by Nora Phoenix
“There’s us,” Enar said, squeezing his hand. “We’re the good guys here.”
“Yeah, and we’re paying the price,” Palani mumbled.
Melloni’s face tightened. “What happened?”
“The beta who gave Palani the tip about Excellon was threatened, as was Palani himself,” Enar explained. Palani squeezed his hand again. “We don’t know by whom yet, but they have to be connected to this. That’s why we have security now…just a precaution. They’re outside, since there was no need for them to come in.”
“It almost sounds like science fiction,” Melloni remarked.
Enar’s head shot to the side as Palani’s hand grabbed his in an iron grip. His eyes were wide open, and his mouth was dropped in a little O.
“What…” Enar started, then thought better. Something had clicked in Palani’s brain again, which meant he needed a little time to work through it.
He shushed Melloni when the man cleared his throat in preparation to speak, and the scientist leaned back in his chair. It took thirty seconds before Palani spoke.
“It’s not science fiction… It’s very real. I think there’s a dedicated group of people who wants to bring back the shifters…their societal structure, their laws, and even their DNA. It’s all connected. Dammit, how big is this thing?”
Enar frowned. What was Palani talking about? Bringing back the shifter society, who would… It hit him. “George York. The Wolf Party. You think they’re connected.”
Palani let go of his hand and got up from his chair. “They have to be. Don’t you see? They all want the same thing: they want the shifters back. You said it yourself, Dr. Melloni, no one knows why our kind lost the ability to shift. They may have figured that out, or they’re guessing, and they’re trying to fix it. The Wolf Party is going after the political side, and Maiitsoh/Ulfur/Lukos is going after the omegas… Hell, George York even referenced Excellon when I interviewed him, and he knew about your work with omegas. The man knows, I’m telling you. It’s all connected.”
Enar’s head dazzled with the implication of what Palani was suggesting, but he couldn’t deny the connections. Then something struck him and he frowned. “Dr. Melloni, has there been any follow-up research into the kids of the gene carriers?”
Melloni shook his head. “No. I did a research proposal, hoping to attract a resident, but few people want to be associated with omega research. It’s not where the prestige and the money is, as we're all aware? Why are you asking?”
“If the goal of X23 was to somehow bring shifters back…they may not have failed with the gene carriers. They may not be able to shift, but what about their kids? What if the gene causes a genetic mutation in the second generation, allowing them to shift again?”
Melloni’s lab was dead quiet as his words hung heavy in the room.
“We won’t know until these kids are fourteen. That was the age shifters could first shift,” Melloni finally said.
Enar and Palani looked at each other, and Enar knew they were thinking the same thing. Vieno. What would happen to Vieno when he got pregnant? What would happen to his child?
“Is it possible the children of the gene carriers could shift again?” Palani asked.
“I would have to do more research,” Melloni said. “I can’t possibly conclude this without more data.”
Enar put his hand on the man’s arm. “I understand that as a scientist, you’re inclined to trust facts and scientific methods, but what does your gut say?”
Melloni shared a long look with his son before he answered. “My gut says it’s possible…but if we consider how many unintended side effects their fertility treatment had, there’s no saying what genetic mutations they have unwillingly triggered that will manifest generations down.”
18
Vieno was singing along to the radio while baking cookies. Lidon loved his chocolate chip cookies, and they’d run out, so he would make a new batch. He loved taking care of his men like this, figuring out what made them feel loved and special and providing that.
Every morning, he got up early to make sure his men enjoyed a full breakfast before leaving for work, and they never failed to be appreciative. It was what he loved and what made him feel like he’d finally found his place in life.
After fixing them breakfast, he’d work on their lunches. He’d been preparing a lunch box for Palani to take to work for years, and ever since Palani had pointed out Enar sucked at taking care of himself, Vieno made one for Enar, too. He prepared thick sandwiches, fresh fruit and veggies, and always an extra snack or two. Enar loved nuts, he’d discovered, so he made sure he included a little container with mixed nuts. And the man loved his chocolate, so he got that, too. Lidon had eyed the lunch boxes for a while now, Vieno noticed, so he figured he’d ask for one soon as well.
He loved doing things like that for his men, making sure they were well fed and happy. So he made cookies for Lidon, knowing his alpha would come home tired today—he’d mentioned something about being home late because of a stake out—and would love this show of care and affection. It wasn’t like he minded, since he loved baking and he’d made chocolate chip cookies so many times, he didn’t even need a recipe anymore.
Grayson had set up a desk in his bedroom, which sat close to the kitchen, and the click-clack-click of his keyboard was audible when there was a lull in the music. The man got completely immersed in his writing, Vieno had found out. You could call him, but he wouldn’t answer, not until you were standing right next to him, and then you had to be careful not to scare the crap out of him. Lucan had scolded his dad to set timers and ever since, Grayson popped up every two hours. He was unfailingly kind, the alpha, and Vieno hadn’t felt unsafe in his presence even once.
Lucan was visiting a friend in town, escorted by his brother, much to his frustration, but Bray had insisted. Palani had much less trouble accepting Adar’s presence. He’d had a short argument about it with Lidon, but he’d given in fast enough to make Vieno think he appreciated the safety the bulky alpha’s presence brought.
No wonder, after the scary threat against him and Lucan. Even the little info Lidon had been willing to give about it to Vieno had been enough to make him worried sick, so he was happy with the protection Lidon had insisted on. Even more after what Palani had told him about the origins of the gene and his suspicion the conspiracy was far bigger than they’d suspected.
Vieno’s head had dazzled at the complexity of it all. He knew it was highly stereotypical to not worry his pretty little head over it, as some would say, but it suited him damn fine. He’d had enough shit to last him a lifetime, and he didn’t need to stress himself out by worrying over things he had no influence on. Simple matter of self-protection.
He had put two sheets of cookies in the oven when he felt something. It was like a cold band wrapped around his heart and tightened. He couldn’t explain it, but something was happening. Something bad.
He turned off the music, his breath stuck in his lungs. What the hell was happening? Then he heard it, faint but unmistakable. Gun shots.
Oh god.
On instinct, he turned off the oven, then ran into the hallway where Grayson stormed out, his face displaying the same worry as Vieno’s.
“Did you—?”
“Come with me,” Grayson interrupted him.
Vieno didn’t hesitate but allowed the alpha to grab his hand and pull him with him. They ran through the house to the door that led to the cellar.
“Where are we—?”
“Do you trust me?” Grayson asked Vieno, his eyes burning into Vieno’s. Vieno nodded. “Then please, follow me and don’t ask questions.”
Grayson opened the door and led him downstairs, not turning on the lights. Much to his surprise, Vieno’s eyes adjusted to the dark quicker than he had expected. Grayson never stopped but led him toward a corner of the cellar where he reached under a mattress and lifted up a hatch. He let go of Vieno’s hand and opened the hatch high enough so they could slip in. T
he mattress seemed attached to the hatch, as it rose up when Grayson pulled it open.
“Let’s go,” he said and Vieno obeyed, instinctively knowing Grayson was protecting him.
They hurried down an old wooden stairway, and Grayson closed the hatch behind them, then locked it from the inside. The mattress would cover the entrance again, Vieno realized. The stairway led deeper underground than he’d thought possible. He hadn’t even known it existed, but Lidon must have told Grayson at some point.
It was eerily quiet down here, the only sounds their ragged breaths. Grayson put a calming hand on his shoulder and Vieno sensed something, like a peace that exuded from the alpha. Was he using his alpha powers to calm Vieno down? It sure felt like it and fuck, he appreciated it.
Grayson waited till Vieno made eye contact with him, then let go of his shoulder to put his finger on his lips, indicating he wanted Vieno to be silent. Yeah, smart. Vieno wasn’t sure what was happening, but Grayson’s reaction showed he’d felt threatened as much as Vieno had, so lying low and staying silent seemed like their best option.
Vieno found a wooden bench, and he lowered himself, shivering as the tension of the situation hit him. What was happening? Who had fired a gun? It had to be the men who were after Lucan and Palani, right? Thank fuck they weren’t home.
But what if…? His heart stopped at the thought. What if they got to Palani at his work? Or to Lidon and Enar? Vieno had never been so scared in his life and it wasn’t even for himself, but for those he loved. His head jerked up to beg Grayson to call them, but he was already furiously texting on his phone. Vieno’s own phone was in the kitchen, sadly, as he’d put it next to the stove to use it as a timer. He’d have to rely on Grayson doing the communicating for him. Of course, Lucan was in danger too, his son…and maybe Bray as well. Grayson had to be as worried as Vieno.
A strange sense of calm filled him. He loved them. Not only Palani, but Lidon and Enar, too. He loved them with all his heart, his men. And they were meant to be together. Fate would not be so cruel as to bring them together and then rip them apart? No, impossible. He felt it, just like he’d known trouble had arrived even before he’d heard the shots.
Grayson tapped him on his shoulder, holding out his cell for Vieno to read. He’d group texted Vieno’s men and Lidon had already responded he was okay and on his way. Then another text came in from Palani that he, too, was safe. Thank god. But what about Enar, Bray, and Lucan? He pointed toward Grayson and asked with his eyes. Grayson nodded and showed him another text, from Lucan this time.
“We’re OK. Bray got urg call from men. Sit unsafe. stay where u r.”
It took harrowing minutes before Enar’s text came in that he was fine. Vieno let out his breath. At least everyone was okay, for now, though he didn’t know about Jawon and Lidon’s other cousins. Had they been at work today? He remembered something about them not coming in because of an urgent job elsewhere but had that been today? He tried to remember if he’d seen them. No, there had been no trucks in front of the house, which meant they hadn’t been there. Maybe that’s why whoever had attacked had chosen today, because they’d spotted fewer people there?
But… Palani and Lucan hadn’t been home either, and if they’d watched the house they would’ve known that. Which mean they’d come after…him. Or Grayson. Or both. With the two of them, they would’ve been able to pressure both Lidon and Palani into doing anything, and Lucan as well. It was a perfect strategy…if they would succeed.
Vieno wasn’t sure how long they sat there, quietly waiting in the dark, until Grayson looked up from his phone and spoke for the first time since they’d hidden here. “The situation is under control. We can go back upstairs.”
Vieno wanted to get up, but something held him back. “Says who?”
“Bray. He got the all clear from his men.”
Vieno shook his head. “No. We’re staying here until Lidon gets here. I’m not trusting anyone else but him.”
Grayson, who had already gotten up, sat back down. Vieno’s eyes had gotten so used to the dark that he could make out the man’s baffled expression. “What?” Vieno asked.
“You alpha-compelled me,” Grayson whispered.
Vieno shook his head. “Don’t be ridiculous. I did no such thing.”
“But you did. You said ‘no, we’re staying’ and I had no choice but to sit down.”
Vieno gasped. “How is that possible? I’m an omega…”
“I don’t know, but it was Lidon’s power I felt. It was less than when he compelled but that’s probably because he knows how to use it and put his full force behind it, but I’m telling you, Vieno, you used his alpha powers… I’ve never seen anything like this.”
The wonder in his voice was unmistakable. “Have you…have you read about it? In legends?”
“I don’t know if…”
Vieno had never heard the older alpha’s voice so insecure and hesitant. What did the man know that he was reluctant to share?
“I could make you tell me,” he said, teasing him to lighten the mood.
It worked as he was rewarded with a chuckle. “You’re something special, Vieno,” Grayson said. “I’ve watched you the last two weeks with growing admiration.”
Vieno blushed, glad to the alpha couldn’t see it. “Why?”
“You’re soft and strong at the same time. You bind your men together with love, and you take such good care of them that they would do anything for you…and at the same time you make them listen to you, and you insist that your place is at the center of their attention. It’s…mesmerizing. It makes me believe the legend could be true.”
Vieno swallowed. Did he want to know what Grayson was referring to? “What legend?”
“The legend of the true omega.”
Lidon had been holed up in a fake construction van for three hours with Sean, watching a house they suspected of being a meeting place for a local gang up to their eyeballs involved in drug traffic. It was slow and tedious work, sitting and not moving, not drawing any attention to themselves. You had to both disengage and stay alert, a skill Lidon had mastered but that Sean still struggled with.
He’d scolded his rookie partner already for drinking too much. Not alcohol, obviously, but coffee. Caffeine made you need to pee, and that was not a good thing when you couldn’t leave the van, which Sean was discovering the hard way now. He’d been shifting in his seat for the last fifteen minutes, and Lidon expected a desperate request for permission to relieve himself any minute.
Then his heart stopped, his system flooding with a boost of adrenaline so strong, he gasped. He felt him, sensed Vieno’s fear thunder through him, almost heard his heartbeat go through the roof. Something was wrong with Vieno, something bad. His omega wasn’t upset; he was deadly afraid. Oh god.
“Lidon, what’s wrong?” Sean whispered with an urgency that alerted Lidon to the fact he must’ve asked before. He hadn’t been able to hear it over the roaring in his ears.
Lidon took out his phone, forcing himself to stay calm and use his brain. No, his instincts, he should use his instincts. He called up his alpha, allowed the power to fill him. Its message was clear. Go home. Vieno needs you.
“Lidon, you’re scaring me…”
He whipped his head toward Sean. “I need to leave. I can’t explain. Something is wrong with Vieno. Stay here and call in back up. Do not engage until back up is here, you got me?”
Sean nodded, fear showing on his face. “Your eyes…”
He didn’t have time for this, not when Vieno needed him. “We’ll talk later,” Lidon snapped.
He put the cap low over his eyes and exited the van, dressed in the worker’s coveralls and boots he’d donned as part of their cover. He walked until he turned the corner and then he ran. He'd parked his own car a few blocks away in case he needed to make an escape when shit went wrong. He put his light on top of the roof and turned his siren on, something he rarely did, because some criminals noted the license plate of cops’ cars so
they’d recognize them. But he had no choice. He needed to go home.
He was two minutes en route when his phone dinged. Grayson had sent him a text.
“Read message,” he snapped to the voice control.
“Gunfire at ranch. Vieno and I are in hiding. No details yet. Contacting Bray now.”
“Call Bray,” he ordered.
“Calling Bray Whitefield… The number is engaged. Would you like to leave a message?”
“No. Call again.”
“I’m sorry, what would you like me to do?”
Lidon bit back his anger. It wouldn’t help him. Vieno was safe right now, that was the most important thing. He felt the omega’s emotions settle a bit.
“Text Palani,” he commanded.
“What would you like to say to Palani Hightower?”
“Unknown attack at ranch. No details yet. Go in hiding. Don’t call. Will call you with details.”
“Sending your message,” his system cheerfully told him.
“Send message to Enar,” he followed up, then sent him the exact same text.
“Call Bray,” he tried again.
This time, he picked up, and started talking immediately. “Five men, heavily armed, through the front gate. I have two men down, but the others are still engaging. My dad confirmed he has Vieno underground.”
Thank fuck the man knew to skip the details. “You and your brother?” he asked.
“We’re on our way back. Adar texted he has Palani safe.”
Lidon let out a sigh of relief. “I’m on my way, fifteen minutes out. I’m coming in blazing.”
“Has Enar checked in?” Bray asked.
Lidon checked his phone and his stomach sank. “No. I texted him but message shows unread. He may be in surgery.”