Brix nodded.
“We did not know you would be here today, La Patron. If we had, perhaps things would have ended differently. I apologize for the terrible mix up,” Angus said meeting Silas’ gaze. “Tell him, Brix.”
“First tell me what form was he in before and what form is he in now? Did he use some sort of masking device to alter his appearance?” Silas asked. Amazed by the drastic changes in the wolf, Silas stared into a pair of ice glacier cold blues eyes. This wolf would always require special handling, like Tyrese. His wolf was leashed, but barely. How had he infiltrated the organization? Anyone could see the man was obviously a predator.
“The core of the gift is in our line. You have the ability to change as well. I am surprised you have never felt the need to use it. Your position is a public one, your face well known,” Angus said.
Since he did not want to admit he had no knowledge of the gift he nodded and met Brix’s gaze. After a moment or two the wolf bowed. “Permission to speak, Sir.”
Silas nodded.
“There are three bombs located beneath the lab floors. There is approximately fifteen minutes left before they blow. You have wasted time on the decoy.” He held up a small device. “I control that one from here.”
“You changed the time?”
“Yes, Sir, I did.”
Silas stared a moment longer before speaking to Angus. “You tell me you came to observe, now you say you have three bombs to blow up the lab? What happened to not interfering? So…What is your plan? You plan to blow the lab, kill innocents above? It seems my instinct to not trust you were correct.”
Angus held up his hands. “We had hoped to rob the lab and then destroy it. Neither of those things happened the way we planned. For one thing, we are still here,” Angus said his nose narrowed as he glanced at Brix.
“True.” Silas looked over his shoulder, the twins were heading in his direction along with Leon. “Time to go.”
His mate monitored Asia and would alert him when she woke up; they needed to be on their way by then. With all the data Bruce gave him, Silas considered the mission a success with the exception of Asia’s death, resurrection and kidnapping. He was done with this place they had done all they were going to do. If it blew, it blew. He would help Samuel deal with the fallout.
“If you leave I will push this button now and everything will explode,” Brix said staring at Leon in a way that made Silas pause. He glanced at Leon. The young wolf appeared thunder struck as he turned away from Angus and Brix.
Shit. They did not have time for this. Silas’ gaze flicked to Brix again. The blond wolf stared at Leon as if he were lunch at an all-you-can eat buffet. Leon wasn’t much better. He kept licking his lips and peeking over his shoulder in Brix’s direction.
Silas shook his head at the bad timing and acted on his suspicions. “Let’s go guys.”
The twins, followed by Leon stepped in front of him. Leon looked back over his shoulder periodically. When they reached the opening, he whispered. “Sir, are you really going to leave them here?”
“Why do you care?” Silas asked as they continued up the stairs.
“I don’t. At least I don’t think I care. But… what if he pushes the button and the bomb explodes?” They reached the upper area of the lab and headed for the opening.
“He would’ve done it already.” He waved to the steps leading out of the lab. “Go up.” Leon hesitated briefly and then climbed the steps.
Once Silas was outside in the clearing he stretched. “Angus, Leon and I are up in the clearing where you and I greeted each other earlier. Once you deactivate all of the bombs, you and your boy come up here for a talk.” Silas removed the energy cell.
“We have everything loaded,” Tyrone said walking toward him.
“Good, I want you and Rese to take off and load the plane with the boxes and the data disks so we can leave as soon as Leon and I get there. Also, contact Jacques, I want to know if there were any planes leaving within a hundred mile radius and everything about it. She already has a head start.”
“Yes, Sir. We can pick up something to eat on the way, you want anything particular?” Tyrone asked glancing at Leon.
The thought of food made his stomach grumble. “Double whatever you and Rese get for us. I’m hungry.” He paused and decided against telling the twins what was going on, he wasn’t one hundred percent sure himself. “Samuel left a car for me, have Rese punch in the address in the GPS to the location for is to meet you guys. We’re right behind you.”
Tyrone nodded. “Yes, Sir.”
Samuel contacted him on their link. “Do I need to call the bomb squad, Sir?”
Silas told him everything that happened, except his latest hunch. “It’s up to you how you want to handle it. I left the door open to the bomb site. Bottom line, I want this lab to become unusable for them again. Make that happen.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“What’s going on, Sir?” Leon asked watching the twins and the others leave.
“I’m not exactly sure, but I suspect you are about to be challenged. And I cannot allow my sons to interfere. This one is all on you.”
Frowning, he stared up at him. “Who is challenging me? Why?”
Silas shook his head, not exactly certain how to explain. Mates were beyond him, the fates handled that facet of their lives. Like most wolves, Leon appreciated great sex and wasn’t particular whether his partner was male or female. Which was a good thing otherwise things could become messy and they did not have time for messy.
“Come with me.” He walked in the direction of the small clearing and had just sat on a large log when a large white wolf flew past him and landed on Leon.
Quicker than Silas could blink, Leon jumped up, shoving the animal hard off him in the process. A blur of white fur slid across the ground and hit the trunk of the tree. Silas sensed Angus’ presence, but remained silent as the dominant match continued. Leon never shifted to wolf rather he fought the beast in his hybrid form which was impressive.
Leon was almost as fast as the twins. Silas recognized some of the moves he used were from practice in the gym. Leon’s long legs were constantly in motion pushing Brix back. When Brix shifted to his hybrid form, the fight was truly on. Physically, Brix was larger than Leon. But Leon brawling experience showed as he kept Brix on the offensive, pushing, dashing in and out at such a fast pace it was amazing. With absolute focus he slashed with his claws, punched, and kicked the Viking, leaving Brix bleeding from a multitude of cuts all over his body.
With a mighty roar, Brix grabbed Leon in a bear hug.
Silas tensed. There was no way he would allow the young wolf to be broken. Just as he thought he may need to step him. Brix groaned, trembling as his arms were slowly pushed opened. Silas watched in amazement as Leon used his legs, removing Brix’s straining arms as he tried in vain to hold on.
Once Leon maneuvered Brix’s arm down partially, he pushed against it and flipped over Brix’s head. The momentum helped his upper body slide from beneath Brix’s arm as his legs wrapped around Brix’s neck.
Silas nodded in appreciation at the excellent maneuver. Brix struggled to remove the thick corded legs from around his throat but could not. Eventually, he fell to his knees as Leon tightened his hold.
“Will you kill him?” Angus asked walking closer to the two combatants.
Silas glanced at the man and then back at the two. Leon continued looking toward the copse of trees and did not respond.
“He would not kill you, or allow you to be hurt in any way; do you understand what that means?” Angus asked as if he were moderating a debate. His long black hair was lost in the shadow of his loose fitting dark attire. When he received no response, he turned to Silas. “He does not hear me… Is he always like this?”
Understanding the significance of what Angus said, Silas called sharply, “Leonidas.”
He stopped moving and looked blankly in Silas’ direction. For a moment he simply stared and then spoke. �
�Sir?”
“I believe you have won the challenge,” Silas said, proud of the young wolf’s performance. His gaze flicked toward Brix, who lay on his side on the ground, his hand still on Leon’s leg.
Leon’s gaze followed his. “Oh…oh,” he said removing his legs slowly with a small grin. “I did, didn’t I?” He looked at Silas and then down at Brix. A moment later he extended his hand and pulled Brix up. The Viking topped Leon by at least a foot in height, but it didn’t stop Leon from stepping forward until he was chest to chest with his challenger. “Do you yield?”
Brix tipped his head to the side, baring his neck. Leon pulled him close and bit down between the neck and shoulder. Silas sensed the connection, as Leon’s and Brix’s links were created and the mating process began. He glanced at Angus, who watched the two wolves with a slight frown. One of the perks of winning a dominance challenge gave Leon rights to make decisions for him and his mate. Silas suspected Angus was pissed.
“Mmmm, you taste sweet,” Leon said, licking Brix’s neck. He stepped back, shook his head and then turned to Silas. “Sir, I guess the fates decided I was enjoying my time as a single wolf too much.” He smiled and glanced at Brix, who continued to stare at Leon as if he were manna sent from above.
“I present my mate to you.” Frowning, he looked over his shoulder. “What is your name?”
Silas shook his head. Leon had always had an easygoing, sunny personality, unless he was on an assignment. Then he turned into his namesake, but mating without any knowledge of your mate was over the top.
“I am Brix. You?”
“Leonidas. Leon for short.”
“You resemble a lion, and fight as one,” Brix said with pride.
Leon’s smile widened. “Sir, I would introduce you to my mate, Brix and ask that he accompany us to locate Asia. I think he will be useful.”
Either Silas allow Brix to travel along or Leon would have to remain behind. Newly mated separation would be difficult and Leon was not old enough to handle it.
“Brix do you know where the lab Mélange took Asia is located?” Silas asked.
Brix nodded. “Yes, I will accompany my mate and assist you in this matter. The lab is cleverly hidden with large security measures and safeguards. It would be best to take her before she enters if possible.”
Silas hadn’t thought of that. “You said the lab was three or four hours away, Mélange has an hour jumpstart.”
Brix nodded. “Three hours by air. She had to travel a distance from here first and then board a plane. No one approaches that lab by air. She will disembark and travel the last hour over land. This enables their sharpshooters an opportunity to shoot those leaving or entering the compound. It is dangerous no matter what.”
“Where is it?” Leon asked.
“It is near the Superior National Forest near the Canadian border in Minnesota.”
Leon nodded and stepped closer to Silas with his head bowed, waiting.
“Yes, he may travel with us, we may need his help.” Silas didn’t mention that as soon as Asia woke, Jasmine would be able to lead them to her as well.
“Thank you, La Patron,” Brix said with another bow.
“Thank you, Sir. Don’t really know how all this works, I just don’t think I can leave him behind. It was hard walking up the stairs a few moments ago and that was before the bite. Anything you care to share regarding this process I would be grateful,” Leon said with feeling, his gaze sliding to Brix.
“I could not complete my mission once I sensed you. Five years working in the organization, gone at the scent of my mate. You are not the only one who could not leave your mate behind, Leon,” Brix said as he brushed against his mate.
Silas stood, determined to get in the air as soon as possible so these two could have some privacy. Plus, he was hungry and would nap on the way to Minnesota. “I will give you a crash course on the drive to meet the twins. The plane is waiting for us. Let’s go.” He strode toward the clearing where Samuel had left a small black jeep.
“A word with you, Silas,” Angus said as they passed him.
“I don’t have time right now.” Silas continued walking. Leon was behind him with Brix following.
“I have more things to share with you and would appreciate traveling to this new lab as well,” Angus said following after them.
“Call my office, make an appointment and we can talk later, not now.”
“This information is critical to the success of your trip.”
Silas stopped, closed his eyes and turned. “I said no…” His mouth dropped open.
“What the hell?” Leon whispered as he stared at Angus.
“That is not a black wolf trick,” Silas said pointing.
“No this is not. Typically we can change the color of our wolf to shades of black, or the stockings or tips of ears. However, when the threat of the Liege became known to us, we improved on the chameleon gift that is our heritage,” Angus said in a softer, more feminine voice. He held up his wrist, the light hit a goldish looking bracelet he wore. “Technology comes in handy at times. Brix has used it to alter his appearance for the past five years. Now tell me you do not believe I can be of assistance in this endeavor?”
Silas shook his head, unsure what to say as he stared in awe at Angus, who now looked like Asia’s twin.
Chapter 15
Mélange glanced behind her, checking that her passenger was secure in the steel cage that took up half the small underwater pod. She tapped her Bluetooth to make a call. He answered on the first ring.
“You have her?”
“Yes, Sir. I am nearing the location for the next step.” She glanced at the coordinates and realized she should be arriving within ten minutes.
“Good. The van is waiting along with a truck. They will follow you to the main road and then split off. I will give you the coordinates once you have loaded the merchandise. How did it go? Anyone follow or suspicious?”
She thought back. “No, it was a smooth exchange. Sims rolled her on board and then placed her in the pod. Just as he finished La Patron showed up, I left before he got to the boat.” She was sure Sims died for his role in stalling the wolf leader but it couldn’t be helped.
“Did you remove the tracking device? It should have still been in her chest.”
“Yes, Sir, I removed it.” The small chip had moved in the opposite direction, and was near the surface of her skin making it easy to extract.
“What of Orsis?”
Mélange’s feelings regarding her former partner were mixed. Orsis wasn’t much to look at, brown hair, average height and build guy, but he was cunning and smart. More than once he had saved her ass. Leaving him behind had been difficult, the man was hot in bed, but when she was approached for this side job she jumped on the opportunity to move up in the organization.
“I told him I needed to check on something. He never questioned. The last I saw of him a huge black wolf was running toward him.” For old times’ sake she hoped he survived. Even though he wanted nothing more from her than occasional sex, she could trust him whenever they were on Liege business to watch her back and that was rare.
“His chips blinked out. You are the only one who made it out of there alive. La Patron was thorough.”
Her fingers tightened on the control as she processed the fact her former partner was dead. “The wolf killed him?” her jaw tightened.
“Could be, or the hybrid or La Patron. I do not know who killed him. He was an excellent operative and will be missed.”
Surprised to hear any kind of praise regarding someone other than himself, Mélange nodded. “He was loyal to the Liege.” She knew better than to pay tribute to another employee. Everything all operatives did must lead to the success of the Liege Lords. But her thoughts couldn’t be monitored, and she wished whoever killed her partner a long and painful death. Later she would mourn his loss; right now she had to deliver the most sought after person in the world to her Liege.
“Yes, he wa
s, so are you, Mellie.”
She cringed. His nickname for her grated her nerves. “Thank you, Sir.”
“There is an opening in the Canadian office, I think you will be perfect. You will oversee a hundred workers in our manufacturing plant. The hours will be long, but if you do as well as I suspect, financially you will be set for a long time.”
Exhaling, she touched the flashing red button on the dashboard. If she could take back the night in Rio five years ago when she allowed him to take her to bed she would. The sex had been over before she was warmed up and he snored like a grouchy bear. The next morning at breakfast she had been politely grille over her past life. When she left later that day, she had unwittingly given him keys that he dangled in front of her whenever he wanted something. Griffith may have been horrible in the sack, but he was one of the geniuses behind the Liege Lords organization.
“Thank you, Sir, for your consideration and the opportunity to serve my Lieges. I will do my best to bring honor to your recommendation, Sir.”
He chuckled. “And you want to make a lot of money too. I know that is the driving force behind your actions, you cannot trick me. But since I understand why, it works in our favor.”
BirthDate (La Patron, the Alpha's Alpha) Page 16
