddess for strength to carry out her words. From what she’d seen in Manny’s mind, Hector was a sadistic bully who got a kick out of torturing half-breeds and full-bloods. In a fair fight, Damian could take most full-bloods, but what she saw in Manny’s memories didn’t seem right. Hector acted more like a berserker of old. But that was impossible, he was wolf.
“Stay open so I can monitor. I told Damian the same thing. Eugene and Russell are inside, they’re waiting for you. I’ll see you soon.” Hawke disconnected. His words warmed her heart and strengthened her resolve to take Damian with them when they left for Christmas.
Chapter 10
During the time Asia was in the restaurant, Damian and Raoul talked. Some things they endured since leaving Barticus made Damian’s gut clench in sympathy, it’s a miracle they survived. Raoul had lived beneath bridges with cardboard blankets to stay warm. He’d stolen food, clothes and money to survive. No one could blame him for working for Hector for a couple of jobs. Jobs that made him a wanted man. Hector had put out a contract on Raoul’s life for running away with Randi.
Since La Patron forbade anyone else learning of the chameleon bracelet, there was no way to take Randi’s identity and walk into Hector’s building. Damian decided to go old school. As KnightForce he had the right to question Hector on behalf of La Patron in his office or anywhere.
Asia chuckled and called his plan gutsy because of the unknowns. No telling what Hector had going on in the back rooms of his building. No time like the present to flush out the rebel and make his presence known in the area. Besides, anything was better than the stomping about in the Everglades.
Barticus stopped insisting he be a part of their group and agreed to remain with Randi when Raoul explained the tracking device inserted beneath Randi’s skin. Asia wanted to remove it, but Barticus insisted it remained in place until one of his people could examine the device. Based on the gleam in the old man’s eyes Damian believed he wanted someone to attempt to take Randi while they shopped in a mall in South Dade several miles north on US 1. Damian didn’t call him on it, because Raoul, and Asia’s eyes had that same glow.
Eugene masked his scent and went to the shifter hospital where Manny had been taken. He reported no one showed up asking about Manny, but that didn’t mean Hector didn’t have eyes and ears in the place.
An hour passed. Manny’s body was taken to the morgue, an autopsy had been ordered by Hector which said a lot about his position in the city. No one wanted to wait for darkness to fall to deal with Hector.
“Let’s roll,” Damian said, still surprised Asia allowed him to lead the team. He’d assumed she’d be in charge.
Asia, Raoul and Damian piled into Russell’s SUV and headed into Miami where Hector owned a large Real Estate office selling properties to full-bloods. He also owned a small bar on the first floor of the building, a watering hole for full-bloods. Several half-breeds had gone missing from that area.
Damian dropped Asia and Russell off at the Dadeland metro-rail station. They would take the tram into town, and walk the few blocks to the office. Eugene left the hospital and was en-route to Hector’s office where he spent most of his day. To keep down casualties, Damian and Raoul would arrive first, ask questions and draw Hector out of hiding.
Hawke would relay everything to Asia so she could time her entrance. Raoul entered the glass door of the t
hree storied building first, followed by Damian. He pulled out his scanner and jammed all the nearby cameras. The full blood security guard’s brow rose when he saw Raoul. When the guard straightened his posture it became clear Hector knew of their arrival. Before they reached the information desk, a tall, swarthy complexioned full blood male swaggered into the lobby area. He un-cuffed his cream colored shirt sleeves and rolled them up as he made his way to Raoul.
“Hector,” Raoul said through their link.
“Strange, I thought you’d be taller,” Damian said looking at Hector who stopped and sneered.
“Let me guess, you’re La Patron’s puppet, his bitch working the beach.”
Damian’s body trembled and then La Patron took over. “Wrong guess.”
The next minute, every full blood in that building ran into the lobby in wolf form. They stopped near Damian and bowed their heads. Raoul looked around as Jasmine and the others stepped inside and locked the front doors. Within seconds, 19 wolves sat on the floor in front of Damian whimpering.
“Asia,” Damian said.
She moved and touched the head of the wolf sitting next to his foot. The wolf whined but otherwise remained still until she finished. Moments later she stepped back and stood near the door with Eugene and Russell.
“I’ve searched his mind. He’s using some type of drug, all of them are but he’s taken the most. His contact isn’t a full-blood, he’s human. Name’s Ranier, he wants Randi not Hector,” Silas said. At the mention of that name to Damian, Hector whined louder and placed his head on his paws.
“Whoever this human is, Hector’s either afraid of him or afraid of having his drug supply cut off. He didn’t want his pack to know he dealt with a human and lied about that. Good news, the drug’s for humans not wolves. Ranier doesn’t know Hector’s a full-blood, at least Hector never told him.”
“Should I dry them out, see what affect the drug has on the full-bloods?” Damian asked his gaze flicking from one wolf to the other.
“Their wolf is destroying the chemicals and rebuilding tissue damage right now. Send Eugene and Russell to the back, have them go through Hector’s office and remove the vials. Asia will bring a sample back with her tonight so Passen can look into it.”
“Yes, Sir.” Damian gave the two men their instructions. They nodded and walked down the hall, leaving Raoul and Asia to make sure no one entered.
“Ask him about the half-breeds taken in this area, I didn’t see anything in his mind about that. Question each wolf in a closed room so Asia can check their memories. The killings have stopped but I want the person or persons responsible.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Good plan, worked well,” Silas said. “I like the way you think. Keep it up and get your ass here for Christmas.”
Pleased, Damian smiled. “Working on it, Sir.”
Asia grabbed the neck of the wolf nearest her and released him a few minutes later.
Okay… so no questions. Damian stood to the side with Raoul as she worked her way through the group.
“What’s she doing?” Raoul asked.
“Asking questions.”
“Ah… KnightForce can do that?” Raoul asked.
“Some can.”
“Cool.”
Damian didn’t respond. Asia held court in a league of her own, finely crafted and forged in the fire from her battles. He’d seen her in action and never wanted to be on her bad side.
Asia finished before Eugene and Russell finished in Hector’s office. The full-bloods remained on the floor out of sight from anyone passing by. Hawke and Asia discussed the information she’d gathered from the full-bloods with La Patron. Damian listened and when Hawke spoke to him he straightened in preparation to act.
“None of these know anything about the half-breeds that were killed. Not sure who or what Raoul saw but they aren’t involved, but they are rebels. Alpha Bartholomew just verified the information from La Patron explaining his position has been played and replayed over the airwaves. Unless Hector and the others were out of state they were given the information,” Hawke said.
“I understand.”
“La Patron will make the offer to reaffirm first and then you will either take their pledge or their lives, have the team get in position,” Hawke said in an implacable tone.
Asia waved to Eugene and Russell. They moved and stood behind the wolves to remove the bodies of those who refused to serve La Patron and Alpha Bartholomew.
Silas released their wolves. His energy whipped through the room creating wisps of smoke which grew larger and larger until it surrounded the 19 full-bloods as they morphed into their human forms.
“What’s going on?” Hector asked his voice shaky as he tried to move. “Seriously, what the fuck’s happening?” He tried to shift, to step aside, and couldn’t move.
This time he felt when La Patron entered. “If you’d like to renew your fealty to La Patron and Alpha Bartholomew, step forward,” Silas said through Damian.
Everyone except Hector moved forward.
La Patron bit each person’s neck as they re-accepted his leadership. When he finished, all 18 dropped to their knees with their heads bowed. With connections strengthened, La Patron spoke directly with each person.
Damian wasn’t sure what La Patron said but the smiles on their faces said it was good. A few moments later they stood and embraced each other, touching in the way of packs. La Patron’s presence withdrew, the room cleared and returned to normal. Sun streamed through the windows creating patterns on the tiled floor as each person left and returned with their belongings.
“La Patron told us to take the rest of the day off with pay. Alpha Bartholomew will contact us when it’s time to return to work,” the security guard told Damian.
Damian slapped the smiling man on his back and then caught him when he stumbled forward. “Merry Christmas from La Patron, he’ll make sure pack’s always taken care of. If you know anyone else who wants to leave the rebels and renew their pack allegiance have them contact Alpha Bartholomew or one of us at this number.” He waved to Eugene and Russell before handing the guard a business card.
The security guard’s eyes glistened. “I heard the announcements, heard my Alpha explain everything about half-breeds, but I listened to others and betrayed pack. Never again, La Patron gave me a second chance and I won’t ever listen to anyone else again. Feels like home, being reconnected to pack.”
Damian nodded and waved goodbye as everyone left the building except Hector. La Patron had stripped his ability to speak and no one sought him out as they left. Damian sent Raoul, Russell and Eugene to the car to place the boxes of information and drugs in the trunk.
When they were alone, Asia placed her hand on Hector’s head. His body shuddered, his eyes blinked rapidly and then he closed his eyes.
Chapter 11
Asia looked at her watch and relaxed in the seat as the private jet sat on the runway waiting to take off and leave the heat and humidity of South Florida behind. Damian didn’t seem to mind the weather but she preferred colder temperatures in the winter as nature intended.
Two hours the pilot said. She wished they’d arrive in time for her to meet Mama and Jasmine at the mall, even if she only had one drink. Mama sounded as if she were having so much fun with Victoria and Jasmine.
“I bought your father something from that naughty lady store,” Amynta said, his voice high pitched from too many margaritas.
“I’m sure he’ll be happy. Should I buy something for Hawke from that place?”
“Oh yes. It’s really a gift for both of you if you get my meaning.”
Asia’s cheeks warmed. “Yes, umm, yes I do.” Goddess why couldn’t she be more open about these things?
“So glad you’re on the way home, we can stay up late and talk. Tomorrow’s Christmas Eve and I have a lot of presents to put under the tree. Miss you, though.”
Asia’s chest expanded until she thought her heart would burst from overwhelming emotion
that one last comment evoked. “Mama, I miss you too. I hope… I mean I wanted… maybe we could…”
“What is it?” Amynta asked, concerned.
“I just wanted to spend this time getting to know you and Daddy better. The last time was so rushed and I had no idea what questions to ask or what to talk about. Since we’ve been separated I feel like there’s this hole or a void that needs to be filled.”
“Same here. There’s so much I want to do with you and the children, they’re so special. It’s hard being so far away. But we’ll work out something… I need to be closer to you and your den,” Amynta said.
Asia wasn’t sure what to say. Thank you didn’t seem enough but it was all she had at the moment. “Mama… I love you.”
“Oh… I love you too, so much it hurts some time.”
Asia’s eyes closed as her mom sent memories of their time together through their link when Asia was small. Some she’d seen before, most were new.
“We’re next for take-off,” the pilot said through the intercom.
“See you soon, Mama.” Asia disconnected from Amynta but the warmth remained.
Once they were in the air, Barticus sat in the seat next to her. He took her hand and squeezed. “How’s my girl doing?”
His bright blue eyes peered into hers as if he could read secrets she’d stashed in the dark corners of her mind.
Smiling, she squeezed his hand. “Okay, just missing my baby girl.”
He nodded. “She’s a joy, quite a handful. I’m looking forward to seeing her light up brighter than the tree on Christmas morning.”
Asia chuckled. “She’s special that’s for sure.” They stared at each other for a few minutes. “Are you okay? Sending them home when they wanted to stay, I mean.”
Randi wanted to spend the holidays with Barticus, and asked Asia if it were okay if she flew with them to West Virginia.
Barticus had stepped in before Asia could respond telling Randi he’d purchased their tickets back home so they could spend the holidays with their mother. She expected them to arrive before Christmas. The main reason he’d taken her shopping was so she could return home.