by Nora Phoenix
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 stakeout—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 hunch 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 not to 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. Gunshots.
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. The 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 recall 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 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 that 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 backup. Do not engage until backup 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.”
“I’ll have my man secure him.”
“You have a man on him? How…? Never mind. Thank you. Now, go!”
He hung up, knowing Bray needed to focus on other things than explaining why he’d also shadowed Enar without Lidon knowing about it. And without informing Enar because he would’ve blown a gasket had he found out. Thank fuck for Bray’s initiative because at least now Lidon knew Enar would be safe.
But Vieno…oh god, his sweet omega. He'd calmed down somewhat, but his fear still pulsated through Lidon’s veins, a constant call that his mate needed him. Grayson had been right about their connection. Lidon didn’t understand it, but after this, he’d no longer doubt it.
The text that Enar was safe came a few minutes later, and Lidon breathed with relief. All his men were safe. For now.
He didn’t drive up the main road but shut off his siren and light and took a back road that led to an east entrance on the property where he parked his car under some trees. One advantage of being a cop and a narcotics one at that was that he possessed a license to transport all kinds of guns in his car. A locked box in the trunk that only opened with his fingerprint held various guns, and he took out his .45. He was already armed with the standard issue Glock 17 all cops carried, and he'd tucked a much smaller .22 in an ankle holster because of the stakeout. He took his Colt M4 Carbine out and slung it over his shoulder with the strap. Bray had reported the attackers were heavily armed, so he’d better come well prepared.
He hated the coveralls he was wearing, but at least the work boots were well suited for the terrain, protecting his ankles and his feet from all kinds of branches, stones, and even a rattlesnake or two that jumped up as he flew past. He slowed down as he got closer to the house, then stopped behind a large bush to listen. It was quiet, no sounds other than what could be expected.
He checked his phone, which he’d put on silent. Bray had texted. “Sit rep that sit is under control but use caution. Source may be compromised.”
His respe
ct for the man jumped several grades. Thank fuck he’d hired someone who didn’t take things at face value but was naturally suspicious.
“Dad still safe with V.”
Okay, so Grayson and Vieno had stayed holed up. That was smart thinking. With care, Lidon moved forward till he reached the gate surrounding the house. It was too tall to climb without props, but Lidon knew two spots where a tree provided natural assistance. These were also the two spots he had cameras on at all times as well as motion sensors. That meant that if the attackers were still inside and had access to the security feed, they’d be able to see him coming. He had to risk it. Coming in through the front gate was not an option.
He hoisted himself up the tree, then inched over the large branch that brought him close to the top of the gate. He winced as he calculated the jump. If he shorted his jump, he’d end up with a spike through his… Yeah, he’d better estimate it right.
He took a deep breath, then launched himself from the branch over the gate, his gun strapped to his back. His hands found the pales of the gate on the other side, and he hung on with all his might to break his fall. He still hit the ground hard but bruises-hard, not break-every-bone-hard. As soon as he landed, he moved, not staying long enough to become a target.
Everything was still quiet. He’d go in through the back door, less chance of encountering anyone there. He took out his Glock, the rifle still strapped to his back. Gun drawn, he moved as he had done a million times, the movements as familiar to him as breathing.
He found the first body at the back door. Not one of Bray’s men but an alpha completely dressed in black. He checked for pulse in his neck, even though the large pool of blood he carefully stepped around confirmed the man was dead. Still, he made sure. He didn’t touch him other than that, not wanting to disturb the scene. Someone would investigate this, and he wasn’t gonna walk into a trap that implicated himself.
The back door stood wide open, and Lidon went in. His heart rate was elevated but steady as he systemically swiped each room. The second body lay in the laundry room. This time, he didn’t have to confirm as the man’s face was blown away. Bray’s men weren’t joking around with their armor, he noted with satisfaction.