by D. M. Angel
Kyla sat heavily down in the chair nearest her. “Shit!”
“…After Jace called, I sent out search parties right away, three have called in with nothing to report, I am still waiting on the other two.” Michael was informing Derrick as his phone rang.
“Yeah!” He answered gruffly, “Where?”
Michael turned looking across the lake directly across from the cabin saw a light signaling clearly. Derrick and Jacob turned and looked toward where Michael’s attention was directed.
“OK, split into two groups and search the area, I’ll send more help.”
Hanging up he yelled, “Andy, Southeast side of the lake!” Jeremy, you take the south. GO!”
Ten men shifted in unison and disappeared into the night. Michael turned to Derrick with a pissed look on his face,
“I failed you Sir. Gary found a recent camp abandoned on the other side of the lake. They were there at least three days watching the cabin. I should have covered more ground.” He exclaimed rubbing the short-cropped hair on his head in frustration.
“Michael, this is not your fault, we both underestimated the situation. Let me know as soon as you hear anything.” Derrick consoled, then looked to Jacob,
“We need to talk.”
Derrick turned and headed into the cabin. Jacob gave Michael an ‘I’ll deal with you later’ look then followed close behind, knowing they had hid something important from him.
Derrick walked into the cabin and over to where Kyla was sitting next to Doc, both watching over Serena. Kyla looked up seeing the frustration in his eyes stood to stand next to him getting the message he wanted to talk, as Jacob walked through the door. She looked at Jacob as he stormed up to Derrick standing in a challenging stance in front of them.
“Okay, spill it. Now!” He said angrily.
Jacob’s aggravation more than obvious, Kyla understood what Derrick needed from her, moved to his other side maneuvering Doc at Jacob’s back.
“You have to understand Jacob,”
Derrick started as he glanced over Jacobs shoulder at Doc who was now standing, nodding at Derrick unspoken signal. Jacob just stared waiting for Derrick to continue.
“Daniela asked us to keep her secret. Even from you.”
“Her name is not Daniella Casey; her really name is Kathleen Bentley.”
Jacob stood stunned staring in confusion at Derrick then at Kyla. Suddenly His eyes widened,
“Garret Bentley’s ex-wife?!?”
Derrick nodded solemnly.
Before anyone could react, Jacob threw a punch knocking Derrick across the room.
“YOU SON OF A BITCH!” He growled, “You knew she was in danger and you said nothing to me?!”
He growled his wolf’s anger pushing to the surface as he turned aggressively toward Kyla. Before he could react again, Doc injected a sedative into Jacob. Jacob turned abruptly and hit Doc knocking him across Serena on the bed just before he slumped to the floor and passed out.
“Well, that went well.”
Derrick said as he pulled himself off the floor rubbing his jaw. He walked over to Kyla, tears falling in sadness down her face, pulling her into his arms holding her close. Stunned by what happened Doc looked to both as he slid to the side of the bed taking his weigh off Serena.
Rubbing his own jaw, he looked at Derrick and Kyla,
“Someone wanna maybe explain what just happened?” He asked confused.
“I can.” said a voice behind them.
Caleb was standing in the doorway, walked slowly into the room looking sadly down at Jacob lying on the floor. “It is about to get a lot worse now that Kathleen is missing. Even after she has been found his wolf has been pushed to the surface.” Looking at Doc he continued, “I am afraid at this point, if you had not sedated him he would have tried to kill Kyla and anyone who got in his way.” He said sadly. “He may now be lost to his wolf.”
Out of the astonished silence that followed Caleb’s announcement, Derrick roared, “Shit!” then thundered, “Michael!”
Derrick was in Alpha mode as Michael enter, taking in the all the circumstances in the room with one glance. Derrick needed to think of the packs safety first, not just Jacob's and Kate’s.
“Michael gather ALL the Command, Security and Elders Councils immediately. No excuses except for those on the search. We meet here in ten minutes I want an update on everyone’s progress then.”
Michael nodded, opening his mouth to speak; Derrick abruptly waved Michael away, turned addressing Doc,
“Keep him sedated until we figure out what to do with him.”
He looked at Kyla, “You need to be at the meeting, gather your council.”
Furiously turned and stormed out the door leaving everyone to complete his or her assigned tasks.
Derrick stormed out looking to the organized chaos, turned away from it all and walked into the woods to gather his thoughts. Everyone who looked to the alpha when he came out could feel the wrath and power radiating off him, bowed their heads in submission, leaving him to his thoughts. Only the very foolish or Kyla ever approached him in this mood.
8
Derrick’s thoughts were running in so many different directions, days like this were thankfully far and few between, but today he wondered why he was the alpha. He should have been more alert, more ready to stop all this. He should have prepared better, he should have been able to protected Jacob and Kate. He just should have known he was the alpha; it was his job to protect the pack.
A twig snapped behind him, however he did not move.
“Caleb, you gotta death wish?” he said at his sternest.
Caleb slowly walked forward and laid his worn and wrinkled hand on Derrick’s shoulder gently,
“You can stand here and beat yourself up for all the things you didn’t do if you’d like. I will not stop you. But know this, you did everything I would have done with the information we had.”
Derrick turned looking at Caleb searching into the depth of his knowing eyes, seeing the truth in his words. Caleb continued,
“When I retired, I knew you would take my place as alpha, but pack law stated you had to earn it. When the elders and I decided to make it a fight to first blood instead of to the death, it was not just because, this was not a normal challenge. It is because we saw potential in not just you, but in the three of you. You, Michael and Jacob. Being my son did not offer you the job automatically, you earned the position.” Derrick remained silent.
Caleb continued reminding Derrick. By the draw, Michael and Jacob fought first. Jacob won that fight making Michael Head of Security. Three days later Jacob fought Derrick, the fight being so closely matched it took over forty-five minutes before first blood was drawn, Jacob becoming Derrick’s Second in Command.
“All was and is as it should be, you will get through this if you keep your head. Stop blaming yourself for things out of your control. Trust in your Command Council, trust in your Elders and Security to advise you.” Caleb looked at Derrick with the sternness and love of the father he was, “Trust in yourself Derrick.”
With that Caleb removed his hand turned and walked away.
Derrick stood watching his father walk away. His father was right it was time for him to be the alpha he was meant to be. There is no room or time for blame or self-pity, now is the time for action. Finding peace with himself, he stood taller and with the resolve to get a plan in motion, to get Kate back as soon as possible if not sooner. Then work on the problems they had with Jacob. With a renewed strength of mind, he walked swiftly to where everyone had gathered waiting on him.
Everyone became silent and turned as Derrick walked into the clearing with the confident steps he now felt.
“First you all need to know information that was kept on a ‘need to know only basis’ which has now become ‘a need to know’ for everyone here.” Derrick spoke with the strength of an alpha behind each word. “Daniela Casey is actually Kathleen Bentley, the recently divorced wife of Garret Bentley.
”
Astonishment circled the area from those who knew the name, while other were confused and started asking questions of those around the group.
“You can brief each other on the specifics of Garret Bentley later but know this,” Derrick paused as everyone returned their attention back to what Derrick was saying, “He is a very dangerous man and has now become a threat to the pack. This threat is at Kate and then Jacob. What effects one affects us all.”
Nods and growls of agreement echoed the clearing.
“Michael where are we on the search for Kate?”
Michael rose and addressed the group, “Ben’s group found the tracks of an SUV southeast of the lake and alerts have gone up along the only road off the mountain in the direction the kidnappers could have taken. Everyone except the group investigating the camp site they were at, have been called back and are on alert. We are waiting to hear from anyone seeing any trace of the vehicle.”
Derrick nodded to Michael and looked to Caleb, “Caleb, you need to brief everyone on the condition and complications to Jacob in regard to the mating process with Kate.”
Caleb stood and looked at the concern for another pack mate on everyone face. “A long time ago when our kind were hunted to almost extinction, a safety mechanism was built into us in times of danger. No one knows how it works but the mating male always knows when his would be mate is in danger.”
Those with mates nodded in understanding.
“But, since we became secretive, and humans think us only as myths, part of that instinct was not needed any longer and went dormant. Because of the danger Kate is in right now, in Jacob it has become active,” He stated sadly, “Jacob’s wolf has taken over.”
Surprised disbelief and astonishment flashed on everyone’s faces as Caleb continued explaining what had happened so far to Jacob, and what was still to come. “He will have to be caged for now, for his and Kate’s protection as well as the packs.” He stated regretfully. Caleb sat on the steps to the cabin, as disagreements broke out on the idea of caging a pack member.
Michael’s phone rang at that moment, raising his hand for silence he answered it.
“Tell me what you have!” Everyone went silent again awaiting news. Listening to the person on the other end of the call Michael looked up at Derrick and smiled. “Alright keep a discreet eye on them, do not approach them until we get there unless they start to move again. Understood? Good.”
Michael hung up putting the phone in his pocket announced,
“We found them! They are holed up in a hotel in Waverly.”
Derrick stood as everyone followed suit, he noticed everyone anxiously waiting on orders, Derrick looked to Michael,
“What are your plans?”
He gave Michael the control, knowing he needing a boost in his confidence, Derrick let him take the lead showing his trust in him. Caleb nodded in approval, his pride shown in his face at Derrick, as Michael took control.
“Teams A and B with us!” He commanded with certainty, “Team C wolf form and patrol the perimeter of pack land and around the lake till we return, Team D with them in Human form and armed, Pair up. The rest of you go back and protect the rest of the pack.”
Orders given, groups shifted and took off in organized chaos to do as ordered. Derrick kissed Kyla and left with the group loading into the cars.
Kyla watched as the last of the cars disappear around the bend. Turning, she went inside the cabin to check on Serena. She walked in to find she was not the only one checking on Serena. Jace sat wretchedly on the bed holding her hand. Leisa and Emily were sitting at the table; Jasmine making coffee and breakfast for those who stayed behind. Jacob had been moved to a corner and was chained. Doc knelt on the floor checking on him with Caleb standing over him and Eric and Thomas standing guard. The room was silent no one felt the need to speak. Kyla walked over and sat at the table with Leisa and Emily.
Kyla’s mind worked over time worrying about all the things that could go wrong absently started wringing her fingers in nervous thought. She watched everyone in the room as they wandered aimlessly waiting on news and contemplating uncertainties. Looking at Jace, she smiled wondering if he and Serena realized yet, that they were getting ready to go through the mating soon and smiled. She looked over to Leisa who smiled knowingly at Kyla agreeing with her thoughts. Leisa looked down at Kyla’s hands and raised an eyebrow.
She stopped fidgeting and stood walking over to help Jasmine with breakfast. Pouring everyone a cup of coffee and setting them on table, handing one each to Thomas and Eric, then one to Jace who look to not be moving away from Serena anytime soon. Kyla went back and started another pot, it was going to be a long wait.
Doc finished and stood moving to sit tiredly at the table, Caleb followed sitting next to Leisa. She watched the two of them interacting and smiled when Caleb laid a hand on Leisa’s. It was about time they found someone to help fill the empty spaces left by spouses who had left them both behind so suddenly. No one should be alone. Looking at Doc she laughed quietly thinking of Doc’s Daisy, wondering why she couldn’t be here. Her death last year had been felt by all in the pack. Wondering how he was doing; Kyla was just about to ask him when Serena moaned.
All attention turned to Serena as Doc moved swiftly for an old man to her side. Holding her hand he spoke softly,
“OK Serena, your fine take it slow and easy.”
Her eyes opened sleepily, and she looked around, her eyes still unfocused, until she found Jace and smiled. Raising a hand to her head she whispered asking Jace,
“What happened?”
Jace explained briefly how he had found her unconscious and Kate missing. She started to get up but Doc pushed her back down to the bed telling her to lay still.
“You are not going anywhere for a while, let Jace fill you in on everything while you just lie here and relax. Serena relaxed into the bed as Jace started talking.
Jace told her of all had transpired and the information they knew about since Kate’s abduction. Serena looked around the room for confirmation and sighed when they nodded. She looked over at Jacob laying on the floor, a growl emanated from him even in his sleep.
“What’s to be done with him? Are we really going to have to lock him up?”
Caleb sighed,
“Yes, it is the only way to protect him and the pack. He is too close to losing all control and becoming Feral. I am still awaiting more information but so far I don’t see any other recourse.”
Kyla stood in front of Jacob, watching him becoming more restless on the floor,
“Thomas, Eric, you need to take him to the cells at the main house. Keep him calm,” She heave a quiet sigh sadly, “make him as comfortable as possible until Derrick gets back.”
They nodded at Kyla’s order then conferred with Doc on all they needed to know to keep Jacob Calm. Once Doc was assured of their understanding of what he had said, Thomas picked up Jacob and walked out the door Eric following close behind.
Kyla turned frustrated with the circumstances and walked out of the cabin as she called Derrick to inform him, that Serena was awake and she had sent Jacob to the cells. He told her they were almost at the hotel and that he would call her when it was over.
“I love you, be careful.” She told him then hung up the phone not waiting on his answer.
She was not in the mood to go back into the cabin so she walked down to the peacefulness of the dock to look out over the lake, and listen to the water lapping at the shore.
9
Derrick hung up the phone thinking, ‘I love you too!’ worried about Kyla. She rarely spoke to him of caution let alone hanging up before he could answer. He knows she worries about everyone in the pack, even if she acts the strong alpha female she is, but this seemed different. She seem deep in thought about something she would not voice unless he asked. She never liked burdening him with extra problems. Yet this was more than the recent events. He had noticed her quietly thinking off on her own more than normal before
the shit hit the fan.
“We’re here.” Michael said interrupting his thoughts.
“Good, what’s the plan?” Derrick asked.
Michael pulled the car into the parking lot of the bar next door, keeping them out of view from the hotel the kidnappers were at.
“We wait for everyone and come up with a plan.” Michael stepped out reaching into the back seat pulled out a vest and tossed it to Derrick, “You need to put this on Sir.” He stated more as a command than a request. “I would rather deal with you being upset having to wear it, then deal with Kyla if you get shot.” He finish smirking.
Derrick shook his head as he donned the jacket smirking at the thought. “Yeah, me too.”
As the last of the vehicles pulled up, the men met at the back of the SUV Derrick and Michael had stepped out of. The team watching the room came across the parking lot and laid a paper place mat down on the back of the car with the layout of the hotel drawn on one side.
“They are in this room here on the first floor,” Brian pointed to the room farthest from them on the map. “Four men just left in the one SUV they have, two are still in the room.”
Brian looked up at that point, “Kate is in there too, she is may not be conscious. I think they have her drugged like they did to Serena. We heard her struggling at first and she screamed once, but it has been quiet since.”
Michael acknowledged the report with a nod, looked down at the layout deep in thought. Studying the lay out as he finally worked out a plan.
“Brian take your team around back, place two of your best men at this back window, they need to get inside without being detected if possible, and wait for us to enter. The rest of your team is to continue around the building to the other side of the room and wait for us.”
He slid his finger across the sketch show them what he wanted.
“We will come across the front of the hotel from this side and meet you here,” tapping to the right side of the door to the room. Michael looked up, around at all the men, “Everyone understand? Good, let’s go!”
