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SILAS AND JASMINE LEFT the office three hours later to grab a bite to eat. General Miller hadn’t discovered anything regarding the testing. But promised to continue making inquiries.

Alpha Lyle, the pack attorney, discovered some trouble spots regarding old land deeds that were in the process of being challenged. Paperwork hadn’t been filed properly or the townships lost the deeds. It was a gray area and would be aggravating if there were no paper trails, but they shouldn’t lose the land. Silas had Jacques searching but wasn’t sure they had documentation.

Alpha Lyle didn’t seem worried. He believed they would win in court, if it went that far, because of how long Silas owned the property.

“I want this stopped as soon as possible, it sounds like a fishing expedition, use the software from Hawke to wipe your tracks. We don’t want them tracking you online through this,” Silas told him.

In an odd twist, the most troubling information came from David’s research into the rebel Jonas. Quinn’s Uncle Ramos and his mate, Antwan had quite a bit to say about Jonas, none of it good.

Jonas was well financed with investments in several businesses. He hired pack to work for him at sub-standard wages and kept them separated from everyone else. They weren’t allowed to speak to anyone outside of their pack. Recently, Jonas purchased hundreds of acres in Canada and had moved his pack there earlier this year. He recruited soldiers to protect his land, luring them with promises of wide open spaces and freedom for La Patron’s heavy hand.

Jonas saw himself equal to Silas.

Ramos believed Jonas’s intention was to create a national pack in Canada to compete with Silas in the states. He’d been spreading lies about Silas’ brutality and unreasonableness as an Alpha while painting himself as the perfect, nurturing Alpha that the Canadian wolves needed.

A part of Silas wanted to let Jonas have Canada if the wolves wanted him. Another part wanted to fight the wolf in an Alpha challenge because of the lies and deceit. It wasn’t his decision, so he put in another request to the Goddess to let her decide.

“David did good,” Jasmine said as they sat at the table.

“Yeah,” Silas said thinking of the meeting with Hawke later this evening. Hawke found some areas where hackers attempted to crack their system and he wanted to go over his retaliation plans with Silas.

“The research he did on Jonas was very thorough. Did you see how excited he was when he made his report?” Jasmine asked.

“Yeah.” When was Miller going to get back with them? Silas needed to know who was behind this foolishness. He suspected the White House, but it might be the Joint Chiefs.

“This may be his calling, you think?”

“Hmm?” he looked at her hand on his arm and then at her face. “I’m sorry, Sweet Bitch, my mind wandered. What did you ask me?”

“David really enjoyed digging for information on that guy, he was all lit up, that may be his calling.” She watched him.

Silas hadn’t given it any thought. People created reports for him all the time, but not his pups. Today, David became a part of the discussion and uncovered important information. The pup was smart and resourceful.

“Could be.” He didn’t want to encourage her. David was no James Bond.

There was a knock at the door. Jasmine looked at Silas. “It’s Renee and Storm,” he said. “I told them to come in.”

She nodded as the door opened. “We’re in the kitchen,” Jasmine said pouring another glass of tea.

“Hi, Mama,” Renee kissed Jasmine’s cheek and turned to Silas. “Daddy.”  She grabbed a couple glasses from the cupboard and poured her and Storm tea. Storm waited until Renee sat and sat next to her. “Whew, the builders finally have the outside walls of the museum rebuilt, but it’s still going to take a while before everything’s back to normal,” Renee said.

A few months ago, an enemy blew up art museum where Renee worked. It had been a difficult time for everyone, especially the newly mated pair seated at the table with them.

“From what I saw it looks good,” her father said. “You’re doing a remarkable job with everything you have going on.”

“It’s been hectic for sure.” She looked at Jasmine. “Mom, can I talk to you for a minute?” Renee pushed back her chair and waited for her mom.

The two left, leaving Silas and Storm alone. “Is Renee alright?” Silas asked Storm.

“Yes, she’s fine, probably something about the wedding.” Storm hadn’t looked at Silas or Jasmine that much since arriving. For a brief moment Silas considered asking if everything was alright but decided against it. He really didn’t want to know anything too personal about his daughter and her mate.

They sat in a comfortable silence for a few minutes.

“Did you really mean it?” Storm asked.

Surprised, Silas looked at him. “Mean what?” he had no idea what Storm was talking about.

“Today, in the meeting.”

“What exactly did I say to make you ask that question?”

“Going to war? Against the U.S.? To protect the pack?”

“Storm, I would give my life for my pack, without hesitation. I’ve been through the fire and tested several times. I’m Alpha, the first and last in the line of defense for this pack. I take their health and safety very seriously.”

“Is that why they follow you?” Storm asked.

“Part of it. I personally trained every Alpha. They spent time with me and I with them, our beasts bonded. We respect each other and work together but I’m Alpha.”

“I heard about you, who hasn’t?” Storm said leaning forward. “In my mind I had this idea of a totalitarian sitting behind his wall, giving orders without taking risks. The meeting today... everyone had their own opinions, there was discussion, these men weren’t clones of you.” He shook his head. “I’ve never seen anything like that. Completely mind blowing.”

Silas chuckled and crossed his arms over his chest, interested in Storm’s opinion. “Not clones for sure.”

“That’s not the right word but the only one that comes to me right now. I never really realized how large your pack was until today. Fifty Alphas. Unbelievable.” He shook his head and stared at the table for a few seconds.

“It took a long time to build, wasn’t easy either. They’re hard-headed, opinionated but loyal with a love of pack. I wouldn’t trade any of them,” Silas said with conviction.

“I could tell. I’ve only served one Alpha, and there was nothing even remotely close to the pack dynamics I saw today.” Storm stared at the table with a pensive look. “I saw a real pack today and it was fucking amazing.”

Silas laughed.

Storm glanced at him and smiled. “I’ve been thinking about it all day. Just...wow.”

“I wanted you there today to hear first-hand of the challenges headed our way, we all need to be vigilant.”

“What about Razor?” Storm asked. He and Razor were cousins and both newly mated.

“He and Trista are setting up their home, he couldn’t make it,” Silas said diplomatically. Razor refused to leave Trista’s side to attend the meeting today.

“Would you like me to talk to him?” Storm asked.

Silas thought about it for a few moments. With them joining the pack Razor needed to understand refusals like today wouldn’t be tolerated. “I’ll talk with them, it’s important they both understand.”

Storm nodded but didn’t say anything.

“What’s really on your mind?” As much as he didn’t want to get involved, Renee’s prolonged absence and Storm’s posture clearly said there was more.

“I’ve been thinking.” He looked at Silas. “I offer my hand and heart to the pack with you as my Alpha.”

Silas stared at the serious look on Storm’s face and didn’t say anything for a moment or two. He hadn’t expected the young pup to come around this soon but was pleased he finally saw the value in joining a pack. He stood.

“Come here.”

Storm stood and offered Silas his neck. The strike was quick and the permanent connection was made. Storm shuddered and fell to the ground in front of Silas and took several deep breaths. “Never had a connection like that before, either.”

He gripped Storm’s arm and pulled him up. “Welcome to the Nation.” He hugged him and slapped his back.

“Ah, Jackie and David are here,” Silas told Storm as they broke apart. Storm wore a wide, relieved grin and stuffed his hands inside his pockets as David and his sister walked in.”

“Oh good, Storm’s here, Quinn’s on the way,” Jackie said as she kissed Silas on the cheek and headed toward the bedroom.

“Mom’s in there?” David asked pointing to the bedroom.

“Yes,” Silas said.

“Be right back, got lots to tell you,” David said as he left them.

Quinn knocked on the door and walked in smiling. “Hey, heard this is where the party’s happening tonight.”

Silas’ brow rose. “Party? Here tonight?” He tried to remember if Jasmine mentioned a party and he’d forgotten.

“No. That’s just... slang sort of. Means, this is where everybody’s hanging out, chilling, having fun... never mind,” Quinn said heading into the kitchen.

“Where’s Quinn?” David asked Silas. He waved at Storm and headed to the kitchen.

“Looks like this is where things are happening tonight,” Silas told Storm.

“Seems like it.” Storm sat on the love seat.

“Storm just joined the pack,” Silas told Jasmine.

“Renee told us, she’s happy, so am I. He’s a good guy,” she said.

Silas broadcasted an announcement to the others of Storm’s new status and was pleased by the congratulations he was certain Storm received.

David and Quinn walked out with food and glasses of tea.

“Glad to have you, Brother,” David said to Storm.

“Welcome to the pack,” Quinn said to Storm. “It’s good to be connected, I’m biased of course.” He smiled and bumped Storm’s fist.

“Jackie contacted me earlier,” David said, as he sat on the sofa and placed his plate on a coaster on the table. “Uncle Ramos’ contact had given me most of the information on Jonas. I was going over the logistics with Jackie and Quinn. She mentioned a young man who lost three brothers to the rebels. She wasn’t sure if it was Jonas or not and promised to do some checking.”

“Yeah nice kid,” Quinn said. “Alden and his friend Jude were stolen by the rebels, they escaped and found us. We were able to get him back home to his family.”

“But the name he called the rebel leader was Taurus, not Jonas,” David said. “I think they’re the same person.”

“Taurus I’ve heard of,” Silas said, recalling the intelligence reports he’d received last year from several Alphas. “We’ve been looking for him. He’s in Canada? Using the name Jonas?”

“First name’s all we have right now,” David said. “Another person, Marsha, contacted me just as I was coming over for dinner. Antwan gave her my information, she claims there are people looking for Taurus to punish him for his crimes. She also said, a lot of pack believes his promises of a better, more prosperous life in Canada. She knows people who’ve joined his pack, and says they disappear. Cut off all communication, he rules hard.”

“Sounds like a confirmation of everything you’ve learned already, that’s good information. He hasn’t changed his M.O.” Silas said.

“Marsha?” Quinn snapped his fingers. “She came through around the same time Jackie and I mated. There was a younger girl with her, she was from Canada I think. Her parents sold her to Taurus for breeding. He wants pure full-bloods, something like that.” He frowned. “Can’t recall the pup’s name.”

A few seconds later, he grinned. “Thankfully, Jackie has a mind like a trap. Penny is her name, nine or ten years at the time.”

“Her family sold her? To breed?” Silas asked in a cold voice.

“What’s wrong?” Jasmine asked.

“Taurus bought a child for breeding,” Silas said.

“Who’s Taurus?” she asked.

“Jonas, the one who met Jackie at the restaurant.

“Ah, I see.”

“He’s moved his operation to Canada.”

“Is that who David talked about?”

“Yes.”

“She may have escaped from him, but I’m sure he hasn’t given up the idea of impregnating bitches to build his pack,” David said. “Another reason to move to a remote part of Canada.”

“No matter how remote they may want to be, there are basics everyone needs. If they’re off the electrical grid, then they have an alternate power source,” Silas said looking at David. “I’ve got Hawke on another assignment, you and Storm research possible areas where they could have moved. Keep in mind it will take large amounts of food and water to sustain a clustered group.”

David nodded. “If they set up an encampment in the mountains, they’d need supply trucks or airplanes to drop critical supplies. Everything I’ve discovered about this guy says he’s got money, we’ll check flight plans, see what we find.”

Storm stretched his legs and looked at David. “If these were humans, I’d rule out supplies being bought in over rough terrain. For full bloods, carrying several pounds on their backs is nothing.”

“Good point,” Silas said looking at Storm. “I want to know where they are, before the team leaves for Canada next week.”

Silas looked at the door. “Adam and Bella are here,” he told Jasmine and waited for his son to join them. Bella greeted him with a kiss on the cheek, waved at everyone and headed into the bedroom where Jasmine and the others were talking.

“What’s this I hear about Jarcee finding his mate?” Adam said sitting next to Storm. “Who is she? Where did they meet?”

“Faye Larson, Realtor, they met at the mall.” He told them about the incident with the kids in the car.

“Hold up, Jarcee at a mall?” David said.

“He accompanied Razor and his mate, she’s buying things for their new home,” Silas said.

“They went to a mall?” Adam said leaning forward in his seat. “Does Razor have any idea how many full-blood males are in that mall? He’s still mating, his beast—”

“Didn’t let them go inside,” Silas said smoothly. “Rather than say no to the idea, Jarcee drove them to the mall and allowed them to come to their own conclusion. This is all new for Razor, Trista is helping him acclimate but she’s learning what it means to be mated.”

“No way could I handle anyone around Bella when we were mating,” Adam said.

“Some beasts are more feral than others,” Silas said.

“I don’t know about that,” Quinn said. “I still don’t like the idea of another male leaving his scent on Jackie and I don’t consider myself feral at all.”

“You’re just as bad as Daddy,” Jackie said walking into the living area and placing her hands on Quinn’s shoulder. “I don’t bother explaining those growling sounds you make when a male, human or wolf, gets too close.”

“There’s no need for you to explain,” Quinn said as he took her hand and kissed the back of it. “They get the message.” He pulled her onto his lap and kissed her.

“When are we meeting Jarcee’s mate?” Bella asked looking around.

“Good question,” Jasmine said. “Do you think they’ll be done mating before the wedding?”

“She’s human?” Renee asked.

“Breeder, like me,” Jasmine said.

“She may want a wedding,” Renee said.

Jackie, Bella, Adam and David, groaned. “Please just stop,” Jackie said.

“Jarcee’s like an uncle,” Renee argued. “We have to do something big for him and Faye.”

“Mama, please, stop her,” Adam said.

Storm chuckled and pulled Renee on his lap. “You want everyone to have a special day like you, I don’t see why that’s wrong.”

She kissed him. “See, my Boo gets it.”

“Cause your Boo wants to keep getting some,” Jackie said, with a smirk.

The others laughed.

Jasmine sat next to Silas. He pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. “What if we wait until after we meet Faye to try and plan her wedding,” Jasmine said. “Your wedding, and the informal ceremonies for Adam and Bella, will be enough.”

“Is that why you’re waiting for your reception?” David asked.

“Not really, it’s timing that’s all,” Jackie said.

“It’s something in the air,” Renee said snuggling closer to Storm. “Trista said she and Razor may have a wedding, she’s not sure yet. If they do have a ceremony, she wants me to plan it for them.”

“That’s great, Honey,” Jasmine said.

“I hope we see Jarcee again before we leave,” Bella said. “It won’t be the same without him there.”

“I know.” Adam looked at Bella for a few seconds, then she smiled and leaned into him. “Alpha Barticus offered his house again as well as security so I won’t be dragging my mate with me to every practice.”

Alpha Barticus was Asia’s father and a good friend.

“That wouldn’t have worked,” Bella said.

“Too much wolf-testosterone,” Adam agreed and placed a quick kiss on her lips.

“Where you guys going after the wedding?” David asked Renee.

“I don’t know yet,” Renee said. “With the museum repairs, and planning the wedding, I haven’t given it much thought.”

“I will take care of it,” Storm said into the brief silence.

Renee’s eyes widened. “That’s okay, I’ll look into a few places.”

Storm covered her hand. “You are doing everything, which is too much. I’ll take care of our wedding trip.” He kissed her forehead and missed the look of utter horrified shock on her face.

Silas chuckled.