by Jenny Frame
The dark haired boy was dominant, but a lot less confident than his dominant friends Dion and Nix. She pulled him into a hug and said, “Aye, why don’t we make it a regular thing while I’m here?”
“Yes, that would be so cool,” Tia said.
Dion had her hand around Tia’s middle, and Nix was standing close to Meghan, with an adoring look on her face, although Meghan seemed to be unaware. This group of friends had its very own pack dynamics already, and it appeared Marco was the odd wolf out. Kenrick knew how that felt.
“Marco, why don’t you lead us tomorrow and take us to your favourite place?” Kenrick said.
“Me?” Marco looked to Dion nervously.
Dion behaved like the great Alpha Kenrick knew she was going to become, lifting others when they needed some confidence. Dion smiled at him and said, “Yeah, Marco, that would be fun. You lead us.”
Marco was all smiles. “Yeah? Okay.”
Kenrick got a kick out of helping teach the cubs. Pack dynamics were a tricky thing, and these small groups of friends were a good way to test out the rules. She pulled on her leather bracelets, and the cubs said a collective whoa.
“You like them? I’ve brought some with me. You can each get one tomorrow.” Kenrick was engulfed by hugs.
Eden walked out from the kitchen door and said, “You look like you had a good time. Marco, Tia, Nix, let’s call your parents and ask if you can stay for breakfast.” When the cubs ran in, Eden said, “Dante’s downstairs in the war room. She’d like a chat.”
“Aye, I’ll just be a minute.” Kenrick tied her mane of hair back with her leather hairband and made her way into the house.
Conan came toddling over to her and said, “Up, up!”
Kenrick swept the two-year-old up in her arms. “Up? How high?” She lifted him above her head and swooped him around like an airplane. “Is this high enough?”
Conan giggled, and she brought him down into a big hug. She heard Eden laugh.
“You’re like the Pied Piper of cubs, Ricky. You need to make a whole gaggle of your own.”
Kenrick cleared her throat bashfully and handed Conan over to Eden. “Aye, well, I need to find a mate first.”
“She’s out there, Ricky. The Great Mother won’t let you down,” Eden said.
* * *
Dante leaned against the large wooden conference table in the war room. On the large screen in front of her was an image of the Lupa wolf Zaria, attached to a report by Blaze, the sheriff. She heard footsteps and turned to see Kenrick walking down the stairs.
“Good morning run?” Dante said.
“Aye,” Kenrick said with a smile, “those cubs of yours have some amount of energy.”
Dante rolled her eyes. “Don’t I know it. Sit.”
She watched Kenrick gaze up to the monitor.
“What have you found out about Zaria?” Kenrick said.
Dante sensed her interest in their guest, her protectiveness, even if Kenrick hadn’t, and that was one of the reasons she wanted to talk to her.
“The human police don’t know what to make of it. The property manager we assume Zaria attacked is telling police that Zaria turned into an animal before attacking him. Luckily he is a known drug dealer and user, so they’re taking that testimony with a pinch of salt.”
“But?” Kenrick said.
Dante used her small remote to click on to a picture of an older woman. “This is Christine Patrick. She was the manager at the diner where Zaria worked. The morning after Zaria attacked the property manager, Ms. Patrick was found mauled to death by an animal. Police don’t know what to think of it.”
Kenrick tapped her fingers on the table nervously. “But that doesn’t mean it was Zaria. We found her with silver manacles on. That means there was someone or something else on the scene, probably wolves.” She could not imagine the scared young woman at the hospital could attack a human for no reason.
Dante was silent for a few seconds then said, “Possibly. I just wanted you to have all the facts and remind you that we have no idea of her intentions. She is a Lupa after all.”
“You don’t have to remind me, Dante. I know what havoc and pain the Lupas have caused, but Zaria is a terrified, scared submissive wolf. I told you what happened last night.”
“I know. I’m not saying she is a threat. I’m just asking you to be cautious. I can see you have a natural protectiveness towards her.”
“Just as I would to any submissive wolf in fear.” Kenrick knew the feelings she experienced while looking into Zaria’s eyes and taking in her scent were more, but she pushed those thoughts aside.
“Good,” Dante said. “Now on to happier matters. The working part of your stay.”
Kenrick sighed. “The whip-Ricky-into-the-perfect-CEO-and-Alpha part of the trip?”
Dante shook her head. “You are already everything an Alpha should be, you know that. Your father just wanted you to work with me and get a feel for what it will be like to go into the management side of the business. I had to do it, and I know it’s not easy.”
Kenrick got up and walked over to the British wolf coats of arms. “You took to it like a duck to water, Dante. I’ve spent my life maintaining the forest, the fish in Wulver Loch, the distillery, the bottling plant. I’ve never sat in the office nine-to-five like my father.”
Dante got up and joined her. “Remember, I was the same. I spent my time out on the pasture with Caden, looking after the cattle. My father was taken too early, and I was forced into the role. I had to learn and make mistakes on my own. You have your father to give advice and counsel. I know that’s not the real reason why you’re doubting yourself, Ricky.”
Kenrick touched the sword on the coat of arms representing the Wulvers. “Maybe it should have been Donell. He was popular, good with other wolves, always laughing and joking. Maybe he was the natural Alpha.”
Dante put a hand on her shoulder. “I can’t imagine the pain of losing a brother. Donell was all those things you mentioned, but an Alpha has to be calm, authoritative, not everyone’s friend, and you always had to look after him. We both know that.”
Kenrick felt her usual despair and self loathing when thinking about her twin brother. “I couldn’t look after him well enough, could I?”
“Stop that. You know his death wasn’t your fault,” Dante said.
Kenrick didn’t reply. She couldn’t answer that question honestly. She looked down to the side where a bar area displayed bottles of Wulver whisky, including the special reserve that Kenrick brought with her. Next to it was a fridge with Wulver Spring water in it.
“Do your customers still enjoy a taste of Wulver whisky?”
Dante laughed. “Oh yes, I always offer it to my human business contacts and customers. I only wish I could drink it too.”
Kenrick chuckled. Only the Scottish and Irish wolves had a tolerance for whisky. It was in their blood, a tolerance built up over generations, but the American packs had lost that over time. Now even a sip would make them lose control of their wolves and become sick. “Remember the summer we snuck some from your pater’s stock? You were ill for a week.”
“I’ll never forget it, believe me. I’ve told Dion that story many times to try and warn her off doing the same.”
“Aye, you’re better sticking to the clear loch water of Wulver Spring,” Kenrick joked.
Dante folded her arms. “How are things in Britain?”
“The packs are doing well, but there’s been a bit of tension in our paranormal world with the vampires.”
“I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard Byron Debrek had become bonded by blood. She’s never been the one mate type,” Dante said.
“I know. It was a shock to us all. Her mate is a human too,” Kenrick told her.
“Really?” Dante said.
“You’ve met Byron, haven’t you?” Kenrick asked.
Dante nodded. “Our businesses have crossed paths. She is very intense, but above all, honourable. I’ve always admired
the way the Debrek clan is run.”
Kenrick always had a distaste for vampires. Although the Debreks had never done anything to interfere in the Wulver pack, the Dreds were hated by them, and that hatred would never die.
“You know the leader of the BaoBhan Sith?”
“Yes, the vampire fae? They live in the Debrek castle, right on the tip of Scotland,” Dante said.
“Aye, well Hilda told us the Debreks and the Dreds are in open conflict. The paranormal world is changing. Exactly the wrong time to be changing the leadership of the Wulver pack.”
Dante shook her head. “No, it’s exactly the right time. Your father is wise, but he is not strong enough any more. He recognizes that, and that for whatever lies ahead, the Wulvers will need your strength. The Wolfgangs will always have your back, you know that.”
Kenrick smiled. “We know that. Thanks. I thought I’d go and sit with Zaria today, with your permission.”
“Of course. I’ll be there in the afternoon to talk to her.”
Kenrick’s heart fluttered at the thought of seeing Zaria again. She just prayed that Zaria wasn’t what they feared.
* * *
Leroux’s car drove through a part of New York City the paranormal community called New Hibernia. Long ago paranormal immigrants from the British Isles came to this bustling city and carved out a section of it for themselves. Every wolf, vampire, fae, and shapeshifter didn’t live in New Hibernia, but they knew they could come home to be with others like themselves.
Leroux’s driver pulled down a side street and stopped by a nondescript door to an old building.
Leroux had been granted an audience with a very special witch and was told to meet her here at the Hibernia Club. Madam Anka was a woman of immense power and one shrouded in mystery. She rarely communicated with others in the paranormal community and was surrounded by dedicated followers who protected her and her privacy. Because of this people feared her, and although Leroux would never admit it, she did too, and would never have wanted this meeting if she wasn’t desperate.
Leroux had put all her resources into defeating Dante. The Lupas had little, and less hope of creating a better future. If Leroux couldn’t take the Wolfgang lands and riches, then the Lupa pack would continue to die a slow death.
Leroux had to make this work. Since their last fight with the Wolfgangs, the Lupas had spent their time gathering money from unsuspecting humans. Madam Anka always demanded money for her help.
Ovid opened the car door for her and Leroux stepped out. “It’s a long time since I’ve been here, Ovid.”
“The scents of vampire and witch turn my stomach.” Ovid spat as a passing witch glared at her.
“I know, but we need the help of a witch. So let’s hold our tongues to get what we want,” Leroux said.
“Yes, Alpha.”
They arrived at the door just as a witch was walking in. The doorman said, “I haven’t seen you or your wolves here before. Name?”
“Leroux, Alpha of the Lupa pack. I’m here to see Madam Anka.”
The man—Leroux scented he was fae—looked her up and down and gave her a sly grin. “On you go.”
A knot of disquiet started to twist in her stomach. Was this really a bad idea?
In the end it didn’t matter. She hated Dante so much that she would see every last Lupa wolf die in an effort to destroy her.
They were led by a tall male witch to a booth on the other side of the room. As they approached, Leroux scented witches surrounding the area at the other tables. Madam Anka was well protected.
Madam Anka was an attractive black woman with an afro tinged with brown at the tips. She was beautiful in a extremely sensual way, dressed in tight black leather trousers and an open flowing blouse, showing off her full breasts in a low cut top and strings of black beads.
There were a lot of myths about Anka. No one knew her real age, and no one knew where she came from, but Anka appeared to enjoy the layers of mystery and enjoyed creating them.
Leroux stood by the side of the booth and waited for Anka to address her. Anka was busy stroking a black cat which sat on the table. Weres hated cats, but then, Anka knew that.
“Leroux, welcome. Please sit,” Anka said.
Anka had a voice like honey, and every movement she made was seductive. Leroux hated herself, but she was aroused and hungered by Anka and the way she silently gazed at Leroux across the table.
Finally, Anka lifted her cat down onto the seat. “Do excuse Sybil. She doesn’t like canines. No offence.”
Leroux said nothing but despised the fact that she had to crawl on her belly to this woman, rather than take what she wanted.
“Drink? Oh, of course you can’t.” Anka turned to her attendant and said, “Bring some ice water for our new friend.”
Leroux felt like a dog being given a bowl of water. Anka sipped her whisky, then lifted the bottle to pour more. “Ah, Wulver whisky is my opiate. You can’t get any better.”
Leroux felt yet another jibe. The Wulvers, like the Wolfgangs, were weak wolves who sold their wares to humans like dogs. When the water arrived, it was Wulver Spring water, and Leroux bit her lip, trying not to show her anger. The water was left unopened.
“So, Leroux—you want to defeat the Wolfgang Alpha?”
“Yes, that is my goal. A contact told me you could help with that,” Leroux said.
Anka smiled. “I could, for a price,” Anka said. She was almost insulted to be asked to help or consort with such a pitiful wolf. The mere fact that she could feel this wolf’s arousal made her quite ill. The Wolfgangs were strong for a reason. Dante was an extremely powerful wolf, and Anka could use that to her advantage.
“Of course. How much?” Leroux asked.
Leroux reminded Anka of a dog bringing her an empty bowl and pleading with its mistress for scraps. “The price I will tell you shortly—first, you have to listen,” Anka said.
She pulled off one of her rings. It was gold with a purple stone, a relatively new possession.
“If you wear this when you fight Dante, it will drain her power. Every powerful blow she gives will enter the ring and make her weaker. You will gain her strength and power as long as you are wearing it.”
“Sounds perfect.” Leroux made a grab for it, but Anka pulled it away.
“There is a price,” Anka said.
“Name it.”
Anka could already see the glee and hunger for the ring. What a weak pathetic soul Leroux was. “All I ask is that you bring back the ring to me afterwards,” Anka said.
“That’s all? You don’t want money?” Leroux said.
Anka smiled. “I have enough, wolf. Do you agree to my terms?”
“You have a deal, Madam Anka,” Leroux said.
She could already see plans forming in Leroux’s head, about what she could do with this ring. Leroux had no intention of bringing it back. But it would come back to her.
Anka handed over the ring and Leroux immediately out it on. “Thank you, Madam Anka. Good hunting.”
“The same to you, wolf.” Anka nodded and watched Leroux and her associates walk away.
Asha, one of her most trusted followers, came closer and said in a low voice, “Why are you helping werewolves, Madam?”
She took Asha’s hand and rubbed her thumb over the back. “I have no interest in werewolf politics, but I have my own agenda. Things have changed in our world. The so-called greatest witch in the world, the Debrek matriarch, has finally died, and change brings opportunities. I’m planning for those opportunities. Follow her, and make sure I get that ring back after she uses it.”
Asha bowed her head. “Yes, Madam.”
Chapter Five
Zaria was finally feeling like herself again. The doctor had allowed her to shift at last, as long as she promised to shift back to human form immediately. Now she was feeling like a caged rat. She needed to run, needed to get out of here and keep her promise to her sister.
There was a knock at the door and
she heard a Scottish voice say, “Can I come in, Zaria?”
It was Kenrick. Zaria’s heart sped up and she ran her hands through her dark hair quickly. What am I doing? She’s one of my captors. No, that was unkind. Kenrick was considerate to her yesterday. “Yeah, come in.”
Zaria gulped hard when Kenrick walked in. She was wearing ripped jeans and a distressed sleeveless black T-shirt with a skull and crossbones on it. Zaria was transfixed by Kenrick’s muscular arms, so much so that she ran her tongue along her teeth like she was assessing a prime piece of beef.
Kenrick sat down and said something, but Zaria was so distracted she didn’t pick up on it. Zaria mentally slapped herself. She wasn’t used to lusting after another wolf—in fact, she never had. Dominants had always scared her, not aroused her.
“Sorry, what did you say?”
“You look better today,” Kenrick said.
Zaria cleared her throat and shook off the strange feelings that Kenrick was inducing in her. It must be all the drugs she had been on yesterday.
“Yeah, the doctor let me shift, but I need to run. My wolf is clawing to get out,” Zaria said.
“They will. Dante—the Alpha—will be coming in the afternoon to talk to you. I’m sure you’ll get to run after that.”
“In the meantime you’ve been sent in to question me?” Zaria said accusingly.
“No, don’t be daft.” Kenrick looked offended. “I asked the Alpha if I could visit you. I didn’t want to think of you sitting here all alone. It’s not good for a wolf to be alone.”
I’ve been alone most of my life. “Sorry,” Zaria said.
Kenrick’s frown was soon replaced with a big smile. “That’s okay. As long as you’re feeling better.”
The combination of that smile along with Kenrick’s accent was quite disarming. What Zaria couldn’t work out was why a dominant was being so kind and gentle. In the Lupa pack dominants were called dominants for a very good reason, and gentleness was a sign of weakness.
But then, everything was different here. If the Lupas had found her, she wouldn’t be in a hospital being cared for. She’d be in a cell, threatened with violence and assault.
