Fated Treasures

by D T Strange

  “No Merrick, I haven’t talked to mom since the morning I left the States. Is there a reason you’re asking?”

  There was a pause as long as the Great Wall that stretched between the airwaves. Cam swallowed hard, attempting to find words. Merrick beat him to it. “Cam, I tried calling her to let her know that you had obtained the other three stones and were sending them home. I wanted her to keep the fourth one somewhere safe until you returned back to the states.”

  There was another moment of silence, once Cam could hear Merrick swallowing through, his heartbeat pulsing through the phone. “She didn’t return my call or my message, so I sent someone over to her place, just to be safe ya know. Cam, she wasn’t anywhere to be found and her place had been tossed. Damn it, I hate to ask this, but can you tell me where to look for the fourth stone, so I can see if it’s safe or not?”

  Cam was trying to digest the words Merrick had just spit out at him but was having trouble comprehending. “Merrick, did you just say that you haven’t heard from my mother and her placed was tossed, but that you want me to tell you where to look for the fourth stone at?”

  Merrick cleared his throat but got no further, the growl that ripped free of Cam’s throat stopped him from speaking. “The fucking stone is at my place, hidden in a private safe that is built into the foundation. It isn’t on any damned blueprints, so wouldn’t be easily found. Now… Tell me what you’re fucking doing to find my MOTHER who is obviously missing!”

  The feeling of helplessness reverberated through Cam like a pinball being flapped to this spot, then that one, setting off every nerve in his body. Anger and frustration were the bonus points said pinball was racking up, setting Cam on edge even more.

  “Cam, I think you need to get back here. I’ll have some of the pack out looking for her as soon as we’re off the phone. Once you’re stateside again, we can figure out what else to do next. I need you to keep it together until you’re here though man. If you lose it over there, you might get held up and we can’t afford that.”

  Cam was trying to draw in deep, calming breaths. It wasn’t working, they came out more like pants. It was Rico that somehow helped him settle. The male had placed his hand on Cam’s shoulder and with that little bit of contact, Cam seemed to be able to ground himself once more.

  “Cam, my vacation in Venice is over. I’ll see this through with you. Let Merrick know that we’re on our way to your private jet and will be in touch with him when we land.”

  Merrick obviously heard what Rico, his voice coming over the line saying that sounded good. Ending the call, Cam pegged Rico with a steely gaze. “Not sure what you just did man, but… I appreciate it. I was close to losing my shit again and that’s the last thing we need right now.”

  Rico gave a nod, pulled out his phone and started making the arrangements for he and Cam to get back to the States. Cam was grateful for having the pull of his pack, as well as his position within all the shifter factions as one of the liaisons. It made traveling extremely efficient and quick.

  Twenty-Five

  Everything is Not as it Seems

  Fi stepped off the private jet, shielding her eyes from the bright sun, taking in the town car and its driver waiting on the tarmac. Her phone rang as she walked down the few stairs. Answering it, she stopped, looking at the man by the car. “Yeah.”

  “Get in the car.” The same voice that had called her in Sicily gave her the order over the phone. The driver opened the passenger door and stood silently looking at her. “The driver will bring you and the stones to your grandfather and Joseph.”

  At the mention of the stones, Fi tightened her hold on the box and disconnected the call, walking to the car and slipping inside. The driver closed the door and walked around the car and got behind the wheel. When he started the car, the window dividing the front of the car from the back went up just as the door locks engaged.

  Fi closed her eyes and laid her head back against the seat, letting out a breath. She’d managed to get a little sleep on the flight over, but she couldn’t stop her mind from working overtime. Guilt sat heavy in her chest as she replayed the last few days from walking into the safe house to find it empty, to getting ready to take a shower with Cameron.

  She touched her lips with her fingers remembering their last kiss before they’d been interrupted by room service. He had kissed her like she’d never been kissed before, a kiss she had felt down to her soul. Yes, she had fallen in love with Cameron Bishop and she hadn’t told him.

  What had he thought when he finished his shower and walked out to find her, and the stones gone? He had sent text messages throughout the night, each one increasing in urgency and intensity, then they had just stopped. Fi had wanted to message him but had been warned when she got the airport not to reach out to anyone and that she was being watch. She didn’t know if they were somehow monitoring her phone or not, but she didn’t take any chances.

  Fi was sure Cam thought she’d set him up, that it was all an intricate plan to somehow get all four stones together. Fi had felt the power of the stones herself at the museum and it had only increased when she’d set the third stone in the box. The box itself had seemed to vibrate with power sitting next to her on the plane. What was going to happen when all four of them were together.

  The ride didn’t take long and when the car stopped, Fi straightened and tried to look around but the windows were tinted too dark. The passenger door opened, and she slid out, holding onto the box and squinting from the sun. They must be on the outskirts of town where most of the houses sat behind large brick walls and gated entrances.

  This one was no exception except this estate, with its large two-story brick home, had armed men walking the grounds and keeping guard at the front door. Whoever owned this house had money and wasn’t afraid to use it. If her grandfather was alive at least he was hopefully comfortable. She walked up to the door and was getting ready to knock when it swung open and Joseph appeared at the door. Relief filled her as she flung herself into arms. “Joseph. Are you ok?”

  He hugged her close for a moment before stepping away, so she could come inside then closed the door behind her. “What’s going on Joseph? Is my grandfather really alive? Who’s holding you...umm us?” She shook her head. “I don’t understand any of this.”

  “I’ve only seen him once, but he has armed men roaming the grounds and keeping watch on all the doors and windows. He’s been after the stones for years I guess. Had them stolen from a wolf pack in Ireland but whoever stole them lost them or sold them. I don’t know.” He looked at the box she was holding and nodded to it. “Are the stones in there?”

  Fi nodded. “Yes. Three of them. Where is my grandfather?”

  “He’s up here, Fianna.”

  Fi turned and looked up the stairs at the female voice, her mouth dropping in surprise. “Caitlin?”

  Cameron’s mother smiled tiredly down at Fi who rushed up the stairs to her. “What are you doing here?”

  “Apparently our host decided to take her like he did me and your grandfather.” Fi looked down at Joseph as he climbed the stairs. Frowning, she shook her head. None of this was making any sense and she didn’t plan on falling into line with some nameless, faceless man who seemed to think he held their fates in their hands.

  “I don’t understand why they took you Caitlin.” Caitlin gave her an indulgent smile and reached out to rub her arm.

  “They are looking for the fourth stone and they think I either have it or they can get Cameron to give it to them in exchange for me.”

  At the mention of Cameron, the pain that was ever present in her chest now pressed into her heart, causing her to look away from his mother, guilt weighing heavy on her shoulders. “Can I see my grandfather?”

  Caitlin nodded and led Fi from the landing and down the hall then stopped at a door, turning to her. “He’s in a coma honey. He was shot and I’m not going to lie, I’m surprised he survived.”

  Fi knew she was just trying to warn her,
help her to be prepared, but all she wanted, was to see him. Nodding she opened the door and hurried into the bedroom. Caitlin followed her in, closing the door behind. Fi took a couple of steps and stopped, her hand going to her throat. She swallowed hard at the sight of her grandfather hooked up to several machines and an IV in his arm. She felt Caitlin’s hand on her back and she took comfort from the older woman.

  “I’ve not seen him since I was thirteen.” Fi knew what she said was irrelevant, but she suddenly felt like she was thirteen again. His features hadn’t changed all that much except for the wrinkles lining his face and the grey in his hair, but it was her grandfather. Caitlin gave her a little push and she walked to the bed, sitting beside her grandfather and taking his hand.

  Fi felt Caitlin move closer, her arm moving around her shoulders as she sat there watching the machines that seem to be keeping her grandfather alive. The woman was giving her comfort and all Fi could feel was guilt. “Fianna do you know where Cameron is? I haven’t heard from him in a couple of days. I didn’t even have a chance to send a text when the that awful man came into my home looking for the stone then took me.”

  Fi closed her eyes, feeling like a pile of bricks were pressing on her chest, and tears slipped down her cheeks.

  “What’s wrong sweetie?” Caitlin urged Fi to stand and turned her around to look at her. Fi could see Cameron in the strong eyes that looked at her with motherly concern. At least that’s what Fi thought it was. She was just a baby when her parents had been killed so had no memories of her mother. But if she did, she hoped that she would look at her in the same way Caitlin was looking at her now. The older woman’s hands reached out brushed a tear from her cheeks. “Fianna? What happened?

  “Cameron surprised me in Venice. My grandfather had sent me one of the stones and that was where I had traced the package had come from. Cameron followed me there.” Caitlin’s eyes widened a bit, but she stayed silent, letting Fi continue. “He was with me when I found out that my grandfather had been injured and taken away. But we also found out where two other stones were. So, Cameron and I traveled to Sicily.”

  “Yes, I knew that. I’m glad he went to you.”

  “Well, we spent a lot of time together, researching the stones and talking, getting to know each other.” This was so hard to say out loud, Fi thought, especially to Cameron’s mother. What must she think of her? Looking up with tear filled eyes, Fi swallowed hard. “He told me he loved me.”

  Caitlin gasped softly as she cupped Fianna’s cheek. “My son told you he loved you?” Fi could only nod, her throat too tight with emotion to even speak. Caitlin's features softened even more. “Fianna, do you love my son?”

  A sob escaped her lips and Caitlin hugged her, pulling her closer. “Sssh it's okay sweetie. It's a good thing that you love him.”

  Fianna pulled away and sat back down, taking her grandfather’s hand, her thumb brushing over his knuckles. Shaking her head, she looked at his face. “You don’t understand Caitlin. I didn’t tell him. He doesn’t know.” Fianna ran her fingers through her hair, pulling it away from her face. “I was going to tell him when I got the phone call to bring the stones here and that my grandfather and Joseph were being held.”

  “I’m sure he knows, Fianna.” Fi shook her head.

  “No, I don’t know that he does. I didn’t tell him about the phone call or anything. I just took the stones and left. He was taking a shower when all this happened. I didn’t say a word to him. I’m sure he thinks I just used him for the stones. But Caitlin I swear I didn’t. I swear!” Caitlin walked over to Fi and wrapped her arms around her again.

  “I believe you Fianna. We all do what we have to in order to protect those we love.”

  Fianna hung on to Caitlin like a lifeline, letting the tears flow, tears that had threatened since the moment she’d walked out of the hotel room. She had to figure this all out, get them all to safety with the stones. Her emotions needed to be pushed away for clear logical thinking. She just needed a little time.

  A knock and the bedroom door had the two women pulling apart to look at Joseph as he came in. He looked at the two of them and frowned slightly. “Is everything ok?”

  Fianna stepped back from Caitlin and wiped the tears from her face as she nodded. “Just a little female emotion, Joseph. I know how much you hate those.”

  “It's an emotional time Fianna. I understand. One of the guards came to tell me that his boss has sent instructions. We’re all leaving, except your grandfather, and bringing the stones to him in the morning. I guess he’s reaching out to your son Caitlin and there’s going to be some swapping of stones and hostages. A car will pick us up at 9 am.”

  “I’m not leaving my grandfather here, Joseph. He needs a hospital. Not some estate. He needs constant care.” Fianna’s jaw locked in determination as she walked over to her grandfather. “He needs medical attention now.”

  Joseph nodded, his eyes moving to his old friend then back to Fianna. “I’m sorry Fianna. That’s all I know. Dinner will be at 7. I know you’ve probably not slept in a while. You should get some rest.” He gave her a stern look, one she was quite familiar with, before nodding to Caitlin and leaving.

  Fianna stared at the door then watched Caitlin silently move toward the bed then the nightstand where a pad of paper and pen were sitting. Picking up both, she scribbled something on the pad then handed it to Fianna. Fi took the pad and read the few words on the paper then up at Caitlin.

  There’s something not right in any of this. I don’t trust Joseph.

  Twenty-Six

  Mess With My Family, Mess With Me

  The jet touched down on the tarmac of the pack’s private airstrip. As it came to a stop in front of the hanger, Cam noted the black SUV with Merrick and Zep, waiting in front of it. It had taken a lot to keep Cam from pacing the whole damn flight. Seeing pack members waiting for them allowed him to settle just a little.

  Cam and Rico were already making their way to the planes exit before the stairs were all the way down. Hustling down, they stepped over to the two men. Merrick gave a slight nod before averting his gaze, a show of respect for Cam’s higher rank in the pack. It was posturing that they both went through in deference to Zep, who only snorted at their show.

  Zep however, did keep his stone-grey eyes locked on Cam and there was no doubt the Alpha was taking stock of what kind of shape Cam was in. Merrick had obviously relayed how Cam had lost it, shifting into his wolf while on the train.

  Cam gave a slight tip of his head, lowering his eyes briefly. “I’m fine Zep. Fi pulled me back and Rico here has a way about him as well it seems.” Zep gave Rico an appraising look. Even though Rico wasn’t a wolf shifter, Cam noted how the male deferred to Zep’s stature as an Alpha by not meeting his gaze with a direct one of his own. Zep was a dominant Alpha, but he was also was a powerful force all on his own. From the nod Zep gave, Cam figured he must have approved of what he picked up from Rico.

  Cam cleared his throat drawing their attention back his way. “Can we get going? I want to see my mother's place, then I have an idea I plan on following up on.” The four of them climbed into the SUV and Merrick started to give more details as he headed them back to pack lands. It was Zep that broke through all the small stuff and guided the conversation in the direction that had Cam damn near squirming in his seat.

  “Tell me everything that has been happening since you left town and don’t leave out any details, even if you want to try and spare yours or this Fianna’s dignities.”

  Cam laid out everything, including what led him to leaving town to go after Fianna in the first place. Yes, he’d text Zep quickly before going, but the details had been light, mentioning the stones and the chance to reclaim another one, nothing more. After, the SUV was silent except for the noise of the ac.

  “Look, in all honesty, I don’t know Fianna that well, so I don’t know how to go about finding her. She’s not my focus right not though, my mother is. It’s her I need to find, and I may
have a way to do that, but it’s going to take me a little bit.”

  Cam wasn’t sure if his idea would really pan out or not, but he didn’t see that he had much choice. If he had to find Fi in order to find his mom, he knew of only one other way outside of her phone and her nosey neighbor. He’d do whatever it took though.

  “Zep, until I’ve got that figured out, the fourth stone has to be kept safe, even from me if necessary. More than that though, the other three must be retrieved. That means, I’m going to have to track Fianna down eventually. First, I need to figure out if her guardian, Joseph is helping her or not.”

  They’d pulled up in front of Cam’s mother’s place. He sat there a moment looking out at the house as if he was a little boy once more, being taken home on one of the times he’d snuck out to try and earn some extra cash to give his mother something special. Only this time, his mother wasn’t waiting there on the porch, her arms folded across her chest, a disapproving look on her face even as her eyes held mirth in them.

  “I didn’t sneak out and my mother isn’t here waiting.” Cam had all but muttered it under his breath, but all in the SUV he figured had heard him. Climbing out, Cam made his way up the walk, his senses open to anything and everything as he did.

  Zeke’s scent was there, mingling with his mothers, but there were two unfamiliar scents as well. Not wasting anymore time out on the porch, Cam opened his mother’s front door and stepped inside, Rico was right behind him.

  “I sent the same scent that was in the safehouse. There are others, but not knowing what’s familiar and normal, I can’t for sure say,” Cam had just stepped inside, drawing in a deep breath as he did. Rico was off to the side, moving into another room but doing the same. They looked to one another, confusion in their eyes.