by Willow Cross
“Well, well. So we have company? How nice of you to let me know,” he said making his way to them. Then extending his hand he greeted, “How do you do. Welcome to my home. I hope my little sister has been a good hostess in my absence.”
Sarah hesitated before accepting his offered hand.
Raising it to his lips, he placed a light kiss on the back of her hand. Sarah tried not to flinch, and although barely imperceptible, he noticed the slight tug. Without releasing her, he pulled her hand to his nose and breathed in deeply. “Curious. Very curious indeed,” he said as he locked eyes with Sarah. Noticing the red around her eyes, his head turned as he glared at his sister. “Have we been telling stories?”
Mar smiled and stretched, before reaching up to caress his face. “No dearest, you just startled us. Sarah was telling me a very scary tale about witches and vampires. You wouldn’t believe what’s going on in the world right now.”
Fully composed, Sarah took her cue from Mar and warmly squeezed his hand. “So very nice to meet you, Antoli. We’ve so enjoyed our stay here. Mar has been a wonderful hostess.”
Straightening, he released her hand and smiled. “Good. She does well for someone so young, no?”
“Absolutely. Have you met the rest of us yet? I believe they were out front.”
Antoli’s black eyes peered into Sarah’s. “No. No one was outside. The rest of you? How many visitors do we have, Marica?”
Mar rose, wrapped her arm around his, and began leading him to the front door. “They must be around at the carriage house. Let’s go see them, shall we? You’ll like them, they are all Americans!”
“Americans you say? How nice.” Glancing over his shoulder he said, “Will you join us, Sarah?”
“Right behind you,” she answered.
Mar’s head turned for just a second. Just long enough for Sarah to realize her act, was beginning to crumble. “Don’t worry. We’ll help you.”
Without turning around, Mar moved her chin up once in acknowledgment, and continued out the front door, arm in arm with Antoli.
***
Following behind, Sarah sent a message to Jason and Pete. “Mar’s brother has arrived. We are coming to you. Make sure everyone is on their best behavior. I can’t explain right now, but he is evil and dangerous. I’ll tell you more later when we’re alone.”
“Are you okay? You sound upset,” Jason asked.
“I’m shook up, but fine. Jason, make sure Shad understands how important it is that Antoli likes all of us. We’re just here to talk about the alliance, and nothing more. We’re all very good friends.”
“Will do. Watch your back.”
“Just smile and play nice,” she answered.
When they arrived at the carriage house door, Antoli stepped to the side motioning for Sarah to precede him. As with the house, the term carriage house wasn’t an apt description either. Jason, Shad, Pete, and one of Mar’s pack, surrounded two large pool tables sitting in the center of the room. Numerous video games, and pin ball machines lined three walls. A long bar, complete with hanging glasses and stools, took up the entire length of the back wall. Above the games, the other walls sported various animal heads and antlers. Thick hunter green carpet covered the floor. “Wow,” Sarah said as her eyes wandered around the room.
“Is nice, no?” Antoli questioned.
Jason, feigning surprise, smiled warmly and approached Antoli extending his hand. “So nice to finally meet you. Wonderful place you have here.”
Grasping his hand, Antoli squeezed hard. Unmoved, Jason remained smiling.
Momentary silence ensued, as the two scrutinized each other. Holding her breath, Sarah shot Jason a ‘behave yourself’ look as Antoli released him. “Antoli, this is my brother, Jason, and they are Shad, Pete, and Ashley, good friends of ours.”
Nodding, Antoli gave a short bow. “Welcome to my humble home. I trust each of you have been well taken care of?”
“Yes, thank you,” Ashley answered.
At the sound of her voice, the man’s head snapped in her direction. Breathing deeply through his nose, he sniffed. Eyebrows raised, he glanced at Jason. “Humans? You run with humans? Why have you not added them to your ranks? Surely a pack so small would be in need of additions.”
Shad’s stance became ridged as he spoke. “We have no need of change. They are our friends, that is enough to keep us loyal.”
“Harrumph,” Antoli answered, looking him over. “Maybe for some, but I’d not travel with those unlike me.” Then giving Sarah a quick bow, he said, “No offense meant, of course.”
Returning his bow with another, she replied, “None taken. Of course.”
Still suspicious, he attentively watched the group. “Well now, it seems you have matters to discuss with me. Is this correct?”
Without missing a beat, Sarah answered, “Oh yes. We’ve explained what we’re needing to Mar, but really we’ve been waiting for you to arrive.”
Anger briefly passed over his face as he glanced at his young sister. “Well then, I suggest we congregate at the bar for drinks and discussion. Poor Mar does not understand the intricate workings of the pack, and therefore could not have been much help to you.”
Jason laughed, rolling his eyes. “Little sisters. They seem to think they know everything.”
Mar’s face paled as Antoli shot her another harsh look.
Pete stepped forward. “She pretty much kept repeating herself, saying we must wait for you.”
“Ah. Good. Well sometimes, they do know what’s best for them, no? Shall we?” he motioned to the stools.
“Absolutely,” Pete replied. “I could use a drink.”
***
By three am, they were back in their room. Immediately upon entering, the others began questioning Sarah. She hushed them, pointing to her ear and the walls. She spoke, while motioning for the others to join her in a circle on the floor. “How nice they are, don’t you think?”
“Oh yes. Both of them are extremely hospitable.” Jason answered with a wink.
“Such nice people,” Ashley chimed in. “Do you think they’ll help?”
Seated Indian style on the floor, Sarah answered, “Antoli seems very wise. I’m sure he’ll decide it’s in his packs’ best interest to join us. It’s not like they have to do anything right now.” Then feigning a yawn, she continued, “Well guys, I’m exhausted. How about we hit the proverbial sack?”
Now seated in a circle on the floor, each answered in the affirmative, while pretending to yawn.
Without speaking, Sarah extended her hands to Jason and Shad while nodding to Ashley and Pete to do the same. Closing her eyes, she concentrated. “I’ve never tried this, but we need complete secrecy. Can you hear me?” she asked glancing at Shad and Ashley.
Both nodded.
“Good. From this point on, no one is to speak of this. I’m going to show you what Mar showed me. It’s disgusting, so be prepared. You can’t react to this in anyway.”
Jason shifted, “Is the room bugged?”
Shrugging, she answered, “I don’t know, but she was afraid to say it out loud, so I’m assuming he has some way of monitoring what she does. Are you ready?”
“I can hear you, Sarah, but who were you talking too?” Ashley asked.
“Okay, let me see if I can make this stronger. If I do it right, you should be able to hear each other through me.” Once again, she closed her eyes, focusing on opening her mind. “Someone say something.”
“Can you hear me now?” Jason asked with a chuckle.
They nodded, and Sarah began going through the visions Ashley had given her. Even though, she’d already witnessed the events, tears, once again, streamed down her face. Completely connected to the group now, she felt waves of anger rise up from the men, while nausea and revulsion nearly overwhelmed Ashley. After relaying the entire accounting, she opened her eyes.
Still holding Jason and Pete’s hands, Ashley brought her shirt sleeve to her face. Heavy breathing and red
dened contorted faces indicated the men struggled to contain their anger. Sarah waited as they regained control of their emotions, and then continued. “We have to kill him. We have to free her from this monster.”
“That won’t be a problem. Everyone should be sleeping. Let’s get it over with.” Pete answered.
“I agree.” Ashley said.
“The sooner the better,” Jason chimed in.
Unknowing whether the others could hear him or not, Shad squeezed her hand, drawing her attention to his face. Shaking his head, he said, “No. We need a well laid plan. This man is no idiot, and the pack is enormous. I agree this must be done, but it must be done in the right time and place. Jumping in head first could get some of us killed. I’m positive Jason could take him in a fight, but even Jason couldn’t take on the whole pack. Even with the rest of us helping. Mar isn’t strong enough yet. It’s possible that even after he dies, she’ll not be able to control some of them. We need to do this when he is alone, with no one to come to his aid.”
“Agreed,” Sarah answered. “Did the rest of you hear that?”
“Yes,” they answered.
“You’re our resident expert, Shad. What should we do?” Jason asked.
“I need some time to think about it.”
“You have till morning,” Sarah answered. “Because no matter what, tomorrow Antoli dies. Agreed?”
Everyone nodded.
“Good. Let’s get some rest. I have a feeling we’re really going to need it.”
***
Rising early, Sarah opened the curtained window. Sunlight cascaded through, giving the illusion of a warm summer day. Only the frost on the ground belied the false impression. Her friends, bemoaning the bright intrusion, stretched and grumbled.
“What time is it?” Jason said.
“Eight thirty and I’m starving, so let’s get a move on.”
Subdued, Shad quietly rose, pulled his jeans up over his boxers, and motioned for Sarah to join him in the attached bathroom. Taking her hand, he looked into her eyes. “Can you hear me?”
Curious and unable to hear him, Sarah returned his gaze.
He exhaled, pointed to her head, and then to his.
Nodding, she created a link. “What’s up?”
“I haven’t thought of anything yet. Well that’s not entirely accurate, I’ve thought of several things, but nothing that will be quiet enough. We need to try to get them alone today. With you and Mar both there, we might be able to keep him subdued enough to take him before he calls his pack. I just can’t think of any other way.”
“Okay, I’ll try to link to her and let her know. It’ll be hard to do it without him noticing. They don’t have the link Jason and I do, but I think they have one.”
“Just be careful, and if I need to speak to you in private I’ll say something about an earache. Then you link to me.” Before she could answer, he pulled her close and kissed her.
Arms sliding around his neck, she pressed her body against his, and reveled in their first moments alone in days.
“Hey, you guys done in there? I need the facilities.” Ashley’s voice accompanied a knock on the door.
***
After a tense but uneventful breakfast, Antoli offered to give the guests a tour of his home. Fully arrogant, he enjoyed flaunting his wealth. The group traveled from one room to another, while listening to his ceaseless banter. “Well there you have it. My humble abode. It is simple, yet comfortable,” he said as the entered the main parlor.
Smiling, Jason bobbed his head in agreement. “Can you believe this guy?”
“Insecure much?” Sarcasm dripped from Sarah's words.
Moving to his side, Mar smiled sweetly. “But Antoli, you did not show them the best part.”
Face flushing, he asked gruffly, “What part?”
Mar’s smile remained fixed as she placed her hand on his hairy arm. The thick, black, curly hairs seemed to grow over her tiny hand. “My brother is too humble. He is a brilliant photographer. He’s never bothered with selling them, but he should. The studio in the basement is amazing.”
Obviously flustered, he dismissed her statement with a flick of his hand. “The studio is dangerous.”
“Why is that?” Pete asked.
Chin raising, he answered, “There are many chemicals involved in the process of development. Some are, shall we say, intolerable to our systems.”
“Oh wow. I didn’t know that. What kind of chemicals do you use?” Sarah asked.
Shad’s eyes brightened. “That’s too bad. I’ve always been interested in photography, but just never had the money to invest in it.”
Unable to resist another chance to flaunt his position, Antoli replied, “Well then, I will show you my studio. You should find it interesting. Take care not to touch anything. Especially you three,” he pointed to Sarah, Jason, and Pete, “Used developer mixed with fixer has a moderate concentration of silver. It can cause quite a nasty burn.”
“Yeah, that’s not good,” Jason responded. Then turning to Shad, said, “Guess you guys are the only ones that can touch it. I’ll make sure I keep my hands to myself.”
“I am highly organized. You have to be to run so many companies. Everything is plainly marked, just don‘t touch anything.”
Sarah moved to Antoli’s side. “That’s wonderful. I was afraid to go down there.”
“Nothing to worry about. I have it all under control. Follow me.” With a wink he headed down through the doorway.
The group said nothing, but smiled as they followed behind.
***
After lunch, Antoli decided to continue negotiations in the expansive library. Sarah had to work hard to appear restive as he sat behind the massive mahogany desk peering at them. Not that she tried, but it was difficult to find one thing she liked about the man. Her face remained passive and smiling as her mind seethed with anger.
“So as you can see, it does not benefit my pack to join in your fight. We must, as always, guard ourselves against the threat of others who desire our wealth. Unfortunately, there is no other option at this time.” Leaning back in his seat, he waited for someone to argue their point.
Jason sat quietly contemplating. Crossing her legs, Sarah raised her chin and answered, “Your mind is obviously set in this matter, as there is nothing we can do or say to change it, we will move on. We thank you for your hospitality and kindness.”
Frowning, he sighed and shook his head before focusing his gaze on Jason. “You do realize how improper it is for you to allow her to speak for the group, no? In our country, men are men, and women are quiet.”
Shad’s teeth clenched, causing a strange twitching in the jaw line. Pete exhaled sharply, but bit his bottom lip to keep from speaking. Jason, shoulders taut, crossed his arms, and answered, “She is our alpha, and in my country, the alpha is considered with the utmost respect. Regardless of sex or age.”
Sarah reached out, placing her hand on his shaking arm. “It’s all right, Jason. He’s right. When in Rome, and all that jazz.” Then bowing her head to Antoli, she said, “My apologies if I’ve offended you. I understand that we do things differently. You misunderstand me though. I do not claim leadership over anyone. We work together as a team. I spoke only because no one else did. Any decisions we make, are made together.”
“How very nice for you,” he answered. His cruel mouth drew up in a barely passable excuse for a smile. “You will be leaving shortly then?”
Having learned a lesson, Sarah looked at her brother and waited for him to answer. Jason cleared his throat. “We have a long way to travel, and it is late in the day. Would it be possible to impose on you for one more night? We will leave at sunrise.”
“But of course. And tonight we will have a party to celebrate our new friends. You’ve not had a proper drink until you’ve tasted Romanian Vodka. It is the best in the world. For now, you should retire to your rooms. Even though it is my understanding that you are all sharing one.”
Stoic, Jason replied, “Yes, the girls do not like sleeping alone in a strange place. Once again, we are in your debt. Thank you.”
Rising, he motioned toward the door. “I have important business to attend to. If you please?”
Mar rose as well, saying, “I’ll walk you to your rooms. We wouldn’t want anyone getting lost along the way.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
In the hall, the group quietly strolled to their room with Mar in the lead. As they entered their hall, she turned to face them. “Sarah, there are eyes and ears in all the main rooms and halls. Anything you say or do will be seen. Be careful.”
“Well thank you for guiding us back. You could seriously get lost in this house,” Sarah answered.
“Yes, it is rather overdone, isn’t it?”
“No, it’s very nice. We’ve enjoyed spending time with you.”
“You will help? You won’t leave me here?”
“We will not leave before it is taken care of. Don’t worry.”
Exhaling, Mar managed a smile. “Have a nice rest. I’ll be here around five-thirty to escort you to dinner.”
***
“So I’m going to take a nap,” Sarah said taking a seat on the floor.
Ashley joined her. “Good idea. I’m really tired.”
“It’s too bad he didn’t want to join us. He’d have made a valuable ally,” Jason interjected.
Sarah squinched up her nose, sticking her tongue out.
“He doesn’t seem to like you much, Sarah,” Pete joked.
Making a rolling motion with her left fist, she slowly raised the middle finger of her right hand. Shad let out a short laugh, before sitting beside her. Red faced, she slapped his arm. “So not funny. Okay, can everyone hear me okay?”
Jason nodded, but said, “Well everyone take a nap, and Pete, no snoring.”
“Whatever, Jason. You know you snore louder than everyone here,” Pete answered, trying not to laugh.
“All right you guys, settle down. We may not have much time. Mar says there are eyes and ears in the main room. So this place is probably bugged worse than an embassy. Shad, did you come up with a plan?”
“Actually I have. It’s basically the same concept as the silver coated silver bullets. I’m still trying to figure out how we get our hands on the chemicals though.”
