by Sydney Addae
“Somewhere near Radoff’s pack lands.” He surged upward, rolled her over and took her until his wolf was sated.
Sweat-slicked, he lay on top of her breathing hard, and then he moved, landing on the other side of the bed. Now that his wolf was no longer in control, the whole evening seemed bizarre.
“What did you do to drive my wolf crazy?” He twirled her long blonde hair in his fingers.
She sighed and sat up. “Mating dance, you’ve heard of that, right?”
“No. Is that those movements you were making?” Even now he remembered the strangeness of it all.
“Part of it, mostly it’s just releasing pheromones. But I won’t breed, don’t worry about that. We use those to help get sex sometimes.”
“Why would you need help, you’re beautiful.” He wondered what would make someone who looked as pretty as she did resort to tricks for sex.
She wrapped her arms around her waist and stood. “I need to leave.” She looked over her shoulder at him as she pulled up her dress.
If she expected him to beg her to stay, she picked the wrong wolf. The sex was good, he’d had better. “Okay.”
“So where is Alpha Radoff?”
“Who?”
“You mentioned an Alpha Radoff.” She slid on her shoes.
“I did? When? And why?” He leaned up on his elbows, confused.
“Never mind. I need to get going.” She moved around the bed.
Damian jumped up. “Wait, seriously, what’s going on? Did you ask me some questions while using those… pheromones?”
She stared at him for a few seconds and then took his hand. “Yes. My father has been acting really weird since the three of you showed up. Today, he sent my brother and me to England to oversee one of our offices there. That’s a sure sign something’s wrong, but he won’t say what.” She looked away and then at him again. “I love my father. A lot of people hate him, think he’s arrogant and worse, but he’s a great dad. So I asked you a few questions.” She told him the questions she had asked and his response. With each question, dread grew in the pit of his belly. He had messed up big time. How could he fix this?
“I understand you’re trying to help your father, but don’t you think he knows what he’s doing? Maybe you and your brother should go to England, wait this out.”
She stared at him for a few minutes and then nodded. “You may be right.”
He shook his head wondering how he would explain this to Hawke, because she just lied to him again.
Chapter 18
The loud pounding on the door pulled Hawke from a deep sleep. Moving Asia’s arm from across his chest he stood, and left the room. Asia hadn’t transformed to her natural state in case Silas contacted them with orders to leave. After scanning the area he opened the front door in his boxers to a red-faced Colonel and three police officers with their hands full of their belongings.
The Colonel cleared his throat, the expression on his face said he would rather be anywhere but there.
“On behalf of our Police Lieutenant General, please accept my, our, sincerest apologies for the actions last night on delaying you and removing your personal affects. I am returning all of your properties to you, none have been touched or searched.” Kefalas looked straight ahead rather than at Hawke as he gave the apology.
“Are you lifting our travel restrictions as well?” Hawke asked, noticing the other police officers standing around in the yard pretending not to watch. He stepped aside and allowed the police to carry their electronics and Asia’s sword inside.
“Yes, you are free to leave or travel anywhere in our country.” He waited until the last policeman stepped back outside and then met Hawke’s gaze. “It has been interesting meeting you, until we meet again.” The words were meant as they sounded, insincere. Hawke didn’t bother to respond as he closed the door.
When he returned to the bed, Asia sat against the headboard watching him. “Have you heard from La Patron? When can we leave?” Asia asked looking at the paper on the table with the information Chacal had sent last night. There hadn’t been any new information that would help them find her mam.
“No, I’m waiting to hear from him.” He climbed in next to her and pulled her close. “What’s wrong?” he asked when she remained silent. Although he could peek into her thoughts, they both agreed not to do that unless it was critical.
“Just that this feels like an empty chase scene to me. Running here and she’s there. Will she be there when we return or do we go someplace else?” She sighed and he felt the weight of her concern dragging her down.
Hawke placed a kiss on her shoulder and pulled her tight. “We will do whatever is necessary for you to get the answers you need to move forward.” He paused. “Who are you?”
She licked her lips. “Asia Sandulf-Barticus Hawke.”
He laughed at her addition of his name. “True, but you are so much more.”
“Sword of La Patron, servant of Mistress, servant of the Goddess, mate of Hawke, and mam to Davian and Sarita.” Her voice softened at the end.
His chest tightened at the inclusion of his pups. “You’re more than all of those things to me.”
She ran the flat of her palm across his jaw and leaned into him. His heart tripped, these rare moments when she opened herself to him fueled his world.
“Asia, you are my inner core, calmer of my beast and reason for my sanity. If it were not for you, I would not be here or know of my pups. You are the best part of me.”
She turned in his arms, pulled his head down and kissed him. He melted into her embrace and filled their link with all the love he had for this incredible woman. She released her feelings into their link. Their emotions braided, becoming stronger as one, and then wrapped them together tightly.
They broke apart gasping, wanting nothing more than to merge in the way of mates. He glanced at the clock, it was early still, and they had time. Damian hadn’t come out of his room yet.
He slipped his finger beneath the elastic of her boxers and pulled on them. Her hand covered his.
“Call La Patron first, see how much time we have,” she said.
Inhaling, he rubbed her stomach. “Okay. But I need you.”
“I need you too.” She placed a kiss on his cheek.
“La Patron?” Hawke called out through his link.
A few seconds later. “Good, you’re awake. A lot of things have been happening. If you don’t have your things back by now, you will within the hour.”
“The Colonel was here ten minutes ago. Thank you for that.”
“No problem, that’s what pack does. The Alpha in that area has a strong grip on the leaders in that country and a few others, but they quickly understood how important it was to keep me happy.”
Hawke smiled. “I understand, Sir.”
“According to Maheegan, the room has been resealed and she cannot open it to see if anything was disturbed or taken. When Niall contacted Radoff, he said the woman identified herself as Amynta, even named their pack.”
“I talked with Niall last night.” He repeated that conversation and added he would make a contribution to the pack.
“Sounds like a good idea. Barticus is on his way to talk with you. Part of the deal is that you speak with him before you leave. But be packed and ready to go when you’re done. There’s a chartered flight waiting at Athens airport for you. Chacal will deal with the house, just turn in the car.”
Hawke glanced at Asia’s concerned face and felt bad for wanting to remain a bit longer. Instead of giving voice to his selfish desires, he rearranged his balls and dick for comfort, willing it to go down.
“Yes, Sir, and thank you.”
“Pack service goes both ways, Hawke.” He paused. “How’s Damian? Angus talked to me about him, he’s concerned the pup’s not bonding.”
“Each day it gets better, Sir.” He told Silas about Damian’s purchase for Sarita and the time he spent with Asia.
“That’s good. I’m looking forward t
o meeting him and introducing him to Cameron and the twins. On another note, have an open mind when dealing with Barticus, he’s been around a while, almost two centuries, but he was orphaned like you. He’s had a hard time, but overall he’s not a bad person. Most importantly, he’s your mate’s sire even though he does not know that. According to Angus, as long as she does not shift into her natural state, the chameleon protects her identity. Otherwise her sire and mam could find her easily.”
“That makes sense. What of the other way? Can she sense them while using the Chameleon?”
“Maybe, I don’t know. Angus wasn’t sure, but you will find out soon. From what I’ve been told, he should be arriving at your place within the hour.”
“Thank you, Sir. I’ll rally the troops.”
La Patron laughed and closed their link.
No sex.
That’s summed up this new directive. His balls ached with the knowledge there’d be no release. Unless… He took Asia’s hand and placed it on top of his hardness. She got the message and stroked him a few times.
“Someone just pulled into the yard,” she said, holding him in her palm, squeezing. His hand covered hers, moving it faster to bring him to release. He closed his eyes, focused on the feeling of being held by her and lost it. His body shuddered as he erupted in her hand.
When he could breathe and his heartbeat slowed considerably, he heard the pounding on the front door.
“Damian wake up and open the door. We’ll be out in a minute.”
“Okay.” He sounded sleepy.
He watched Asia clean the area around them. “We catch a plane after your Barticus leaves, so we should shower now.”
She nodded. “What did he say?”
Rolling off the bed, he pulled the linens up and placed them aside. Then he followed Asia into the shower and told her of his conversation with La Patron.
Ten minutes later they entered the living area where Damian sat with his eyes half-closed, facing their guests.
“We leave after we finish talking with Barticus, go shower and pack and then rejoin us here. We’ll grab a bite to eat on the way,” Hawke told Damian.
“Sounds good, but I need to talk to you.”
Hawke frowned. “Now, or can it wait until he leaves?”
Damian shrugged. “Later I suppose.” He stood and left the room.
Barticus stood and watched them. Mediterranean blue eyes tracked their movements until they reached the sofa and sat. He and Hawke were similar in height, although the Alpha wasn’t as wide across the chest. Otherwise, he fit the Hawke’s expectations of blonde hair, high cheekbones, blade-like nose and thin lips.
Asia definitely looked like her mother and not this cold fish. “I understand you’d like to talk with us,” Hawke spoke into the silence.
“I’m Tre Barticus, Alpha of the Grecian pack. I spoke with La Patron last night and he assured me you had his backing on this quest, although he refused to explain why you’d hire out as men of fortune for that asshole Wulfgar and his useless lover, Francesco.” The words were spoken without heat and it was obvious the distaste was for the two men and not their relationship.
“Why does that matter to you?” Asia asked, leaning forward.
Barticus inhaled and frowned at her. “Who are you?” He moved a step closer and inhaled again.
“Timber, Hawke’s mate.” She stared at Barticus, daring him to disagree.
“You’re the one who almost skewered Randi to the table yesterday.” He chuckled and it changed the landscape of his face. It softened, looked warmer, and Hawke remembered what La Patron said about this man having a hard time of things.
“She needs to be taught manners,” Asia said, sitting back and crossing her legs.
“She knows her manners, she simply chooses when to use them. I applaud your fast thinking,” he said, smiling, and then returned to his chair.
“The reason I am curious over your search for Wulfgar’s sister is multifaceted. But your Alpha assured me you were reasonable and I should state my concerns to you.” He met Hawke’s gaze and then continued.
“I know Amynta well. As far as I know, there is no affection between the siblings. They have not communicated in decades. However, the land next to Lyrill is extremely valuable. It belongs to the two remaining heirs, Wulfgar and his sister. She would never sell or allow the rape of the land. Unfortunately, he is under the influence of his lover, a former prince of Lyrill. Over the years there have been numerous attempts, orchestrated by that prince in my opinion, to enter the caves beneath the land and take precious gems and herbs.”
Asia frowned. “This is all about the warded land?”
Barticus’ eyes narrowed as they looked at her. “You know of the ward?”
“Careful, he’s smart like his daughter,” Hawke warned.
“Yes, we were in the forest on our way to Lyrill and came upon it.”
“How? It’s far from the entrance to Lyrill.” The Alpha stared at her a moment longer. “You were searching for Albuslupos? Why?”
Asia shrugged. “I heard a lot about the White Wolf Clan, Alpha Bertoff, and the people there. I wanted to see it for myself.”
Hawke heard the ring of truth in her words and knew Barticus had as well.
“Hmm, I did not know they were written anywhere, but with the internet anything is possible,” Barticus said, crossing his legs, watching them. “Why did you come here?”
“Wulfgar said you hated his father, killed him and kidnapped his sister. He believes you’re holding Amynta here hostage,” Hawke said, watching him closely.
Barticus laughed. “Once again, the pup does not know his sister. Amynta could not be held hostage by anyone. I did kidnap her once, but she escaped. She’s very resourceful. But I order Bertoff’s death, he lied and stole from me. In hindsight, I could have been more gracious and allowed him to continue but… he was a brutal asshole who used people in the name of saving the pack.”
“You admit to kidnapping Amynta?” Hawke asked.
Barticus looked at Asia as he answered. “Yes. I took Amynta when she was young and engaged to Francesco. That hand-fasting would never have happened and Bertoff knew it.” He paused. “Why does your heart race every time her name is said? Amynta,” he said again. “There it picked up. Do you know her? Have you ever met?”
Asia exhaled and unclasped her hands. “Have you ever heard about someone, just bits and pieces, and it all seems to come together for you? In your mind you form this picture of how that person acts, thinks, carries out their day. The little I’ve read and heard about this princess, she resonates. I have never met her, but I would like to sit, talk and ask questions. She fascinates me.”
“She is a fascinating woman, stubborn, opinionated, loyal to a fault.” Barticus shook his head. “There is a large bounty out for her. Your alpha assures me you have no interest in that, so I will share some things with you.”
“Thank you,” Asia said.
Hawke sensed she’d made peace with Barticus as her sire, which would make things a lot easier going forward.
He started by telling them about his upbringing in the temple of Nicromja and how his physiology was altered. “Every day for five years I ate this herb and drank some type of nectar. According to the priest, Nicromja gave it to them for me and only me. Over time I changed. I won’t go into details, but I am not restricted like other full-bloods, or humans for that matter.”
“Can you give us one example, please?” Asia asked, scooting to the edge of her seat.
Barticus smiled. “One example? Okay. I absorb things. I have been shot and stabbed several times. My body absorbs the metals. I can keep the bullets or reject them. I’ve won every challenge through the years because I am extremely difficult to kill.”
“But you have lost fights?” Asia asked.
“Let’s say there are plenty more skilled, but in a fight to the death, which is necessary for a hostile take-over, they grow tired and I eventually win.”
“S
o your body changed and you met Alpha Bertoff?” Hawke asked to get back on track. He could hear Asia’s mind ticking. All her doctors had wondered why her body adapted to the metal bones so well. Another question answered, seems like she got a few things from her sire after all.
“I left the order when I was around twenty. That was so damn long ago. I heard Bertoff looked for a champion to help in a war and went to see what it was about. That was the first time I saw his daughter. The twins were young pups, she was ten and four.” He continued telling more of his life story, which aligned with either Miriam’s or Amynta’s account.
“Her mother? Did you meet her?” Asia asked, clearly enthralled.
Barticus frowned. “No. Never did. From what I was told, she died giving birth to the twins. Can’t remember her name either but I believe she had been stolen from a rival clan. Bertoff took exception to anyone stepping onto his land but had no problem taking whatever he wanted from others.” He shook his head. “I do recall Bertoff saying Amynta was more like him even though she looked like her mam. That was the most he ever said about the woman and even then it was in contrast to himself. Amynta would have been six or seven when her mam died but she never mentioned her.”
Asia nodded.
“It’s possible Amynta wasn’t around her mam that much and may not remember her,” Barticus said, in deep voice. “Like I said, Bertoff was an ass and since she was female, he may have sent his daughter to the servant’s quarters or something. I didn’t get the impression the man valued women at all and probably didn’t mourn the loss of his breeder.”
“Breeder?” Asia asked.
“Amynta’s mam wasn’t his mate,” Barticus countered. “The man lived long after she passed. If that had been his mate –”
“He wouldn’t have survived,” Asia finished. Her mind now awash with sadness for a woman she didn’t know. Life hadn’t been easy in those days. Her mom grew up with one parent who cared little for her. Asia wondered at the similarities in their upbringing.
“I need to skip ahead to a couple days past. At that time I received an urgent call from the High Priest. The same High Priest who trained me as a pup.”
