“Wait.” Noah swallowed, shaking his head. He knew what his brother was saying, but it still shocked him. “Are they…?”
“Yeah, Noah.” Talon saddened. “They’re kidnapping females…but that’s not all.”
“What else?”
“The Guardians of the Goldberg pride in California were the first ones to discover a pride of lions who were dealing in illegal drugs and guns. The government compares them to the mafia. We know from our history that our ancestors called them ‘Gadaí’.”
“Gadaí is Gaelic for thieves,” Noah stated.
“Yes,” his brother confirmed. “Our Viking ancestors coined that term when they were fighting a silent war the humans knew nothing about.”
“Are they doing this in other areas outside California?” Noah asked, changing the subject. He needed to know what was going on and if it was going to land on their doorstep. His thoughts immediately went to Landon. He was human and had no strength to defend himself against a group of Gadaí.
“Right now, it’s sporadic, but the government wants to get ahead of the issues by hiring shifters who are capable of fighting them and bringing them in. Right now, they have three other shifter groups who’ve agreed to help.”
“How will this all work?” Noah pressed. “The humans won’t like the way we deal out justice. Especially for Gadaí.”
“No, they won’t, and that’s where the problem lies.” Talon paused. “After talking with Garrett, he doesn’t foresee anything happening to us if we stay on the current path.”
“And that current path is what?”
“We are going to work with them and police the Memphis region,” Talon said with a nod. “We can’t hide on our land and let innocents be hurt.”
“I’m onboard with that,” Noah promised. “You’ll have to talk to the others.”
“It’s midnight,” Talon said, looking at the clock over the bank of monitors. “I will call a meeting at seven in the morning. Tonight, I just want to sleep and be with my mate.”
“Go to bed,” Noah pressed. “You’re going to need your rest, brother.”
Calla parked her car in the driveway of the home she’d had built on the pride’s land. Growing up in the alpha’s home was nice, but once she turned twenty, she needed her space. Finishing high school and taking night classes to further her education ate up so much of her time nowadays.
She hadn’t sparred with the females in a long time and still hadn’t stepped foot into the training facility since Talon had given the women the right to fight officially as Protectors. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to be there anymore…it was that she didn’t see her life moving toward that goal anymore.
Taze had been quiet since she’d stopped training right before her twentieth birthday, and she remembered the day she finally called it quits working with him. She’d never seen that much pain in another person’s eyes.
“Taze, you and I both know I won’t be able to touch you soon,” she’d said, standing strong. “It’s best if we just go our separate ways. I’ve started online classes, and I want to get my law degree. I accepted a job offer at a human law firm as a receptionist this afternoon.”
“What?” he snarled. “You are an amazing fighter, Calla. Why are you quitting?”
“I’m not quitting,” she huffed. “I’m being realistic. After my birthday, no male is going to want to train me, and I need to find a job outside of the pride. My brother…he is an issue. Things aren’t good with him when you are around. I can’t defend him to you, and I can’t defend you to him. It puts me in the middle. So, I’m walking away before it’s too late. I’m sorry…I must leave.”
“Calla, no,” he yelled as she walked out of the training facility, tossing her gym bag over her shoulder for the last time. She didn’t cry, and that scared her more than anything else.
She was right to have made the decision. Ever since she had stepped out of the building, Malaki had changed for the better. He wasn’t as aggressive with her anymore, and he and Taze had actually gotten along while they were the only two living in the dorms over the summer. Granted, they still hated each other, but they did what they had to do until their own homes were complete on the land.
Malaki had moved into his place three months ago. Taze moved at the same time. Their homes were nowhere near each other, and Calla made sure she was close to the main house since she came and went more than most. Her front porch faced the healer’s home, and that was fine with her. She’d become good friends with the white wolf, Luna, over the past year.
The A-frame house she’d had built was everything she never knew she wanted. Tiny home living at its best, or so she’d adopted the saying once the finishing touches were put on it. One bedroom, one bathroom, kitchen, and living room…that was all she wanted. Maybe in time, when she met her mate, they could move out if she ever decided to have cubs, passing on the smaller home to a young female in need. It was her way to give back to the Shaw pride for all they’d done for her over the years. It wasn’t that long ago she and her brother had arrived in bad shape.
No, she wouldn’t think of the time with the wolves. She was over that…the memories no longer haunted her. Well, that was a lie. There would always be the obsessive need to look over her shoulder if she was out at night. Malaki was forever changed because of the time he had been used as a pawn to follow the alpha and his mate. They’d threatened to harm Calla, and Malaki’s protective instincts had grown during their captivity and continued to grow as they found their place within their new pride.
With Taze, things were different. Before she hit her puberty, they’d worked together and forged a friendship. Did she ever fantasize about him being her mate? Yes. Many, many times.
As they matured, and he trained more with the Guardians, Calla felt like they’d grown apart. He was busier, and she was learning to find herself. When the job at the law firm came available, she jumped on the chance, and the rest was history.
She knew he’d be at the gate when she arrived home late from work, but she couldn’t avoid him. He still showed some protective instincts toward her, but she blew it off. He’d been her trainer for so long, she chalked it up to his natural ability to teach others about protection.
It was hard when he got close to her. He smelled so amazing, but she couldn’t place the scent. Stop thinking about him. He’s not your mate.
And that was something she had to keep telling herself. The small, childhood crush she had on him was just that…a crush. She was an adult now, and she had adult responsibilities. Getting her law degree was at the top of the list.
It was time to do something with her life where she could actually make a difference. There needed to be someone who could speak up for those in the shifter community who needed representation for crimes against them. They were living in a new era, and the old ways weren’t working anymore.
Chapter Three
Landon opened his eyes, hearing voices downstairs. He rolled over and noticed it was after nine in the morning. He hadn’t slept in that late since before he’d opened his practice. Ambling to his feet, he pushed aside the curtain to see a few more inches of snow had fallen overnight, and the sun was still hidden behind a thick layer of dark clouds.
He showered and changed before heading downstairs, pausing on the top step when he heard Noah’s voice. “This is going to be dangerous.”
“It’s nothing we haven’t dealt with before,” Dane replied. “I’m actually excited about this. It’s been a while since we took out some rogue scum.”
“I don’t like this,” Olivia fretted. “I don’t like this at all, Dane.”
Landon frowned and made his way into the living room where his brother was sitting with Dane, Olivia, Noah, and the Guardian, Booth. “What’s going on?”
“Have a seat,” Dane suggested, pointing to an empty chair they’d brought over from the kitchen table. “We’ve gotten some news. Talon will be holding a formal meeting tonight, but we’ve been asked to be upfront ab
out what’s going on.”
“Our alpha doesn’t want to keep this quiet until he can speak on it,” Booth added.
“You’re worrying me,” Landon admitted. He shifted nervously on the padded chair, stopping himself when the wood protested from the movement.
“We’ve been notified there are rogue shifters in the area, and they are causing a lot of trouble,” Noah began, turning his entire body toward Landon. His normally icy blue eyes were speckled with the amber of his beast, and that worried Landon even more.
“Trouble how?” Landon pressed.
“Three men from the government showed up yesterday with the sheriff and asked Talon if he would be willing to work for them to police our kind.” Noah stood and walked over to the window to look outside. “These rogues are forming gangs and terrorizing humans. There is an alpha behind them, but no one knows who it is.”
Landon’s eyes widened and he felt the fear he’d so carefully fought to overcome race up his spine. Olivia made a move to come to his side as he wrapped his arms around his waist. “I’m good.”
“No, you’re not,” she whispered and stopped in her tracks when he looked up and gave his head a short jerk.
“I need to know what we are facing,” Landon said, using more strength in his voice than what he actually felt. “I refuse to be a victim again.”
“No one will be a victim,” Noah barked, startling Landon. When he looked up, Noah’s eyes were glowing amber and his canines were thick in his mouth. “I promise you.”
“So, what’s going to happen when the Guardians and Protectors are on duty away from the pride?” Olivia asked. Cole took her into his arms and kissed her temple, but she pushed him away. “I won’t be coddled.”
“My brother is working on a plan with the agents and Sheriff Lynch,” Noah promised. “There will be a solid plan, and I guarantee we will be okay. The pride will not be left unprotected.”
“I hope you’re right, Noah,” Olivia said. “I’m strong enough to handle humans and their antics, but rogue shifters are deadly, if what I’ve been told is correct. They have the magic of their alphas behind them.”
“When a rogue alpha commands his members to do nefarious things, it can become deadly, but we are highly trained to deal with them,” Dane promised. Noah nodded in agreement. “Our ancestors had a name for them. They were called ‘Gadaí’.”
“Gadaí?” Olivia asked. “What is that? I heard you say that word before you left the house when Talon called the Guardians in for a secret meeting.”
“It translates to ‘thieves’ in Gaelic,” Noah informed her, launching into the history of the war between the good and the bad. Olivia gasped when he spoke of the thousands of shifters who had died at the hands of the Gadaí.
“That’s terrible!” she cried out. “Why would they do that?”
“Greed,” Dane interrupted, taking his mate into his arms. “I’m guessing this is why they’re causing problems in the bigger cities. Money rules the human world, and these groups have begun using their strength and abilities to take from the humans.”
“What are we facing?” Cole asked.
“Let’s wait for my brother to speak to the pride to give the final information,” Noah suggested, running a hand over his face. “I don’t want anyone to worry. These Gadaí are not on our doorstep. They’re hunting humans, and we’re going to be tasked with keeping them safe.”
“What are the rogues doing, specifically?” Landon asked.
“I’m not going to sugarcoat things with anyone,” Noah began, looking around the room. When his eyes landed on him, Landon shivered, because he knew what the male had to say next was going to break him. “They have been robbing banks, terrorizing humans…brutally. This includes females.”
“What?” Cole bellowed, reaching for Olivia. “There’s no fucking way my mate will be able to go to work without a Guardian at The Deuce. We can’t leave our females alone if these…what did you call them? Gadaí? are out there.”
“We’ve been told they are sticking to the major cities like Memphis,” Noah countered.
“And what’s going to happen when they find out who is coming after them, Noah?” Landon spoke up, his voice holding steady. The image of Olivia being hurt fluttered through his mind and he felt rage and disgust. “What’s going to happen when they know it’s the Shaw pride who is taking them out? They’ll come here.”
“We are not going to leave the pride defenseless,” Noah promised, holding up his hand when Cole began to speak again. “We have enough Guardians and Protectors, but if the need arises, we can place a call out to other prides to open spots for more to join us. Please, just wait until Talon gives everyone the plan.”
Landon nodded and stood to enter the kitchen, pouring himself a cup of coffee. He tried his best not to think about the rogues, but he couldn’t. The things they’d done sounded a lot like the workings of the cartel.
“Hey.” Noah’s voice was softer as he entered the kitchen, holding an empty cup. “Are you okay?”
“I really don’t have any other options, Noah,” Landon sighed and motioned for Noah to put down his cup so he could refill it. He heard his brother’s bedroom door close, and he knew they were alone. Lifting the cup to his lips, Landon turned and leaned against the counter. “Are you worried?”
“Right now? No,” he replied, seeing the honesty in Noah’s eyes. They’d returned to the icy blue of his human side, and Landon tried to not get lost in them.
“Your brother will have a plan by tonight?” he pressed, needing answers. “Because I have a business to care for, and one of your females works for me. Sophia will need protection.”
“Talon will have everything worked out by the time we meet, I promise.” He sighed, moving to stand in front of him. “Landon, I will not let anyone hurt you again.”
“You can’t promise that,” Landon replied, feeling his heart squeeze from Noah’s words.
“I can, and I am.” Noah’s voice was sure and strong. Landon looked up when Noah set his cup on the counter and approached. A scent filtered through the air, causing Landon to inhale deep. It reminded him of the woods behind the house; the same ones he explored every week, but this was different…wild. There was a sweet musk to it, and he had to kick himself when arousal hit him full force.
“I…I just need to know what the plan is,” Landon stammered. He took a step back, and Noah’s eyes dropped to the ground. Landon didn’t miss the disappointment in his actions. “Tell me what I need to do.”
“Be at the circle tonight when Talon calls the meeting,” Noah said, raising his eyes. “I’ll see you there. I need to leave.”
Landon’s heart fell to his feet. Noah back away and turned on his heel, leaving the house as quickly as possible. His heart ached for a man he knew would never return the feelings he had. Noah wasn’t anything like him, and he should keep his mind on safety and the practice.
The bedroom door opened and Dane exited, stopping in his tracks as he entered the kitchen. His brother’s mate lifted his nose to the air an inhaled deep. “Where’s Noah?”
“He left,” Landon said in defeat. “I don’t know what came over him, but we talked and he just told me to be at the circle, then jetted out the door.”
Dane inhaled again, and Landon was about to ask him what was wrong, but he didn’t have a chanced before Cole and Olivia approached. Dane looked at his mates and gave them a short nod before turning back to him. “Landon, I think we need to talk to you about our kind and how mating works.”
Talon heard the voices of his pride as they gathered at his home. Garrett Lynch sat across from his desk, wearing a pair of jeans and a button-down shirt. His leather jacket was hanging on a coat rack by the door.
“The compensation is good, but,” Garrett began, “is that enough to risk yourselves?”
“We are protecting the humans from rogues,” Talon growled. “We should be doing it for free.”
Talon didn’t need any more information after go
ing through the police reports and video evidence he was given earlier by the agents. There were things he saw that would haunt his dreams for the rest of his life. If he wanted to keep his pride safe, he was going to have to keep his town safe as well.
“We haven’t had any reports of rogues in Olive Branch, but there have been some in North Memphis. Crime there is bad on a good day. Throw in these rogues, and it becomes a war zone.” Garrett stood and pointed to a folder he’d dropped on the desk when he entered less than five minutes before. “Here are the latest reports.”
Talon pinched the bridge of his nose and opened the file. More thefts and murders. An abduction of a human female was reported less than twelve hours before. Witnesses had seen a werewolf slinking around the victim’s home with three other males dressed in all black.
“Garrett?” Talon asked, closing the file. “I wish you could see if they’re coming for my pride.”
“I feel the same way, Talon,” the sheriff said, tilting his head back so he could stare at the ceiling like he was praying to his gods. “At this time, I haven’t seen anything because this is a paranormal issue. When the gods came to me and told me to inform you to leave Booth and Jade alone, I was worried there would be humans involved in her capture, but it wasn’t them. Those men were of your kind. Who knows what’s going to happen or what I’ll see? Once your name gets out and these rogues know who you are, that may all change. If the gods call to me again and give me visions, I promise you I will be here in a flash.”
“Our mates are everything to us,” Talon began, stopping to swallow a lump in his throat. The thought of Liberty or his cubs being hurt sent his heart into his stomach. “Nova is with young, and Winter will be overly protective. We have to do this right, and we have to have support of the police. They don’t know how we handle things in our world.”
“About that,” Garrett scowled. “They’ve talked about setting up prisons for the shifters. I’m concerned about how that will work.”
Noah (Rise of the Pride, Book 10) Page 3
