“Holy crap, Sam.”
“Exactly, Saxton. I’m going to need to speak with Gideon and his brothers.”
“I think you should hold off on that.”
“Why?”
“Melena is not ready to face this aspect of her heritage as of yet,” Saxton said rather sarcastically.
Sam chuckled. “Oh boy, what exactly have you and Tango been teaching her for the last ten years?”
“To be independent, to survive, and to fight for what she believes in.”
“Don’t forget about breaking into warehouses to secure family heirlooms and destroy rogue wolves doing illegal activities. Well then, once she realizes what having Alpha mates is all about, then she’ll commit to them.”
“Not when revenge is her sole focus. How did you know about the break-ins? Oh, forget I asked, I forgot that it was you, Princess, that I was speaking with. Her need for revenge is what concerns me most.”
“Revenge?”
“On Morago. She will not rest until he is either broke or dead.”
“I wouldn’t worry so much about that, Saxton. You’ve taught her so much and you would be surprised how much the fates play a hand in our destinies. Be well and contact me if the need arises.”
“Yes, Princess.”
She chuckled and he disconnected the call. Samantha hated being called Princess, but that was who she was. A royal in the circle. Now what am I going to do about Melena? I need to keep her safe and telling Dolberg may seem like a betrayal once Melena finds out. Then there’s the whole mating thing. A vampire and five Alpha wolves? Melena is going to freak out about this.
He heard someone clear their throat, and when he looked up, he saw Tango.
“Hey, what’s going on?” Saxton asked as he leaned forward then stood up.
Tango stared at him.
“Did I hear that phone call correctly? Did Sam say Goddess of the circle?”
He should have been more careful. He knew that Melena was upstairs and getting ready, but Tango was a wolf, with excellent hearing.
“Close the door.”
“Oh fuck.” Tango closed the door and entered the office. He crossed his arms in front of his wide chest and gave Saxton a look of anger. Tango was a great friend. More like a brother really and their commitment to the Brothers of Were had been their sole purpose in life. When Zeikele had chosen them to be responsible for his family if anything had ever happened to him, they never expected Melena to be this special.
“What you heard is true. She is the Goddess. We should have known that Zeikele wouldn’t leave us in charge of his only daughter unless she was of great importance.”
“Of great importance? She is the one that many have been seeking to find,” Tango said.
“More like seeking to destroy. If the stories are true, then Melena does have the capabilities to secure the circle for good. She possesses the instincts as her father did. She has already helped to establish the Security Ring.”
“By being his daughter, the surviving child of Zeikele, she has a right to everything he once controlled and secured. She could be the leader of the Security Ring. This title could also secure her protection as far as the circle or other packs are concerned.”
“No, it could make her a target. For abduction, threats, and manipulation. She does not understand or connect with her heritage yet. Plus, now she has the brooch. That is somehow key to that Book of the Founding Fathers,” Saxton added.
“Perhaps after she is mated, her perspective on wolves and her heritage will change?”
“I think we should tell her. I think talking to her and explaining her family and now her role will make it easier for her,” Tango said.
Saxton ran his fingers through his hair.
“We used to be threatening warriors. Now, here I am contemplating hurting the feelings of a child we raised.
“I hear your frustration, but she is not ours to keep, to mate, and to protect. She belongs in safekeeping. What could be better than five Alpha males known for their power, intimidation, and ability to secure?”
“One very powerful and selfish vampire,” Saxton said then hit the intercom button on the desk.
“Melena, can you please meet Tango and I downstairs in the office now?”
He heard her response and released a sigh.
“Here it goes. She’ll either love us or hate us,” Saxton said.
* * * *
Melena was absolutely speechless. As Saxton and Tango filled her in on her father, his power and standing in the were world as she liked to refer to it, she felt ready to vomit. She was filled with a mix of emotions. There was anger, disgust, annoyance, but what really shocked her were the feelings of pride.
“So, you see, we had no choice. When you contacted us, we were told by your father to contact a close family friend to ensure your innocence and identity,” Saxton said.
She stared at him, feeling the information overload but determined to understand everything he was saying.
“A family friend? What?”
“Basically, a goddess of magic. She shares your bloodline with others,” Tango added.
“Wait. Are you saying that I still have family alive? I mean, I am totally trying to bypass the magic goddess thing for now, but family? Like Mahalan relatives?”
“Yes. They exist, but they, too, remain hidden.”
“Why, Saxton?”
“Because they would be killed by the enemies who seek you out.”
“Why am I so important? I don’t even remember my childhood. How could I remember anything secretive that my father might have shared?”
“You’ve done a lot of research and seem to have a knack or instinct when researching were protocol and the allegiance to the circle. Ever hear of the Goddess of the circle?” Saxton asked. Tango rubbed his hand back and forth over his mouth. He was nervous and upset.
“Of course. The Goddess is believed to have the power to recreate the circle of elders or kind of like take out the trash and get rid of the bad members who are no longer loyal. If we could find her, then we could surely get rid of some of the bad members and replace them with the good ones who truly believe and respect were law. We might not even need the Security Ring, except as precaution and insurance.”
They stared at her and she didn’t understand why.
“Baby, you’re her,” Tango said when Saxton just stared at her.
“What?”
“You are the Goddess of the circle,” Saxton whispered.
Melena thought she was going to fall off the chair. She felt her jaw drop. She closed her mouth and stared at them. Then her jaw dropped again.
“I…me?”
She stood up and began to pace the office.
“No way. No, you are mistaken. This can’t be. I’m more human than were. You two said it.”
“The magic spell that is over you helps to disguise your abilities and your scent.”
She sniffed her shirt by pulling the material up to her nose.
“I smell like a goddess?”
“Wolves and other spiritual creatures could sense your unique scent. It is quite appealing and so incredible it draws all attention to you. They may not know exactly why they are so in tune to you, but they will be. That’s why as the goddess, you would need to live in privacy and almost seclusion. By securing your identity, you can remain unknown yet get done what needs to be accomplished,” Saxton said.
“I don’t believe this. Yet, it makes total sense to me. When will the magic spell break? When will I gain any powers or insight into cleaning up the circle?”
“Whoa, Melena. There is much to go over. This power is a huge responsibility. If you were to fall into the wrong hands and be manipulated or led to believe certain things, then you could ultimately destroy centuries of were law and regulations. It could mean the end to any formal order and allow for anarchy and rogue wolves to attempt a takeover,” Tango told her.
“Holy shit!” She plopped down onto the chair.
/> “There is a lot to go over, but we will provide as much information as possible.”
“What about Gideon, Mano, Chordeo, Chance, and Edric? Is it true? Am I supposed to accept them as my mates? Will this ensure the protection of the circle?”
Saxton looked at Tango and released a sigh that seemed to be laced with unhappiness.
“They are your mates. They know it and they will protect you. Whether or not they will also protect the circle because of you, we will have to wait and see.”
“I don’t know if I can trust anyone else but you two.” She felt the tears reach her eyes for the first time in so many years.
Then she sensed Tango and Saxton moving toward her. Saxton took her hand and Tango placed his hand on her shoulder. She looked up toward both of them.
“You will know what is right and what is wrong, by following your gut instincts. This is your destiny. To lead, to be strong, and to save the were community from destruction. The greed and criminal activity is running rampant in these times. We are losing so many good men and women to corruption and selfishness. Their use of were abilities and forcefulness must be controlled. The circle must once again be the ultimate decision maker,” Saxton told her.
She stared at him with tears in her eyes as emotions and ideas filled her head.
“I’m glad I was paying attention to both of you over the years, as you explained in great detail about were law. Otherwise, I would be asking for a crash course right now that would add to the plethora of other emotions I am currently feeling. This is a lot to take in.”
“It is, but you are more than capable of handling it. Plus, we intend to remain by your side even if we have to deal with your mates,” Tango said and then gave her a wink.
“Then the Security Ring is a must. I have to help create this ring of true supporters. We have to figure out what that TAMW stands for.”
Saxton and Tango smiled.
“You’re going to be fine, Melena. You are an adult, a grown woman, and a goddess. The gods have chosen wisely.” Tango pulled her into his arms and hugged her.
Melena had so many thoughts running through her head, but then came thoughts of her family. Members she never knew existed but needed to remain safe.
“Let’s get down to business, guys. It’s going to take some serious planning to bring down the bad guys.”
Chapter 11
Julius watched Melena as she slept, just as he had done every night since finding out she was indeed alive. Except, he used his powers to keep her sleeping. He had made a mistake that first night. Allowing his desire to touch her and allowing her to see him, feel him so intimately had been wrong. He couldn’t stop thinking about that night and wishing that somehow they could be together.
Sneaking in to see her, and to know that she was safe and resting helped ease his worry. It was his way of satisfying his need to be close to her, yet not jeopardize her happiness in any way. She was restless tonight, but as he tried to read her thoughts, he felt the magical block. His heart ached as his desire and hunger to have her was becoming more and more difficult to avoid.
Julius leaned down toward her face as he sat beside her on the bed. She was so beautiful in sleep. He could stare at her for hours and he did. He hadn’t touched her since that first night and it was the most difficult thing he had ever done. He wondered now what she dreamt of and wished it was of him. He softly traced her chin and jaw then lowered his mouth toward hers. She was too delicious to resist tasting.
Even in sleep her body, her blood, and her soul pulled toward him. She kissed him back even though he controlled her in case she awoke. He didn’t bother to change forms until it seemed she was coming out of her dream state. In a moment he shifted to air and used his mind to take just a little from her to ease the hunger.
Melena moaned as she open her thighs and thrust slowly upward.
You are so beautiful, goddess of mine. I long to be inside of you, connecting with you for eternity.
Melena awoke, once again shocking him.
She gasped then calmed her breathing.
“I know you’re here, Julius. I feel you. Please show yourself. I need to see you.”
He wrestled with his mind about revealing himself to her. How the hell did she know he was here?
He used his mind to unbutton the light nightshirt she wore. Her abundant breasts emerged beneath the fabric and he gasped in delight. She was fit for a king to feast upon.
“Just one taste. A small pleasure to ease my ache.”
“Yes, Julius. Please, touch me, taste me. I want you to.”
He licked across her nipple before pulling the tight bud between his sharp teeth. He circled it with his tongue then pulled hard. She moaned as she tilted her breasts upward toward his mouth.
“You’re so responsive.”
“You do this to me.” She held his gaze.
He did the same to her other breast then cupped them with his hands. She was well endowed. He stared at her body, from breasts to belly. So badly he wanted more, but he had already gone too far. He had sworn that he wouldn’t take a taste of her cream again. He couldn’t. The more he thought of her the more he wanted. Slowly he straightened out her blouse, re-buttoned the top, then stared at her again. Her cheeks were flushed, her breathing slowly settled.
“Don’t stop, Julius. Why did you stop?”
“I can’t do this with you, Melena. As much as I want to, I made a promise. Sleep now,” he told her then tried to use his powers to ease her mind. She lay back down and closed her eyes. He kissed her one last time before the sun came up.
* * * *
Melena opened her eyes, feeling the glare of the sun peek through the blinds. She thought she had closed them last night. She felt groggy and her breasts were tender. She cupped them with her hands, massaging the sensitive mounds as her mind tried to figure out why they ached. Immediately she thought of Julius and gasped. He was here last night. He watched her as she slept and he touched her, aroused her as she slept. She knew that it wasn’t just a fantasy dream, but a reality. The vampire used his powers on her again to try and make her forget. But why? She told him that she wanted him to touch her. I like when he touches me, she admitted to herself. She immediately felt aroused and needed.
That thought made her think of the Dolberg Pack. Chance, Mano, Gideon, Edric, and Chordeo entered her mind. Goddamn, those men were sexy as damn hell. What it might feel like to have them touch her so intimately, like Julius had. She sighed in annoyance and now her body really felt strung tight and antsy.
“I’m horny. This is what my life has turned into. Danger around every corner, mystery and lies, sexual attraction to a crazy, somewhat insecure vampire and five, breathtakingly handsome, rugged, wild, Alpha were men with egos the size of Texas.” She heard the knock on her door and jumped, being caught off guard.
“Yes.”
“Can I come in?” It was Saxton.
She pulled the sheets around her and sat up on the side of the bed.
“Okay, come in.”
“Hey, sorry to wake you, but I just heard from Gideon. He said that Mano, him, and Chance located the warehouse you had found weeks ago. It was cleared out, but they caught the scents of Filletto and Morago.”
“Oh God. Morago is part of this, whatever it is.”
“We should let them help us. Perhaps Dolberg will know what TAMW means.”
“No. I need to do this and stay clear of them. I can’t deal with this mating thing while trying to secure the sanctity of the circle. It’s too much.”
“They can help you. It could be why they were chosen for you as mates.”
She released a long sigh.
“They have the silver knife in their possession. If they do the fingerprints analysis, which they may have already, matters could get worse. Plus, word is from my informants, Divanni has pictures of the knife. He could connect it to the warehouse and the fact that you are the one who stole the set.”
“It was my father’s set, not
his.”
He raised his eyebrows at her.
“We can use the wolves’ help here. They’re going to find out sooner or later that you are Zeikele’s daughter.”
“And the Goddess of the circle I suppose,” she replied with attitude.
He shrugged his shoulders.
“Call them. Set up a location to meet.”
“Okay. I’ll tell them to meet us in an hour.”
“We can meet them at the city council. That way we can inform Xavier of what is happening, too. Once we meet with Gideon and his brothers, we can have Xavier issue wolves to monitor Morago, Filletto, and Divanni.”
“There’s a chance that Divanni may be at the building today. They’re doing a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new park around the corner and the count made some financial contributions along with Filletto.”
“That’s typical, isn’t it, Saxton? Bad guys trying to cover their illegal activities by showing face in the public eye.”
“It’s not your concern. You need to focus on developing the Security Ring. Tango, the Dolberg Pack, and I will work on monitoring the bad guys, as you like to call them. So hurry up and get ready. I’ll make the call.”
Saxton left the room and Melena took a deep breath then released it. She thought about Dolberg Pack. It was a shock that she actually felt the anticipation of seeing them again. This couldn’t be good.
* * * *
“The woman, Melena Zekar, is working for Xavier Dolberg. A source inside the city council believes that she is part of a plan to organize security of some sort,” Wilton told Divanni as he joined him in his office.
“How can that be? She is hardly even were. Why would Xavier or the council allow a human woman, no less, to be in charge of security of any sort?” Divanni asked.
“That is what I have people trying to find out. What I know so far is that she works alone, in the basement of the building and that she has full clearance. She had to have been the one who stole the set of knives. They belonged to the Mahalan collection.”
“Full clearance? We could use her. Do you know to what extent her allegiance is to the circle and were law? If she can be bought or perhaps convinced to help me? This could be perfect. With her open access, she could keep us abreast of any investigations by the government or the circle and give us the heads-up in case our plan becomes exposed. Wow, Wilton. I am truly impressed with your capabilities. Where is she now? Perhaps she is not one of the good guys, but has gotten on the inside. Taking that set of knives has meaning. It has to. I need to find out what was taken, if anything, from the vault of money and antiques confiscated by the authorities at Dashkin and Lunvolk’s place.”
Dwyer, Dixie Lynn - SWAT Team Seven: Goddess of the Circle [The Men of Five-0 #5] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Forever) Page 11
