by Sydney Addae
“Oh, Goddess.” She sat on the floor as memories of those days when she’d been an outcast. Many days she wished she had died with her mam. They locked her away, to keep her from damaging herself or others. She’d believed every name they called her and receded into a shell of self-loathing.
When rescued, she refused to leave, afraid she’d receive the same punishment her mam received.
Gasping for breath, she cried for her mam. Cried for the problems she’d created. Cried for the lost years with Kim.
David came and sat on the floor behind her, wrapping his arms around her as she released the pain of her past.
“Sarita?” Kim called through their link.
“I just saw it all,” Sarita said. “I saw Mam and what happened. I remember,” she wailed.
“Oh no, where’s David? Is he with you?”
Sarita continued crying.
“I’m here with her,” David told Kim easing in on her link through Sarita.
“She’s got to purge her system, it took me a couple days after my memories were restored,” Kim said.
“Thank you, we appreciate it,” David said.
“What’s going on with Sarita?” Hawke asked David. “She’s not answering me.”
David explained what happened.
“She saw all that? They shot her mam while she held Sarita?” Hawked asked in disbelief.
“Yes. I shared her memories, they are... devastating.”
“Goddess, no,” Hawke whispered. “She was a pup, it’s only natural she would call out to her mam. She wasn’t wrong.”
“I know, I know, I know.” David pulled Sarita close, rocking and offering comfort. He sensed her drifting away and knew he would need help.
“High Priestess Isodora, please my mate needs help,” he called out in desperation.
“David?”
“Yes, I’m losing Sarita, please help us,” he cried out.
Energy swirled around them and they were transported to the court of the High Priestess. He looked up and saw the Priestess move toward them with a concerned expression.
“Salah released her memories,” he said.
Isodora’s hand flew to her mouth, stopping her momentarily. She collected herself and continued forward.
“Sarita,” she said gently. “Look at me.”
David saw the walls of guilt and shame Sarita built in her mind and tried to help her. But his words had no impact. He looked at the Priestess. “Please, please, help her,” he begged, desperate.
Isodora placed her palms on each side of Sarita’s cheeks and closed her eyes.
Linked with Sarita, David saw the moment the High Priestess entered Sarita’s nightmares. Taking Sarita’s hand, Isodora walked with her through the halls of the Liege compound, knocking down walls of misconceptions, and showing Sarita the truth.
Once Salah released Isodora and Hanna, an alarm had gone out to recapture the women. The men had been searching for Hanna and Isodora. With all the noise in the halls, they hadn’t heard Sarita calling out to her mam. It wasn’t her fault that they entered the room when they did.
David took a deep breath of gratitude when he sensed Sarita’s acceptance of Isodora’s explanation. Step by step, moment by moment, she was returning.
In the operating room, the Liege’s plan backfired. They thought Hanna would plead for her life and order her pups to obey the Liege. Instead, she passed on their legacy and encouraged her pups to remain strong, to wait for Salah, and never surrender.
Sarita leaned against him as the entire memory rolled through them. He sensed the love and pride Hanna had for her pups and knew it hurt Sarita that she hadn’t returned it.
“Look at me,” the Priestess told Sarita. “Hanna loved you and Kim more than her life. She did what any mam would do, tried to save her pups. When she couldn’t physically remove you, she gave you the gift of hope. Hope that you would shed the chains of bondage. Hope that you would walk into your legacy. Hope that your life would be better than hers. No one could stamp that out of you, although they tried. Hanna locked the memories of you seeing her death because she didn’t want you to focus on death instead of living. Salah layered the lock to honor her request. Once you asked to know, she released them to you. It was the same for Kim.”
Sarita looked up at Isodora. “Kim asked to know?”
“Years ago,” the Priestess said. “Remember, she lived with our den-mates, people who knew Hanna. She’s always known Hanna was her mam.”
“Oh,” Sarita said.
An uneasy silence filled the space. “Hanna didn’t want you to suffer from seeing her die. She did what she did to protect you,” Isodora said gently.
“It was horrible,” Sarita whispered. “They... they cut her open.” She covered her face as tremors wracked her body.
“They will burn in hell for their actions, you can believe that,” the Priestess said in a hard tone.
“All those cages. I was in a cage, like a pet.” She looked at David. “Did you see it?”
Heartbreaking from the pain in her gaze, he nodded.
“Did you see all the pups?”
“Yes, I saw them.”
Sarita touched his cheek and closed her eyes. “It was beyond horrible. I wanted to die.”
“I’m glad you didn’t. The world needs you. I need you.” He placed a kiss on her forehead and gave thanks to the Goddess for sparing her life.
“I have pictures and films of Hanna; would you like to see them?” the Priestess asked.
For a few moments, Sarita didn’t respond. David thought she would refuse.
“Yes. I’d like to know more about her,” Sarita said, pushing up from the floor to stand. “She saved our lives.”
“You’re so much like her,” the Priestess said and then smiled. “You look like her too. Come, I’ll send for refreshments and we’ll see Hanna.”
Sarita held David’s hand tight as they followed the Priestess. “Did I tell you I saw her already? In my dream, I saw Hanna.”
He nodded but didn’t say anything.
“What if she shows up again?”
“Say hello and tell her I said thank you for saving your life.” He brushed his lips against her forehead.
Sarita leaned against him. “How could I get through this without you? I couldn’t.”
“And you don’t have to, either. We’re one.” He looked around as they entered a room. “Are the ladies who taught you that trick around? Can I talk to them? Maye pick up a few pointers?” He waggled his brows.
Laughing, she pushed against his shoulder. “No and no.”
He pouted and then smiled. “Alright. I’ll just have to talk to Grandfather.”
She gasped. “Don’t you dare. I’d be so embarrassed.”
“Alright. Storm? Maybe Razor? It’s no telling what those two have picked up in their travels,” he teased glad to see her smiling and the dark cloud lifting.
“No. Just stop.” She grabbed his hands and pulled him to the table where the Priestess sat waiting for them.
“Have a seat,” Isodora said as she pointed to a screen on the wall. “When I’m feeling melancholy, I watch these of me and my sister when we were younger. You’ll get an idea of who Hanna was, and I hope come to love and appreciate her as much as I do.”
Sarita smiled and watched the screen. “Thank you for sharing them with us.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
A few days before Renee’s wedding, guests poured in from all over the country to witness La Patron participating in what most of the Pack considered a human event. Although no one would say it out loud, most agreed La Patron over-indulged this one daughter, the only one of six, to walk down the aisle.
However, a celebration was a celebration, and invitations were heavily sought after. The museum had been fully restored and decorated to facilitate the wedding and reception.
Last night’s rehearsal dinner had been fun. Renee streamed photos of her and Storm during different times of their lives. The o
nly time Storm appeared happy was when he was with Renee or one of her litter-mates, otherwise, he was indifferent, or hostile.
David and the others teased the happy couple about it until they laughed so hard, tears had rolled down their cheeks. Each litter-mate stood and toasted the couple, making the closeness of their bond apparent. Formal toasts would be made from their parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents at the reception. The rehearsal dinner had been a personal, private time for Renee and Storm’s den to wish them well.
Sarita pulled on her cream-colored gown and allowed David to fasten it in the back. Only Renee would find a gown that fit all five of her bridesmaids perfectly, highlighting each of their curves and features. The groomsmen all wore black tuxedos with cream accessories.
Dressed, Sarita and David left their suite and headed toward his parent’s suite. Outside, Adam, Tyrone, Tyrese, Quinn, and Storm stood in the hall looking around. When they saw him they heaved a sigh of relief.
“Now we can go,” Adam said looking at Quinn, the best man.
Storm nodded. “Renee said she’d meet us there.”
The guys looked at Storm and chuckled but didn’t tease him because it was obvious he was so nervous.
“Let’s head out,” David said releasing Sarita.
Inside, Bella, Rose, Danielle, and Jackie watched Renee take pictures with her parents. Sarita had never seen a more beautiful bride. Dressed in a white, long-sleeved, lace and satin gown with a low vee in the front and back, Renee glowed. Her long, black hair was swept up in soft curls with tendrils falling softly around her face.
“You look beautiful,” Sarita said.
“Thank you, so do you,” Renee said. “Everybody looks... just as I pictured it. Thank you for making my day complete.”
As the photographer snapped picture after picture, no one moved. La Patron matched the men in a black tux. But his mate wore a fitted, strapless, cobalt blue gown, with a beaded short jacket with stones that caught the light when she moved. Soft curls swept one side of her face, the other side was held back with a large, gem-encrusted comb.
Sarita felt like she was in the presence of royalty around those two.
“A picture with her ladies,” the photographer said.
As the matron of honor, only Jackie’s flowers were different. Cobalt blue ribbons were elegantly interwoven with cream, blue and peach orchids. They picked up their flowers and lined up around Renee, just as the door opened.
“So beautiful,” David’s Aunt Renee said, wearing a cream-colored, short-sleeved dress with her hair falling in loose waves down her back. Her mate, Melange, wore a similarly styled dress with her hair pulled back in a ball at her neck. She nodded to everyone but didn’t say much.
“Hi, Aunt Renee, after we finish with the bridesmaids, I’ll take one with you and Melange. Then we need to leave for the ceremony,” Renee said.
“Okay, honey. Where’s mama and the girls? She told me they were here,” Aunt Renee said looking around.
“They’ve already left,” Jackie said after the picture was done.
Aunt Renee and Melange, stood next to Renee and took their pictures. Renee rubbed her hands together. “Let’s get this wedding started.”
They laughed at her and gathered to go downstairs to the limos. Jackie helped Renee with her train as they led the line. La Patron, Mama Jasmine, Aunt Renee and her mate were next. Rose and Danielle, were next with Bella and Sarita bringing up the rear.
“This is so exciting and glamorous. You still don’t want a wedding?” Bella asked Sarita.
Sarita was conflicted. “Renee’s beautiful. I’m sure the whole day is going to be awesome. It might be fun. But all these people? Today will be enough for me. Especially since we’ll be leaving tomorrow for our own honeymoon on the island.”
Bella grabbed her hand. “We’re going too. I can’t believe Adam didn’t tell me that you and David are going to be there. I’m so happy.”
Grinning from ear to ear they entered the elevator last.
“What’s going on with you two?” Jackie asked. “I know those smiles aren’t for the wedding.”
Sarita looked down so Renee wouldn’t see. “In a way. Tomorrow, the four of us are heading to the island for honeymoons.”
“Six of us,” Jackie said, biting back a grin. “Don’t say anything. Today is Renee’s big day.”
“I asked David if you guys could come with us, but he never answered. I should’ve guessed. Can’t wait, can’t wait,” Sarita said, all but skipping out the elevator and entering the waiting cars.
JASMINE HAD SEEN THE transformation of the ballroom where the wedding would be held but being escorted to her seat on the front row, she marveled at Renee’s mastery.
Renee had painted most of the large canvases covering the walls in various colors giving the room a classy, festive appeal. Fresh flowers were everywhere, creating an exotic aroma. The minister stood on the raised dais along with Storm and Quinn, who received the honor of best man because Jackie was maid of honor.
Storm’s gaze locked on the entrance where Renee would eventually emerge. Jasmine wanted to tell him to relax but realized he was in his own world, doing his best to cope with being in the spotlight of a thousand people.
Renee and Mélange, Jacques, her mom Victoria and Ruby, Jewel and Diamond, along with Asia and Hawke, sat on the row behind Jasmine. Cameron, Lilly and their den sat on the opposite side, along with Grandfather, Razor and his mate. Jasmine nodded at Grandfather who looked dapper in his black tuxedo and long white single braid. He stood, walked over to her, earning a glare from Storm, as he kissed Jasmine on the cheek.
“You are beautiful, my dear. Does my heart good to see you again.”
“Thank you,” Jasmine said without reminding him they’d been together a few days ago. “You’re looking good in that suit. I like your hair like that, it’s classy.”
His eyes twinkled. “No need to for the bitches to break out into a fight over me.” He winked and returned to his seat fully aware that he’d been overheard.
The music changed. Moments later the wedding party walked in. Jasmine’s heart filled with pride as all of her children and their mates stood in front of her, looking beautiful and strong.
“I feel your pride, they are wonderful,” Silas told her. “This is a good thing that Renee has done, but I’m glad we’re only doing this once.”
Jasmine smiled as the music changed again. Everyone stood. She glanced at Storm. Quinn had placed his hand on Storm’s shoulder as the door opened and Renee and Silas stood at the entrance.
Storm’s mouth literally dropped. He took a step forward and then caught himself. Jasmine’s gaze flicked between Renee and Storm as Higley, Cameron’s son, sang, “All of Me,” made famous by John Legend.
Tears filled Renee’s eyes as she stared at Storm. Midway, Renee stopped and wiped her tears, joining Bella as she sang, “all of me” while pointing to Storm.
Jasmine thought Storm would pass out when he fell to his knees.
“Is this normal?” Silas asked Jasmine.
“Maybe, this is new to me too. How’s Renee holding up?”
“Shaking like a leaf but moving forward,” he said. “We’re almost to you.”
“I see that,” Jasmine said smiling. Storm wasn’t the only one nervous, Silas was definitely out of his element.
When they reached Jasmine, Renee slid her arm in Jasmine’s. This signaled another song. Bella stepped forward and sang Whitney Houston’s, “All the man that I need.”
The audience stood clapping and cheering as Bella hit the high notes and the bridesmaids rocked from side to side in tune with the beat.
Renee stared at her mate as the words of the song stated her commitment to him and only him.
Storm’s eyes lightened as his energy whipped around the room. Quinn kept his hand on Storm’s shoulder, hopefully keeping him grounded.
When Bella finished, Jasmine and Silas walked Renee toward Storm who hadn’t taken his eyes off her
since she entered the room. He moved quickly down the steps with his hand extended toward her.
Renee met his gaze but didn’t move from her parents.
Storm dropped to one knee with his hand extended.
Jasmine looked at Silas and smiled. “Tell your daughter to have mercy and accept her mate.”
Renee looked at Jasmine, smiled and took Storm’s hand. He stood, pulled her close and kissed her deeply. Silas wrapped his arm around Jasmine and waited to say their one line in this whole event.
When Storm released Renee, her knees buckled, and she held onto him. The audience stood clapping and whistling. Pack always loved a good show.
Storm kept his arm around her waist and stepped in front of the minister. When asked who gave her away, Jasmine and Silas spoke. “We do.”
They took their seats in the front row. The service went quickly after that. They exchanged rings, presented Jasmine with flowers and were pronounced man and wife in addition to being mates.
It was a lot of pomp and ceremony for a mated pair who’d been living together almost a year, but it was Renee’s dream.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
SARITA LAY ACROSS DAVID’S chest listening to the waves of the ocean. They’d arrived yesterday evening, had a late supper and fell exhausted into bed.
With all the Alphas and dignitaries attending the wedding, not to mention Damian and his den, plus her grandparents, Alpha Barticus and Amynta, it had been hard to leave early the day after the wedding.
La Patron required all his pups and their mates to act as emissaries and help accommodate his guests, something they’d never done before. Sarita’s cheeks hurt from smiling and listening to people she’d never remember. David said she’d done well but by the time the toasts were completed, food and dancing were over, Sarita had been too tired to remember her own name.
No one wanted to wait another day, so they left later and arrived after sunset.
“Go back to sleep,” David murmured.
“Can’t. I want to go outside, swim, play in the water. Come on,” she said rolling out of bed. “We can eat breakfast on the deck, watch the sunrise.”
