But Artemus had told them the true power was meant to be one of peace. The ‘control’ was actually the ability to absorb the negative feelings while sending out a calming influence. Combined with a natural empathic ability that allowed omegas to tell how another being was feeling, made it almost impossible for those in the omega’s presence to fight. Artemus also stated that it was believed that some omegas could speak directly to the goddess, but of course, there was no proof other than myth regarding this ability.
In the distant past, omegas were considered a blessing to a pack as they had kept the peace between warring packs. They also were useful in negotiations with other paranormals and even humans. It wasn’t music that calmed the savage beast within the shifters, but the omegas. There was still much they had to learn but with Artemus being killed, who would provide them with guidance?
He glanced up at the monitor and noticed Sparky and Charlie were standing on the front porch. He was surprised that the mechanic hadn’t shifted yet. But it appeared he was talking to his mate. From the look of it, Charlie wasn’t too thrilled with what was being said.
At least his mating with Grant wasn’t the only one that appeared to have problems in the beginning. He just hoped they all survived long enough for the two shifters to be able to work through their differences. Ricky swallowed as he realized there would be no more time for him and his alpha.
“I don’t believe they’re gone,” Vicky said quietly as she placed a hand on the distraught human’s arm.
“But Jason said…”
“I would feel it,” Vicky placed her hand over her heart, “here, if he was gone. We never had the mind link like Seme’ mates share, but I would still know.”
Before Ricky could respond, he heard a gasp from Sheila. “Look! There are too many, and it won’t be long before they come this way. Jason can’t keep them all back. He’s going to die, and we’ll be next. We need to go into the mountain and escape.”
“No, not yet,” Ricky stated as he rubbed his arm. He could feel the tattoo on his arm begin to throb. He wasn’t sure why, but his instincts told him going into the mountain would be a mistake. “We do what Jason ordered and stay here.”
“Well, you might want to be slaughtered, but I’m not going to live through another massacre!” Sheila cried as she headed towards the rock that would open the secret door. She grabbed Sandy’s arm and began to pull him along with her, “I’ll take the omega with me. We can’t let him fall into the wrong hands.”
Before Ricky could react, Vicky stepped forward and grabbed the distraught she-wolf. The two fought for a moment before Sheila lowered her head. Sandy ran to stand next to his big brother, his eyes now wide with fear. “I don’t want to leave you, Ricky!”
Ricky pulled his brother in for a hug, “Don’t worry, Shrimp, I’ve got your back. But if things get bad, you have to run into the tunnel. Sheila is right, I won’t let that ba—I mean, bad alpha get his hands on you again.”
He turned and saw Vicky talking quietly to the frightened she-wolf. “I know you’re frightened, child. I don’t blame you after what happened in your last pack. But you must trust in Jason and your brother. They’ll prevent them from getting through.” Vicky pulled Sheila over towards the opposite wall and helped her sit down next to the silent magi. “You sit here and keep Sebastian company.”
Before Ricky could respond, he saw movement on the monitor, “Looks like we have company!”
◆◆◆
“When they get here, you need to go inside and protect the Omega and Protector,” Charlie said quietly as he gazed down the path Jason had left on a few minutes before. Sparky sputtered and placing his hands on his hips, snarled at his mate.
“Who died and made you boss?”
“Why can’t you just do what I ask?” Charlie growled.
“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because I’m part of the inner circle and unless you were deaf if things go south, I could become Alpha of this pack!” Sparky took a step forward and placed his finger in the middle of his mate’s chest. For a moment, he admired the definition he felt beneath and remembered what he’d find under the man’s shirt if he could just flick a few buttons…
“Earth, to Sparky! We don’t have time for discussion, you’re my mate. I don’t have complete control over my magic like Artemus. I don’t want you near in case something backfires!” Charlie waved his arms, “The last time I tried protective magic, I set the damn forest on fire!”
Sparky stopped for a moment and looked closer at his mate. He could see the fear that hid behind the determination in his mate’s eyes. While he didn’t want to be bar-b-queued, he also wasn’t going to be the little woman in their relationship. “And how will you handle your little problem?” He tapped Charlie’s head lightly.
“Don’t worry, I can handle it,” Charlie remarked a little less forcefully. “I have to…”
“No, that’s just it. You don’t have to do it alone. In fact, I’m pretty sure you need me more out here beside you than hiding inside the house. I’m not sure I understand why, but I can see and feel that my ability to link to you, to absorb some of the bad thoughts and chaos in your mind, is the only thing keeping you on your feet right now.” Sparky placed a hand on Charlie’s arm, “Fate chose us to be together for a reason, and I’m pretty sure it’s not just because I’m the better dresser.”
Charlie chuckled. “I’m sure the combat boots with your Halloween spandex leggings and T-shirt showing a bright yellow smiley face with fangs are worthy of its own Vogue spread, but honestly, I doubt it will stop an attacker,” his mate turned his head sideways for a moment, “unless of course, they are trying to figure out who your designer—oof!”
Sparky stepped back after punching the man in the gut hard enough to double him over. “I’ll have you know, this is what I was sleeping in before this all started. I didn’t have time to dress for the occasion!” He huffed as he stepped back to glare at his mate. “Besides, maybe it will be enough to make the idiots who are coming discount me—as much as you have, my mate.”
Sparky wasn’t going to give in to the sharp pain he felt in his chest at the thought that his mate was no better than the others over the years who had seen him as weak. He’d been banished from his former pack because they thought him an abomination.
Winston had also underestimated him, which is why he was standing here now. He expected his asshole ex to treat him like arm candy, but to have Charlie do it was too much. Before Charlie could respond, however, his attention was grabbed by the sound of paws on hard earth. “Looks like we’re going to find out what they think about my attire sooner, rather than later…”
◆◆◆
Grant stepped from the plane and immediately began to shed his clothing. It had been decided that his father and Tank would stay with the plane to protect Radar. If things went south, the plane would take off and head for the Seattle Pack, thus leaving someone to take over should Grant and his brother’s fail. His father wasn’t happy, but he understood.
He glanced sideways and saw David, Blaze, Dove, and Falcon already in their wolf forms. They would head to help Dakota and to ensure that no further attacks would be coming from their rear. He glanced at Artemus, “When I shift, climb on and hold onto my fur. We’ll make better time to the compound.”
“I’ve never ridden a wolf before,” Artemus said with a grin, “but then it can’t be much different than riding a horse.”
Grant shook his head before he let the change take over him. In a blink of an eye, a large black wolf stood next to Artemus. He felt the magi climb onto his back and as soon as the man was steady, he took off. With luck, they would get to the compound before too many of his pack were injured or worse.
His large paws ate up ground while remaining silent. Rather than going directly to the compound, he headed for the hidden bunker entrance. The last report they had received from Mack indicated that his brother Jason had taken most of the sentries and volunteers to meet the enemy at the entrance of
the compound. That would leave only a few to protect the house and those within it.
The thought of Ricky facing the enemy without him caused a chill to run through him. He toyed with opening up the mating link, but if his mate was fighting, he didn’t want to distract him. He’d have to thank Tank for making him see the logic in training both Ricky and Sandy to fight. Right now, it was that training that could be the difference between him finding his mate alive or dead. As he drew closer to the side of the mountain that hid the tunnel, he felt a slight tug on his fur.
“Slow up, Alpha Grant,” Artemus whispered in his ear. “There are magi here. I can sense their magic.”
Chapter 22
Charlie stared towards the edge of the forest that lined the road leading to the house. He could hear the sound of someone coming, and even without concentrating, he could hear the thoughts full of killing. He winced as the voices became louder, drowning out everything. For a moment, he thought he’d pass out from the assault but suddenly the noise was reduced to a low buzz.
A hand on his arm tightened for a moment before he realized that once again, his mate had been able to help him block the noise. He glanced sideways and saw the calm, as well as the determination, etched on Sparky’s face.
The strange thing was, he should be able to sense the stubborn wolf’s thoughts or emotions, especially since they had been fighting moments before. Yet he couldn’t. For the first time in his life, he had run into someone that he couldn’t read and that actually made him feel vulnerable.
Until that moment, he never realized how much he relied on his abilities to read another person. He’d seen it as a curse. But now, now he’d give anything to be able to determine how his mate really felt. He didn’t understand why Sparky fought everything Charlie asked of him. Was it so wrong to want his mate safe?
Didn’t the wolf understand that he needed to concentrate if he was to use his magic skills, rusty as they were, to defend the compound and those within? He didn’t think Sparky was weak. In fact, he knew his mate was much stronger than he ever could hope to be. But like it or not, the man was a distraction and one they couldn’t afford. Charlie turned toward his mate to argue one last time why his being by his side was a bad idea when he heard a dark chuckle.
“Well, well, well, it looks like this is my lucky day. All of you in one spot just for the taking,” Winston walked confidently to stand in the middle of the walkway and stopped, a slow smile spreading on his face. “Really, a protective shield?”
“Your magic won’t work here, Winston,” Sparky took a step forward, “But then your magic has always been parlor tricks. All flash and show, but when it comes to having actual talent, sorely lacking.”
“Quiet dog, I’ll soon have you back in your cage,” Winston sneered as he glared at Sparky. “After all, you are my favorite fuck toy. You will scream so prettily for me, especially when I take what is mine.”
A low growl filled the air, “You’ll never hurt him again!” Charlie took a step forward and placed his hand on Sparky’s shoulder. He had felt evil many times, but the magi in front of him was steeped in it. It was almost as if he was looking directly into the abyss.
“Ah, but that is where you’re wrong, half breed. You see, while I can’t use my magic within your lovely dampening bubble, I don’t need magic to destroy you.” Winston snapped his fingers. “Come out my friends, it’s time for this game to end. I have a toy to punish and an omega to deliver along with this half-breed.”
Charlie heard a slight gasp from his mate as a large group of wolves walked to stand behind Winston. He looked at Sparky but before he could ask, he heard his mate in his mind, “It’s Jason and our sentries along with some I’ve never seen before. He must be using his mind control—can you break it?”
The hybrid opened his mind and tried to reach out, but quickly shut his ability down when he felt a nudge against his protective wall. The other magi was trying to get in to control him. Of course, the man should have known it wouldn’t work because his ability prevented that type of attack.
He glanced at Sparky, “Unfortunately, I could reverse it in time, but I don’t think we are going to have it. I might be able to disable some of them using magic, but I can’t guarantee that no one will be hurt.”
“If you two are done ‘talking’, how about we dispense with the messy part of this and just get to the part where you surrender.” Winston grinned.
◆◆◆
Grant lifted his nose into the air. Artemus was right, there was the slight smell of magic coming from the area surrounding the old mine entrance. A closer look showed that the brush had been disturbed. Very few people know about the escaped tunnels connected to the basement bunker. It was just another indication that someone in his pack was a traitor.
“Let me down, and I’ll go in first,” Artemus said softly. “I can keep the magi busy while you get to the others. Grant stopped and allowed the magi to dismount. He took a breath and shifted back to his human shape. He smiled for a brief moment as the magi turned his gaze. The man had been around shifters and yet apparently like many of his kind, Artemus was uncomfortable.
Grant moved closer to the entrance and pulled back the rest of the shrubs covering the entrance. The scent of wolves was mixed with magic. At least one magi and three wolves have entered recently. “There are wolves as well between us and the bunker. Will your wards work within the mountain?”
Artemus shook his head. “I’m sorry, but the protective ward to prevent magic use only surrounds the exterior of the house. Where does this tunnel lead?”
“It is an old mine tunnel that my father extended during the war. It leads to the bunker in the basement. Only my family and a few others know of its existence.” Grant paused, “At least until today.”
“You know, it would have been good to know about it when I set up the wards.” Artemus shook his head as he moved closer to the opening. “How can I set up protection when things are kept from me?”
Grant shrugged, “The fewer people who knew about it, the better. But now is not the time for recriminations. We have to get to the bunker and take out anyone along the way. Tell me, do you think your brother can stand against any other magi who may have come?”
The magi sighed, “Charlie’s magic is powerful, maybe even stronger than mine. But he has focused his whole life on trying to control his empathic abilities. That didn’t leave much time to learn how to do the rest.” The man glanced in the direction of the house, “If he releases his natural abilities, he could easily defend the others. Unfortunately, without control, bad things can happen.”
“Well then, we better get to the bunker so we can help the others.” Grant quickly shifted back into his wolf and followed the magi into the tunnel.
◆◆◆
Dakota and his wolves had been fighting for over an hour, and still more wolves continued to appear. He recognized some of the wolves as being some of the ones they had taken in from the disbanded Willow Creek Pack. But the rest were unfamiliar to him. He watched as one of his deputies fell beneath two of the attacking wolves.
Unfortunately, his back was against a grouping of rocks as he faced off against three attackers of his own. If something didn’t change soon, they were going to lose this fight. It just didn’t make sense, where did all of these rogues come from? A skinny gray wolf leapt at him, but he easily sidestepped the animal’s claws. Just as he turned to clamp his jaws around the rogue’s hind leg, he heard a howl coming from the woods.
Dakota blinked as he saw a squirrel and a skunk wander into the middle of the battle zone. The squirrel ran between the black wolf’s legs that was standing in front of him. Before the wolf could react, the animal bit down hard into the wolf’s underbelly. A moment later, his adversary staggered and fell. Dakota smiled, he’d heard about Dove’s squirrel. With his help, that left one wolf between him and the rest of his fighters.
This wolf had hung back from the others and appeared to be a more experienced fighter. Dakota gr
owled as he braced for the attack. They clashed together in a fury of fangs and claws, neither one giving an inch. Dakota howled as claws raked over his side, gouging deeply. He didn’t stumble, but rather turned and bit down on the opposing wolf’s back leg. He smiled at the satisfying crunch of bone between his teeth.
His adversary limped backwards but still bared his teeth. Dakota could see the determination in the other wolf’s eyes as he began to charge once more. As the wolf leapt towards the sheriff’s throat, Dakota ducked, rolled onto his back and using his claws, disemboweled the wolf. He stood and watched as the other wolf fell. A howl of victory escaped his mouth as he turned to help the others.
Dakota blinked as he saw the rest of the attacking wolves along with some of his deputies and sentries, passed out on the ground. A chuckle behind him caused him to whirl around. “Don’t worry about our fighters, Oreo just gave them a dose of sleeping gas. They’ll be fine as soon as they wake up.”
The sheriff quickly shifted so he could face the newcomers. “You knocked out our side?” Dakota asked incredulously, “And what happens if more of the enemy shows up?”
“There aren’t any more in this area,” Blaze said calmly as he walked out of the trees. “Our eyes in the sky show it’s all clear; except for the group here.”
“Great, except now, there are fewer of us to help the others back at the compound. Jason is probably being overrun as we speak.” Dakota argued.
“Don’t worry so much, Dakota,” David replied as he joined them.
Dakota took a step back, “But you’re—you’re…”
“Dead, yeah isn’t it great!” David laughed. “I have to admit, for a dead guy, I look fantastic!” The man held his arms out and twirled around once before winking at the sheriff.
Battle for a Mates Heart Page 21