Knight Rescue (Rise of the Wolf Nation Book 1)

by Sydney Addae

  Silas smiled and hoped the two could work together to strengthen the pack. Pedro entered, nodded and headed toward the challenger’s section.

  “Have you seen Ricardo?” Angus asked Silas.

  Silas saw Raven and Lucian in the stands and searched for Ricardo. He tried to contact the Alpha through their link and got a weird feeling in the pit of his stomach. “Something’s wrong with Ricardo. Deadly wrong.”

  “What?” Angus asked. “Deadly wrong?”

  “His link’s been severed.”

  Hawke turned and met Silas’ gaze. “Can you determine where he is?”

  Silas tried to find the Alpha but couldn’t pinpoint him. “No. I can’t find him either. Which isn’t good.” He released a frustrated breath and stared at Lucian until the pup met his gaze. He waved him forward. Lucian and Raven met Silas in the middle of the ring.

  “Where’s your Uncle?” Silas asked. His gaze flitted between them both.

  Raven frowned. “We had a late meal together, and he said he’d see us here.” She looked at Lucian. “He left before we did. I’m surprised he’s not here.” She looked around.

  “Was he going somewhere? Other than here?” Silas pressed.

  “No. At least I don’t think so, he was excited about still being in the competition. He wouldn’t miss this,” she said sounding nervous.

  Silas placed his hand on her shoulder and sent calming energy through her.

  “Has something happened to him?” Lucian asked, his gaze direct.

  “I don’t know. I can’t contact him. He’s not responding to me.”

  “You’re linked to him?” Lucian sounded surprised.

  “To all the Alphas here,” Silas said and then told the others what Raven said.

  “Want me to search for him?” Angus asked.

  Silas didn’t want to see what happened to the Alpha. He knew the end result and didn’t want to deal with more death or the fallout this soon. “Yes, take Lucian.”

  Silas sent Lucian to Angus and Raven back to her seat, even though she wanted to go with her brother. Hawke remained at the entrance and soon the place was full. Silas was happy to see the full blood from the restaurant and the cook, both waved as they took their seats.

  When the time arrived to start, Silas reminded everyone of his mission, the Goddess’ love for them and the need for an Alpha. He introduced the contestants, but when he got to Ricardo’s name he added, “or his representative.” The crowd murmured and looked around but no one challenged his statement outright.

  With just five fights, Silas allowed them one at a time. They were brutal. Tonio lost to the Nicaraguan Alpha, his brother won against the Guatemalan. Solo won against an El Salvadoran Alpha.

  Parts of Ricardo’s body had been found. According to Angus, the Alpha had been ripped apart by several beasts. Angus had their scents, and suspected Lucian realized it had been his own pack who killed his Uncle. Lucian’s grief had been instant, followed by his anger. He wanted to track down the missing pack members and destroy them and would have if Angus hadn’t implored the pup to think first. Angus and Lucian searched the house and grounds and found no one. Those responsible had disappeared.

  Angus and Lucian arrived during Pedro’s fight. Silas sensed the pain, and frustration from the pup and hoped he’d channel it into something positive.

  Pedro’s match with another El Salvadoran Alpha became the highlight of the evening due to its ferocity and brutality. The two were evenly matched and neither gave an inch. In the end Silas believed Pedro wore down his opponent and stopped short of delivering a death blow when Silas stepped in.

  The last El Salvadoran Alpha waited for his match. Silas prepared to tell everyone that Ricardo wouldn’t be returning for the challenge when Angus stopped him.

  “I think Lucian wants to take his Uncle’s place. He asked questions about it on the way here. He wants his Uncle remembered or something like that.”

  “He needs to talk to me now before I make the announcement,” Silas said looking at the remaining challengers.

  Angus waved to Lucian, they spoke for a few seconds before Lucian walked toward Silas. “Sir, I’d like to stand for my Uncle if it’s permitted.”

  Silas placed his hand on Lucian’s shoulder. Waves of grief, pain, and anger rolled off him. He genuinely cared about his den. “Let me explain to the audience why I’m allowing this, go with Angus to prepare.”

  Lucian nodded and returned to Angus.

  Silas cleared his throat, quieting the room. He took a moment and looked at the expectant gazes. “A great Alpha was taken from the pack today. Alpha Ricardo was attacked by cowards on his way here and was murdered.” Silas let the words hang in the air.

  Raven wept. The person next to her pulled her close.

  “We’re not sure what happened but we’ve got the scent of the perpetrators and will be visiting them soon.”

  A cheer erupted from the crowd.

  “No one hurts pack,” Silas said, his voice rising above the crowd. “No one.” He went on to speak of Ricardo, their short association and the vicious attack.

  “One of his own, his pack, his kin, wishes to step in to complete his Uncle’s challenge and I’m granting it under the circumstances.” Most in the crowd cheered.

  Silas called the last El Salvadoran Alpha to the ring. The large, muscular man strode forward with confidence. Next Silas called Lucian.

  Raven stood clapping and cheering louder than anyone else.

  Lucian’s determined gaze told its own story. Heartache and the need for vengeance would go a long way in bringing down his opponent. The two charged. Lucian surprised everyone by how fast he moved, how hard his punches fell and high he jumped over his opponent to flip him on the floor. It quickly became evident that the pup had innate skills none of the others had.

  “Didn’t see this coming,” Angus told Hawke and Silas. “Thought we’d be peeling him off the floor.”

  Silas and Angus looked at each other. “Reminds me of Rese and Rone,” Angus said.

  “He’s fast like Damian,” Hawke said. “Did you check to make sure he’s not enhanced?”

  “Yeah,” Angus said. “No metal, no weapons, although looks like he doesn’t need any. I can still hear how hard he knocked that one on his ass a few minutes ago.” The Alpha staggered a few steps with blood dripping from his nose and lip. Lucian remained poised for an attack but Silas was sure the fight was over.

  The Alpha attacked. Lucian sidestepped and punched him beneath the chin, sending him flying out the ring into the side of the bubble and sliding to the floor. He didn’t move.

  A second later the crowd erupted.

  Solo and Pedro stood whistling and clapping. Eventually the other challengers clapped as well.

  “You explained what winning meant, right?” Silas asked Angus.

  “Yes, well not directly. He knows this is an Alpha challenge,” Angus hedged.

  “And if he wins he’ll be interviewed to become Alpha, right?” Silas asked.

  “No, I didn’t go into all of that.”

  Silas cursed. “He’d better be willing to go all the way or all of this is for nothing,” Silas snapped.

  “I’ll talk to him during the break. If he doesn’t go to the next round, just explain the fight was a memorial kind of thing for his Uncle,” Angus suggested.

  “That’s bullshit and you know it. Get him on board and do it now,” Silas said.

  SILAS STARTED THE NEXT round of eliminations. Those who won the first two fights were the first to start. During that time Angus spoke with Lucian regarding the challenge. The pup understood what this was all about but was unsure he was capable or qualified to become Alpha. Especially if he had to mete out justice to his litter-mates if they had knowledge of his Uncle’s death.

  Angus assured him that Silas would be the one deal with those who killed an Alpha. And no one would escape his justice, even if they hid behind a uniform. In the end, it was knowing the Goddess would determine the Alp
ha that eased Lucian’s mind.

  Solo won against the Nicaraguan Alpha, surprising everyone with his fast, lethal moves in both human and beast form.

  Pedro and Jose were next to fight. Silas thought both were savage fighters. Pedro’s feral nature reminded him of himself when he was younger. Jose was cunning, flexible and reminded him of Angus. The battle was as brutal as he thought. Neither fought as hard against the other as they had against the foreign Alphas but the crowd loved it. In the end, Pedro won and Jose held up his opponent’s hand to the crowd.

  Solo was called to fight Lucian. The crowd grew quiet as the two entered the ring. Solo leaned forward and said something to Lucian which appeared to surprise him.

  Silas wondered at that exchanged but explained the rules to the crowd and the opponents. Whoever won this round would challenge Pedro. He stressed that the Goddess would interview the champion or all the challengers, it wasn’t his decision. Ultimately, She would choose the Alpha and enable him to lead the pack. These challenges were for the pack. He turned, reminded the two men of the rules and stepped away.

  The two fought and it was an exciting match. Solo did flips and avoided direct hits. Lucian did the same. It became apparent the two of them had no intention of battling in the same manner they had done before. Nevertheless, the crowd loved their brand of fighting.

  “I’ll stop this soon, call it a draw,” Silas told Angus and Hawke.

  “They’re not going to fight, not really fight each other,” Hawke said. “They have heart.”

  “If Solo flips any higher, he’ll hit the ceiling. How many times have they actually made contact?” Angus asked.

  “No more than five,” Silas said. “I’ll give them a few more minutes and call it.”

  “Pedro isn’t going to go easy on Lucian or Solo,” Hawke said.

  “And he shouldn’t,” Silas said. Minutes later he called the fight a draw. Since Lucian had only fought one opponent, he and Pedro were next.

  As Hawke predicted, this fight was completely different from the one between Lucian and Solo. It was apparent in Pedro’s demeanor, and his feral gaze that he wanted to be known as the one who won against all challengers even if he didn’t become Alpha.

  Silas hoped Lucian was up to the task.

  Pedro didn’t disappoint. He shifted to wolf, a large brown beast with white stockings. Lucian flowed into his animal, black with one white front stocking. Silas and Angus looked at each other, wondering if Lucian was part of the Black Wolf line. Didn’t seem likely but who knew? Grandfather’s seed had spread far and wide, perhaps down to Central America. Lucian’s quick, lightning fast reflexes, Pedro’s ferocity, held the crowd in thrall. It was unclear who they preferred but they all enjoyed the fight.

  Pedro drew first blood across Lucian’s eye.

  Lucian flowed into his two-footed beast and backhanded Pedro so hard he flew across the floor. He didn’t get up. The stunned crowd roared their approval. Lucian was the champion if the Goddess agreed. Lucian pushed through the crowd of well-wishers on his way to Pedro. Solo tended the downed Alpha and made a space for Lucian.

  “Hey, you’re tough Alpha,” Pedro said through a cracked lip that was healing.

  “Are you okay?” Lucian asked.

  Silas, Hawke and Angus watched the pack gravitate toward, Pedro, Solo and Lucian. “Black wolf in Honduras. Think he’s the only one?” Angus glanced at Silas.

  “Who knows? Grandfather or the Goddess never mentioned this one,” Silas said slightly irritated over being kept in the dark. “Wonder what’s next?”

  “He’s a natural,” Hawke said watching Lucian help Pedro to his feet.

  “Lucian’s the one who rescued me in the mountains,” Silas reminded them. Nothing ever happened by coincidence, he should’ve made the connection then.

  Angus nodded. “Everything’s connected in some way.”

  “It’s been a long day,” Silas said. “I need to address what happened to Ricardo.” He looked at Hawke. “Did Passen overnight the pills?”

  Hawke nodded. “Yes, Umi will pick up the box from the station and bring it to the hotel to save time.”

  “Good. The sooner we get these pups off those drugs the better.”

  Lucian, Pedro and Solo approached them.

  “Well done, Lucian, Pedro and Solo. As I said before the challenge was for pack, to see and know your leader’s abilities to protect and defend is important. Prepare for an interview with the Goddess. I can’t say when, where or how, but be in a position of expectancy. She will contact you in Her own time.”

  Smiling widely, Solo slapped Lucian on his back.

  “All of the challengers should be in a position of expectancy,” Silas said looking at Solo and then Pedro since the others had left.

  “Yes, Sir,” Solo said, the smile slipping.

  Pedro nodded, turned and waved a large truck closer. “They’ll take the bleachers, now.”

  Silas nodded as workers swarmed in and within minutes removed equipment, leaving the area clear.

  “Any ideas where the Sup’s disappeared to?” Silas asked Angus as they headed out the clearing.

  “Town? A club or bar? They own a couple.”

  Silas didn’t want to search through crowds. “Back to the hotel first to decompress and think this through.” He didn’t relish the idea of spending more time here than necessary, but he couldn’t allow the death of an Alpha, especially one linked to him, to slide.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  SILAS AND THE OTHERS sat at the dining table in his suite, eating a steak and pork loin meal Umi prepared. After the fight, he’d walked in, kicked off his shoes and stripped down to his boxers, prepared to unwind from the long day. He had reached out to Jasmine, talked to her for a few moments when the scents from Umi’s meal cart drew his attention. Jasmine suggested they talk after he filled his belly and he agreed.

  Platters overflowing with meat disappeared, leaving rolls, and cheesy potatoes, which Hawke scooped up. Satisfied, Silas stretched and finished a bottle of water.

  A nap would be nice. Better if Sweet Bitch were here. “Jasmine?” He stood and walked to his bedroom, leaving Hawke and Angus at the table.

  “Finished? That was fast,” she said.

  He told her what Umi provided and added. “This place is beautiful, you’d love the waterfalls, the green mountains, lots of water-sports at the lake.” He paused, appreciating the natural, unspoiled beauty of the country.

  “Is that an invitation for me and the kids to meet you there?”

  Had he been thinking of that? Sure, he missed her, wanted to touch and share some of the things he’d seen. But there was danger here too. Someone had blown up the house he’d been staying in, he wouldn't forget that.

  “Not really. Just missing you.”

  “Miss you too. But it sounds like a lovely place to visit. I’ve never been to Central America.”

  “Maybe after the Alpha’s chosen, we’ll return for his installation ceremony or something like that.”

  “Who won?” she asked.

  He told her of the last contests and what happened. She commiserated with him over Ricardo's death but was happy the challenges were over.

  “Have you talked to the Goddess about what’s next?” she asked.

  “No, not yet.” His mate knew better than most how the Goddess worked, to say more would only add fuel to the fire of her growing discontent with his belief.

  “Hmm, as long as you’re still coming home on time.”

  “As far as I know, this is over and I’m back in seven days.” He didn’t add “if the Goddess doesn’t change plans,” that was a given, at least in his mind.

  An erotic memory of a time they’d been wrapped in each other’s arms, kissing to the point they broke apart gasping for air filled their link. Blood raced to his cock, making him hard in an instant.

  “Miss you,” she said again, her voice deeper, a sensual caress that sent his mind into overdrive.

  “Miss yo
u, too,” he said as images of his face between her legs replaced the one she’d sent moments before. Sounds and sensations flooded their link, along with his ravenous need for her.

  She gasped.

  He exhaled and placed his hand on his cock. Damn boxers prevented him for feeling his rock-hard flesh. He slipped them off and grabbed his dick as her breathing labored.

  “That felt so good,” she whispered. “I couldn’t breathe, my body shook so hard, just like.... Like now,” she gasped and screamed.

  Triggered by her excitement and release, he stroked faster. “Open wide for me, let me feel what you’re feeling,” he said, panting as his need built. Waves of pleasure flooded their link carrying him on a tide of eroticism he hadn’t been expecting. His heart raced in anticipation.

  Faster, harder, he stroked, lapping the energy from her orgasmic explosion. Higher. Tighter. Almost there.

  “Argh,” he yelled as ropes of jizz flew across his belly and chest.

  “Thanks, Wolfie.” She sounded like a satisfied cat. “That memory is my favorite when I need a quickie.”

  He laughed as he headed to his bathroom to clean up. “Glad I could oblige. Every time I’m with you, every taste, stroke and orgasm I wring from your delectable body becomes my favorite. Any will send me over the edge.”

  She snorted.

  “True,” he said. “In person is best. Always. Nothing beats the way you feel when I sink into you. The way your walls hug me in greeting and tighten on your release. It’s the best homecoming a man can ever experience.” He stroked his hardening cock.

  “Agreed, but in a pinch, memories of riding your sweet cock will get me through. I needed that tonight and you delivered.”

  He loved when she forgot herself and talked nasty. “And thoughts of your sweet, juicy, pussy will keep me sane for another night. I need to get back home to you.”

  “Silas stop,” she moaned.

  He grinned. “What?”

  “The kids are in the living room and you’ve got me touching and rubbing...”

  Her words were kryptonite to his fragile peace. “Me too, Sweet Bitch. You’re never alone with this need, never.” Images of her riding him filled their link. He leaned against the wall, stroking his cock, pulling, squeezing, trying to emulate the feel of her. Nothing worked but he was too close to quibble.