"What I want is for you to disappear.” She said, her tone cold and unemotional, like a killer.
The air dropped suddenly. He saw the goose bumps ripple over Mica's skin. As he stared at her, a ghostly image formed beside her. Mike, although completely transparent, looked at him, his eyes dead and cold.
"I've come to take you across.” His words filled Collin's mind. The retort of the gun echoed in the night and the flash from the muzzle filled his vision. There was no pain, no burning of the bullet, just the thuck sound.
The warm wet feeling covered the front of his pants. He opened his eyes and stared disbelievingly at her. The shot had hit the van. The look in Mica's face was one of being pleased with herself. Collin had wet himself and even he could smell the urine.
"I'm not going to kill you Collin. I may be the monster you created, but I'm not like you.” She declared and turned and disappeared into the forest.
The ghost smiled at him. Collin was confused, she’d let him live, so why the hell was the ghost of his brother still here. The pain hit him. It burned into his chest and radiated over his arm. Sweat poured down his face and he shivered. His chest felt as if it were being squeezed by a giant.
"No.” He said staring up at Mike. Collin had what he wanted, she let him go and he’d finally be a Lycan.
"It's time." Mike said as a darker swirling hole appeared behind his ghostly visage. The burning pain erupted in his chest one last time.
* * *~~~ * * *
His chest was on fire; the smell of blood was thick in the air. The last thing he remembered was the sound of Mica’s scream. With a heavy groan Victor wrestled himself to his hands. He saw two blurry figures in the bed, trying to blink his vision clear; he fell back against the wall with a loud thud.
"Frank...” He managed to garble out as he started to make out the faces of the forms. Frank was holding something in his arms and Scott was pushing down on it with both his hands. Confusion muddled his mind.
A pair of hands were suddenly on him and a sea of blonde hair swept over his face. Scott's sister pushed something to his chest and barked out orders to someone behind him.
"Get me my Medic for Christ's sakes!” She yelled. He heard the sound of heavy boots rushing near.
"Oh god Shea.” He muttered as his sight cleared completely. He saw her father and Scott, frantically trying to give her CPR.
"Go to the girl Chris." Anna barked as a dark haired man squatted for a second beside him with a black bag. "Victor will live it’s not bad enough to kill a Lycan. The girl’s only kin folk!”
He watched helplessly as Frank was forced to move away from his daughter as Chris ripped open his bag and began pulling out medical supplies. His blood brother's hands were red and wet. The look of shock and terror in his eyes told Victor Shea was in bad shape.
"Open that bag of powder hemostat and get a bag of IV ready." Chris instructed Scott while he cut open Shea's t-shirt with a pair of scissors.
Within in minutes the two of them had her hooked up to an IV and then Chris rammed a needle into her chest. The gasp sounded hoarse and pained but Shea was now breathing, and Frank was again at her side.
"She's going to be alright, her mother's on the way. You need to sit still." Anna told him as he tried to move, but she forced him back.
" Mica...Lea where are they?” He groaned out.
"Lea is fine; she's in the other room with one of my men."
"Mica?"
Anna said nothing.
“For god sake’s where’s my mate!”
"I don't know, she wasn't here when we got here." Anna told him and he struggled again to stand.
"Stay still!” She demanded.
"No, I need to find Mica!"
"I have some men out looking for her Victor. You need to stay calm."
Victor's arm stung and he saw the syringe as Anna pulled her hand away. In seconds, everything became fuzzy again and as an icy breeze drifted across the room, he blacked out.
* * * ~~~ * * *
A week had come and gone since the night Victor and Shea were both shot. Scott looked at the young woman standing with her parents in the hall. It was hard to believe that she’d nearly died only a week ago. He’d witnessed the power of Ajei that night, had watched in awe as she performed a healing rite over her child and had seen the spirits fill the room. Each one had poured its essence into the girl; the sight would forever be burned into his mind.
Ajei told him that what Anna and he had done had saved her. That without their help she’d have been lost before Ajei had gotten there. Again the thoughts of leaving entered his mind, but he couldn't. They needed him just as much as his sister did. His alter ego, the wolf had already given its loyalty to Victor. It was something he still didn't understand. The feeling of belonging here grew every day and it was making this so hard on him.
The meeting tonight was about to change history. The Flock was joining the Amalgamation and together they would pave the way for peace. After the brief ceremony that gave Frank and Anna the blood bond , the union was complete. It was not a day he thought he’d ever see.
"I would like to take a moment of silence for those lost to us in this war." Frank stated. His words brought everyone to stand and bow their heads for a moment.
Scott stood and cast a look over at Mica briefly. She held onto Victor's hand, she still looked so fragile. He knew better; she’d become stronger and was healing from the things Collin had done to her. Their friendship was still strong, and some of Victor jealousness had abated. Everyday Scott took time to spend with her and Lea and she’d named him her child's protector and godfather. It was something Victor had blessed him with as well, and that had surprised everyone.
The ceremony ended and the feasting began. The hall was crammed to the overflowing capacity. Part of the festivities were held outside as well in several large pavilion styled tents. There were people here from so many different packs and even some that Scott hadn't known were thinking of allying with the Amalgamation.
Scott walked outside in the cool evening air with his sister, he needed to ask her something but wasn't sure how.
"Okay, what's on your mind?” She asked as he sat down with his beer on a picnic table.
"You freak me out sometimes you know that!” He said with a grin. Anna and him had always been like this. It was a deep connection that seemed to let the other know that something was wrong.
"Yeah well what do you expect we are twins after all!” She chuckled as she drank her pop.
"Are you going to take the serum?” He saw the list of volunteers to take part in the Hybrid project. It counted in the hundreds; Anna's name was not on that list.
With a deep sigh, she looked at him and smiled, and then she grinned a little with a bemused look in her eyes.
"I can't, not yet at least.” She stated simply.
"Why not?"
"I'm already a she-wolf, I don't need the serum.” She stated.
"Okay so why did you say 'not yet'? He asked quizzically.
"Ah...well.” His sister was actually blushing and that had him a little confused, Anna never blushed.
"Ajei told me I needed to do something first. Something important for the Valtors. I can't tell you anymore than that.” She explained now looking uncomfortable.
"Like hell you can't! I'm your brother, now what the hell is going on?” He growled. He didn't like her being made to keep secrets from him.
Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and then looked at him again. The look was troubled and he didn't like it.
"You can't tell anyone, not yet anyway, not until it’s made official!” She stated.
"Okay I swear I won't tell anyone, now what the fuck is going on."
"Before you say no let me just say I've already agreed to this, and I want to do it!"
"Anna you're not reassuring me!” He said and she laughed lightly.
"I'm to be Alpha of the Flock's new pack of werewolves. Frank and Victor are going to perform the rite.
"
"But you're a girl.” He said it before he could catch himself.
"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” She glared at him.
"Oh god, no Anna...that's not what I meant. I think you’re a perfect Alpha. I just meant that... well for the other packs...this is so not in keeping with the way things work is all."
Anna laughed at him and he smiled. She’d been more or less the Alpha all along to the Flock and this was only going to make it official.
"Congratulations!” He said and gave her a big hug. This was a step in the right direction to changing the way things ran within the packs.
"Thank you!” She told him and got up to go rejoin the party.
Scott felt so at home with these people that what he was about to embark on felt wrong. He got up and headed for Anna's jeep, he hopped in and started the engine. Wishing himself luck, he left the sounds of the party behind him.
Chapter 36
Mica walked over and sat beside Jenni. The poor woman looked so lost. After the attack on the pack, Jake had left, not telling her anything, just packed his bags and abandoned her and Gable.
"Hey there." Mica said as Jenni looked at her, her green eyes were so sad.
"Hey.” She said in a low tone.
"You need to try and cheer up a little. Gable is having fun you should too."
Mica watched Jenni look over to where Gable was standing with a group of kids. He was all smiles and was standing really close to one of the girls from an allied pack. Even though the boy was only thirteen, he already seemed to have the Feral charm.
Jenni put on a weak smile and looked over to where Victor was talking with several of the other Alphas. "How are things with you two?"
"We are making things right."
"And Scott?” She asked.
"It's a little awkward at times, but Victor s learning to trust him. We are only friends Jenni.” Mica stated.
"You still have deeper feelings for him than that.”
"I love Victor."
"I know, I wasn't trying to say you didn't. But what will Scott do now, will he stay or is he going to leave?"
"He’s to be Victor's Beta Jenni...I'm sorry.” Mica told her and she bit her own bottom lip.
Mica wasn't going to lie to Jenni. She was her best friend here and Mica believed she needed to know before Victor made it official.
"I see.... so you don't believe Jake will return?” Her voice trembled a little and she sounded as if she’d cry.
"Jenni..."
"It’s okay Mica...I've known for a while that things were off with us. Jake had been acting strangely for several months I just thought it was this war. I found out he was in debt. He was gambling every spare cent we had. I don't think he could bear to look at us any longer after he lost everything. All the money we had saved for years for Gable’s education, it's gone too Mica.” She told her, her eyes glistening in the low lighting of the hall.
Mica gave Jenni a quick hug and let her go as she saw Victor walkover.
"Everything okay?” He asked as he looked down at them.
"Yeah, just girl talk." Jenni told him.
"Well let me get you a drink." Victor offered.
"I'm all right, thanks though. I think we will be heading home soon."
"Are you sure?" Mica asked.
"Yeah I'm kinda tired and Gable has to get up early tomorrow anyway. Tell everyone I hope they have fun.” She said. Jenni stood and gave Victor a hug before heading over to her son.
Victor sat down in the empty spot next to Mica and slipped his hand into hers. "Is she really okay"
"She will be with time."
"And you...how are you feeling?"
"Like I need to dance with my mate.” She told him with a smile.
"Well they're playing a slow one now.” He said as he stood and pulled her to her feet.
"Ah just a spec.... that's my cell!” He told her and pulled it from his pocket.
"Yeah. I can't hear you speak up!” He half hollered.
Mica watched Victor's face go white. He didn't say anything, he just turned and ran. The cell phone clattered across the floor, breaking as it hit the hard worn out brown tiles. The popping sound of a gun could be heard from outside just as he disappeared out the door and Mica raced after him.
* * *~~~ * * *
Alaric was getting nervous; again he looked down at his watch. It was late at night, and for some reason, this meeting was bothering him. Sitting in his Hummer, he waited patiently in front of the small coffee shop in Carson. Just as he thought that his new contact with the Feral pack wasn't going to show, he saw a red jeep pull in front of him and park. The brake lights flashed twice before the engine cut out. It was the signal they had prearranged to let Alaric know who it was.
He got out of his vehicle and cautiously made his way to the driver's side of the jeep. The window rolled down and Alaric eyed the man inside. The short cropped blond hair, rugged facial features and cold grey eyes looked very much like the man he was told about.
"You Alaric?” The man asked directly.
"Yes, Scott I take it."
"Yeah, get in.” He said, nodding his head to the empty passenger seat.
Still being cautious, he walked around to the other door and peeked into the back before getting in.
"So what do you have for me?” He asked him and the large man passed him a thick envelope.
"What's this?"
"It’s a list of names of all the packs who are about to join the Amalgamation. It is also a detailed schematic of the Infinity Biolabs that Collin Feral owns. You know who that is don't you?"
Alaric knew exactly who Collin was. The information in those labs could be invaluable to the Alliance; he went to take the envelope but Scott pulled it away.
"First you’re going to make me a promise.” He snarled out.
"What, I already told you the money would be wired to the account of your choice."
"I don't want your fucking money old man!” He growled.
"All right what is it you want then?"
"Your daughter!” He said and Alaric raised an eyebrow at him.
"Mica?" Alaric questioned.
"She's the only daughter you have. I want your word you'll allow me to have Mica as my mate, full blessing, no bullshit either."
"She's already mated, but you know that. What about Victor?" Alaric probed.
"You're going to kill him are you not? I heard there was a bounty on the Alpha of the Feral pack." Scott said. His cold eyes narrowed in on Alaric and he’d a feeling that this werewolf was not one to fuck with.
"Not exactly.... Frank is the one with a price on his head.” He told him, watching his body language for any clue to why this man had skipped sides. The other man never even flinched as his glare intensified. The news that Victor didn't have a hit order out on him seemed to anger the man.
"Well then the deal is off—"
"Wait a minute, I never said I couldn't arrange for Victor to die. But what makes you think Mica will want to be your mate once Victor is dead?"
"Because she loves me. The only thing stopping her is her mating bond with Victor."
"All right, I give my blessing as long as your Intel is right and you keep the information coming. Prove to me you will make a good Dickson and my daughter is yours to have as a mate once Victor is dead."
"Deal!" Scott said and let go of the envelope.
"Well then it seems we have a bright future Mr. Adams." Alaric grinned and shook Scott's hand.
"Oh I would avoid the party tonight if I were you.” He warned the younger man. He didn't need to lose his contact in any chaos that would happen tonight.
"Why?"
"Because tonight the Valtor pack will be Alpha-less!” He said with a dark smile.
After leaving the jeep Alaric dialed his Beta Mitch. The phone rang three times before he picked up.
"Yeah?"
"It's me , I need you to run some background information on a Lt. Scott Adams for me.
I need the information back as soon as possible."
"No problem, oh just so you know there was a letter that came for you tonight via courier."
"Oh...from who?"
"Mica."
Alaric sat silent for a long moment disbelieving what he’d just heard his beta say. "Open it and read it to me!” He demanded.
"Okay hold on a second. Um are you sure you wa—"
"Just read the damn letter!" Alaric cut him off.
"All right. It says...We need to talk, settle this stupidity once and for all. Meet me at the Dairy Barn in Brighton on Saturday at noon. If you don't come alone I will not show my face."
"That's it?"
"Yes."
"Okay I'm returning home bring the letter to my house. I want to make sure it was Mica who wrote it.” He told him and hung up.
Alaric was already formulating a plan. As long as she brought the baby as well then he could take them both and hopefully talk some sense into her. If what this Scott Adams was telling him was true, then he’d call him to aid in retrieving her. If his daughter did have feelings for him, it would help Alaric smooth things over. If not and Scott had lied to him, he wouldn’t hesitate to kill him.
* * * ~~~ * * *
Frank was giddy; he’d a few too many beer and now as a slow song came piping out from the hall, he scooped his mate into his arms and held her close.
"Mm my pretty mate.” He whispered against her ear as they danced.
"You're half drunk!” She giggled as she kissed him softly on the cheek. Her slight rounded tummy brushed his.
"Yeah I know, you know what that means.” He growled as one of his hands slid to grab her bottom.
"Yes...it means I'm driving us home.” She giggled again and pushed herself closer into him and twisted her hips.
"You tease.” He told her as she did it again.
"Glad you noticed!” She told him as her fingers trailed up into his hair and she kissed him.
The Lycan Wars- Revised Edition Page 24
