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SILAS AND HIS FAMILY flew into Maryland. Alpha Jayden, Alpha Lyle and Alpha Thomas met his plane. They went to Alpha Jayden’s for refreshments where the mates of the Alphas waited to meet Jasmine with a rock-star reception.

Dressed in a cream and orange colored sheath that fit her body, Jasmine’s warmth and grace earned her even more loyalty with the women in her network. Victoria, Jackie, and Renee sat with Jasmine while Jacques, Quinn, Storm and Silas talked with the three Alphas over expectations for dinner that evening.

“We’ve filed an injunction against the three attempts to take our land and provided deeds showing proof of ownership. It was a bogus claim intended as a nuisance,” Alpha Lyle said.

“And the 30 day census demand?” Silas asked.

“Ignore it. The demand didn’t come from the Senate or the House and won’t. He’s blowing smoke unless he plans to be specific and tell the world exactly who he wants you to count, it’s an empty threat. He’ll need to prove it first,” Alpha Lyle explained.

“He’s going to ask for something tonight,” Alpha Thomas said. “He wants something from you.”

“I know. There’s something I want from him as well.” He gave a quick overview of Admiral Bents crimes against the pack over decades and without admitting the pack’s involvement, explained how much he wanted to see the man in prison or worse. “I don’t want him pardoned.”

The men looked at him. “That would be a shame if he were released after killing one of his own.”

“If he’s pardoned, does that mean the President had something to do with Lee’s death? He pardoned Lee first,” Alpha Thomas said.

“True. It’s definitely something to think about,” Silas said realizing that would be his approach. He glanced at his watch.

Mélange had arrived and when she was told who was who showed no emotion or interest in them or the bracelet. They briefed her on the operation and she was good to go. Angus and the team drove to Canada and should be crossing the border soon.

Cain and the Knights had moved closer and loosely surrounded the location. Things were coming to a head. He hoped to know more before the dinner reception at the White House.

###

SILAS HAD NEVER BEEN prouder of his pups. Jackie and Renee shined as precious jewels in their black gowns. Quinn and Storm were elegantly dressed in formal attire and caught the gazes of women all around the room. Jacques and Victoria circled together and met with several Joint Chiefs. Jacques had plans for an informal meeting with them later along with Storm. General Miller and his mate approached Silas and Jasmine who held court near a beautiful fireplace in one of the formal rooms.

“La Patron,” General Miller bowed his head, his mate did as well. “It’s an honor to see you. Thank you for inviting me.”

“It’s good to see you again, it’s been years. My mate, Jasmine.” Silas looked at her. She was radiant wearing his colors, an emerald green gown that matched his eyes perfectly and fit her like a glove. She wore her hair up in some complicated style with emerald and diamond pins in her hair. His fingers itched to make it tumble down.

“It’s good to see both of you again,” Jasmine said with a gracious smile. “It’s been a while.”

“Yes, we were at your mating ceremony,” Miller’s mate gushed. “It was lovely, you were just as beautiful then.” She looked at Renee and Jackie who were talking to people along with their mates. “They were pups at then, seeing them again, so beautiful and poised, I’m overjoyed.”

General Miller tucked his hand beneath her arm. “Come along there’s a line.” He nodded to Silas and moved away. Several Senators, some pack, some not, and Representatives were there wanting to speak with him. He spoke to as many as he could until the President arrived ending the Reception.

Silas got his first close up look at the man and summed him up quickly. He returned the fake smile. Held his hand for the photo op and took a few steps with him toward the dining room. He stopped and extended his hand for Jasmine. No one walked his mate anywhere but him. Jacques and his son-in-laws followed suit and escorted their mates inside.

Jasmine sat next to Silas. Several people sat at the table he didn’t know.

“Silas we have a guest you may know, an Alpha from Canada,” the President said softly, but every dual natured person at the table heard and looked up.

“Jonas Gray, this is Silas Knight.”

Jackie coughed.

Silas nodded at the dark-haired man and wondered why he hadn’t picked up his scent. He searched for Jonas’ wolf and smiled.

“Pleasure to meet you, Sir,” Jonas said and then said something to General Strait who sat next to him.

“Did you research the guy next to Jonas?” Jasmine asked while taking a sip of soup.

“Not as thoroughly as we should have. I need to inform Angus, Taurus is here.” He contacted Angus and shared what was going on. They were shocked and wanted updates. They were still on the road and hoped to arrive at the campsite before midnight.

The President leaned closer to Silas. “He’s offered to provide Security, soldiers to replace the Knights.” Either the man forgot full-bloods had excellent hearing or he didn’t care that he’d just shared something that shouldn’t have been shared.

Silas looked at Jonas and stroked the traitor’s beast to show him who was in charge. “You’ve bought your pack to the States?” To humans, it was an innocent question but to the pack, it was a challenge. One that Jonas needed to answer.

“I was approached, asked to fill a need. Nothing more. We’re considering it.”

“Are you?” Silas asked.

Storm sat back in his seat and stared across the table at Jonas.

“If you have a moment later, we can discuss it,” Jonas said looking at Silas.

“I sense you’re challenging me.” Silas asked softly. Every dual-natured person and some of the Joint Chiefs stopped and stared.

“No. On the contrary,” Jonas said quickly, looking around. “Nothing has been decided.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. You came into my back yard, sent mercenaries already.” Silas grabbed Jonas’ beast and squeezed. “I don’t recall you asking permission to do that.”

Jonas jerked forward. His eyes widened as he looked at Silas. “Stop, please.”

“What’s going on?” the President asked looking back and forth between the two.

Silas leaned over and whispered. “He lied to you. Would you like me to take care of this problem for you?”

The President dabbed his mouth with his linen napkin. “What? What lie?”

“He can’t bring anyone into this country to serve you, in fact, he shouldn’t be here.”

The President frowned. “Why not?”

Silas stood and waved to the President who stood. They walked a short distance. Jonas was sweating and fighting to regain control of his beast.

“Come here, Jonas.” Silas spoke the words spoken softly, only the dual-natureds heard it.

The glare Jonas shot Silas was a mixture of hate and fear but he stood and walked to the two men. “Tell the President why you can’t send anyone into this country to serve him.”

Silas was aware General Strait and everyone else at the table watched them but only the pack members could hear.

“We cannot cross into the United States without permission of their Alpha.” He looked at Silas and lowered his gaze.

The President’s brow rose. “They can’t come anywhere in the country?”

Silas looked at Jonas and slapped his beast.

“No Sir, we cannot. It’s a violation of Pack law.”

“Can he come into your country?” The President asked pointing at Silas.

Jonas exhaled. “We don’t have a National Pack in Canada like here in the States.”

“Which means your pack isn’t in charge of Canada.” The President frowned at him. “You knew this and made the offer to send soldiers? So, if Silas wasn’t here tonight, you’d send your people anyway?”

“I wasn’t sure,” Jonas said grimacing in pain. “But I’m sure now.”

“Go on.” The President waved him away and stepped further away with Silas. “Do you want to take over the country?”

“Goddess, no. I’m too busy with other things,” Silas said, glad they were getting to the point of dinner.

“Are you expanding into Canada? Mexico?”

Silas released a stream of air. “Several packs have asked me to consider it, I’ll play it by ear.”

The President stared at him for a few seconds. “You really can stop them from entering the country? How?”

“It’s a dual-natured thing. You wouldn’t understand.” Silas grinned.

The President snorted. “Try me.”

“From birth, we’re taught to honor and respect territorial rights, it can save your life to understand scents and what they mean. Packs mark their territory which means something to every dual-natured person. We know to get permission to enter someone’s territory. It’s ingrained.”

“You marked the whole country?”

“Through my pack.” Silas wasn’t going to say much more about it and wanted to talk about Bents.

“Just how many are there like you?”

“One.”

“How many people are in your Pack?”

Up to this point, Silas enjoyed the back and forth. “What makes you think I’ll tell you that?”

“Doesn’t hurt to ask.” He stared at Silas. “Forget the penalties and the census. It won’t work anyway, no way to certify the numbers.”

Silently Silas agreed. “So why send the letter?”

“Imagine being offered protection from someone outside the country who claims he can provide a service like what your people provided. If he can do that, we’re vulnerable. What if they decide to attack us? What then? I needed to know, to see what you’d do if another pack provided defensive measures on American soil.” He clapped Silas on the shoulder. “We need a team like the Knights and are trying to replace them but not with someone who has no stake in keeping our Country safe.” He looked at Silas. “Jonas didn’t know you were going to be here, wonder if he would’ve shown up if he had.”

Silas ignored the comment about the Knights, that wasn’t happening, they needed to get over it and move on. “This was a test of what? Our defense? To see if we could protect ourselves? Or offer protection to the country?”

The President shrugged. “The things I’ve heard about you, your people...I wanted to be sure who we’re dealing with and that we would be dealing with just you, not someone coming from the outside taking over. Over the past few days you’ve protected us and your pack against foreign full-bloods. Not exactly sure how you did it, but you kicked ass. Keeping foreign full-bloods from our borders is something we prefer you handle and you did it well. If your Pack is unstable we have a major problem.”

Silas marveled over the man’s ability to grasp the essential core of their relationship. “And if the republic is in trouble, on any front, we have a major problem and will work side by side to help correct it.”

They stared at each other for a few seconds and shook hands. Silas dipped quickly into the President's memories and smiled. They stepped back and nodded.

“Look, I like how you operate. Your family, loyal, intelligent, beautiful. The way you took command of the situation just now, made him tell the truth.” The President nodded. “That’s good, I’ve got a better understanding how this all works. We’re going to work well together.”

“Why do you say that?” Silas asked. “I’m not someone you can order around or who’ll come when you call. I’m not going to lie to you or say things to get on your good side. You’re here for a few years and then someone else comes along. Why do you think we’re going to work together at all?”

The President looked at him for a few moments and smiled. “Good points. I think we understand each other.”

Silas nodded. “You’ve asked me questions, I have one for you.”

The President looked up at him. “Go ahead.”

“Did you know Admiral Bents was going to kill General Lee when you pardoned Lee?”

The President’s brow rose, and Silas could tell it never occurred to the man it might look like a set-up to terminate Lee.

“No. Lee was a good soldier, did a great service for this country. I have nothing but admiration for him.”

“So, it’s not true, you don’t plan to pardon Admiral Bents for killing General Lee.”

“He says he’s innocent,” the President said.

Silas looked at him for several seconds.  “The evidence says otherwise. Bit of advice, don’t give wagging tongues more to wag about.” He returned to his seat and finished his meal.

Jonas sat with his hand on his forehead the rest of the meal. Silas marked him so he could find him easily and released his beast. Jonas jerked, inhaled and told General Strait he would not be sending anyone else to this country unless it was cleared by the country’s Alpha.

Strait stared at Silas, then glanced at Storm before acknowledging Jonas.

When the meal was over, Silas and the President spoke again but it was clear neither expected anything from the other.

Later, on the way back to the plane for their return flight home, Jackie, Renee and Victoria talked about the White House, it’s elegance and the people they met. Jasmine leaned against Silas stroking his arm. “I’m so proud of you. For a minute I thought you’d jerk Jonas up from the chair and pull his wolf. You handled him just right, public humiliation for that blowhard.”

“He thought technology would protect him. If I allow him to live he’d be sure never to cross paths with me again.” Silas planned to wait until Jonas was on Canadian soil before dealing with the traitor.

“Love you, Wolfie.” She brushed her lips against his. “What’s going on with Asia and the team?”

Angus contacted Silas. Cain had made arrangement for the team to fly back.

“There are no women or children here. Just horny soldiers and training grounds. The Knights are going through everything now, taking their equipment but will leave the housing in place as an emergency shelter for anyone who needs it. It’s really cold here.”

“I’ll tap Jonas’ wolf, see what I can find about the breeding operation. He’s wearing something that hides his scent, but has no protection from me for his beast. I’ll tell you about it when you get back.”

“Sounds good. Sorry, this didn’t turn out like we hoped.”

“It was a good night. I won the challenge.”

“Huh?”

“The President set it up to see if we could protect the country from an attack of full-bloods from other countries.”

“What? Of course we will. Wait, Jonas challenged you?”

“He claimed to be the Canadian Alpha.” Silas bit back a smile at the full-blood’s arrogance.

“Can’t wait to hear more about that, I’m sure it was interesting,” Angus said. “We’ll be leaving here for our flight in an hour, should be at the compound within two.”

“Get some rest, debriefing in the morning.” Silas said feeling good about the night.