by Sydney Addae
“Did you hear the discussion?” He couldn’t recall seeing her earlier.
“No, I got off from work late and by the time we got here the doors were closed.” She giggled. “Not doors, but we couldn’t get in. I’ll be here tomorrow early.”
“That’s nice, Raven.” Silas searched for her brother but didn’t sense him.
“About the Alpha, can anyone volunteer? Even women like my sister?”
“Yes. As long as they pass the challenges anyone can compete. In the end, the Goddess places a seal on Her chosen and empowers that person to lead.”
“Like what you did with that thing, keeping people out, keeping those inside safe. That was really cool. We couldn’t hear anything.”
“Yes, things like that.” He smiled and watched Hawke speak to a group of full-bloods while Angus watched a few gang members on the fringes of the park. “Will you be safe returning to work or home?”
“Si. My brother’s here somewhere, probably at the car waiting. No one will bother me,” she said with confidence.
“Good. It was nice meeting you, Raven.” He stepped aside and headed toward the back of the park where Angus stood. When he reached Angus they both walked toward the four young pups sitting on the hood of a car and standing around. Solo stood at the back smoking a cigarette and staring at the ground.
“So much talent going to waste,” Silas said to Angus. “Think the next Alpha’s in this motley crew?”
“Could be, can I challenge one to see?” He smiled at Silas.
“No. But I’ll ask if anyone wants to be Alpha.” Silas stepped closer to the car, bent forward and lifted the front of the car and shook it up and down.
Two pups dressed in black tees, jeans hanging off their hips, and crew cuts stood with guns pointed at Silas. Solo stepped away from the car but didn’t move forward. A fourth member yelled, calling Silas all kinds of names in Spanish as he moved to stand next to the two holding weapons.
Silas smiled and placed a bubble around him and Angus.
“Incoming,” Silas said as he and Angus stepped back. Hawke flew through the air and landed behind the car. The ground shook on impact. He jumped up, flipped and landed behind Silas.
Gunshots were fired.
Silas moved so quickly, the pup firing the gun didn’t realize he’d been disarmed until he lay on the ground bleeding. Silas slapped two others across their cheeks as they went for their weapons. When they tried to run, he grabbed their wolves and held them close.
Solo stood apart, watching and shaking.
Angus and Hawke hadn’t moved.
Silas erected a bubble around himself and the gang. Then he released them.
“Stand up,” he demanded.
Slowly, they stood. One had vomited when he grabbed their beasts, another pissed on himself, the third rubbed his stomach with watery eyes.
“What the hell are you doing with your lives?” he asked and looked at Solo who interpreted what he asked.
They looked puzzled.
“You cannot shoot guns in public like this. We’re full-bloods, humans aren’t supposed to know we exist, that’s the Goddess’ first rule. We’re supposed to be invisible around them.”
“Fuck that. No invisible,” one of them said.
Silas slapped him across the face so hard he spun around, hit the bubble and fell to the ground. “You won’t live to the end of the week with that attitude.” He pointed at the pup. “Say something like that again and I’ll be on your ass so hard you’ll pray to be invisible.”
The pup rubbed his cheek, extended his hand backward and touched the clear wall.
“Now that’s invisible, soundproof too, so let’s have a talk.”
Solo repeated his words.
“This country needs Alphas.” He waited to gauge their response. They looked confused. “Let me rephrase that, there will be Alphas running this country or the full-bloods who follow the Goddess will be moved and leave the rest of you to die.”
Solo’s eyes widened but he relayed the message causing the others to make mocking noises.
“I feel like Noah sometimes,” Silas told Angus and Hawke. “The one in the Bible.”
“I know who Noah is,” Angus said. “Knew the story of Lot too.” He grinned.
Silas shook his head and glared at the gang members.
“Laugh if you want but the Goddess sent me here, I can grab your wolves, hold you hostage, take you into the mountains and put you places you’ll never be found. And that’s just me, Her servant. Imagine what she’ll do.”
Solo side eyed him and told them what he said. The mocking stopped as they stared at him.
“We need Alphas. These full-bloods will be challenged physically and emotionally and mentally. In the end, the Goddess will choose the Alpha for this country and restore gifts to the packs. If any of you want to be Alpha, be here tomorrow same time, on time. If you know anyone you think will be good, tell them to come. Spread the word. And as long as I’m here, do nothing to alert humans about dual-natureds. Is that clear?”
“Si, La Patron,” some muttered. Others nodded.
Silas released the bubble and walked toward the road.
“How many gangs are there?” he asked.
“One is too many,” Angus said as they left the park and walked back to the hotel.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Later that night, Silas and the others had just finished a late-night meal and discussing their first meeting as well as strategies going forward, when a call came from the front desk. Angus answered.
“Jorge is downstairs with a few Alphas. They want to talk to you. Seems they tried to exit the elevator on our floor but couldn’t. He’s asking permission for an audience. Something he should’ve done first,” Angus said.
“Tell them to come up,” Silas said and looked at Hawke. “We’ll meet with them in the room at the end of the hall. Go ahead and prepare it.”
Hawke nodded and left.
Silas stood, released the protective shield. “When they arrive, scan each one. No devices of any kind will be allowed in the room,” he told Angus.
Angus nodded and left. Silas stretched and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower and change of clothes. He’d been in business clothes most of the day and wanted to get comfortable.
He met their guest 15 minutes later dressed in a pair of black jogging pants and black short sleeved polo shirt that stretched tight across his chest. Wearing a pair of black leather sandals, he stood in the middle of the room and sealed it.
Jorge stood when he entered.
“Hello, I’m La Patron. Apologies for the slight delay but I was not expecting you.” He looked at Jorge and smiled. “It’s good to see you again so soon.”
Jorge spine straightened. “Yes, La Patron, I have spoken to many people regarding your mission. These Alphas had questions I could not answer. I brought them to ask you in person if that is alright.”
“You are here and I’ve granted your request for an audience. In the future call and make an appointment to be sure I’m available. Usually I’m not.” He smiled to take the sting from his words.
Jorge’s cheeks reddened. “Si. Of course. Many apologies. I know you want this done quickly. I did not think. It will not happen again.”
Silas waved down his apology and clamped his hand down on his shoulder as if they were old friends. “No worries. As I said, I’ve granted you this opportunity.”
“Gracias. Gracias.” Jorge said as he turned to introduce the five men who sat on the sofa and chairs in the room behind him. “La Patron this is Alpha Hector Amata, his pack is to the west of the Reserve to the Nicaraguan border.” Hector stood and came closer to Silas.
Silas had heard great things about the Reserve. It was a high tourist area, he hoped Hector kept his pack in line. He shook the Alpha’s hand, activated his bracelet and placed his hand on his shoulder while searching his gaze. “I look forward to working with you Alpha Hector.”
Hector nodded, blinke
d and cleared his throat. “Ours is an agricultural pack, I hope we can work together La Patron.” Silas released him and looked at Jorge.
“Alpha Pedro Zelaya.” The tall, slender, dark haired Alpha stood and met Silas’ gaze. “His pack is south of the capital, around Choluteca, down to the water...ocean.” He looked at Alpha Pedro who nodded.
Silas extended his hand. Pedro shook it but released quickly. Silas held his gaze and touched Pedro’s wolf as a reminder that the Alpha was in the presence of a much stronger Alpha. Pedro’s eyes widened.
“It is an honor to meet you, La Patron,” Alpha Pedro said bowing his head.
“The honor is mine,” Silas said graciously knowing he’d just scared the Alpha. Pedro returned to his seat and a tall, muscular full-blood stood. His dark gaze, swarthy complexion and shoulder length hair seemed familiar.
“This is Alpha Ricardo Saldivar; his pack is near Comayagua and the surrounding mountains.”
Silas recalled Lucian and Raven speaking of their Uncle Rick in less than glowing terms. This was the Alpha of the Sups, the one dealing with Franz and the drugs.
Alpha Rick smiled wide and extended his hand. Silas took it and activated the bracelet immediately. He placed his hand on Rick’s shoulder as he returned the smile.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Sir,” Rick said trying to break free of Silas’ grasp.
“The honor’s mine,” Silas said as he released his hand. He petted Rick’s wolf and was surprised at how weak the beast was.
“What are you doing?” Rick demanded stepping back.
“I’m introducing myself to your wolf, it’s proper to greet both your natures,” Silas spoke as if the Alpha should know that.
“My apologies,” Alpha Rick stuttered. “No one has ever... it’s a weird feeling.” His cheeks flushed as he returned to his seat.
Jorge cleared his throat, drawing attention to the last two Alphas in the room. “Sir, this is Alpha Jose Angulo and Alpha Tonio Angulo, litter mates with packs from San Pedro to the Guatemalan and Nicaraguan borders.” The two men stood and approached Silas. They weren’t identical but it was obvious they were related. Both slender, average height, with dark eyes, dark hair and thick mustaches.
Silas greeted Tonio first, and was pleased with the health of his beast. Greeted his brother Jose who was solid Alpha material with a healthy wolf. Either of these men could become the Alpha.
“It is nice to meet all of you,” Silas said as he took a seat and waved for Angus and Hawke to do the same. “What questions do you have?” He looked at the men and waited.
“You have come to set one of us as the Alpha of Honduras?” Pedro asked.
“No.” Silas’ answer was swift and definite. He explained his assignment was based on the current problems in the country, and that he was sent to set the matter right. “The Goddess can choose anyone to be Alpha in this country.”
“Already we have challenges from Guatemala packs,” Tonio complained.
“And Nicaragua,” his brother added. “For one of them to become Alpha...” he shook his head. “I cannot see it.”
“In that case, answer the call to be Alpha yourself.” Silas looked at the men. “All of you should accept the challenge for the position.”
“What happens after the Alpha is installed?” Hector asked. “Will Honduras be broken into areas as in the States?”
Silas nodded. “Yes. It’s the easiest way to manage and ensure all pack needs are being met. I cannot personally make sure every member of my pack has food, water, jobs, an education. I depend on Alphas in each state to delegate responsibilities to make sure those things get done.” He paused. “Who is the Alpha for the capital? Santa Barbara?” he looked at the men.
“Those areas are run by gangs, as far as I know they don’t have Alphas,” Jorge said without looking at Ricky.
“Gangs? Like the ones I spoke with tonight?” He looked at Angus.
“They would have been to the meeting,” Jorge said.
“Those are pups with no direction, they need pack structure more than most,” Silas said.
“They are very violent,” Hector said moments later. “Uninterested in the way things are done, no respect for our ways.”
“I spoke to them,” Silas said. “I don’t think they were ever taught pack rules. Who would be responsible for that?” No one answered. “That’s the problem the Goddess has with this area. No one is accountable for the condition of the country. Are you aware a pup, used explosives to kill humans?” He watched them. Jose and Tonio were the only two who were surprised.
“The day after that happened I was sent here. That’s how bad it’s gotten.” He paused to let it sink in. “Who’s responsible? The three pups after vengeance for the death of their pack mates? Or the pack who allowed them to run wild, with no discipline or guidance, until they got to that point?”
No one answered.
“Now you see the dilemma. Someone must be responsible. All packs have Alphas. That’s how we operate, how we survive, flourish. Pack looks after pack, we care for each other. When one has, we all have.” Silas met each of their gazes. “There are over 30 million people in my pack. Right now, I can call every Alpha to this country and within 24 hours we can pull a coup, and install new Alphas who answer to me.” He watched the various expressions on the faces of the Alphas and smiled.
“Here’s the thing. I’ve got my hands full. This is an assignment that will be completed quickly.” He met each person’s gaze. “Either one of you, or someone else will become the Goddess’ Alpha, not me.” He pointed to Angus and Hawke. “Or any of mine. Now if you don’t want Her to choose someone from a neighboring country, get your asses in gear and petition to become the Alpha. Yes, you’ll have to fight for the position, that’s the way it’s always been done. The winner will interview with the Goddess or me, whichever She chooses. But in the end, the choice will be Hers, not mine.”
Silence filled the room. Silas could hear the men thinking.
“I’ve never fought an Alpha challenge,” Hector said. “Could you tell me more about it?”
Silas spent the next 30 minutes explaining how they would fight each other in different rounds, and go on to the next rounds until one person won. There would be no cheating, he would monitor each man to make sure the fights were fair.
As for the interview, he spoke simply. “Being Alpha is a heart issue. You must genuinely care for pack above all. Want the best for them and be willing to intercede on their behalf. If I ever used the gifts and abilities the Goddess gave me to harm my pack, I believe I’d be destroyed. She’s never said that, but I believe it. For one, it would rip me apart to hurt those I love, and second to know I’ve disappointed the one I serve would kill whatever is left.” He eyed the men. “Alpha is an all-consuming position, no question about it.”
“How does your mate handle it?” Tonio asked. “My bitch already complains when I travel out of town for pack matters.”
Thinking of Jasmine made him smile. He waved toward Angus and Hawke. “We’re all mated. The best thing I’ve ever done was made my mate my Beta.”
The Alphas frowned and murmured their dissent. Silas held up his hand. “First off if you’re Alpha, you can share your energy with your mate to handle problems. She can and will see things from a different perspective which will help you lead the pack better. My mate has spoken directly to and received praise from the Goddess for her wisdom.” Silas shook his head. “She’s your mate, the two of you are one. Use her to help and that will solve most of your problems.”
“I have never thought...” Tonio said. “She does see things differently.” He looked at his brother and nodded.
“Does your mate command your 50 Alphas?” Rick asked.
“Of course. She’s in charge while I’m here. To disrespect or disobey her is the same as doing it to me and the penalty is the same. She has never had a problem.” He paused thinking of the time with Jacques and Cameron. “She’s earned the respect of those who serve
her. They’d rip your heart from your chest if they thought you were disrespectful, but that’s if she didn’t beat them to it. And of course, I back her up in every way.” He looked at the men who seemed surprised. “So, I strongly suggest you empower your mates to help with your packs, it will make it stronger.”
“It is something to consider,” Tonio said.
“What will you do about the gang problem?” Hector asked, again not looking at Ricardo.
“Good question,” Silas said. “Ricardo, what should I do about the gangs?” He looked at the Alpha of the Sups.
Ricardo froze and remained silent for a few seconds. “I don’t know what can be done about them. They’re strong and unmanageable.”
Silas looked at Jorge. “Why didn’t you bring the leader of the Red Wolves?”
“I asked, he refused.” Jorge shrugged.
“Thanks, I appreciate your effort. I’m going to ask you to leave, there are some sensitive matters I want to discuss with these Alphas.”
Jorge looked surprised but stood. Hawke walked him to the door. It wouldn’t open.
“Sir?” Hawke said.
Silas looked over his shoulder and waved. The door opened. Hawke stood in the doorway until the elevator dinged. He returned to the room and Silas sealed it again.
“Why wouldn’t the door open?” Ricardo asked.
“I sealed the room, the whole floor as well. This is a private conversation and I don’t want to be disturbed.” He faced Ricardo. “I’ll ask again, what should I do about the gangs?”
Ricardo flushed. Opened his mouth and snapped it shut. All the Alphas watched him in silence. Finally, he released a sigh. “Honestly, other than kill them, I don’t know. I’m over the Sups in name only. I never fought for the position, it fell into my lap when my brother and his mate died years ago. He was more into true pack structure, worshiped the Goddess and kept the old ways. I... I never really got into it that much. Ours is a poor country, there never is enough to go around. So, I stopped trying, stopped looking out for others.” He dropped his gaze. “I really don’t know what to do about our problems. But I don’t want someone from the outside coming in.” He pointed to the other Alphas. “Any one of you would be better than an outsider.”