by Sydney Addae
“Maybe it’s time to settle down in one place or a few places. Spend time on the beach, listen to your favorite musicians, something calm that doesn’t require the skills we used for our jobs.”
“Boring,” Elyria said, refusing to grow up. “The only reason I agreed to retire was for you. Together, life’s exciting no matter what we do. But without you, there’s no reason to stop, is there?”
“What about forgetting critical information to cover your tracks?” Mélange said.
“They haven’t caught me yet. And they’re supposed to be the best. So I must be doing okay,” Elyria said in a sing-song voice that concerned Mélange. A cocky Elyria was an unstable Elyria.
“No? What’d you do?”
Elyria laughed, a high pitched sound void of warmth and humor. “You already know, don’t you? That’s why you haven’t asked any questions. I appreciate that. You can’t tell what you don’t know.”
“True. I don’t want to know. But I wish you the best. Keep them out of your head and do your thing.”
“Awww, Mellie, you really mean that. Glad to hear the sincerity in your voice.”
“I hate when you call me that.”
Elyria laughed. “I know.”
Mélange smiled and lay on the bed staring at the ceiling. Elyria would eventually wind down and get to the reason for contacting her. “Sounds like you’re enjoying yourself.”
“Oh, I am, truly. For the first time in a long time, I’m tapping into the skills of my birthright. I’ve slept on them for a long while. No longer. I’ll take my place by force, if necessary.”
“Birthright?” During their time together Elyria mentioned being a black wolf and what that meant to her but not her early beginnings. Mélange knew nothing about Elyria as a child. Mélange often wondered if Elyria suffered as a pup or had been abused as a teen.
“Yes, I’m a black wolf, from the mighty Black Wolf Clan, didn’t know that did you?”
“Yes, but that’s all I know. You never shared your past with me.” Mélange sat on the bed reeling. Black wolves were like royalty, even though their clan was poor. As a female Black Wolf, Elyria could have a seat of honor within her clan. Why hadn’t Elyria returned to her pack? Furthermore, why had she separated from them in the first place?
“I didn’t? Oh well, that’s all behind us now. You’ve left me and moved on with La Patron now.”
“What?”
“Your mate is related to him? His mate?”
“What does that have to do with anything?” Mélange growled, disliking anyone thinking she was on La Patron’s team. That’d never happen unless it had something to do with her mate.
“Nothing I suppose. Do they know my name yet?”
“Yes, thanks for using my name on those dummy corporation papers, sent them knocking on my door,” Mélange said.
“I wasn’t sure how that worked, you normally handled that end of it.”
“But you didn’t want me to know about your place in Pennsylvania? You’re experimenting again?” It wasn’t a question as much of an acknowledgement.
“Yes, and yes. I promised you I wouldn’t, but I couldn’t ignore the call to work with the crystals, it’s in my bones, like a drug. Say you understand.”
Mélange no longer cared, but now was not the time to say so. “I guess so. Too much talent not to be used.”
“Exactly, you always understand me. I miss you. Why didn’t you tell me about KnightForce? Didn’t they show up in your research?”
Mélange wasn’t fooled by the soft, silky voice. Like the Sirens of old, it was a tool leading unwary prey into a trap. “I did tell you, we talked about it for a few hours last month on the patio in the New Orleans cottage. I didn’t know until yesterday they were in West Virginia for training, from what I heard there’s a lot of them.”
“New Orleans…oh yes, I forgot about that lively discussion, but not what we did afterward. However shall I replace you, my love?
Mélange bit back a groan. They’d had this conversation several times already. “Elyria, I’m mated, there’s nothing I can do about it. What if your mate searches for you as we’re speaking? Perhaps you will meet her at your destination.”
“That would be interesting indeed.” Elyria’s tone hardened. I wanted to share my greatest coup with you, but feared you were no longer interested. Can I share my brilliance with you? Please, I have no one to talk to that I can trust.”
“You know the way it works with mates, she will have access to my memories as I have access to hers. It’s not safe to tell me your personal triumphs right now. Focus on winning the gold ring, they are searching for the child everywhere.”
“The child? What about me? I thought they know I’m involved.”
“Just your first name, but that’s not a lot to go on.” Mélange paused. “Do you want them to know more about you? To find you?” Whatever Elyria’s end game, she no longer focused on the chameleon bracelet, which had been the catalyst for starting this journey.
“Yes and no. Truly this isn’t turning out to be half as much fun as I thought it would be. I can’t share what I’ve accomplished. I’m on the run with a kid.” Elyria sighed. “Maybe I’ll go to the beach.”
Mélange closed her eyes and shook her head. Classic Elyria, sticking her head in the sand to avoid working out the bugs in her flawed plan. Except this time, Mélange wouldn’t be there to clean this one up. Things were too shaky with Renee to even suggest solutions to Elyria’s problems. “Be careful my friend. You’ve done well so far, don’t get caught unawares.”
“I won’t, I had the best teacher. I miss you always and hope to see you again one day,” Elyria said.
“Perhaps, but if not, safe journeys,” Mélange said to end the conversation on a positive note.
Mélange sat on the edge of the bed going over the conversation in her mind to make sure she didn’t mistakenly leave an option for any type of reunion with Elyria. None, she’d been firm and resolute in her commitment to her mate. Now she prayed to the Goddess that Elyria heard the conversation the same way she did.
Chapter 35
Elyria jumped up from the dinner table where she and Sarita just finished eating. Calling Mélange had been risky, but it had been too long since she heard the sweet cadence of her lover’s voice. Neither mentioned the last time they saw each other in front of Renee’s house, which meant Mélange forgave her lapse in judgment. The timing had been wrong; it had been daylight.
She dissected the conversation a hundred ways and each time returned to the inescapable conclusion, Mélange was miserable in this forced relationship and wanted a way out so they could be together. Hadn’t she warned Elyria to be careful and refused to hear details of her great adventure in case that nosy mate tapped into her memories. Mélange still looked out for her just like before.
“I need to help her,” she said to Sarita, who blinked at the sound and then continued eating. “How can I go on to freedom and leave my love behind in chains. No, that will never do.” She tapped the tip of Sarita’s nose with her fingertips. “The Goddess has smiled on us and reminds us to be generous with others. I’ve only thought of myself and given little thought to the trap Mélange has fallen into. How selfish of me.”
She popped a piece of bread into her mouth and chewed slowly. “Whatever shall we do? That dreadful creature won’t go peacefully, she’s like her sister no doubt.” She glanced at the silent Sarita. “But we’ve outwitted them before and will prevail again, love and justice is on our side!”
Humming an odd tune, she pulled out her laptop and inserted the hotspot to check her messages. She smiled at the number of missives from Prokam and Lord Roderick. The communications started apologetically, as if they missed her, and grew demanding. The last one was an hour past from Lord Roderick calling her reckless and all manner of names. Smiling, she deleted the messages, and pulled the file Mélange had created when researching La Patron and the chameleon from the flash drive.
As always, the
thorough report crossed every T and left Elyria breathless with a barrage of ideas she could employ to assist Mélange. Seeing the mention of KnightForce in the report, Elyria’s heart brightened. Mélange hadn’t betrayed or tried to ruin her plans. If Elyria had read the report a little further the first time, she would’ve known of the special soldiers. That created another problem, how to get around them?
She’d work something out, her best ideas came when she was under pressure. Turning, she watched Sarita watch TV and sighed. The child was no fun in her present condition and not worth the trouble she caused. Elyria had hoped it wouldn’t come to this, but she had no choice.
Standing, she held out her hand. “Come with me.”
Sarita stood, took her hand, and they walked toward the cellar.
Chapter 36
30 hours remaining…
“Where’s Asia and Hawke?” Jasmine asked Silas as she walked into his office wearing a reddish-orange, capped sleeve figure-hugging dress[vii]. Her matching high heels clicked on the floor as she moved with purpose to the desk, stealing his attention.
Hunger ripe in his gaze, Silas grabbed her around her waist and pulled her to him. He then rubbed her arms for a few minutes. “They’re talking to the border patrol for information on when Elyria crossed over. Wasted a lot of time getting the Canadians to cooperate.” He met her gaze. “No. I don’t want to involve the United States government in this. They’ll want information on the chameleon, and that’s something I’ll never share with them or any other government. I prefer we destroy them all. But it’s like guns, someone might have one and then you’re fucked.”
She pursed her lips sensing his frustration. “Didn’t help us this time.”
“No, it didn’t.” He shook his head and captured her hand. “Damned frustrating, that’s what it is. Why? Why take the child? It makes no sense to play this game of wolf bait.”
“Mélange hinted the woman was unstable, have you or Angus checked into your line to see if anyone had that problem?”
Silas glared at her.
She bit back a smile. He’d been so hard on human shortcomings; she had to remind him humans weren’t the only ones with wacky relatives.
“Nothing remotely close,” he snapped as he stood, capturing both her hands in his. Standing, he lifted her hands above her head and stared down in her eyes as he stepped closer. Nipples touching the hard plane of his chest, she inhaled his masculine scent and rocked forward, seeking more of his intoxicating scent.
“My Alphas would say the only one with unstable behavior in my line is me, when it comes to you. I changed my entire Nation for you. Accepted the unacceptable and would do it again over several lifetimes to have you next to me.”
Her breath caught as she glimpsed his wolf in his eyes. Damn, when he said things like that she had no defense. “Wolfie…I love you so much.”
His lips brushed against hers, and then he spun her around and pushed her shoulders so she bent forward slightly. The weight of his palm rubbing her ass sent goosebumps across her arms. Her nipples ached for his touch. Cool air brushed against her thighs as he rolled up her dress.
“Nice, matching lace. Is this for me?” His voice deepened while tracing the lines of the lace.
“Yes, baby,” she said in a breathy voice. Tingles of anticipation shot through her.
“Good answer.”
Jasmine jerked from the sting on her cheeks as Silas hit each one in rapid succession. “What?” She tried to move but he held her tight.
“Shhh, you don’t want anyone to hear us, right?”
“You…hit me,” she said, the last word ending on a moan as he rubbed and then kissed each cheek. The slight sting created a fiery inferno deep in her core. She pushed into his palm, wanting more.
Silas chuckled. “Sweet Bitch, you’re so greedy. I thought you wanted to talk about the case. Each time I’ve tried to taste this sweetness between your legs you’ve turned me away.” He smacked her ass cheeks again.
She moaned as the heat between her legs increased. He played with the moisture spilling forth, teasing but not giving her the relief she needed.
“I’m sorry, didn’t realize…so sorry. Please Silas…” She pushed against his hand trying to push it where she needed.
“Didn’t realize? When I come to you, what are you supposed to say?” he spanked her again and then dipped his fingers between her legs.
Jasmine moaned and then gasped as his fingers penetrated her. “Silas!” Her heartbeat increased as every thought chased the completion of the ecstasy he created.
“No, Sweet Bitch, you promised I could come to you and you’d take care of me and you’ve denied me.” He removed his fingers, straightened the lace and then rolled her dress down.
It took a moment for his actions to penetrate her lust-ladened mind. When she realized he no longer touched her, or held her hands, she straightened and turned. He sat on his desk with his arms, crossed staring at her.
“Foul, that was just mean.”
“No. I’m your mate, you should never deny me. I understand delays, I can’t be balls deep inside you all the time, but it’s been since the kidnapping, that’s too long and you know it.”
“It didn’t seem right to enjoy sex while Sarita was missing.” Saying it out loud sounded ridiculous and she wasn’t surprised Silas didn’t respond. He continued looking at her. She rubbed her thighs together for some relief, but nothing worked.
“I’m sorry.” She moved his arms from across his chest, stepped forward to stand between his legs and then placed his arms around her. Her man’s dick was hard as a steel rod. Rubbing against him she met his darkening gaze. “Really, I’m sorry. You know I love making love with you.”
“I know.”
But he still didn’t move to put out her fire. Instead, he continued to stare into her eyes.
“What?” She wanted relief.
“It bothers me that you can separate from me that long sexually and I thought I’d explode. Is that another human breeder thing? I know you’d survive my death, but you don’t burn for me like full-blood bitches do.”
“What do you mean, like they do?” She stepped back as a different type of fire engulfed her at the idea of him and someone else.
He took her hands. “Not now, we’re mated, I can’t get it up for anyone else, you know that. What disturbs me is how I want to be inside you all the time. I never get enough of you, but you’re not like that. I’ve watched you since the kidnapping. For the most part, you put me and everyone else on a separate burner while you focused on finding the child.”
His comments stung. “I spent most of my time with the children.”
“You were physically with them, but your thoughts were on the kidnapping, even the situation with Renee. If Mélange hadn’t been her lover, you would’ve handled her differently, and it’s possible we could’ve learned of Elyria earlier.”
The last bit of lust died beneath the weight of his criticism. “Mélange wore a necklace, Asia said she couldn’t be made to talk.”
Silas shrugged.
“So killing her outright is your answer?” She tried to back up but he didn’t release her hands.
“She would’ve been given a choice.”
Jasmine blinked and then shook her head. Sometimes she forgot her mate was indeed a hunter who saw things in black and white.
“No one hides their wolf from me and lives, have you forgotten that law?”
Another rule he’d broken for her. Would they be closer to finding Elyria if Renee and Mélange hadn’t been given a chance? Silas seemed to think so.
“No, I didn’t forget. But does that law make allowances for mates? I thought if a couple were mated, the laws bent for them.” She wasn’t sure, but that sounded like a sound argument.
“Sometimes, and that’s why Mélange lives. But the car Elyria drove into Canada is registered to Mélange Williamson. See? She’s involved in this, could be the relationship with Renee is the cause.” He shrugged.<
br />
“Elyria kidnaps someone totally unrelated to Renee out of anger over the fact Mélange is mated to my sister? That’s a stretch.” Jasmine snatched her hands from his and smoothed down her dress. There was a vibrator in her room somewhere with her name on it.
Silas’ eyes narrowed and she hoped he hadn’t heard that last thought.
“No toys, Mate. You’ll wait until I can scratch your itch, just as I’m waiting.” He grabbed her nipples and squeezed lightly.
Gasping from the pleasure, she slapped his hands and took another step back. “Stop playing with me. You made your point. Next time you’re in a bad mood, I’ll go in the opposite direction.”
“Now we’re both frustrated,” Silas said. “Wait, Hawke just received permission and assistance to start a search in the direction the car drove off. Fortunately, a security officer was leaving work as they crossed over and remembers their exit.”
“That’s the best news all day,” Jasmine said pointedly, and then walked out his office toward their rooms to change.
When she turned the corner she saw Renee in front of their door, knocking. “Hey,” Jasmine said. “Why didn’t you call me?”
“I did, no answer.” Renee pushed her hair behind her ear and stood to the side of the door.
Jasmine patted her pocket and realized she left the jacket to the dress in the room. “Oh, it’s in my pocket, in the room. Come in, want something to drink?” She glanced at Renee, not wanting to stare at her red-rimmed eyes. This was their first talk since her sister returned from the hotel earlier.
“Yeah, I’ll get some tea, want some?”
“Thanks, I need to change, be out in a bit.” Jasmine changed into another dress and fresh underclothes, her thoughts going over Silas’ comments and her sister. Maybe she had placed Renee’s needs over those of others, but she couldn’t imagine her sister missing the love of her life. No matter how she thought through everything, she knew she’d make the same decision. Now to make things right, find this Elyria person and bring Sarita home.
