Chapter Fourteen
Najha couldn’t believe what she just saw. Her father and Lucien coming together to plan a search for her mother. She’d called Jonas and told him about their mother.
He was flying down to join the search. He said if he could fly over in his helicopter, they might be able to cover more ground that way. She’d readily agreed, and Thorn was happy his eldest was on his way.
Najha was motioned to join her father and brother, Dante. “Come sit down for a second. We need to go over a few things before we leave the house. Thanks for meeting us here.” They’d driven from the clubhouse to Thorn and Jayden’s house to put together a plan then let the men outside know where they were going from here. Some were going to shift and track through the woods toward the other side of the mountain where her father would lead the men on the motorcycles to the spot she knew only too well.
The frown she wore must have been enough for Thorn to reach out and take her hands in his. “You’ve made me proud to say you’re my daughter and one of my best warriors. Dante here has seen you in action, and he said you’re as good as he is. I’ve always wanted to take the leadership role and step out of the battlefield. With finding Jayden, I’m okay to fight and kill, but I’m choosing to step down and not take too many more chances.”
Najha couldn’t believe she was hearing her father say this. “Are you planning to go with us to search for Mom?”
“Nothing in this world will stop Jayden and me to lead our people on this search. We will find your mother and bring her home safely. We are only waiting for Cade and the others to tell us their plan. Then I have my own as well. I want to make sure you believe you are ready to lead your own pack.”
“Father, what are you saying?” Najha’s mouth had suddenly gone dry, and her hands shook.
“You have made me proud with your training, hunting, and the way you handle yourself, especially with the weapons. You could walk among them without anyone detecting who and what you are. Lucien even admitted to being fooled by you. We didn’t intentionally do that to him, but he is impressed with your skills as well. When we return, Lucien is planning on flying over to the Ukraine to visit with the last remaining elder who made the law, your grandfather.” Thorn smiled.
Najha’s heart raced and the joy of the moment seemed to escalate her breathing. Her grandfather loved her, and if anyone could fix this, it would be her papa. “Really? I want to go with him.”
“We’ll see what Lucien says about that.” Thorn chuckled.
Najha loved this powerful male sitting across from her.
Dante laughed at her expression. “Don’t get too comfy with any of this. Papa is a tough old bird who made those laws for a reason. Najha, I can’t believe you are the mate of a bloodsucking—” Dante grabbed his leg. “Dad, that fucking hurt.”
“Shut your mouth then,” Thorn ordered.
“Well it’s the truth, but you didn’t need to kick me.”
“You’ll respect your sister’s mate. Lucien is a good man and will treat her well. We just have to figure out what the hell those old men were thinking when they made these laws.” Thorn shook his head.
“What would you like from me, Father?” Najha’s curiosity was preventing her from getting up and leaving. She wanted to get this search on but knew she had to wait and have a plan or they would never find her mom.
“We need to make a plan on how we’re going to search. Then to make sure it’s not a trap we’re all walking into. I know they’ll be prepared and know we’re coming. I’m hoping to surprise them by having Lucien and his mounted warriors along with half of us coming in strong as wolves. I need you and your pack to be the distraction. Can you do that?”
Najha wanted to discuss this with Red. She didn’t want to volunteer her wolves for something as dangerous as this without at least asking them.
Dane walked into the house.
Thorn turned to him. “Dane, what are you doing here?”
“I’m here to ask you, sir, if you’ll allow me to come along on this hunt, please? I’ve always been Najha’s backup, and I even brought my own motorcycle.”
“Have you spoken to your father?”
He nodded. “Yes, sir.”
He seemed nervous, but Najha admired him for standing up to her father and asking the question. No pup his age was allowed on a search as large as this. She felt confident in her partner’s skills but would he be allowed by Thorn?
“Najha, are you willing to have Dane go with you and your pack?”
“Yes, sir. I’m confident in Dane as my backup.”
Dane shuffled his feet back and forth. He never once looked up at her dad. He was respecting to the Alpha by keeping his head lowered.
“Dane, you’ll make me proud. I’ve always held your father in high respect. He is my Vice President and loves you very much. He also speaks highly of you and has asked that you be given a chance to become a young prospect. If you do well during this search and keep my baby girl safe, I’ll give you the prospect patch and allow you to become a member of the MC. You will also train as a warrior. Would you like that position?”
Dane’s eyes swung her direction.
Najha smiled giving him her support as she nodded her head.
His smile lit his face as he answered, “Yes, sir. I’d be honored to accept that position. I promise I will do my very best to keep Najha safe.”
“Let me remind you of one thing, Dane. Don’t ever let me hear you defending a woman around the humans. It doesn’t make you appear like a badass trying to earn his patch. Okay?” Thorn reached out and cupped the side of Dane’s head. “When it is just the pack, it is more than okay. But in the MC…they have their own laws.”
“Okay, sorry.”
Thorn pulled Dane into a hug. As he slapped him on the back, he teased, “Enough, Dane. I can’t take it anymore. Go get your gear and let’s ride.” He released the young lycan then walked over to her as she stood by the door and held the outside door open for her.
“Dad, why?” Najha walked out into the late evening outside.
“I want Dane to grow up and soon. He’s still such a pup.” Thorn laughed.
Najha nodded. “Okay, well, we need to get going. We only have a few hours before sunrise. Do you think Lucien and his men have started out?”
“I don’t know. I’m waiting for Lucien’s text. He’ll let me know. We’re trying to put together a plan in a short time. Normally, things wouldn’t happen this quickly. There’s usually more communication before we all go in blind like we’re planning to do.” Thorn’s eyes didn’t betray his feelings, but his frown did. He was worried about her mom but so was Najha. Thorn glanced down at his phone then looked up at her.
“Daddy?”
“Lucien texted, they’re almost here.”
She gazed up at the cloud-covered night sky. You couldn’t even see the moon it was so foggy. She heard the clank of chains and the pounding of hooves. Her heart sped up, and her feet carried her to the edge of the road. She wanted to see the sight before they actually arrived.
In the distance with her lycan eyes, she saw a sight she would never forget. A string of large black, white, and gray warhorses carrying their warriors were approaching Thorn’s property.
Lucien led the entire group on a large black stallion.
The sight was something she’d only dreamed of seeing. She loved this giant of a man approaching her now at a gallop on his horse. Within seconds, they were upon them, and the horse in the lead drew near to Najha before rearing straight up and landing with long legs and giant hooves within a foot of her body.
She peered up. “Lucien, he’s beautiful.”
*****
Lucien enjoyed seeing Najha waiting for him as he rode in on Opus. His stallion was pumped and ready to work. He’d barely broken a sweat carrying him from his estate to Thorn’s home.
Dismounting, he stepped up to Najha, leaning in he kissed her on the cheek. “Hi,” he whispered.
“Hi.” She smiled. She was dressed in all leather. He now saw the warrior in her come out. She was ready to start her search for her mother.
Thorn walked over. “Lucien, it’s good to see you and Opie again.”
The large black Friesian nudged Thorn’s chest.
“I didn’t forget, Opie.” The lycan pulled a sugar cube out of his pocket and held it for the horse.
Opie whinnied then stomped his front hoof. He took the sugar from Thorn and chewed it up. ‘My King, I can’t believe the old dog remembered.’
‘You know, Opie; he loves you too.’ Lucien enjoyed watching his horse and Thorn interact. A few years ago, Thorn had led them into a bog and Opie had a hell of a bad time trying to get himself and Lucien through it. Thorn had promised to make it up to him and promised him sugar next time they saw each other.
“Seriously, cool.” Aiden walked over to them as he stared at the horse fleet. He tapped Thorn’s shoulder. “Let’s go. The people are getting restless. We’ve been waiting for Lucien and he’s here now.”
“I want everyone to listen up. Najha here needs protection. I expect each and every one of you to make sure she stays safe,” Thorn bellowed.
Najha spun on her heel and faced her father. “I can’t believe you just did that to me!”
“I don’t want anything to happen to you in your condition,” Thorn growled, lowering his voice so only she and Lucien could hear.
“I’ll keep myself safe.” Najha stood tall and proud. Lucien was proud of her.
“You know that’s not true,” Aiden spoke up. “The girl has more power than most of our elder lycan. She’s fine. Don’t do this to her.”
Lucien kept his smile from his lips as he shook his head at Thorn. He felt proud of Najha, she was well liked in the lycan community.
Thorn pulled his leather coat on. “My friend, Najha is my daughter, but she is your mate. We’ll figure it out. Let’s go find that SOB that took Myra and is tearing up the humans around her.”
Lucien nodded and decided to taunt the large lycan a bit more, feeling glad he had his friend back. “Thanks for remembering Opie’s sugar. He’s still pissed over the bog.”
“Well, Goddamn, that was like fifty years ago? That stallion of yours doesn’t let me live the shit down, does he?” Thorn chuckled.
“He’s a horse and has feelings.” Lucien walked over to the others. He didn’t see Najha but wasn’t surprised. The moon glared down bright over the now filled up large driveway and the area around Thorn’s home. His heart nearly ruptured from the possibility he could be with Najha. He walked up to her as he was talking to his horse while Opie seemed to be sucking up to her to get petted. He chuckled as he joined them. “Opie, she’s mine.”
Opie nudged his hand in greeting. The loud whinny rang next to his head. Lucien patted the thick, hard neck of the stallion.
Opie stepped back giving them a few feet of space. The black stallion blew out a strong puff of air through his nose. Wetness sprayed over Thorn who’d walked up behind them.
Lucien turned and saw the lycan wiping his leather off.
“Dammit, I can’t believe he still holds a grudge, Lucien. That damn horse.”
Lucien held his laughter.
Thorn wiped his face and jacket off then threw back his head and let out a loud laugh. “Opie, you bitch.”
*****
Najha stood silently as she watched her mate, her father, and the horse. She couldn’t believe the courage of the large black horse. To attack the King of the Lycan of all people!
Her father reached into his pocket and drew out an apple. “It’s not sugar, but it’s sweet. Come on, Opie, I’m sorry.”
Opie grabbed it out of Thorn’s hand, chomped it, broke the apple apart and spit it out on the ground.
Lucien couldn’t hold in his laughter any longer.
Najha waited a few seconds before Thorn laughed and she joined the men. The horse was amusing, and she loved his personality.
“He doesn’t forgive, does he?” Thorn asked.
Lucien shook his head. “Nope and it was your fault. I told you not to wait so long to apologize.”
Thorn held up his hands and backed away. “Just wanted to come over and tell you guys we’re ready to send out the scouts. It’s time to move.”
Najha thought of her scouts. Red, Athena, and the others were waiting in the woods. They were too afraid of the people and others to come out and join the crowd.
Thorn stopped. “Lucien, I’m glad that beast is yours and not mine. The motorcycle is the way to go.”
Opie pawed the ground, shook his head then gracefully placed one foreleg out, turning his regal head sideways and down as he formally bowed to the lycan.
Lucien knew the old boy was putting on a show. He never bowed to him before. ‘Opie, you do me proud.’ He stroked his neck.
‘Thanks. I figured Thorn’s motorcycle couldn’t do that.’
Najha was connected with Lucien and heard their conversation. She stifled a giggle at the look on her father’s face as he shook his head and walked away toward his bike. The horse was so clever and headstrong. It was cool to see the closeness the horse and rider had. She smiled at Lucien and touched his leg after he mounted the horse. “Please keep yourself safe, Lucien.”
Another horse stepped up next to Opie. Lucien frowned and looked around for the rider. It was a mare. She nuzzled Najha’s hand and whinnied softly. “Is there something I should know, Opie?” Lucien asked.
Najha waited patiently as she only hoped.
‘Lucien, Najha, you are a mated pair. I’m so pleased to see the day you’ve found your woman. This mare, her name is Lena, she is my mate. She will allow Najha only on her back. Let’s bring her home after she finds her mother.’
‘Opie, what have you figured out that you haven’t told me?’
Najha couldn’t believe what this beautiful horse had done for her. ‘I can’t accept such a beautiful animal in my life. But thank you.’
‘Miss, it is my pleasure to allow you to ride me tonight in this battle. Your wolves are welcome to run beside me, and I will be careful not to harm them.’ Lena was beautiful. She nudged Najha’s chest. The animal was as kind as Opie was to Lucien.
She couldn’t believe her good fortune. A mate as powerful as Lucien and now, a horse totally committed to her? She waited patiently for Lucien to tell her what he’d been thinking as she could feel it. ‘What have you figured out, Lucien?’ Najha asked but continued sharing the minds of the two horses.
‘Your father has informed me you are from the gypsy bloodlines. So was my mother.’
‘How wonderful. This is our way of being together?’ Najha asked.
‘This is why you were able to fool me for so long. The gypsy spell you learned was part of my ancestors’ magic. And yes, this is our way of being together as a mated couple.’
‘It still doesn’t make a difference. We’re lycan and vampire, it’s the law.’
Opie and Lena both whinnied and nudged her.
From his seat on top of his black stallion, Lucien smiled, reaching down and touching her face. “No worries, my dear. Let’s go and get your mother. I’m ready to ride. Will you trust me and ride next to me on Lena?”
She nodded. Whistling, she watched her pack come out of the woods closest to them. They’d stayed next to the trees and waited for her. Najha didn’t see Rony. She questioned Red, ‘Where’s Rony?’
‘He is staying hidden and will stay here, Najha. I don’t want my son to go with us. This is very dangerous, and it is the same that killed my parents.’
‘Red, how do you know this?’
‘I have witnessed this evil thing, and I know where your mother is being held.’
Najha couldn’t believe what she’d just been told. She gazed up at Lucien. “I’ll be back I have to tell my father something.” She’d known there was caves with the rock her mother described to her, but there were many, and she intended to search them all till she found her mother, however, this news would help them all.
“Come, get on Lena. We’ll ride to him.” Lucien reached down, grabbed Najha’s hand and pulled her up behind on Opie. “Hang on.”
Opie lunged forward leaping into a full out gallop over to the motorcycles lining up in the long drive.
Thorn was at the head of the pack.
They skidded to a stop next to Thorn’s motorcycle. Jayden was already on the back with him.
“Najha, what are you doing?”
She jumped down from the horse. “Dad, Red knows where mom is.”
“How?”
“I don’t know all the details. But Lucien has given me a horse, and I’m riding. We’re going to follow the wolves to her location. It’s the same creature that killed Red’s parents. It has Mom. Meet us on the other side of the mountain.”
Thorn nodded.
Najha didn’t wait, she spun on her booted heel. Her sword hung from her back as her pack and long coat held the rest of her weapons. She was prepared for a few days on the trail. She was worried about being with the vampires. What were they going to do for the day?
Lucien smiled and reached down. “You worry very loud. Don’t worry about us. As soon as the sun comes up, we stop. You’ll continue. Trust your wolves and now your horse. She’ll keep you safe, that we promise.”
Opie stomped his powerful hooves.
‘Let’s ride.’ Lucien rode back to his warriors and announced, “Warriors, horses, there are three escapees still on the lose heading into the mountains. Vlad, you need to be with us up here. They will tell us what is out there tearing apart these humans.”
“Yes, sir.” Vlad and his grey horse seemed to be a powerful unit together.
They were very large and scary to Najha. She was up on Lena’s back, and they still seemed so much larger than her and her horse were.