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SILAS, ANGUS, AND HAWKE continued reviewing the information they’d taken from Humphrey and Lee. The research they’d given to Bents in Lee’s files was rife with errors and misinformation. Whenever anyone got around to accessing the data, they’d eventually realize the information was useless although it looked plausible. Hawke and Matt had been careful to stay within the boundaries of General Lee’s general research while making critical changes that would set their adversaries back decades.

“How can we be sure Lee didn’t send this information elsewhere?” Silas asked Hawke.

“Can’t, not really. There was nothing on him or in his office or things that suggest he’d done so.” Hawke looked at Angus. “He might’ve shared it with Humphrey. Did you see anything?”

Angus turned from the monitor, slowly. “No. They shared a lot of information, though. Maybe we’ll come across something later. If he didn’t share it with Strait or Bents or Humphrey, it’s possible he took that information to the grave with him.”

Silas nodded and read more of Lee’s notes. “Strange there was nothing about the White House ordering a census in Lee’s notes. I thought it was his idea to use the traitors as sniffers.”

“Didn’t see anything about that in Humphrey’s notes either, which is surprising because he talks about everything else,” Angus said.

“Here’s something. Lee negotiated with a Canadian Alpha for two of the mercenaries with a promise of more if certain conditions were met.” Silas looked at them. “What conditions?”

“What Alpha?” Angus asked.

“That too.” Silas frowned. “My first instincts say Taurus. But he hasn’t been in Canada that long. Plus, how would he contact someone like Lee? Remember, Lee, changed his name and was in hiding.” He pointed to screen. “But this information seems like Lee was instrumental in securing the mercenaries. Where’d he meet them?”

“He served in several countries, maybe he met them on his travels or met someone who knew someone,” Hawke said. “There could be a network he tapped into.”

“Lee had to know there was no way he could train anyone to win against us, which makes me wonder what the end game with all of this was?” Silas flipped through more files searching for answers.

“Shit,” Hawke said. “Those fuckers.”

Silas and Angus looked at him.

“I think I found the answer to your question, Sir. We thought the breeding program that Jim McNeill and his son were involved with had disbanded. It did... in the States. There’s an illegal operation in Canada. Lee speaks about it in code. The mission never changes, they want your spot. They want to control the pack.” Hawke looked at Silas. “They still don’t understand how we work.”

“They don’t want to,” Angus said. “How involved was Lee? Anyone else on the Joint Chiefs involved?”

Hawke shook his head. “Most of his notes are cryptic, he doesn’t say much about it. It’s possible he worked alone on this. It’s possible this group was a part of the one we targeted with Ethan.”

Silas agreed. “Why only two from Canada?”

“They had two from the States, everyone else was foreigners, different continent,” Angus said.

“I keep coming back to how Lee hired these full-bloods? Even making contacts around the world, it’s rare for full-bloods to work for humans. Very rare for the criminal elements to do so, especially when this wasn’t a small pack.” Silas stared at the screen, thinking. “We’re missing something.”

Angus grabbed a different file and started reading. Hawke did the same. An hour later they hadn’t uncovered anything new but were convinced something was missing from the equation.

“Someone else had to be involved,” Silas said. “Compile a list of everyone we know Lee had contact with before and after his court-martial.”

Hawked nodded and entered the search request. “It’s a long list.”

“Who can we eliminate?” Silas said.

“At this point no one,” Angus said. “Anyone could’ve helped him with this.”

“Print it, give us each a copy,” Silas said. When he received his copy he went down the list scratching out names like Miller, General Cralls, and pack members. Admiral Blue and General Williams had no contact with Lee since before Honduras, Silas crossed them off as well.

“I got the list down below 50,” Angus said.

“That’s lower than I have,” Silas said. They worked together to get a working list and then ran exhaustive backgrounds on each person. Researching each person was tedious but necessary. Jasmine and Asia joined them to help things move along faster. When they finished, they had two stacks.

The stacks of possibles were higher than the improbables. “Is it possible the person who sent the mercenaries isn’t an American?” Asia asked. “What if it’s a group like the Liege? Bents and McNeill worked with the Liege, it’s not a stretch that Lee or Bents know others of that ilk.”

Silas had thought of that but hadn’t wanted to give voice to it. “Yes, it’s possible. I’ll confer with Barticus regarding that possibility. Whoever, whatever group it is, wielded a lot of power over those mercenaries to get them to submit to human authority. Based on the short conversations we heard, they weren’t angry and were there for the money.”

Angus agreed. “I cannot imagine anyone I know, doing what they did. Not even if the Government promised me protection against you.”

Silas stared at him. “But the government didn’t promise protection. Think about it. They trained in our facilities without added security. Yet, these mercenaries believed they could enter my land without repercussions.” He looked at them. “Why? To survive we’re taught the basics from our Mam’s teat. You don’t wander onto someone’s turf. From a pup, we learn to use our senses to detect places of safety. They picked up Jayden’s scent which is layered with mine and didn’t blink.”

Hawke whistled. “That’s suicide but they didn’t seem aware. They acted as if it was a normal gig. One guy said you’d win but the money was good. Like he couldn’t connect the dots.”

“Yes,” Silas said, his thoughts lining up. “That whole conversation sounded off. First off, mercs aren’t friendly. They’re solitary and care nothing or very little for others. Those guys sounded like a fraternity.”

“You’re right. I hadn’t thought about that,” Angus said. “But they didn’t act like Mercs. Are we sure they were?”

“A couple were being sought by foreign governments and were positively identified,” Hawke said. “As for the others, I don’t know how their bodies disappeared.”

“Probably cremated,” Asia said. “Bottom line 24 full-bloods—”

“No, 48,” Jasmine corrected. “They recruited 48.”

Asia nodded. “Mistress is right, which makes it harder to understand how that many full-bloods went against their base instincts to work for the military.”

“The Knights did it in service to Silas, not the military,” Jasmine said. “Are we sure there’s no similar connection between the 48?”

“It would be quite a power play if they were able to pull it off,” Silas said.

“How is that tied to the breeding deal in Canada?” Asia asked. “Taurus was involved with breeding here. Did he move his operation to Canada? Also, we know he’s been recruiting. What if he sent people to work with the military to send money back to the pack?” She looked around the table. “It’s a long shot but as far as motives go, it could work.”

“When the traitors started dropping dead the few remaining ran off,” Angus said. “Wonder where they went and if they went together?”

“Let’s see if anyone’s been picked up in that area in the past 48 hours. Maybe they haven’t been terminated,” Silas said and reached out to several East Coast Alphas.

###

ALPHA THOMAS IN DC had three foreigners in custody and was preparing them for a trip out of the city to Alpha Lyle in Virginia. Alpha Samuel in Pennsylvania had the remaining three and was in the termination process when Silas stopped him.

“We need answers,” he told the Alphas. “Show me the traitors.”

Alpha Thomas and Lyle hauled the three male full-bloods in front of a camera and had them kneel.

“Why did you betray me?” Silas asked. The full-bloods were visibly shaking.

Thomas slapped the head of the full-blood closest to him. “Answer La Patron.”

It seemed the shaking increased. “We didn’t betray you.”

Silas grabbed that full-blood’s wolf and terminated him. He dropped to the floor dead.

He spoke to the next one. “I’ll ask again. Why did you betray me?”

“I...I don’t know. He offered the job...I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you’d think of it this way.”

Silas grabbed his wolf and terminated him. The third full-blood became nauseous and vomited. Thomas handed him a paper towel to wipe his mouth.

“Why did you betray me?” Silas asked again.

“La Patron, I swear when the job was offered, we thought, were made to believe you had approved.”

Silas looked at the others at the table. “What is your name?”

“Malachi.”

“Where are you from?”

“Edmonton, Canada.”

“Who offered you the job?” Silas asked.

The full-blood frowned. “I don’t know his name, but you can verify it. It was a company with an office and everything. Please, Sir. I did not know this job was without your approval.”

“Can you describe him? Assist an artist in drawing his face?”

“Yes, Sir I can do that.”

“Good. The others were going to lie to protect someone. What did you know about them?”

Malachi looked lost. “Nothing. I met them at the training camp. Some people knew each other but most of us were strangers, just making extra money.”

“He’s speaking the truth,” Alpha Thomas said. “The others were lying.”

“Did you sign a contract? What were you told about the job? Have you been paid?” Silas shot the questions to him.

“No contracts. I was told when to report for transport. A chartered plane took us to a small airport. A bus took us to the barracks. The next day, we started testing.”

“What kind of tests?” Hawke asked.

Malachi frowned but answered. “A physical with blood work. Some psychological tests, memorization, and math. It progressed to strength and endurance.”

“Do you have a family?” Silas asked meeting Jasmine’s gaze.

“Yes, a small den with three young pups. They’re the reason I took this job. It sounded like easy work and a lot of money for a short time.”

Silas frowned. “How long were you supposed to be here?”

“Two months. Then we could apply for an extension if we wanted.”

“How were the ones chosen to identify other pack members?” Silas asked.

“They offered huge bonuses if we’d walk in a room and do a Judas run.”

Silas frowned. “Judas run?”

“Betray our brothers by pointing them out...to humans,” Malachi said with loathing. “Each time they returned, they offered more money. Most said no initially changed their minds when the amount was $10,000.” He shook his head. “Of course, we didn’t know the others had died. They never told us that.”

“The other two who were caught with you, do you know why they didn’t take the money?” Silas asked.

Malachi frowned. “They just said it wasn’t a good idea and refused to listen or acknowledge the short man who kept making the offers. By nightfall, the others hadn’t returned we knew something had happened. There were six of us left, we split up and headed north for home.”

“Do you know where the other two were going?” Silas asked.

“Other than crossing the border, no. They never said and I didn’t ask.”

Silas looked at Jasmine. “Any questions.”

“Not from him. Don’t kill him.”

Silas frowned. “Why do you think I’d kill an innocent? Is that what you think of me?”

“No, of course not. I feel sorry for him that’s all and gave my opinion. You know better than anyone what I think of you. I’m sorry if you thought my opinion dipped or changed in any way,” she explained.

His beast relaxed beneath her words. “Any questions?” He asked the others.

They shook their heads.

Alpha Samuel contacted Silas. He was in a place with a camera and his prisoners.

“Malachi, petition Alpha Thomas for safe transport back to your country after you work with an artist to draw the face of the person who hired you. He’ll explain our policies to you so that you never make this mistake again, it’ll cost you your life next time.”

Malachi bowed his head, weeping in gratitude. “Thank you, La Patron, for your mercy. On behalf of my den, we thank you.” He looked at him and stood. Alpha Thomas walked him off.

The monitor flicked. Samuel and his Beta Borian stood behind the three full-bloods who knelt naked on the concrete floor. Two were whimpering and shivering.

Silas spoke to the one on the end who seemed composed. “Why did you betray me?”

The full-blood jerked and looked up. “Betray you? How?”

Silas looked at the others and leaned forward. “By entering my land without permission, and being a part of a plot to overthrow my pack.”

“That’s not true...Sir. We, I was told you agreed to our coming here as a temporary job and if we wanted to remain we’d have to petition you or your Alphas for permission. I don’t know anything about a plot to overthrow you and am not crazy enough to be a part of anything like that.”

“He speaks the truth,” Alpha Samuel said.

“Who hired you?”

“A full-blood who worked for a company. I don’t recall his name, but he worked in an office, seemed legitimate.” He looked at Samuel. “There was no reason to think he wasn’t above board or the work was illegal.”

“Can you describe him? Work with an artist to recreate his face?”

“Yes, I can try.”

“Were you in the room when they asked for volunteers to identify pack?”

The full-blood exhaled. “Yes, Sir I was. It was a pitiful sight for sure. The offers started small, a thousand-dollar bonus. No one was willing to do it for that amount. But as the amount grew, so did greed. They wooed us, telling us what we could do with an extra 5,000, then 8,000 and finally 10,000. By then there were only six of us left.”

“What made you leave?” Silas asked.

“For one, no one from our group returned. Neither had the military assistant. It was like they’d left us on our own, forgotten about us. We talked amongst ourselves, realized something must’ve gone wrong and decided to go home.”

“Where’s home?”

“Ottawa...Canada.”

“Have Borian take him out to have one of your people give a sketch of the person who hired him. I need that as soon as possible. Then help him get home. I don’t think these two have the same story as him,” Silas told Samuel.

Moments later the man stood and left with Borian.

Silas asked the next one. “Why did you betray me?”

“I didn’t betray you, it was a job, that’s all. Just a job.”

“Who hired you?” Silas asked.

“Huh?” the full-blood’s eyes widened.

“Who hired you?”

The full-blood opened his mouth and snapped it shut.

Silas pulled his wolf and made him sit to the side in wolf form. He asked the last full-blood the same question.

“I didn’t betray you. I don’t know who you are.”

“But you knew you were trespassing on my lands, didn’t you?”

“I’m not from this country—”

Silas pulled his wolf and terminated him for lying.

“Samuel this one will talk. Lock him up for a few days and then question him again. I want to know everything about him and the Alpha who sent him.”

“Yes, Sir.” He placed a piece of rope around the wolf’s neck and led him out as the camera dimmed.

The five of them sat quietly mulling over what they’d learned. “Seems like there’s trouble brewing in Canada,” Angus said a few moments later. “Will this interfere with Cain and David’s trip? Should they search for this office to see what’s going on?”

“Interfere? I don’t think so since David and Cain plan to search for Taurus’ campgrounds anyway. But I’ll pass on some of this information to them so they’ll be aware,” Silas said pushing from the table. He stood and stretched.

“Jayden, when did Faye’s flight leave?”

“A couple hours. She should be home.”

That was probably the reason he hadn’t heard from Hawke. “Thanks.”

He reached out to Alpha Thomas. “Malachi get off okay?”

“Yes. He’s got some interesting stories on how the packs operate in Canada. It might be worthwhile spending a little more time talking to him. I have his information if you’d like it.”

“Thanks, sounds good. Send it to Jacques. If I can’t talk to him, I’ll have someone interview him.” He disconnected and extended his hand to Jasmine. She took it and stood.

“We have a lot to think about,” Jasmine said, looking at the others who were standing as well. “A lot of unanswered questions to work on. Hard to believe so much happened in such a short period of time.” She hugged Silas tight and rubbed his back. “I’m hungry.”

Asia smiled. “Me too. Want to order out?”

“Sounds good.” She looked up as Silas. “Hungry?”

He nodded and checked in with Jarcee. “Faye’s back,” Silas said. “Security escorted her to Jarcee’s place earlier and are nearby to make sure they aren’t disturbed.”

The others cheered. Asia called housekeeping and placed an order to be delivered to her place.

“Food should arrive in 20 minutes,” Asia said.

“Shyla’s up and getting dressed. We’ll be there soon.” Angus left with a wave.

Silas smiled and kissed Jasmine lightly. “Food first with good friends and then me and you. Alone. All night.”

“Sounds like a deal,” she said.