by Lora Leigh
Rhyzan was playing a game, and Cassie knew it, Jonas knew it, but what that game was she couldn’t guess. It made no sense that even with compatibility he’d attempt something like this. He had pride in surplus. He’d never admit that another Breed, especially a Council Coyote, had taken his potential mate. Or that he’d allowed it.
“It won’t matter once I locate him.” Dog’s smile was a Grim Reaper’s curve as he turned back to Dane. “What’s the status on my people?” The fact that he was furious wasn’t hidden. “I lost the connection with the team hours ago.”
Dane stared at the floor, that rage beginning to burn inside him once again.
“We lost one,” Dane finally said, sighing wearily as Dog snarled furiously. “One of the children. And perhaps one of my Lions as well. The wounds as he tried to protect the boy with his own body are pretty severe. We were forced to go dark just before that when we realized they’d found a way to track us. We found out just before the attack that they’d managed to slip a nano-tracker on one of the vehicles as we passed the gates.”
Cassie sat down slowly in the chair behind her and stared at Dane in shock. What was he talking about? Children?
“There were children?” Dog hadn’t told her there were children. He’d only said his people had to get out of a mission they were involved in before his status as a spy was revealed.
Dane nodded heavily. “Most of them were children. That was the information Dog and his teams have been working on within the Council ranks. The location of several dozen Breed children. Some still babes . . .”
“They’re still doing it?” Horror filled her voice.
They were still creating Breeds?
“Do you really believe they’ll stop?” Dane asked gently despite the fury pulsing beneath his voice. “They’re always certain the answer to whatever they’re seeking will come with the next one they create. Though what they’re seeking we’re not exactly certain of anymore. But they have come up with an interesting way of destroying the Breeds they’ve created now.”
She turned to Dog, disbelief pouring through her, tightening her throat and chest.
“What is he talking about?” The grief she could sense pouring from Dog had her stomach clenching in dread.
“While the Breed rescues were deemed complete, we knew it wasn’t over.” Dog sighed, rubbing at the back of his neck as he moved to the bar and accepted the drink Dane poured for him. “Our first indication that there was a problem was when a young man showed up at Sanctuary about ten years ago. He said he’d learned a Breed child had been killed to provide the heart that he’d been given as a transplant when he was younger. As he began to mature, and the heart matured, his parents were killed in an effort to get to him and destroy him before anyone learned of the changes he was going through from that transplant.”
“He died of his injuries a few days later.” Dane grimaced. “Fucking brave as hell he was, but the wounds were too severe to save him.”
Children. A Breed child had been killed to provide a human child with a heart?
“What changes?” The horror creeping through her was destructive. The monsters that were still operating as men of science were going beyond the evil they’d originally begun with.
“Breed changes.” Dog finished his drink before pacing to the other side of the room. “He was beginning to show anomalies at the DNA level. It’s taken me years to find the right people in the right place or to get the right people in place and locate the labs holding the Breeds being used for the transplants. Amazing what a person will agree to in an effort to live. That kid’s parents knew a Breed child would die to supply that heart and they allowed it. Paid a small fortune for it.”
Cassie pressed one hand to her stomach, sick inside at the thought of the horrors Breed children had faced. What had happened to science that some of the world’s most intelligent minds were involved in this?
“We located the final lab several months ago, but access and the ability to infiltrate took a while. We finally managed to identify several scientists and techs willing to help us. We were preparing a plan when Kenzi was taken, just after Rhyzan stated his intent to Jonas to push the chance of a mating to you.”
And a child had been lost because Rhyzan had decided to force something that he would have sensed wasn’t a true mating. A compatibility showed up on many tests, but so far, the tests were highly unreliable when it came to an actual Heat rising between the Breeds tested.
“You’ll have your teams back within twenty-four hours,” Dane promised. “The children are being taken to the Leo’s estate; the lab techs who aided in their rescues are with them. Jonas is having the scientists who cooperated with us transferred to Sanctuary. Those who didn’t will be dealt with.”
Jonas was amazingly practical. If he couldn’t use the scientists in one way, he’d do so in another. He rarely executed the scientists if it was possible to apply their abilities to the survival of the Breed community as a whole.
“What do we have in terms of information?” Dog’s voice was a terrible rasp of fury.
And Dane’s smile was savage. “Top-level scientists, Dog. The cream of the Council crop. My teams are moving into place to grab as many as possible who escaped, kill those we can’t acquire. With any luck, we’re getting closer to the bastards funding this. Jonas’s enforcers are joining my teams within the hour to begin downloading information and gathering evidence within the labs. Everything they had. They didn’t have time to destroy anything. Their soldiers followed the escapees, deserted the labs. My teams moved in and secured them, thinking there was no way they could track the others. We were wrong.”
The Genetics Council. The twelve-member Council hadn’t been identified; even pinning down suspects had proven impossible in the eighteen years since the Breeds had announced themselves to the world.
In all the years since the world had learned of the Breeds, every time a new lab had been discovered, records and information storage had been damaged before the Breed Enforcers could get to it. They’d never managed to acquire a facility with all records and information storage undamaged.
“Rhyzan’s been apprised of all this?” Dog asked; then at Dane’s nod Cassie watched Dog’s eyes narrow warningly. “And he’s still determined to enforce his petition? Even with the knowledge that I’m no rogue, but a member of the Bureau instead?”
“So it would seem. Hence Dash Sinclair’s rage.” Evidently, that made no sense to Dane any more than it made any sense to her or to Dog. “Rhyzan has demanded a full Cabinet meeting at the Window Rock Bureau for tomorrow afternoon. Jonas is having the required Cabinet members flown in tonight.” He turned to Cassie. “Determined chap, isn’t he?”
“Looks like it.” Rising to her feet, Cassie rubbed at her arms, frowning in confusion as she left Dog and Dane to continue discussing the mission that had played out as Dog fought to hold his place in her life. The very fact that Rhyzan was still alive amazed her.
Dog wasn’t known for his patience in the face of anyone attempting to steal so much as a cigar. The fact that he hadn’t killed the assistant federal director himself amazed her.
There had to be a way to neutralize him short of killing him, because hiding didn’t sit well with her.
Sitting back in her chair as she tapped the fingers of one hand on the upholstered arm, she narrowed her eyes on the old-fashioned clock hanging on the wall across the room.
There was too much going on right now to stay hidden like this, not just for Dog but for herself as well. And it wasn’t as if Rhyzan’s stand would hold with the knowledge of Dog’s position. Besides, it wasn’t the first time compatibility had shown between siblings to a single mate. It had occurred several years ago—two Bengal brothers, but only one had been the mate . . .
She stilled, frowning at that thought, information suddenly connecting, forming the answer she hadn’t been able to come up wit
h since learning of the compatibility tests.
She sat up, the answers pouring into her mind as she quickly went through each angle, each objection Rhyzan could make, each counterobjection. And still, there was only a single conclusion to draw.
“Cassie?” Dane’s voice filtered through her thoughts.
“We need to go back—”
“Like hell,” Dog grunted.
“If we stay hidden I won’t be able to argue clarification on the Reconsideration and I won’t be able to argue for another mate if this happens again. They’ll always call into argument the fact that I hid myself rather than following the articles of Breed Mating Law.” That she wouldn’t allow.
“Fuck Breed Law,” Dog growled. “Cassie, that assistant director will die if he attempts to take you out of my sight.”
Oh, she had no doubt Rhyzan would die if he attempted that.
“I have to file a counterpetition.” The answer came so quickly she was amazed she hadn’t thought of it before. She turned quickly back to Dane. “Contact Callan. I need the form for counterpetitions sent to Dog’s tablet as well as the form for a Petition for Restraint. He can access those for me if, as pride leader, he disagrees with actions being taken. I have them, but I need to show a paper trail to keep my back door into the files open.”
“You’re not part of his pride; your father will need to lodge that protest,” Dane pointed out. “And he’s considered prejudiced in your favor.”
She smiled slowly. “Dane, I was made part of Callan’s pride when I was nine years old, before Dad instituted his own pack. That induction was never rescinded because I visited so often.” She turned to Dog. “Are you considered alpha to your teams or do you answer to someone else?”
As if she didn’t know that answer.
“I answer to no one but you, halfling,” he assured her, satisfaction suddenly gleaming in his gaze.
“I’ll need the forms to file pack status as well,” she informed Dane as he pulled his mobile phone from the leather holster at his side. “We’ll go to my apartment rather than the Bureau tonight and arrive in time for the Cabinet to convene tomorrow evening.”
“You have an apartment?” Dog’s brows arched with curious amusement.
“Of course. I’ve had one near the Bureau for months.” Didn’t everyone have their own place?
She’d just never had reason to use it.
“Of course,” he murmured, his lips still quirked with that odd smile. “So we’re going to that little meeting and facing Rhyzan?”
“We are. I’ll fill out the forms when Callan sends them and shoot them to all the required parties. All I need is Callan’s verification and acceptance of the protest to ensure Rhyzan’s hands are tied until my mother can complete the mating tests with Kenzi, which will be before the meeting.” She shook her head. “I should have thought of that, dammit. I would have if you didn’t keep my brain messed up.”
His brow arched as Dane chuckled at the accusation.
“Message sent,” the hybrid announced. “And confirmation of agreement received. Dog will have the forms within the hour.” He looked between them, a dark blond brow raised inquisitively. “Shall we go, then?”
She slid him a considering look. “May we borrow a few of your Breeds? They’re not required to follow Bureau dictates, correct?”
“Correct.” She could see the laughter gleaming in his green eyes. “They are not.”
“We need a security detail that’s not required to obey Rhyzan’s orders if he somehow manages to throw a wrench in the works. I’ll be ready to leave within the hour.” Turning, she hurried to the bedroom.
She had a lot to do in that hour.
* * *
• • •
There she was.
It was all Dog could do to force himself not to follow her, to bend her over the bed and assure himself he was still alpha in this mating. He’d be damned if she wouldn’t challenge that position every chance she had.
“That look on your face is almost envious,” Dane drawled, pulling Dog’s attention from the fact that the bedroom door was closed and his little mate was hidden from view.
The undertone of regret in his friend’s voice was a reminder that the woman Dane believed should have been his mate was another’s, something the hybrid had never stopped regretting.
“She makes me complete.” Dog sighed, shaking his head. “Hell, I never knew I was incomplete until the mating.”
The problem was, he wasn’t so certain she felt the same way. He knew she was determined to make the mating work. It wasn’t her determination he wanted, though; the hunger for her heart was growing by the day.
He wanted her love.
“Her life hasn’t been easy, has it?” Dane remarked. “She’s too damned intelligent, sees too much, senses too much for others’ comfort. That woman could rule the world if she set her mind to it.”
The world, or the Coyote Breeds Dog led. Over the years he’d drawn several dozen beneath his command. More than six alphas in their own right and Breeds hungry for a home, for a life that didn’t include living among the monsters they’d worked to destroy.
“I’m going to petition for Coy status when this is over,” he informed Dane, referring to the title given to a Coyote alpha who commanded more than a single pack. “Lobo’s Wolf Breeds are the only Breed force in the area, but it’s small and very secular. I have over sixty Coyotes that follow me with accompanied alphas ready to pledge their loyalty to the Breed Ruling Cabinet. I think there’s enough room among the Nation here for a Coyote community.”
He had far more support for it than even he had imagined until the Bengal who worked with Lobo had informed him of the backing he’d have. It would take that backing too, if he was going to pull off his plans.
Hell, come to think of it, all he needed was Cassie fighting for him. The halfling with the siren’s voice and an ability to argue Breed Law as though she had written it herself.
“Your teams will be a benefit to the community,” Dane agreed. “Once you’ve finalized your plans, contact me and I’ll make certain you have whatever you need for security.”
Dog’s gaze sharpened on his friend. “Callan’s and Wolfe’s Breeds are making a mark with their military and rescue teams. Del Rey’s Coyotes are aligned with the Wolf Breeds in Colorado and their own security forces and are in high demand. I’ve discussed this with the alphas. I think we’re going to look more in the private sector rather than military or strike.”
“Whatever you need to set up, Vanderale will be there for you.” Dane nodded. “As it appears we’re going to party tonight, I’ll notify my men of the change in plans and prepare to move out. Shall we use the heli-jet to transport your mate back to town? I believe we can land behind her apartment building. It would make a statement.”
A statement Rhyzan wouldn’t miss.
“Let’s slip in,” Dog suggested instead. “Keep it quiet, everything under wraps until we arrive at the ball. Let’s not give Rhyzan a chance to consider any options he may have.”
Not until he knew his own backers were in place. Which meant he needed to make a few calls of his own and pull in a favor or two. And the support he had in mind would definitely make a statement.
And then he’d have to face a past he’d tried to ignore for far too many years but had never forgotten.
His father had always warned him that Major was in a position to know who Dog was, know he was a hybrid if Dog was ever in the public eye. As long as he stayed under the radar, then he’d been safe.
Not that safety had been his concern for a lot of years. Now it was of the highest importance. Because of his mate. Nothing could endanger his mate.
•CHAPTER 12•
DC Insider News
CONSORTING WITH THE ENEMY?
If the heading hadn’t caught his attention as he sa
t down with his morning coffee, the picture of the rough-hewn, powerful male would have.
Pictures were attained of the Breed princess, Cassandra Sinclair, in the arms of who insiders are claiming to be her lover.
Known only as Dog, and according to several unidentified sources to be a known Genetics Council associate, the powerful Coyote Breed is listed as “rogue” within the national Breed database, meaning he’s declared no affiliation with the legitimate Breed community and is suspected of crimes against Breed Law.
Ms. Sinclair, known as the Breed’s foremost legal expert where Breed Law is concerned, and a consultant for the Federal Bureau of Breed Affairs, couldn’t be reached for comment, but other sources within the Breed community claim the affair to be no more than a fling or possibly a hoax. They say a news release is expected soon announcing the engagement of Ms. Sinclair to none other than the assistant director of the Federal Bureau of Breed Affairs, Rhyzan Brannigan.
Ms. Sinclair, a known companion of Deputy Director Brannigan, is rumored to have already committed to the engagement. So why then was the Genetics Council Dog seen carrying Ms. Sinclair through the entrance of the Western Bureau of Breed Affairs in Window Rock?
The spokesperson for the Bureau of Breed Affairs, Tanner Reynolds, is promising a press release soon, and the arrival of Breed leaders Lupine Gunnar, Coy Delgado and Prime Lyons, along with their wives, has already been noted. Alphas of the largest packs and prides, as well as Ms. Sinclair’s parents, Dash and Elizabeth Sinclair, are also known to be in attendance . . .
Senator Aaron C. Ryder’s attention shifted from the article. He didn’t give a goddamn about the Breed goings-on in general. It was like watching an animal shelter fucking free-for-all. And the damned masses were still so stupid over the animals that no matter their actions, the Breeds waltzed through the public like they owned it.
