by Sydney Addae
“Bless the Goddess. I feel you. I mean you’re here. Wait. You have to help my mate. Please, please, help Angus. They’re using me to make him fight, but we agreed he wouldn’t fight La Patron. I feel his pain at our separation.”
“Hold on,” Jasmine said, stopping the rant. “First I need to break this cocoon you’re wrapped in. Then we’ll stop the fight and make sure it doesn’t happen again. Where’s Angus?”
“We are? I mean we can do that?” Shyla asked.
“I damn sure hope so because I don’t ever want to go through this again, do you?” Jasmine asked.
“No, Ma’am. I’ll skip the encore.” Shyla paused. “Angus is here but in the other room. I heard him earlier, but it’s quieter now. He has been feeding me energy, but I haven’t been able to break through the cocoon as you call it.”
“I’m checking it out, it’s energy multiplied. With a boost, I should be able to create a hole in it at least. Just enough to work the room. But how do we impact the challenge?”
“Ma’am?”
“Do you know anything about the challenge? This fight between Nicromja and the Goddess?” Jasmine clarified.
“No. I don’t think so.”
“Shyla, I don’t mean to be a bitch, but this is not the time to say you don’t think so. At this point, you need to tell me you’re a hundred percent sure you don’t know. Lives and our way of life are at stake. So, think and think hard on everything you’ve seen or read. Search your mind and heart for the answer to my question. Time out for uncertainties, understand? There’s a reason you were chosen.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Jasmine released a breath and pulled out of the connection. “I found her.”
“Oh, thank you, God,” Victoria said, and sat in the chair behind her.
“Is she okay?” Vanessa asked, her eyes filling.
“She’s in some kind of energy barrier that we’ll need to break through, but she sounds good. And yes, she’s mated to my brother, Angus. Which makes us sisters.” At the mention of sisters, Jasmine’s stomach clench. She refused to look at her mom or think of Renee. First, she needed to do this.
Vanessa squealed in delight and clapped her hands. “That’s awesome, I can’t wait to tease her. She gave me a hard time —”
“Right now, I need to go back in with a plan to break through the energy field. And a way to stop the challenge. To break the field, I’ll need your help.”
Vanessa agreed even though she frowned. “Anything you need.”
“Let’s do a test run, give me your hand.” Jasmine held out her hand. Vanessa took it. There was a tiny spark, nothing too major. “I’m going to pull your energy, kind of braid it with mine. Let’s see if we’re compatible.”
When Jasmine focused on Vanessa, her energy spiked as if it recognized Vanessa’s signature. That was something she’d talk to Silas about later. “Easy, easy,” Jasmine murmured as warm energy licked up and down her arm like a puppy.
“I can’t freaking believe this,” Vanessa said. “Whatever you’re doing feels strange. But not in a bad way,” she added. “What I mean is, I’ve never done anything like this before.”
There was a knock on the door. “Vanessa?” Ethan called.
Victoria stood and walked to the door.
“Don’t lose focus,” Jasmine instructed Vanessa as she drew more energy from the woman.
“Yes, Ma’am,” Vanessa said.
Victoria unlocked the door and slipped outside.
“I’m going to expand our energies; you may feel a breeze or something similar.” Jasmine inhaled and went through the steps Silas taught her. Vanessa’s energy was so responsive, it was like an extension of Jasmine’s. When all of this was over, she wanted a DNA test done on the woman in case they were related in some way. “This is good, I’ll pull a little more.” Wind whipped around the room as Jasmine cranked things up and then controlled the flow into a perfectly formed tunnel that did no damage. Pleased that she could control both energy sources, Jasmine released Vanessa.
“Wow, that was unbelievable. Will you teach me how to control it?” Vanessa asked, taking a seat in a chair.
“Yes, but I think Silas gave Ethan a few tips already. How do you feel?” Jasmine wanted to return to Shyla, break the cocoon, and get everyone on the next flight home, but not if Vanessa was too tired.
“Great, like I could run a marathon.” Vanessa laughed. “Must be whatever you did because I never want to run marathons.”
“Good.” Jasmine smiled and rubbed her hands together. “I’d like to do this if you’re ready.”
Vanessa stood. “I’m ready.”
“You may want to sit. I need to talk to Shyla first, make sure she’s ready. When I’m ready, you’ll feel a tug on your energy.”
Wide-eyed, Vanessa nodded.
Jasmine found Shyla again quickly and merged. “Have you heard anything?”
“Glad you’re back, I was afraid you were angry with me and wouldn’t come back,” Shyla said.
“No, normally Silas backs me, energy-wise, when I merge with full-bloods. But he’s not here, I needed to get some help. Vanessa’s with me.”
“Vanessa? My friend, Vanessa?”
“Yes. Do you have any idea how to break this challenge? We’re running out of time,” Jasmine said while testing the layers wrapped around Shyla. Thick bands of energy ran in a crisscross pattern.
“There’s something.” She told Jasmine about her abduction, the library, and the person in the shadows. “In that book, there were strange words.” She repeated them. “Do they mean anything to you?”
Jasmine repeated the words. “They leave a funny taste in my mouth.”
“Same here.” Shyla said the words again and again, but this time she added a few more. “Strange thing is, every time I say them, I recall more and more. It’s like they’re taking root or something.” She said the words again.
“Right now those words are the only thing we have. Keep going, there may be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I’m poking a few holes in this cocoon.” Jasmine sent energy zingers through cracks in the cocoon to see if she could weaken it. When she identified five spots to obliterate, she tugged on Vanessa’s energy and focused everything on the cocoon. The spots sizzled, and after a few seconds, unraveled, leaving a large opening in the back.
“Can you move now?” Jasmine asked Shyla.
“Yes, but I haven’t been able to reach Angus. Our connection is broken.”
“So is mine with Silas. I can help you leave this room to find your mate.”
“We need a plan, otherwise they’ll use me to distract him more,” Shyla said, earning Jasmine’s respect.
“Even though the Goddess didn’t come right out and say it, I think mates can stop this whole challenge thing. Nothing’s supposed to come between mates and look what’s happening. There’s probably some rule somewhere that’s been broken or forgotten,” Jasmine said frustrated.
“I believe you’re right.” Shyla paused. “But it must be done a certain way, at the right time.”
“What are you talking about?” Jasmine asked.
“I wish I knew other than I know I’m right. Maybe it’s the words we repeated, but there is a way to fix this once and for all. But we can’t let anyone know and timing is crucial. They may have to fight.”
“Why?” It went against everything Jasmine wanted, but she needed more information.
“Honestly, I don’t know, just my gut and the words unraveling in my mind. It’s risky because I don’t have a full picture or understanding of everything I need to do, but I know I have to be the one to do it. Wow, see, I didn’t know that until I said it,” Shyla said.
“My mate, La Patron is involved. There’s no way I’m backing out of this.” Although Shyla was Angus’ mate, Jasmine was crystal clear about her position in saving Silas and the others.
“Thank the Goddess, I would be scared shitless without your support. Physically, two full-bloods must do what
ever needs to be done. That’s me and Angus. I see that clearly, but not what we do,” Shyla said. “Continue speaking those words, Mistress, but don’t share them. I get the impression they’re really special.”
“Will you get in trouble for sharing them?” Jasmine said the words in her mind.
“No, because it’s you, my Alpha. At least I don’t sense a problem, but the idea of sharing with Vanessa hurts, so I know they can’t be shared with anyone else,” Shyla said.
The more Jasmine repeated the words, more words flowed naturally until her mind was washed with vibrant colored shapes and symbols. Her heartbeat increased and peace rested on her shoulders. “You’re right.”
“Yes. It’s time for me to find my mate and get this done. Stay with me, please.”
“Of course,” Jasmine said, watching as Shyla slid from beneath the energy layers.
CHAPTER 23
Energized by Jasmine’s presence, Shyla slid out the door into the hall. Expecting to be stopped by security, she was surprised by their absence. Knees knocking in fear, she crept around the corner and stared at the double doors just ahead at the end of the corridor. She pressed her back against the wall and inch by inch moved toward the doorway, positive at any moment someone would open it and drag her back to that room or worse, inside to torment her mate. If she didn’t believe deep in her heart she needed to be in the room, she would find another place to hide.
“I’m here, Shyla. You’re doing great. Do you sense anyone?” Jasmine asked.
Inhaling deeply, Shyla released the air in slow measures. Petrified of being found, she hadn’t thought to use her senses to find the guards.
“No, not in the halls anyway.”
“Good, see if there’s another way inside that room. If you go through that door, everyone will see you and if you’re not ready for that, it’ll be a problem,” Jasmine said.
“Right.” Since she didn’t see any other doors in this hall, she spun around and searched the area. It didn’t take long to find a side door unlocked. Inhaling, she sensed nothing in the area. Had the priests left? She opened the door and walked into the darkened room. Several robes like what the priests had worn were on hooks. Moving quickly, Shyla dressed in a robe and boots. Covering her head, she felt easier about walking into the main room. She stuck her hands in the pockets and touched a piece of paper. Pulling it out she saw a picture of a crystal that may have been torn from a reference book or something similar.
Why would the priests be interested in crystals? She told Jasmine what she found.
“Interesting. Place the paper in another robe and leave them in the exact spot as the one you put on in case they return for the clipping,” Jasmine said.
“Yes, Ma’am.” Shyla rearranged everything as she found it, even replacing the robe and boots from a trunk in the corner. Done, she closed her eyes and repeated the words over and over until she’d recalled them all.
A tingling sensation started from her toes, rose up her belly to her head. The words tumbled out her mouth on their own accord, using her as a vessel. “There are a lot of people in the other room.”
“Is Silas there?”
“I can’t tell, yet.”
Propelled toward the door, she exited the room. The scent of her mate slammed into her. Her beast tried to break free to get to Angus, but a powerful compulsion had taken over. More words poured from her belly, the sound lyrical, clean, pure and powerful. “Mistress, I can’t stop.”
CHAPTER 24
Angus couldn’t rest. Shyla filled his mind. His fingers itched to touch her. Inhaling, he picked up her lingering scent and hugged it close. Closing his eyes tight, he recalled the last time he held her, felt her lips, watched her smile. Hoarding those memories close, he wondered what would happen to her after the challenge? Could Silas retrieve her body before Nicromja gave her away? Goddess, how could he allow that of his mate? His heart clenched. He couldn’t. Torn between loyalties, once again Angus dropped his head into his hands and prayed to the Goddess for guidance.
Time always fly when you wished it would crawl. Nicromja appeared first. He wore a purple robe with gold and white trim. He stepped from the dais with his hands behind his back and stared at Angus and Melange.
No one spoke.
The next moment the Goddess arrived in a cloud of white. The room glowed and then crystallized on her female form. Dressed in white with long black hair and sparkling green eyes, she floated to the dais nest to Nicromja but spared Angus a tiny smile.
When the cloud cleared, Angus’ heart leapt with joy. “Silas.” His brother turned, saw him and they ran to each other and embraced. “I’m so happy to see you.” Angus slapped Silas’ back over and over.
“Same here, I’ve missed you,” Silas said, leaning back to look at him. “You’re well?”
“Mated to Shyla, Ethan’s mate’s friend, you may remember her.” Angus hoped Silas understood the underlying problem of the challenge.
“My bitch called it, she claimed that’s the reason you disappeared.” Silas’ gaze held a question.
“Please care for her,” Angus said.
“Enough,” Nicromja said. “I’ve warned you about your determination to allow your Alpha to win this challenge. Do I need to breed your mate in front of you?”
Silas growled and stood next to Angus. “No one can stand between mates, not even you,” Silas said. “To use mates as a lever is illegal.”
Nicromja waved away Silas’ words. “In certain instances, everything can be waived. This challenge is one of those times. Now, I have two reluctant challengers.” He pointed to Angus and Melange.
“Shit,” Silas groaned as Melange, his sister-in-law, walked towards Angus.
“Is this your champion?” Nicromja asked the Goddess, pointing at Silas.
“Yes,” she said.
“Since I don’t oversee a pack, I’ll use both fighters as my champion,” Nicromja said.
“You continue to break protocols and rules with this challenge, are you sure you wish to continue?” the Goddess asked.
Nicromja waved away her question. “Let’s discuss the rules.” He repeated the same rules for Silas as he had earlier.
“I cannot kill him,” Silas said, frowning.
“Do you forfeit?” Nicromja sounded giddy.
“Forfeit? What are you talking about?” Silas asked, his gaze flew from Nicromja to the Goddess, then back to Nicromja.
“If you do not kill him, you lose,” Nicromja said.
“I cannot kill him, nor can he kill me,” Silas said slowly. “Den-mates cannot kill the other.”
Nicromja looked at both men and then at the Goddess. “You set this up, didn’t you?”
“No. I had nothing to do with your choice of champion and you alone know the lengths you went through to get them here,” she said.
“But you knew they were den-mates?”
“Of course, so would you if you paid attention to the pack. But you don’t, instead you —”
“Spare me the lecture,” Nicromja said, staring at Angus, Melange, and Silas. “You can kill the woman but not the man. Somehow that doesn’t seem fair. I’ve seen this one fight and I want him in the match.” Nicromja snapped his fingers. A jewel encrusted sword fell onto the floor in front of Angus. “Use this, it’ll kill him. Now let’s get this started. Defeat the female first, and then fight your den-mate. My sword will make things even.” He stepped back and crossed his arms.
Silas looked at the Goddess.
Angus watched Silas and placed his hand on his shoulder. “Earlier, I refused to fight my Alpha. I will not use this sword or any other weapon against my brother. Our nation needs you and La Patroness. My commitment to you is as strong today as it was the day I pledged my life and my sword to you, your den, and our pack.” Holding Silas’ gaze, Angus went down on one knee.
“No!” Nicromja’s voice boomed across the room shaking the walls. Angus was lifted and slammed against the back wall. He shifted to his hybrid to heal
. Before he could take his next breath, he was thrown against another wall.
“You would break another rule, force a full-blood to champion you, who refuses?” The Goddess asked as Angus slid down the wall.
“He promised to fight for me,” Nicromja yelled.
“Yes, but he refused to fight his Alpha. Silas is his Alpha, you cannot disregard the conditions of his acceptance just because you want to,” she said, sending healing warmth through Angus.
“You will not rob me of my champion,” Nicromja spat. He picked up his sword, and within a flash, he stood in front of Angus. “Take this sword, let me see it in your hand.”
Wary of deceit, Angus didn’t speak or move.
“Let me see this sword in your hand,” Nicromja demanded again, this time with some sort of compulsion.
Against his will, Angus’ hand reached for the sword. The moment he grabbed the hilt, Nicromja’s energy rushed through him, binding him with the weapon. Angus fought against the anger of losing to someone else for centuries, of being overlooked, under-valued, and taken advantage of. Nicromja’s frustrations gripped Angus tight in a stranglehold. His thoughts fled as Nicromja’s sense of outrage and justice filled him.
Today, he would fix that. Today, he would win and gain the respect of everyone. Standing slowly, Angus held the sword upward.
“Will you fight as my champion?” Nicromja asked with a smug grin.
“Yes,” Angus said, staring at the sword.
“Come, fight the challenge and become Alpha of the pack. His den will be yours.” Nicromja appeared on the dais next to the Goddess. She shook her head but remained silent.
“Will you fight as my champion?” she asked Silas.
“I cannot destroy my brother,” Silas said, and went down on one knee with a bowed head.
“Silas, get up. If you don’t fight, Renee has no chance,” Melange said, pulling on his arm. “What about Jasmine? Adam? David? Renee? Jackie? You’re going to leave them and the Nation?”
