7 comments/ 3347 views/ 15 favorites BirthRight Ch. 13-16 By: SydneyA Chapter 13 Jasmine watched the door close and walked over to lock it. Disturbed, she went over everything the boys had told her. Someone raped the woman, and she gave birth to twins. After tidying the kitchen, she picked up her phone and placed a call. On the second ring a voice answered. "Mom?" "Jasmine, honey, it's good to hear your voice." She bit down on her lip before responding. "How are you and Mark?" "We're good. The boys?" her mom asked with hesitation. "Rone's in therapy from his accident and Rese is here helping him. They're both doing okay." She paused, choked back the dread threatening to overwhelm her and pushed forward. "Mom didn't you tell me I had a twin, but she died at birth?" There was a discernible pause. "Yeah, little Janay. She had heart problems and didn't make it, why?" "I was just curious. The boys were telling me about this woman who was raped, she'd had twin girls but something happened to one of the girls. Somebody took her they said." Her mom gasped. "Raped?" "Yeah, he raped her and passed on a virus, I'm not sure about everything, but I was curious." She said just enough to get her mom thinking. If she was lucky the woman would open up and tell her more about their past. To date, her mom never discussed anything before meeting her husband. The fact he wasn't their biological dad slipped out one day in the heat of an argument. Her mom denied ever saying it, but she and Renee had never forgotten. "Curious about what?" her mom snapped. "Everything and nothing. How long you guys going to be in Miami?" She changed the subject knowing her mom wouldn't let it rest. "Another week. What kind of virus?" "Huh?" "You said something about a virus during the rape. What kind? Did the boys say?" "Something about it slowing down aging, helped the person heal fast, gave 'em lots of energy, oh yeah and it makes you real fertile. Crazy huh?" For a moment her mom didn't speak. "No, not really. Stranger things have happened." Jasmine closed her eyes as she squeezed the phone tight. "Yeah? Like what?" She got out through a tight throat. "Hold on a minute, let me close the door." **** The house was dark. There was a light tap on the front door. Jasmine heard it, but after the bombshell her mom dropped on her a while ago, she didn't want to see or talk to anyone. Not even her sons. The knock came again, harder this time. Jasmine rolled over, covering her head with the pillow, expecting to hear feet leaving, not walking inside her home. She shot up straight. Her heart slammed in her chest as she grabbed her throat. "Jasmine." Her lids lowered in relief and then snapped open in anger. "Silas. I don't feel like company. That's why I didn't answer the door." He walked into her bedroom, smelling like outdoors and looking outright male. Her nipples tingled in recognition as he leaned against the opening. "The twins went out with the pack and I told them I'd check on you. They called, but no one answered." He stepped into the dim room. Her heart raced as a sliver of light from outside hit the planes of his face. He looked big, menacing and well, damn good. "I'm fine, thanks," she said in a dismissive tone, hoping he'd take the hint and leave. He sat on the edge of the bed and leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "What happened?" "Huh?" "You're upset. What happened?" His demanding tone irritated her. "Nothing I want to discuss." She pulled her legs up out of the way. "You prefer to be fucked?" She shook her head at the change in topic. "No. I prefer to be alone." "Talk or fuck, it's up to you." He stood, toed off his shoes and unbuttoned his shirt. A deep throb started low in her belly. Tingles of anticipation ran amok inside her. She closed her eyes to gain control and swallowed hard. "Stop Silas." She ground her teeth in frustration. "I found out something a little while ago from my mom and I'm trying to process it. I don't want to have sex and I don't want to talk." "We'll ignore the lie about sex, but if this has something to do with your ability to breed wolves, I'd like to know what you discovered." He returned to the side of the bed in just his pants. She frowned and sat back against the headboard. "Does it matter that I don't want to be bothered with you?" "Sometimes, just not this time." She crossed her arms over her chest. "You know... I don't have to tell you anything. I'm not a wolf or a member of your pack or your organization or whatever you call it. I have a life of my own and I'd like to get back to living it again. When will I be able to leave? Or am I a prisoner here?" They stared at one another for a moment. "You're right. You're not a wolf, although I suspect you have a lot of our traits. You understand pack protocol, so I know you're just being ornery right now. Tyrese told me they shared what we found in Mexico, so you are aware there are other human females who breed. And I'll release you after your next cycle." Her head snapped back. "What? Why wait?" His brow raised a notch. "Pups. We'll know by then if you're breeding or not." Her stomach twisted, and she sank further down the bed. She was almost certain she was pregnant, but didn't want to take a test and seal her fate. There were so many things she wanted to explore in her life before raising more kids. "What happened, Jasmine?" He lay across the bed, trapping her legs. He leaned up on his elbow and stared at her. His eyes, more blue than green, tempted her to give into him. She looked up at the ceiling. It didn't offer a reprieve or make the news any better. "A man raped my mom," she whispered. Answering the question she'd put to Tyrone earlier. Arianna was not a relative. He tensed but didn't move. "I had a twin, but she died from a severe birth defect. Mom was still tore up about it as she told me. My twin's organs, they were all wrong, they didn't work or something." He rubbed her arm while she got her breathing under control. "Renee's older and from the man I thought was my father. My twin and I were from the rape. Since then, my mom has had at least ten abortions. The last one a year ago. She refuses to have any more children after my twin's deformity." Tears filled her eyes. They hadn't asked for any of this. Now, she and her mother might outlive her sister. Her sixty-year-old mother still looked half her age and dated men much younger. "I don't want this," she said, her voice cracking as she looked at him. He scooted forward and held her beneath the shelter of his arm as tears filled her eyes. "I know, Jasmine. But in life we have to deal with the hand we're dealt. You're strong and there's a reason you carry this burden. We don't know why, but you have to trust that things will work out." He rubbed her back, soothing her. "How old is your mom?" "She just turned sixty last year, why?" She leaned into him, filling her nostrils with his woodsy scent. "Arianna's rape happened when she was in her early twenties. So was your mom. So we know whoever is doing this has a thing for younger women, but not children, at least as far as we know he hasn't raped women under the age of twenty. Plus he was still doing this thirty five years ago. That's a serious block of time from Arianna to your mom." She nodded as understanding dawned. "Did he rape a woman a year, every other year or every decade? It's no telling how many women are infected." She looked up at him. "What does this mean? What are you going to do?" Their eyes met. His had darkened to green. "Right now or later?" he asked in a slow sexy drawl that had her libido doing flips. Her tongue swept across her dry lips. His eyes followed the movement. And then he crushed her to his side. "Are you feeling better?" he growled. "No, not really," she said to see what he'd do next. He whistled a long sigh above her head. "What else troubles you?" "I'm worried about my sons and what all this means. You call them half-breeds or hybrids. Just how different are they? And does their difference matter? Are they in danger or do you consider them a threat?" She felt the groan through his chest as she settled back against the headboard. "I'm not sure what this means. Apparently, someone has been upsetting the balance for years and we're just finding out. There's no telling how many hybrid wolves are out there or how many human breeders. Rone and Rese are exceptional wolves. They run as fast and are as strong as my trained Alphas." "But the Mexican hybrids weren't. Not even close. Even those who had training. So I can't tell you what matters or not yet, because I don't know. More research has to be done. Is it their diet that made them different? Or their childhood? Or maybe how they were taught?" He shook his head. "There are so many unanswered questions that I can't say right now. But I can tell you this, right now I don't see your sons as a threat. And I don't think they are in any added danger. We're a social community. They're learning what it means to have a pack behind them and that's a good thing." He stroked her shoulder. She looked up at him, curious at the wistful tone in his voice. His hand reached beneath the sheet, touching her thigh and setting off sparks of banked longing. "We need interaction with others. A simple touch." His fingertips trailed along her thigh. Goosebumps exploded over her skin. "That is the dilemma of the lone wolf. He too finds himself in need at times. Times when it's damn inconvenient." "In need?" Her brow arched as the pads of his fingers tapped across her panty-clad mound. "Am I throwing off the mating scent again?" He stared down at her, capturing her gaze. There was something in his eyes. Something indefinable. He blinked, and it disappeared. "No. There's no mating scent, not this time." He paused and looked at her. "Jasmine, there's something you need to understand. I'm an older wolf who leads the nation of wolves, that's my first priority. I've seen a lot of things and done more than I have time to discuss. I don't have a mate, although I do have a servant who sees to my needs when I am in residence." She frowned. "Huh?" He shook his head. "That's not important unless you're breeding. Jacques will be the one to see to your care and then help with their upbringing." "What?" She tried to lean forward, but he held her tight. "Stop getting so riled. You're a little hellcat at times." She cocked her brow at him. "You've lost your mind if you think anyone other than me is going to raise my kids. Don't even think I'd give them up to you or anybody else." He shook her a few times. "I didn't say... didn't mean you'd be giving up the pups. I have servants in my home and one in particular whom I'd trust to deal with my litter. He has been with me for a hundred years and runs my home." "So why'd you mention him? Are you lovers or something?" She eyed him. He grinned, but it was far from innocent. She shivered as his eyes slid over her from top to bottom. "I say he's my servant, you ask if he's my lover? That's a jump even for you. Where is your mind?" He flicked the hard bud of her nipple. Her hand flew up and covered her chest. "Stop that. Go back to being an old fart, I mean wolf. I mean an old wolf." She smiled at his glower. His face changed as he stared at her. A green starburst filled his eyes. Her breath caught, but she didn't look away. Heat filled her belly. Small tingles pricked her skin, not pleasurable, but not painful either. Her breath hitched as she watched his eyes change to a mixture of green and blue. The seconds ticked without either of them speaking. Her fingertips itched to touch his face, not in a sexual way. Even in the quiet of the room she sensed his leashed power, the warmth of it pulsed through the room. The idea of a quiet storm summed up the intensity of his eyes. Dark strands of her hair lifted beneath the wind of his glowing eyes. "Why are you doing this?" she whispered, her eyelids heavy. "I needed to see you. Your aura... it's unique." He placed a kiss on her forehead and inhaled her scent. Holding her tight against his chest, she wanted to ask him what he'd wanted to tell her, but the heaviness in her limbs lulled her asleep. Chapter 14 Silas listened to her slow breaths as she drifted to sleep. It wasn't often the Goddess spoke to him in such a strong manner. With care he released Jasmine, made sure she lay comfortable, and stepped away from the bed. After one last look, he walked out her bedroom and closed the door. He made it to the sofa, closed his eyes and released himself. His eyes opened, and he saw his face reflected in a pool of water. The white garments he wore surprised him, but he remained silent, on his knees in a position of deference. Head bowed, he waited. "Patron of the wolves, rise." The words flowed through him, offering aid as he stood. The water shimmered as a silhouette of a wolf formed, then changed to the human form, and then changed to another beast's form. Puzzled, Silas watched and waited for an explanation. "The one thing that is definite is change. It's coming with a time of testing. Your obedience and service to me has not gone unnoticed. You will be rewarded, although it may not seem so at the time. Be vigilant, you'll need your eyes to see. Be faithful, you'll need your ears to ferret out the truth. Be merciful, your nose will lead you to understanding. Be courageous, your heart will suffer but will guide you to the truth. Taste the truth and embrace it, reject the lies and you will ride the wave of change. Your wolves need your direction now more than ever." "Goddess, I don't understand what you mean by change." Her voice blew in the wind, filling him. "You will. It comes now on the horse of fire." He opened his mouth, a whirlwind of power swept around him. His arms and legs twitched as electrical currents flowed through him. It lasted seconds, although it felt like an hour or so. When it stopped, his head flopped back on the sofa. Sofa? He peeked. A kitchen was to the right. He sat in the middle of the living room floor, leaning against the furniture. Panting, he felt as though he'd just run a marathon. A pulse throbbed in his forehead as the words the Goddess spoke spun in vicious circles like victims of the whirlwind. Her words were like a puzzle, always had been. He wondered for the hundredth time, why she didn't just come right out and say what she meant? Sighing, he pulled himself up to a sitting position and rested his forehead against his knee. It'd been a long day. The Mexican discovery. The deal with half-breed women retaining their humanity. The old breeder. He still couldn't believe she was that old, but her story had checked out. Arianna Hershman had vanished. Her teenage daughter had returned home, but ran away again. They hadn't been able to find the other daughter. She'd disappeared once she left for the Peace Corps. They were tracking down the sons to see if anyone had kept in contact over the years. It was a long shot, but it was a thread. And right now they needed to pull every thread no matter how thin. There was a stirring in his mind telling him the person was a great distance from him. A second later he straightened as he recognized it was Theron. "Theron?" "Patron, rogues attacked us after we cleared customs." Silas could hear his Alpha's pain through the link. He cursed the distance. "Tell me what happened." He picked up his cell and called the pilot. "Prepare the plane. We need to return to Texas, within the hour." He clicked off as he listened to Theron talk of the ambush. Twenty of the Mexican wolves suffered injuries. Three were dead. "I'm on my way. Where are you now?" "My pack just arrived and routed the bastards. I'd called to have them meet us at the border. That's why the death count is so low." He paused. "These wolves... they were fast and vicious. Their level of coordination surprised me. I haven't seen anything like it outside of training with you." Silas tensed. "I'm on my way. I'll meet you at the Alpha house. See to your pack." Silas clicked off and studied the blank wall. In silence he went over the words of the Goddess. "Horse of fire?" he muttered, wondering what it all meant. He shook it off and contacted Jayden. "Someone ambushed Theron, I'm returning to Texas. Have my luggage sent to the plane while I contact my security." "Are you taking the twins?" Silas thought for a moment what Theron had said about the wolves who attacked them. If it was as he suspected, he'd need the twins to give him insight. "Yes. Watch over Jasmine, she's breeding. No harm should come to her or her litter." "I understand. Congratulations." Silas grunted. "Hold off on that. I'm not excited over the prospect of hybrids yet." He pulled open the door, locked it behind him and headed for the stairs. "I count it an honor to watch over your pups and the bitch who breeds them," Jayden said in a humble tone. The comment pulled Silas out of his funk. "Thank you, Jayden. I cannot think of anyone else I'd trust to watch over their care." He walked out into the night and headed toward the garage. "I must assemble my team. When we arrive, I will contact you." Within the hour, a somber Tyrone and concerned Tyrese were on the plane, along with Brad and Hank, two of his primary security team. Silas filled the men in with the little information he knew. "That's unbelievable." Brad tugged on his goatee. "When was the last time anyone attacked an Alpha?" Silas gazed out the window, muddling through the Goddess' words. "Over a hundred years," he answered. "Why now?" Tyrone asked, puzzled. "Perhaps no one taught them not to attack an Alpha. Maybe they don't understand the hierarchy," Tyrese mumbled, brows furrowed. "Could be," Brad said, looking at Tyrese. "Who taught you?" Tyrese shrugged. "Alpha Jayden." "Yeah, being military brats helped. We knew there was always a chain of command. Dad, then mom..." Tyrone said. Brad nodded. "What do you think would'a happened if you didn't have that?" Tyrese shrugged, looking at Brad. "What happens to any wolf who's alone? I'd make up my own rules. And if I met others like me, I'd teach them my rules, not somebody else's." Tyrone looked between Brad and Tyrese. "You think that's what happened?" Brad shrugged. "It wasn't a lone wolf who attacked over forty wolves. Those numbers alone would make most wolves back off and rethink the situation. Whoever did this recognized the caliber of the wolves and had a serious dose of confidence." "Alpha?" Hank asked. Brad shrugged. "I wasn't there, but if not a trained Alpha, then someone with the skills. It might help to look through the list of applicants to train with the Patron for Alpha status. Maybe someone in this area is tired of waiting." Silas listened and thought the idea had merit. "I'll have Jacques begin the search. We'll give him more info after we talk with Theron." It was after three in the morning when the plane set down in Texas. Tired and operating on fumes, Silas rode in the car to Theron's pack lands. He was the only one awake other than the driver. When he stepped in the car, he'd contacted Theron through their link when he scented the driver and knew he wasn't from the alpha's pack. They turned off onto a dirt road and came to a stop. Silas woke his team with a mental slap, cautioning them to silence as they waited to see how things played out. A group of five wolves stood in front of the vehicle. Tyrese opened the door and stepped out, Tyrone behind him. The wolves snarled at the twins. Tyrone closed the door as Brad snapped the neck of the driver. BirthRight Ch. 13-16 "How many?" Tyrese asked Silas. "Those in the road, three more in the bushes." He paused. "One is human." "Damn," Tyrone groaned. "Not this shit again." The wolves snapped and lurched forward as though held by an unseen leash. Silas felt the twins hum with energy. They wanted to fight. Five against two in their minds was no big deal despite what Theron had experienced. "These wolves are trained to fight as one," Silas cautioned. "Hank is coming to even the odds." Hank stepped out from the back seat, the wolves had snarled before, now they went ballistic. Silas considered slaying the wolves outright, but wanted to see their capabilities. Plus he was curious about the others in the bushes. One thing for certain, he would not allow them to escape. Tyrone and Tyrese leapt and landed in front of Hank. The older wolf growled his displeasure, shifted and stood next to the twins. His wolf snarled as eager as the other wolves. Silas stepped out the car and called the wolves hiding in the bush into the light. Struggling against his compulsion, they yipped and snarled as they came into the clearing. Seeing the wolves struggling, the other wolves lunged toward the twins and Hank. Silas watched the battle while holding the two wolves' hostage. Theron had been right; these wolves were fast, but not as fast as the twins. Silas watched as Tyrone and Tyrese shifted, raced around the wolves in a blazing circle, snipping and taking swipes with their claws. One wolf leapt forward outside the circle and Hank was on it at once. The remaining wolves tried to catch one of the twins, but their speed was unbelievable. Tyrone stepped in and pushed one of the snarling wolves toward Hank, who bit its leg and then snapped its neck. Tyrese cut through the remaining three wolves and pushed another wolf aside. The wolf couldn't stand before Hank was on top of it. "Stop!" A woman's voice called out as she strode through the clearing crying with wild eyes. Her hair tumbled is disarray around her shoulders and down her back. With jerky movements she turned toward the two wolves Silas held. "Stop them," she commanded. One wolf howled, while the other snapped at the woman. The human jumped back, looked between the two wolves and the fight with a gleam of horror and fascination. She fell to her knees with a loud wail as the fight drew to conclusion. Tyrese and Tyrone continued, and Silas had no intention of stopping the massacre. Once the last of the five wolves were down, Tyrese, Tyrone, and Hank howled. Blood dripped from their sharp teeth as they turned their attention to the other two wolves and the human female who sat on the ground sobbing. Silas stepped into the clearing. He heard Theron and his pack approaching, and needed answers before he allowed the Alpha to extract his own justice. He glanced at the twins. "Good job," he told them and Hank through their links. The twins had worked as a synchronized unit that left their enemy confused. It was a brilliant strategy, he planned to talk with them about it later. They howled and circled to come up behind him. Silas looked at the two wolves. "Change." Seconds later an older man and woman lay on the ground in front of him. They looked at the weeping female. The male made a move as though to comfort her. Silas growled, and he froze. "Brad, secure the female." He sent the message and his bodyguard sauntered over to the woman, picked her up, and then dropped her. A long knife stuck out of Brad's chest. Silas' rage boiled over and he slapped the female with a whip of his power as he strode over to check on Brad. Hank and the twins surrounded the couple on the ground as the male begged Silas to spare the female's life. The human female flipped on the ground as though currents of electricity ripped her apart. Silas hadn't gone easy on her. No one attacked his guards. No one. Kneeling beside Brad, he looked at the man. "See me." Brad's eyes latched onto his. With one move, he pulled out the knife. "Change." He sent a surge of compulsion in his words to aid the transformation so Brad could heal. The rumble of vehicles signaled the arrival of Theron's pack. Seconds later they entered the clearing. Theron changed from a hulking wolf and strode to Silas. He bowed and looked at the dead wolves. "You didn't save much for me." The man sounded disappointed. "The twins got antsy and teamed up with Hank for baseball." He waved off Theron's frown. "Later, right now I'm waiting for Brad to stop lying around and stand." The wolf in question lifted his head, and then with slight hesitation stood and moved around slow. Silas tipped his head in the female's direction. "She stabbed him." Theron growled. "Yeah. But I want to talk to all three of them before you mete out justice for your fallen." Theron nodded although Silas could tell he wanted to rip the three apart. His pack stacked the dead wolves for transport back to their lands, where they'd dispose of them. He cuffed the two remaining wolves and stuffed them into vehicles. Theron picked up the human female, daring her to do something. She closed her eyes as he took her to another vehicle. Tyrone, Tyrese, and Hank changed at Silas' command. They watched Brad lope toward the car and change. In silence Hank slid behind the wheel and pulled out behind the Alpha's car. The other cars pulled out behind them. The drive to the pack lands was in silence, although Silas knew questions swirled in the minds of the twins. He appreciated that they waited. One debriefing was more than enough. Chapter 15 The sprawling two-story Alpha house sat in the middle of ten thousand acres in the southwestern part of the state. Theron's pack lands boasted their own schools, a baseball and football field, a small hospital, a butcher, dry goods, a bar and all types of small businesses. There were pastures with livestock, numerous barns, and large fields of crops. Pools and playgrounds dotted the landscape, as well as several homes in small communities. It had been a while since Silas had visited. Theron and his mate Shelby, a licensed veterinarian, always impressed him with their forward thinking. At the mouth of their lands a nice sized strip mall open to the public created jobs for pack members. That's where Shelby opened her veterinarian practice, as well as a large grocery store, a drug store and small department stores. A movie theater and karaoke bar sat on opposite ends of the mall. All employees lived on pack lands. All deliveries for the pack's stores and office shared a space. Theron's security teams enforced his strict rule of 'pack only' on their lands. Security took the wolf prisoners to the small jail while a doctor checked the female. She hadn't spoken since she'd screamed for them to stop killing the wolves. Shelby, Theron's mate, strolled into the room where Silas sat talking to Theron. The Alpha had a smile on his face before she spoke. "Greetings, La Patron." The petite redhead with emerald green eyes that flashed fire when angry offered him a small bow with a large smile. He remembered when Theron courted the firebrand, her eyes flashed all the time. She hadn't wanted to give up her schooling and move to the country. A wolf's major strategy was to tire their opponents. Theron had been relentless in his pursuit and in the end won his prize. Silas took her tanned hand and placed a kiss on the back of it. "It's about time the light came into this dreary place." He smiled as her cheeks reddened. "You are still beautiful, Shelby. It's a pleasure to see you again. I wish the circumstances were better..." She nodded and glanced at her mate. He reached for her. She stepped into his arms and he kissed her hard. Silas looked over their heads at the twins. They were in the middle of a discussion with Hank while Brad sat in a chair nearby, listening. "The female is fine, a little shaken, but otherwise still angry and mouthing curses. We found this in the bushes. She recorded everything." Silas looked at the cell phone. "Have you tracked her last call?" "It went to an untraceable phone. But she'd taken pictures of the fight, no doubt sent them as well," Theron said looking at the device. Silas shrugged. "What about your wolves? The ones who suffered from the earlier attack?" "They are healing." She chuckled. "Although Philippe has decided to pass on the Alpha position." Silas looked between the two, wondering what he'd missed. "Why?" Theron pulled his mate close and looked at him. "When we arrived, they couldn't believe packs live like this. Within moments of eating a full meal in the hall, they all asked to join our pack and not return to Mexico. Philippe was the first to ask." Silas nodded. "You've done well. There is a sense of growth and security here. I understand that most of your young return from college to either work here on the lands or in your shopping areas." Theron nodded. "Yes, we're building a few office buildings here for new businesses. Shelby has approved the business plans of ten pack members. We'll build another structure near the strip mall for businesses that appeal to both sides of our nature." "That's excellent," he said with pride. "I'd love to hear more about that tomorrow, now I'd like to talk to the wolves. And then the female." Shelby nodded. "Yes, Sir. This way please. There's a holding section for the injured. The wolves are down this hall," Theron said, leading the way. The chained wolves lowered their heads when Silas and Theron walked in alone. Silas watched the mated pair and wondered what their connection to the human female was. "Did your pack attack this pack earlier today as they crossed the border?" Silas asked. The wolves frowned. "No. We are a small pack. To attack an Alpha is suicide." "Yet you put one of your drivers in my car and had him take me to a side location. You didn't think that was suicide?" The male blanched. "We didn't know who... she just said to take the car, to bring the car to the clearing." "Who? Who told you to take the car?" They knew he was coming. "Mar—" The female stopped mid-sentence and looked at her mate. She snarled. "Even now you would protect her. After what she has done?" "She didn't ..." "Of course she didn't, yet they are all dead. Dead because you chose to follow her instructions instead of listening to me. Me, your mate." She tried to swipe at him but her chains prevented the domestic brawl from escalating Silas' brow rose. "This is the last time I will ask. Who told you to kidnap my car and how did you know I was coming?" Theron tensed at the last question. It had been a long night and Silas forgave the Alpha for not realizing that important fact. "It was Marguerite. The pack whore," she spat. "She's the human who's been breeding for my mate and the older wolves for the past fifty years. I've never been able to breed, and when one of the wolves brought her to the pack, they received her as a gift from the goddess and gave her everything her heart desired. After a few deliveries, she started making suggestions on pack activities. Instead of questioning her knowledge, the males jumped and did as she suggested." "They were good ideas," her mate said, his face reddening as she spoke of him in a disrespectful tone. "You said nothing at the time." Her head whipped around and she snarled. "I did. I questioned who she was and her ability to birth pups. That's not natural, damn you. Nor is it natural for you to mate with her, but you swore the goddess favored you and allowed you to copulate with that bitch, and she bore you sons. She became your mate in all but name." Silas heard the pain in the bitch's voice. The mating bond was sacrosanct. To hear that it had flaws, that it had been broken, sent a wave of trepidation through him. These humans threatened their existence. "You violated your mating vows?" Theron asked, his voice deep, hard. The male wolf jerked and stared a moment, before lowering his head. "I... At the time I didn't see it that way. My thoughts focused on having pups. Nothing more. I... I failed my mate and my pack." "Where are the pups?" Silas couldn't believe that the five they'd disposed of earlier were all there were after fifty years. "Half had problems, he killed them outright," the bitch said with sorrow. "Others died in fights, and others left to find their way in the world. The ones... the ones from tonight were the last of them." "What about the older wolves? The ones who brought her to the pack? What happened to them?" Theron asked. "Over time they died." "You killed them, or had them killed," his mate snapped, disgust dripping from her tone. "You wanted no one else to fuck that bitch and got rid of them all." "Yet you allowed your mate to live?" Silas asked, watching the male's reaction. "I am a fool. I saw a gold ring and reached for it. I thought... I thought I received a second chance. I was wrong and my people paid for it." He turned to his mate. "You have hated me for a long time. I'm surprised you never killed her." Her eyes blazed for a moment and then she looked away. "I loved the pups even though they weren't mine. I... I wanted the pups she provided." The shame in her confession tore through Silas. "This is Alpha Theron of Texas. Earlier today a group like yours attacked his pack. The only reason I allowed the driver to take us to the clearing was to gain information. Once the wolves attacked, they were dead. Your fate is in Theron's hands." He stepped out the room to marshal his thoughts. The Mexican humans had no interest or involvement in pack life. Yet this human ran the pack through a weak pack leader. Like a wolf, the human must have sensed his weakness and used it to gain control over the small pack. But why? What'd she hope to gain? Tonight she'd lost it all. So far none of the dots connected. Theron stepped out of the holding cell and they proceeded to the small infirmary to talk with the human female. When they stepped inside, Silas froze at the sight of Leara and Leann talking to the bound female. Theron's fury lit, and he leapt across the room, grabbed the women and pushed them against the walls. They screamed. Their eyes widened in fright. Shelby and her guards walked into the room. Tyrone, Tyrese, Hank, and Brad walked in and flanked him. "Why are you in here?" Shelby growled at the women who shivered in fear. Their mouths opened and closed, but no words formed. The stench of their fear filled the air. Shelby got up in their faces, snatched Leann by the hair to pull her toward her face. "What the fuck are you doing in here? I'm not going to ask this nice again." Silas withheld a chuckle at her version of nice. "I thought... I heard someone calling me and... and I came to see what they wanted. I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do... I'm sorry." She slumped down crying. Tears rolled down Leara's face as she watched her sister fall apart. "Honest, we didn't realize this was wrong." "I called them, they came." The human female said, watching Silas. He'd sensed that's what happened but wanted it confirmed. There was something off with this human's scent. Something not quite right. Frowning, he tried to name the problem. Shelby walked over to the female and growled. "You called them into my infirmary?" Theron stood behind his mate, blocking the human's view of Silas. "Yes." There was no fear in the human's voice. Theron grabbed Shelby and pulled her back to him. "If the Patron doesn't kill her, then I'll let you and the other women have her. She's been bad for the past few years," Theron's whisper was loud in the room. The human laughed. It was warm and meant to seduce. Although Silas' cock twitched, his wolf yawned as though bored. He smiled and released a pulse of energy into the room. It'd been a long day, and the sun was rising. He wanted this over so he could rest and decipher the Goddess' riddle. The human screamed. "Where are you from?" Silas asked in a bored tone. Theron continued to block him from the human "Come here and ask --" She screamed again. Silas looked at Brad. "Take them out of here and don't let them out of your sight. They need a heart-to-heart discussion with their Alphas on pack protocol." Leann and Leara's eyes widened as they looked at Theron and Shelby. Brad ushered them out of the room. "Don't forget what I told you," the human screamed at their backs, spittle flying. Silas recognized the scent, the woman was mentally unstable. When she spoke, her words smelled bitter, and stale. Shelby walked out behind the two women, taking her guard with her. Theron braced his legs and crossed his arms in front of the human. "I don't think this one likes our hospitality. Permission to break her neck?" "I fought the wolf bastards earlier for that honor," Hank said standing next to Theron. "If anyone should snap her neck, it should be me." Silas smiled as the two bickered back and forth. "How can you stand there and listen to these... these animals talk of snapping a human's neck?" Silas looked up and realized the female was talking to the twins. Ah... now they were getting somewhere. Tyrone shrugged. "You're human. I feel that part of you." She frowned. "Why didn't you answer my call?" "You called?" Tyrone asked. "I'm a wolf." "No," the woman yelled, her face beet red. "You're human. A large part of you is human." Tyrone shrugged and leaned against the wall watching her with a cheeky grin. The female's mouth opened and then closed. "How'd they change you?" She eyed him with a smidgeon of suspicion. "How'd they change you?" Tyrone asked. "I was born with this curse." "Me too." The female gritted her teeth. Silas listened with a smile. Tyrone was an excellent interrogator; he'd surprised them at how much information he was able to gather with little effort during their training drills. "But you don't understand the importance of breaking free from their evil influence. You have to take control of your wolf and use your energies to change the way things are going. Each day we wake up with the knowledge that we're here for a reason. We have a higher purpose," the woman said with a fanatical edge. "A higher purpose?" Tyrone said with the right amount of eagerness. "You are a superior wolf. Faster, stronger and smarter than full bloods. Their time is coming to an end. You must train and prepare for change." She cackled, it was an eerie sound. "I'm weary of all this. It would be nice to see the end of the declaration, but like Moses, the promise land is denied me. I made too many mistakes." She sighed. "Pride is a terrible thing. Mated pairs should never be disturbed." She released a breath. Silas could hear the shock in the room. "But tonight." She chuckled looking at the twins. "Tonight I saw the future. I hated to see my sons destroyed. They lacked the training that you and your brother had. But they still gave you a good fight? Right?" Silas wondered what fight the woman had been watching. The twins had picked off those wolves with little interaction from the pack. Tyrone pulled his earlobe. "Yeah... yeah, I gotta admit they had us on the run. But I'm not sure I understand what you mean by seeing the future. I mean, I'm younger than you by a few years, what'd you mean by that?" "Youth. And I am more than a few years older than you, insolent pup." She smiled as she looked at him. "I'm going to die and I know it. Gerald was weak and allowed me to come between him, his mate, and his pack. Death was the outcome when I started that dance years ago." She shrugged. "But I grew impatient. I've been birthing pups for over a decade. Lost most of them, although a few survived. It seems the better technology became, the more pups survived. Anyway, I never agreed to do this forever. It shouldn't take this long." BirthRight Ch. 13-16 "Huh?" Tyrone asked. "Patience pup," she said with a frown. "Shifters and humans. Separate, they're enemies. Put them together and what do you have?" "Abominations," Theron growled. The female twittered. "Look at these two, do they look like abominations to you?" "They're wolves," Theron said. "Not one hundred percent," the female snapped. "It's been hell finding a decent balance. Diet, exercise, upbringing, all of it plays a part." She sighed. "Patron. It's not that we don't respect your abilities, we do. But change is inevitable, we'd hoped to work with you, but we weren't ready and you're here." She shrugged. "And now we have a recording of what these wolves can do and you as well. We'll be better prepared now." Silas suspected something like that, it was one of the reasons he held the two wolves immobile instead of killing them outright. "But they were so excited watching the two of you fight," she said to the twins, who returned her stare. "Even now, they're researching your background so it can be duplicated. We figured something was missing and now we know." "Yeah? What?" Tyrone asked his voice tight. She cocked her head and looked at him. The light of insanity burned bright. "Pack. You need a tight unit of comrades, like a pack." Tyrone nodded. "You're right. Wolves can't survive without a pack. The ones who try, go insane." He stared at her. She smiled. "You are strong, I'm glad. Glad to see this hasn't all been in vain." She looked at Theron. "I'm tired. You can give me to the bitches now." Chapter 16 Silas looked out over the compound. Tyrone and Tyrese had been quiet the day after Shelby and the other wolves attacked the human. The debriefing had included every Alpha who wore his crest. Some were skeptical over a possible plot to overthrow the current system, although they all admitted this enemy was harder to spot. Silas charged each of them to bind every pack leader in their state to help ferret out potential upstarts. The goddess' warning echoed the human's. Silas never believed in coincidences. It was imperative to get out ahead of the coming conflict. But was the conflict between half-breeds and full bloods? Or something else? His first litter of pups would be breeds. He shook his head over the untenable position. "Sir?" Tyrese called from the door. "Enter." He'd been expecting them ever since Theron had called them abominations. He'd corrected all the Alphas against using the slur. Theron didn't see the twins in that light. Remarks spoken in the heat of the moment could still cause damage although the twins never flinched. But with his impending fatherhood, he wouldn't be as tolerant. As yet he'd made no announcement of the future pups. He planned to wait for Jasmine to tell him and then he'd decide when to tell his Alphas. Most would be happy. Some would be disappointed. All would support him. "The female spoke of researching our past and that's going to lead someone to our mother. We'd like to get her away from all of this. Perhaps back home or to my aunt's for a break." Silas shook his head. "She cannot leave my protection, she carries my pups." "What?" Tyrese said. "She didn't mention it to us." He looked at his brother, who shook his head. "She didn't mention it to me either so don't let on that you know," Silas said in a dry tone. "I searched and saw for myself. I told her that if she carried my pups, she'd have to live with me until she delivers them." Tyrese laughed, but it lacked humor. "She'll never leave her kids." "She told me that in colorful terms. Nevertheless, when we return to Maryland, I expect her to tell me she has my pups tucked away and to honor her end of the deal without dragging her feet." "Her end of the deal?" Silas remembered their discussion during their sexual escapades. "Ask her about it. But she'll be moving with me to my compound in West Virginia." "Huh?" Tyrese looked sucker-punched. Tyrone's mouth gaped open. Both men looked lost and uncertain. He looked at them. "You're welcome to come as well." They brightened. "Thanks. Wow, a brother or sister to watch over." Tyrese smiled. "Yeah, now you have someone who might listen to all your bad advice." He smacked his brother on the back of his head. "That's a bonus. But I call dibs on teaching the boys how to play football, you always ate my dust," Tyrone laughed, dodging his brother. Silas listened as the two wolves bantered back and forth with a frown. Had he just lost control of the peace and quiet of his haven? How would Jasmine react when she realized he intended to move her as soon as possible? The human's mention of researching the twins had struck a nerve and he wanted her where he could protect her. Stifling a sigh, he looked at the twins and wondered, are they the future? If so how would they mesh with the present? He stood, interrupting the twins. "I'm tired, and the plane is ready. Time to get back to Maryland and then on to my home. I want your mom settled before we investigate your dad's pack." At the mention of their father's former pack, the young wolves stilled. "You said we could travel with you when you met with them," Tyrese said, walking ahead of Silas while Tyrone brought up the rear. Appearances be damned, he slowed and walked next to Tyrone. He didn't need a security detail but everyone had convinced themselves the wolves needed to see him separate and apart. He could speak through their link, but didn't want to do that right now. "I remember, and once we get Jasmine settled, we'll make plans," Silas said as they exited the building and headed for the cars that'd take them to the airport. Brad and Hank waited at the vehicle along with Shelby and Theron. Buck, their Beta, stood a short distance away. Theron and Shelby bowed as Silas approached. "Thank you for honoring us with your presence, La Patron," Theron said as he shook Silas' hand. Silas nodded, released his hand. He took Shelby's smaller one, kissed the back of it and pulled her close. "Have I told you lately that you are one tough bitch?" Shelby's face reddened. Her eyes lit with pleasure. "Yes, on more than one occasion." She laughed. Silas nodded. "Good. I just wanted to be sure." He nodded to the beta and the wolves who'd come to see the Patron. The twins nodded to Theron as he shook their hands. Hank held the back door open for Silas. As he stepped forward to enter the car, a cold wind blew across his face. The tiny hairs on the back of his neck rose in apprehension. He scented the air and scented nothing amiss, yet the sensation remained. "Sir?" Tyrese asked in a quiet tone, while his eyes searched the area. Silas stilled and looked back toward the second floor. Arianna stood in the window staring down at him, her eyes blazed for a moment and then returned to normal. In slow motion, she blew him a kiss. Apprehension wrapped around him as he slid into the back of the car. "Goddess save me from fanatics," he muttered. <<<<>>>>