“I will not risk your life, Ava. Brennan is being held at a secret location a few miles from here. It is going to be a swift attack. I need my mind to remain on my mission, and knowing that you are safe here with Angus, Aidrian, and their pack will keep my mind on the job at hand. Trust me, Ava, we won’t be long. I need you to cooperate.”
She felt his sincerity and his demand for her to obey his command. This was going to take some getting used to, but perhaps he was right. Perhaps, having wolves as mates, she would need to choose her battles wisely.
She inhaled then exhaled. “I suppose if this is what you need from me then I obey your command.”
He shook his head as he thrust against her crotch.
“I see we are going to have to discuss what is expected of you as an Alpha’s mate.”
“As we are going to have to discuss what is expected of you and your brothers as you join the O’Brian family.”
He chuckled then kissed her quickly on the lips.
“I need to go. The others are growing frantic. Remain here and I promise to be back soon. Don’t give Angus or Aidrian a hard time,” he warned her as he scooted off the bed and pulled her up and against him again.
“Oh, I won’t. They’re very likable,” she teased.
“Keep your distance, mate. I don’t want to smell either one of them on you when I return.”
She laughed then swatted at his arm.
“Hurry up and get back quickly.”
Ava watched him turn and leave. She couldn’t help the immediate feeling of loss she felt. She was beginning to feel as if she couldn’t live without her mates even for a short time.
She hurried down the stairs and watched as they shifted into wolf form and headed into the darkness.
“They will be fine, Ava. Declan pack are very well trained. They are considered one of the best packs of warriors around. Not everyone could be part of the Secret Order.”
She turned to look at Aidrian. “You are part of it as well?” she asked as he motioned toward the other room.
“Yes. Why don’t you go sit and relax in the living room? There are some magazines and books on the shelves in there,” Angus suggested.
She looked at both men, feeling a bit uncomfortable being around strangers. Obviously William and his brothers trusted these men or they would have never left her alone with them. They stared at her, and she turned around and headed into the other room but still within their sights. They hadn’t bothered to exchange pleasantries, and she was fine with that. She would be fine as soon as Brennan and her men returned.
Chapter 28
They cautiously approached the estate, a large, well-secured home with surveillance cameras and heavily armed guards. Inhaling the scents carried with the slight breeze, William knew there were both humans and wolves surrounding the estate. But there weren’t as many as Eagan and Quinn Fennigan had suspected.
“What do you think?” Sean asked Delaney Fennigan.
“We’ve been watching this place for days. There seems to be a general routine except for the last several hours. We have two female pack members inside from our pack. They know to hide the moment we move to attack,” Delaney stated firmly.
“Let’s go over this plan one more time. You have the advantage of familiarity during the daylight hours. Where are they holding Brennan?” William asked.
“In the basement level. The house is not as large as the castle, so it should be easy to clear in a matter of minutes,” Eagan added. William knew him to be forceful and high spirited, his brother Quinn was highly intelligent, and Delaney was a ferocious warrior. William was pleased to have them on the good side.
“Let’s do this,” William whispered then shifted back into wolf form. The others followed suit.
* * * *
Ava awoke with a start. The last thing she remembered was feeling very tired as her eyes closed and she snuggled under the large, thick blanket on the couch. She could hear male voices and the door in the kitchen bang open.
Immediately, she jumped up and could see William carrying someone into the house. The others followed.
As soon as she saw Brennan she covered her mouth and moved out of the way as William laid him on the couch. Brennan was beaten and dirty but alive.
“Oh God, is he going to be okay?” Ava asked as she immediately knelt down beside him and took his hand.
“He was lucky and we were just in time,” Mick stated as he joined the others in the room.
Ava watched Brennan as his eyes began to flutter open. She couldn’t hold back the tears of joy from seeing him alive and being able to touch him.
“Ava?” he whispered.
“Yes, oh yes, Brennan, it’s me.” She cried then laid her head on his chest.
* * * *
It was difficult to watch his mate give affection to another male even though it was a platonic relationship. The man had fought hard to survive, and William was definitely impressed with him.
“Ava, he needs some food and then some rest. We won’t be staying here long. They’ll be coming for us as soon as they regroup. Fenly is back in Ireland,” William told her, and she locked gazes with him a moment with tear-stricken eyes then continued to care for Brennan. She caressed his hair from his eyes and held his hand against her chest. She was overcome with emotion.
“Ava?” William said again.
“I know. I just can’t believe that he is real and that we are together again. Thank you, Willy. Thank you, all of you,” she stated then hugged Brennan again.
William nodded toward Mick to retrieve Ava as Sean and Kyle tended to his wounds.
* * * *
Pat pulled Ava into his arms and hugged her tightly. He inhaled against her neck, needing to feel all consumed by her scent. It had been hell to be away from her. He kissed her neck and squeezed her to him as Ava squeezed back.
“I missed you. I was so worried,” she stated.
“I missed you as well.”
He pulled from her to look into her eyes.
“It is hard to describe, Ava, what it feels like to be apart from you. There was such a deep, empty feeling inside me. I don’t ever want to feel that way again,” he exclaimed then kissed her before she could respond.
“Brennan will be better shortly. That piece of shit Perkins had him secured in a silver cage,” William stated from behind her.
“That slimy bastard,” Angus stated in a thick brogue.
“It doesn’t matter now. He and his associates won’t be a threat to the Order or the Council any longer,” William stated.
“They won’t be a help to Fenly either,” Delaney added.
“That’s the next plan. Let’s rest up and then plan the attack on the castle,” Eagan stated before leaving the room.
“We already have men working on surveillance of the castle. Walt is also on his way,” Quinn stated.
“Good. We’ll need all the reinforcements we can get. Fagan pack and Dolberg are in position,” Mick stated as he joined the conversation.
William looked surprised, but Pat wasn’t the least bit.
“Ava?”
The sound of Brennan’s voice interrupted the conversation. The Fennigan men left the room, but Declan remained as Ava pulled from Pat’s arms and hurried to Brennan’s side.
* * * *
“Ava, my God, what are you doing in Ireland?” Brennan asked as he slowly sat up with help from Kyle.
“I had to come find you. When I heard what Fenly had done and that you were in grave danger I couldn’t stay away. This has to end, Brennan,” Ava stated, and Brennan heard the determination in her voice. He could see the maturity, the class, and the sophistication in her appearance and tone. She was ready.
“You are a sight to see, princess. I didn’t think I would ever see you again.”
Ava sat beside him and held his hand. He looked up toward the men in the room, her men, and he could sense their uneasiness and concern.
“These men are your mates, are they not?�
� Brennan asked, and Ava blushed, lowered her eyes, and nodded her head. He glanced at the lead Alpha, William Declan, and saw his eyes grow darker.
Brennan placed his finger under Ava’s chin so she would look at him.
“Do not be embarrassed or shy about finding your mates, Ava. Your father knew that this would happen one day. He knew that it was important for you to choose the right men.” Ava looked up, appearing surprised at his statement, and then she looked at William.
“The gods have chosen wisely, Ava. Declan pack, as you know, are members of the Secret Order of the Brothers of Were. That in itself is impressive, never mind their work as government operatives and of course their claim to you.” Brennan patted Ava’s hand then looked toward William, Mick, Kyle, Pat, and Sean. Angus, Aidrian, and Brady from Fennigan pack returned but remained in the background.
“Angus, bring your brothers in here as well. As warriors of the Order and protectors of the Circle this information pertains to you as well. What I am about to explain to you must remain within this group, for now at least,” Brennan said then gave a small smile to Ava.
“I take it that Walt will arrive shortly?” he asked.
“He should be here soon,” Angus answered just as they heard a vehicle pull up outside. Fagan pack was patrolling the grounds while Dolberg and others surrounded the castle. They were prepared for retaliation even though they were almost certain there were no survivors. Fenly and his follows would be their next battle.
Walt walked in, and Ava immediately jumped up from her seat.
“Walt!” she exclaimed and hugged him tight as he held her close and kissed the top of her head.
“Oh, Ava, thank God you are okay. I was so worried.”
“I was worried about you, too. But look, Walt. Brennan is alive. He’s here and we’re all together again,” Ava stated as the tears filled her eyes. She and Walt walked closer to Brennan, and the two men hugged.
“Good to see you survived another battle, cousin,” Walt stated.
“Like you were really worried that I wouldn’t?” Brennan replied.
“Well, you are getting older and not as active as the rest of us have been,” Walt teased.
“Not as active, my ass. Sit down. We’re running out of time and I need to prepare Ava and Declan pack for what’s to come.”
With those words Walt stepped back, shaking the other men’s hands as he took position between William and Angus.
“Ava, I know that so much has been asked of you, and that much has been taken from you over the last several years. I am certain that you feel confused and unsure at times, yet know that you are exactly where you were meant to be,” Brennan told her as he held her gaze and smiled.
“I am going to explain a little bit about the Secret Order, more so for your understanding. All this talk about the Order, Circle of Elders, mating, and wolf communities I am certain has been terrifying at times. Trust me when I tell you that it is in your blood. It is who you are meant to be, and being raised human was done for your protection.”
“For my protection?” Ava asked, looking perplexed.
“How have you been able to accept all these strange occurrences without losing your mind?” he asked her.
She looked toward her mates.
“I have always followed my gut instincts,” she replied.
“Not when her mates showed up out of thin air ready to claim her,” Walt teased, and Ava blushed then lowered her head.
Brennan looked toward Walt. “She resisted? Big surprise there. Ava has always been a bit on the stubborn side,” Brennan teased.
“She tranquilized William and escaped from our grasp three times before finally submitting,” Sean stated, and they laughed, except for William.
“You did say something about explaining important issues to us, Brennan,” William interrupted.
Brennan cleared his throat. “You’ll have to fill me in on that story sometime, Sean,” Brennan said then smirked.
William gave Brennan a stern expression. The wolf was definitely superior in nature. Brennan hadn’t asked for this position in the Order, but he had seen his part through and would do so to the end.
“First let me begin by explaining the Order to Ava. You see, my dear, there are many types of creatures and magical individuals living on earth as well as in other realms.”
“Magical creatures, other realms? What are you talking about?” Ava asked.
“Brennan, are you certain?” Walt began to interrupt when Brennan raised his hand for his cousin to go no further.
“Yes, I am certain. She needs to know. The knowledge will help her,” he stated, never letting his eyes leave Ava’s. She appeared concerned and immediately sought out her wolves. Brennan was relieved to see that she was depending on them for support. If his wolf senses were correct, she was bound to them and fully mated already.
“There are many mystical creatures that help to maintain justice and spiritual laws created many centuries ago. These creatures live amongst the humans without their knowledge, protecting them and keeping evil at bay. There are many organizations with were and the magical that help maintain justice and fight for their existence. The Secret Order of the Brothers of Were was established to help maintain justice, help protect the Circle of Elders, and also maintain power of the head packs internationally. There are many groups throughout the United States, like the Valdamar pack.”
“What does this have to do with me and the O’Brian family? Fenly is after this Jewel of Ireland and thinks I know where it is. I know nothing of the Jewel and I don’t understand what all the mystical creatures and the Secret Order have to do with me aside from the fact that my mates are part of it,” Ava said.
Brennan took a deep breath and continued.
“Your father was part of the Secret Order. His responsibility, the O’Brian responsibility, was to maintain power over all were within Ireland. The companies that he maintained provided not only cover positions for enforcers of the laws and guards of the Circle members here in Ireland but also financial support in maintaining justice. Your father had control even over organizations like the IRA.”
“The IRA tried to attack us at our home in New York. They attempted to abduct her,” Mick stated.
“They were prepared to use Ava to locate the Jewel of Ireland and gain power over the companies and the O’Brian estate just like Fenly,” Walt added.
“Where is this Jewel, and is it that powerful and important to the sanctity of the were packs as you say? I mean, I always thought it was just a fairy-tale story,” Ava inquired.
“It is more than that, Ava. It is a small part of were history and acknowledgement of royalty, yet it is one strength of power to our existence. Fallen into the wrong hands, like Fenly’s, it would mean the destruction of all good power and ultimately the annihilation of mankind. Humans would be overtaken by rogue wolves, evil mystical creatures, and just downright murderous scoundrels of various kinds. Don’t get me wrong, there are many high-powered individuals around the world that help to protect our kind and those who are good and just. Many packs across the nation have been saved from such destruction simply by the mating of Alpha wolf packs to human or mystical women,” Brennan explained.
“Mystical? I still don’t understand what this has to do with me,” Ava stated.
“The Jewel of Ireland is the most precious and important symbol of the royalty’s existence. It represents all were packs in Ireland and surrounding nations. There is a certain hierarchy of individuals that would have to be destroyed in order for a rogue group of weres such as Fenly and his gang of thugs to gain power and control, never mind authority. The Jewel is in the possession of the King at all times. His job is ultimately to protect that Jewel with his life and to maintain its secret location to death.”
“So if we find the King then we find the Jewel?” Sean asked.
“No one knows who precisely the King is,” Kyle added.
“There have been suspicions of who might be the King
,” Sean replied.
“I know who the King is,” Brennan stated, and everyone became silent. This was big information.
Brennan took a deep breath and looked around the room at all the weres. They were wolves he now trusted his life with and Ava’s.
“Before being murdered, Patrick O’Brian was the King of the Secret Order,” Brennan stated, and everyone was shocked.
“My father held this title? He was in charge of all of this yet didn’t tell me?” Ava asked.
“He couldn’t tell you, Ava. Even if your mother was still alive he wouldn’t have been able to share this with her, his own mate. The secrecy of the position helps to maintain the anonymity so danger is never too close.”
“But he is dead, Brennan. Did he not share where this Jewel is so that we may find it, protect it, and store it in a secret vault somewhere?” Angus asked.
“But who was his second-in-command? Doesn’t the King appoint a second for matters such as this? I recall something about a second-in-command in case the King dies unexpectedly before a new one can be appointed,” Quinn asked.
Suddenly, they heard a commotion going on outside as one of their pack members rushed into the house.
“Fenly is at the castle. Word is that he’s formed an army and some of them are headed this way.”
“Ava! We must protect Ava at all costs,” Brennan stated as he rose from the couch. He felt way off balance but a hell of a lot better than he was only an hour ago.
“We must get her out of here now,” Brennan yelled as he clutched Ava’s arm and began to lead her toward the back of the house.
William grabbed Brennan by the shoulder to stop him.
Brennan growled as his eyes changed to that of a wolf, and Ava gasped in shock.
Dwyer, Dixie Lynn - Task Force Three and the Irish Jewel [The Men of Five-O #3] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Forever) Page 23
