BlackWolf Preserved

by Sydney Addae

  “Si, my friend.” Matteo went to stand.

  “You must cut off the head or they can still use me. I don’t know how but I have seen it,” Owen said.

  Matteo closed his eyes and shook his head.

  “I’ll take care of it for you,” Thomas said as he patted Matteo on the shoulder and pushed him away.

  “Grazi,” Matteo said, as Thomas bent forward, broke Owen’s neck and separated it from his body.

  “That was a tortured soul,” Mia said.

  “Yes. He was.” Thomas moved toward a blindfolded Hermes. “Have you gotten anything from him?”

  “No. His shields are too strong,” Mia said.

  “Choke him, take him to the point of death. If he cannot provide information, I’d rather eliminate him now,” Thomas said.

  The mist slowly curled up Hermes chest and wrapped around his neck. Noah tightened it. Hermes remained still with his shields in place.

  Thomas watched, realized Hermes wouldn’t give up any information. “Place him in a box.”

  Noah surrounded Hermes in a translucent container.

  Thomas stared at the box and slowly increased the temperature.

  Smoke rose from the bottom of Hermes jacket. He smoldered and screamed. Thomas and Mia slid into his mind and memories as his shields fell.

  “Olympians. They train in Athens. Military operation. Nine of them. More die than live. Noah do you recognize any of the names?” Thomas shared the information with everyone as he slowed the fire and ravaged Hermes memories.

  “No, I don’t know them,” Noah said.

  “He’s calling his team and cursing them for not answering,” Mia said. “They’re fractured. The three in the back haven’t been in the program long, this was their first assignment.”

  Thomas heightened the fire. Hermes stopped screaming as the fire consumed him.

  “They’ll come looking for him,” Noah said as the fire burned hotter.

  “I know. They took over the labs. Have picked up the Liege’s research. Not only are they turning soldiers on the battlefield, they’ve sanctioned what’s happening with innocents in Sterling,” Thomas said in anger. “I want them to come.”

  Noah inhaled and released it slowly. “No. No you don’t. Think, Thomas. You’re dealing with the United States military. No matter how many labs you shut down it won’t stop them. Like you said before, behavioral control and the ability to extend life is too sweet a deal to let go. If they drop it, someone else will pick it up. We need to be strategic. Pick our battles. Right now, we just put a bullseye on Lizzie’s new love. They’ll track Hermes here and won’t stop until they get answers.”

  Thomas exhaled and nodded slowly. Hermes and others used Owen repeatedly and turned him into someone he wasn’t. They turned Owen into a monster. Thomas had seen it happen before. Hermes paid for that. But Noah was right. They couldn’t win against the military and didn’t need to be on their radar.

  “Understood. Let’s talk to Matteo, see what we can do to help him.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  SILAS WALKED INTO JASMINE’S office and sat on the corner of her desk while she finished a conference call with several Alpha mates. She smiled at him when she disconnected and took a long perusal of him from head to toe.

  “You look delicious,” she said, surprising him.

  He grinned. “Do I? Are you hungry for some of this wolf?”

  She laughed.

  “Should I be afraid you’re going to eat me?” He pulled her from the chair and held her loosely in front of him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.

  “How’s your day going?” she asked.

  He released a long breath and stared down at her. “I’m not sure. Storm didn’t find Raven. Lucian hasn’t mentioned it to me, but I think he’s about to give up his Alpha position to search for her. The Goddess insists I help him remain focused on securing Central America and not become distracted.” He shook his head. “Problem is... I know exactly where he’s at. If it was my litter-mate... or any of our pups, I’d leave to search for them too.”

  She nodded.

  “The only way to help him and obey the Goddess is to find Raven and send her home. But I don’t know how to do that. Storm hasn’t found any clues in Argentina. He and Renee are having a holiday down there waiting for instructions. Do I send him to Milan? To Greece? What if Raven’s in New York or someplace else?” He sighed in frustration. “Once those flights landed in New York, she could’ve been taken anywhere.”

  “What did Alpha Latham say? He sent Pack to the airport to search for Raven, right?” she asked.

  “Yes. As soon as Storm gave me the information I relayed it to him. The crews were all human. No one saw Raven or anyone matching her description leaving those jets. They didn’t pick up her scent either.” He waved his hand. “That could’ve been suppressed.”

  “Send Asia or Angus to get answers from the crew. There’s a reason she was taken. Has to be,” Jasmine said.”

  He met her gaze. “They’re human.”

  “The Goddess knows that.”

  He blinked at her a few times.

  “She knows humans took Raven and still insists you help Lucian. When humans took Angus, you would’ve gone after them if you’d known where to find them. I think the rules are different when humans cross lines like kidnapping Pack,” Jasmine said.

  Silas’ heart seized at the reminder of Angus’ capture and blood-letting. “You’re right.” For several minutes, neither spoke as they were lost in their thoughts.

  “Silas, Thomas, and the others are in Lokoro, Italy,” Angus said. “They found the last name on Rafe’s list. This guy knew Rafe. Get this, they’re smuggling Kirlethanium from Costa Rica out of the country.”

  “What?” Silas stiffened.

  “Hawke thought they were smuggling parts into the country, turns out he got it mixed up. Once he broke open the parts he realized the outer casings hid the crystal. I just left his lab after talking with Thomas.”

  Silas opened his link so Jasmine could hear. “Why are they smuggling Kirlethanium?”

  Jasmine’s eyes widened.

  “You remember Lyrill? The place that kidnapped Tyrese?”

  “Yes,” Silas said remembering.

  “They use that crystal to survive. They were mining it from Amynta’s lands, she put a stop to it after learning what they did to her brother. I don’t know where they’re getting it from now.” He went on to explain Matteo had been hired to find the Kirlethanium and handed it off to Rafe.

  “Where did they find it?” Silas asked.

  “Costa Rica, where Lucian had problems. He might want to ask the previous Alpha if he worked with Rafe or allowed them to take the crystals from the mountains. Otherwise, they were poached and it will happen again. Especially if others discover it’s potential.”

  Silas exhaled. “He killed the previous Alpha in the challenge.”

  “That’s right, forgot,” Angus said.

  “That’s a motive for kidnapping,” Silas said.

  Angus didn’t say anything for a few seconds. “You’re right. I didn’t think of that.”

  “I want to know if they learn anything else about this crystal and Central America,” Silas said.

  “Will do.”

  Silas stood and stuffed his hands into his pocket. “Kirlethanium. What the hell is going on?”

  “Talk to Lucian. Warn him of what happened. He might learn more that can help plan the next steps we take,” Jasmine encouraged.

  “Will do.” He moved and sat in the chair in front of her desk. “Lucian?”

  “Silas? Have you learned anything?” Lucian asked.

  Silas told him what he just learned.

  “They were here? In the mountains?”

  “Yes. I can try and get the exact location but you’d find it faster on your own,” Silas said.

  “Right. I’ll head into that area and question Pack. Someone would’ve noticed humans taking something
from the mountains.”

  Silas wasn’t sure if he should mention the possibility of the crystals being a motive for Raven’s abduction or not.

  “If I learn Pack has been involved in this illegal commerce, they’ll suffer. We do not do business with humans like that,” Lucian growled. “The last thing I want is humans raping Pack lands of natural resources.”

  “Make sure your deed to the land is solid. Have your attorney check into that first thing. Otherwise, they’ll go around you and purchase it.” Silas had instructed Lucian to do that with Honduras and hoped he followed through with all the new lands he acquired.

  “Did that first thing after the Goddess promoted me,” Lucian said. “No one will take our land and they won’t steal from us either. Thank you for this lead. I’m going out of my mind wondering where she disappeared to and why. At least I can do something.”

  Silas understood. “You’re welcome, my friend. Let me know what you learn. Storm is waiting for instructions to go hunting.”

  “Thank you,” Lucian said and disconnected.

  “He’s going to search the area and ask questions,” Silas told Jasmine.

  “Who’s the guy that took the Kirlethanium? You mentioned him being like Thomas and the others,” Jasmine said.

  “He’s enhanced like them with the ability to find things in the earth.” Silas frowned. “That’s vague. I’ll ask Thomas.”

  “Link me in so I can listen,” she said.

  “Thomas?” Silas pulled Jasmine in.

  “Sir?” Thomas answered.

  “Angus mentioned Matteo, an enhanced human like you and the others.”

  “Yes. He was the last person on the list who knew Rafe. They worked together briefly in Costa Rica.”

  “What’s his gifts?” Silas asked.

  “He can control the ground, can find minerals or anything in the earth.”

  “Someone hired him to find Kirlethanium?”

  “Yes, he refuses to say who, but he uses it personally to remain strong and hidden. In fact, we had an altercation earlier with a few people who would’ve kidnapped him and forced him to share his knowledge of using the crystal.”

  “Is everyone alright?” Jasmine blurted.

  “Hello, Ma’am. Yes, we’re good. Matteo is smitten with Lizzie. She may remain a little longer with him once we return to the city to close down the labs.”

  “Smitten?” Jasmine laughed with delight. “Tell her I’m so happy for her.”

  “One moment, I’ll link with her.”

  “Thomas?” Lizzie said.

  “Lizzie! Congratulations,” Jasmine yelled. “What’s his name? I want to run a full background check on him.”

  Lizzie laughed. “Thank you. Congratulations may be premature. I just met him last night but there’s a serious connection. His name is Matteo Barresi.”

  Jasmine laughed. “I can’t wait to meet him.”

  “I want you to meet him. He’s really sweet. Strong and gentle, a perfect combination. We’re in the getting to know you phase,” Lizzie said.

  “How long has he been using Kirlethanium?” Silas broke in.

  “Sir?” Lizzie asked.

  Silas repeated the question.

  “I don’t know,” Lizzie said.

  “The Kirlethanium he took in Costa Rica was stolen from Pack lands. He did not have permission from Alpha Lucian to remove the crystals,” Silas said.

  No one spoke.

  Silas continued. “Lucian’s sister, Raven, has been kidnapped from Pack lands in Honduras with no trace. Storm says she was taken away in an airplane. Two private flights left the airport where Storm tracked her scent, both flew to New York. From there one flew to Greece, the other to Milan.”

  “Matteo has been here for the past month,” Thomas said. “When we arrived with Angus, we verified the locations of every person on the list.”

  “He says he’s been using the crystals for several decades,” Lizzie said, her former excitement dimmed. “Also, he wasn’t aware the crystals were stolen. Rafe showed him legal documents permitting him to do the job. He’s willing to pay any fees.”

  “Thank you, Lizzie,” Silas said.

  “Should I ask him about Raven?” Lizzie said.

  “No. He’s got nothing to do with that,” Silas said.

  “Are you sure?” Lizzie asked.

  “Yes,” Silas said. “I’m happy you’ve met someone who makes you smile, Lizzie. Don’t toss that aside out of fear. Take your time and explore the possibilities. Thomas and the others have your back, not that you need them.”

  Lizzie released a long sigh. “Thank you. I needed to hear that. I’m second-guessing myself all over the place. If there’s a thing like mates for us, I’d say he’s it for me. When I kissed him, a jolt of electricity went through both of us. I’ve never experienced anything like that before.”

  “Love... I felt the same with Silas,” Jasmine said.

  Eyebrow raised, he looked down at her.

  “It wasn’t immediate, but it did happen,” Jasmine whispered to him.

  “One thing. I’m sensing his gifts. It’s like they’re bleeding over into me,” Lizzie said.

  “You didn’t mention that,” Thomas said.

  “It just started happening seconds before you linked with me just now,” she said.

  “Can you separate them? Keep his gifts and knowledge separate?” Thomas asked.

  “We’re going to talk and work all of this out. I sense him inside my head like he’s knocking on the door or something,” Lizzie said.

  “Your links are coming online,” Silas said. “Go and enjoy your mate. Tomorrow both of you’ll know a whole lot more about each other than you do now.”

  “Thank you, Sir. Mistress, I can’t wait to see you and tell you what happened.”

  “I’m looking forward to hearing and meeting him. Bring him home to meet the rest of the family,” Jasmine said.

  Lizzie sniffed. “I will. Love you.”

  “Love you, too. Now go talk to your man before he thinks your family is rude,” Jasmine teased.

  Lizzie chuckled and left.

  “What are your thoughts of Matteo?” Silas asked Thomas.

  “I cannot break through his mental barriers and read him. He’s a master at maneuvering the earth. No one will ever find the five men we terminated and buried today. He appeared shocked to learn Rafe lied about the permits, that’s something you may want to verify. More importantly, I was linked to Lizzie when she kissed him. The jolt reminded me of a fusing of two elements. His affection for her is real and at the end of the day, that’s the most important thing to this team.”

  “Agreed. Keep me informed,” Silas said.

  “You think there’s a link between what’s happening here, Raven, and Costa Rica?” Thomas asked.

  “Let’s just say I don’t believe in coincidences. It’d be good to know who his clients were,” Silas said.

  “Four of the five men we terminated were former military in a program called Olympians with men who’ve been changed like Noah. We recognized one of them, Hermes, from a case we worked on last year. It was when Noah and Mia met.” Thomas explained Hermes had been overseeing a lab using Kirlethanium to extend the life of subjects. “There are about 9 of them, less now, and they have interesting abilities. One of them becomes water, not just merges with water but actually turns into liquid. Another’s touch is poisonous and will kill a person instantly. Another sends a person into a dream or nightmare. One messes with time, another emits poison, another is telekinetic. The one who destroyed Noah’s home, Zeus, has a sonic boom release that destroys anything in its path. Those are the ones who go out on serious jobs because they can control their abilities. Three of the men with Hermes had taken the shot but were more muscle than gifted.”

  Silas whistled.

  Stunned, Jasmine stared wide-eyed at Silas.

  Thomas continued. “It’s important information. We believe they’ll search for Hermes and the others and we can
’t leave Matteo and his family unprotected.”

  “Family?” Jasmine said.

  Thomas explained the hotel and how they met Matteo.

  “I’m sure they’ll send someone for Hermes but the lab and research are more important. That’s where they’ll show up first if they aren’t already there,” Silas said.

  “Once we make sure Matteo’s home and family is alright, we’re going back to shut them down,” Thomas said.

  “There’s more than one?” Silas asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Are there any Pack involved?” Silas asked.

  “Not that I’m aware of. So far we’ve only seen humans,” Thomas said.

  “Be careful with that poison and mind games stuff,” Jasmine said.

  “Yes, we will. They’re operating on older Liege technology which is faulty at times. That said, they’re still dangerous, plus there’s a lot of them and they can replace whoever they lose. No one on our team is replaceable,” Thomas said.

  “That’s the truth,” Jasmine said.

  “I’ve stopped dealing with the military but can ask a few questions about that project,” Silas offered.

  “Not yet. You’ll be our ace card if we’re ever in a bind. I don’t want anyone, not even your people in the military, to know about our connection at this point,” Thomas said.

  “Your team helped save the BlackWolf Clan and my mate. I don’t see how we’re your ace but whenever you need us, we’re there,” Silas said, sincerely.

  “Amen,” Jasmine murmured.

  Silas took her hand and squeezed it gently.

  “We will leave for the city after we rest. I’ll let you know what we find in the labs,” Thomas said.

  “Thank you.” Silas hoped there was nothing to link Raven’s disappearance to the labs using Kirlethanium. He pulled Jasmine onto his lap.

  She leaned her forehead against his cheek. “What are you thinking?” She rubbed her fingertips against his cheek.

  “I’m thinking of sending Storm to Lyrill to track Raven’s scent.”

  She looked down at him. “Really? You think they’re involved?”

  “They need Kirlethanium. Lucian has Kirlethanium. I can see them holding her for ransom to cut a deal. I don’t see this military group doing that at all, the risk of exposure is too high. They’d use a front company or someone else. But that Princess in Lyrill has balls. She and her father wouldn’t bat an eye at kidnapping, remember?”