I joined Khloe, Talia, and Joseph in the living room. Talia and Joseph both wore suits, T look comfortable while Joseph looked like he was getting measured for a coffin. Khloe, on the other hand, was dressed in a mini-skirt with leggings and a clingy top thingy. I know, I know, there is probably a correct name to what she’s wearing, but seriously, I’m a guy. Whatever you call it, she was wearing the hell out of it.
I looked over to Talia. “Ready for this?”
As she met my eyes, she smoothed out her suit and let out a breath. “Not really, but I don’t know any other way to go about getting the help we are going to need to rescue Davin, and Zantana from those madmen.”
“Hang on a sec.” I pulled out my phone and read the text I just received.
“Who is it?” Khloe asked.
“Craig, he says that the rest of the alphas have arrived, and it’s time to start.” I sent him a quick reply and slipped my phone back into my pocket. Reaching for the door knob. “Whatever happens tonight know this. I’m headed down to get Khloe’s parents with or without help.” I opened the door, and we went out to who knew what.
I stepped out of the house stopping on the patio to survey those who had come at my request. Assembled in front of me were seven alphas plus the representatives of another along with most of our own pack. More than I had hoped for had come at their new Alpha’s request, a testament of their love for my parents. Talia walked up next to me on my right side while Khloe stood to my left and took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze of reassurance. Joseph stood to Talia’s right and held her hand. Khloe and Joseph’s actions were clear to all who were in attendance that both Talia and I were spoken for. Those of our pack, who were present all bowed their heads in submission and deference to Talia and me. The seven alphas were standing in front of our pack. Kaelyn looked the four of us over and nodded her acceptance of us as co-Alphas to our pack.
Craig cleared his throat and announced in a clear voice. “It is my honor to present to you, Dorian, and Talia Callahan, Alphas of the New England Pack, and their mates Khloe Ashling, and Joseph Williams.” What I wouldn’t give to be able to read minds at that point. Our pack cheered at the declaration of Talia and mine’s status, as well as the announcement of our mates. I noticed, Patrick in the back raising a pint of Guinness in our honor. Jessica and Philip, the Alpha’s from the Southeast, looked pleased with the situation. Luis, Alpha for the Southwest, who stood off to the side near Craig, appeared to accept us and nodded at something that Craig must have said to him. Patrice and Martin, representatives for the Quebec Alpha, were nonplussed about everything. That was a little worrisome after the events at the pub yesterday. Kane, Alpha for Northwestern Canada, was unreadable just as Craig had predicted. Gage, Alpha for the Northern Plains and Central Canada, was visibly upset about something, most likely he had thought he could tame Talia. Like that would ever happen, many have tried and failed. Stephanie, Alpha for the Pacific Northwest, looked like she was skeptical about the two of us. Probably thought we were spoiled rich kids playing at Alpha. I will need to speak to her as soon as I can, with all the problems she’s having with vampires in her territory maybe I could ask Esteban to help her.
“Talia and I would like to thank everyone for making time on their schedules to attend this last-minute event. There is food and beverages inside the barn for all. Please feel free to help yourself.” I said to those gathered. A cheer went up as almost everyone made their way over to Patrick and his people. I turned to find Khloe’s amazing emerald green eyes watching me. “Let’s see what happens now,” I said quietly to her.
As the four of us made our way towards our guests, Gage walked right up bold as brass and stopped in front of Talia. His action caused my wolf to stir. “What is the meaning of this?” He asked while he examined Joseph, his meaning clear that he didn’t approve of Talia’s choice of a mate.
I started to intercede when Khloe whispered: “Don’t.” She stopped me in time to catch Kane scrutinizing the scene.
WHACK! Talia’s slap across Gage’s face was so loud that everyone stopped what they were doing. “How dare you insult me and my mate. You’re still butthurt that I turned down your rather poor excuse for courting.” Talia countered in a calm voice I knew meant she seethed with anger. This was going to escalate quickly.
Gage rubbed his cheek as he eyed Joseph one last time before giving Talia his attention. Then he broke out in laughter and turned muttering, “Why don’t you just run along, and play house with your obedient little mutt.” You could’ve heard a pin drop at that moment. You know those times when you’re at a party or an event that is loud, and at the most inappropriate moment, you make a dumb ass comment right when everyone stops talking. Yep, that’s what Gage had just done.
Gage stopped at that moment and looked around only to realize that everyone had indeed heard him. Everyone around us was frozen when an almost guttural beast voice spoke from next to me. “I will fucking kill you where you stand, for the besmirching of my honor.” I glanced to my right and saw Joseph holding Talia back as there was a rippling motion under her suit. Her wolf was fighting to get out. It looked like blood was going to be shed any minute.
I stepped in front of Talia and commanded, “Gage, apologize now!”
He stopped and might have winched a little before he faced me. “Or what? I’m going to have to fight you? You, who ran away from our world and hid among the humans.” He waved a hand dismissively at me before he continued, “Please, I came here to see if Maeve’s whelps were up to the task of leading this pack. Now I find you both wanting.”
“I ch ch challenge y y you!” The voice behind me yelled. I snapped my head around and found both Joseph and Khloe holding onto Talia. Her eyes were glowing like they were lit with blue fire. Her suit was tearing in spots, the result of her body beginning to change. Both of her hands were now covered in white fur ending in some nasty claws.
I looked back at Gage. “Nope, you’re not going to have to fight me.”
He looked over to the assembled alphas for something, help I’m not sure, but all of them turned away from him.
“I accept!” He roared as he began to strip then glanced my way. “When I’m done with her you’re next Dorian.”
I nodded in understanding as I walked away, “Clear a space. A challenge has been issued and accepted.” Moving in clockwise fashion I began moving people back to create a space roughly thirty feet in diameter for the challengers. The alphas spread out around the circle to insure no one from my pack would interfere in any way.
I walked up to Talia who had gone still just standing there while Khloe and Joseph held her arms. I snapped my fingers to get her attention. “You’re sure about this?”
Her eyes locked on mine some of her wolf receded. “Yes, I’m sure. My wolf and I are in total agreement on this. He must die for what he said.”
I pulled her into a hug and kissed her forehead. “I love you, sis. You’ve got 10 minutes to change and be ready.”
As she hugged me back she whispered, “Love you too. I’ll be ready. Now go.”
I stepped into the center of the clearing and began, “As Alpha, and host of this event I would normally preside over the challenge, but since my sister is the challenger, and Gage has so eloquently said that I was next after he is finished with Talia, I must abstain.” That last remark about Gage killing T elicited a laugh from my pack. Holding my hands up for silence I continued, “I would ask one of the attending Alpha’s to preside over this challenge.”
Kane stepped forward. “I will preside over the challenge.”
I nodded my acceptance and went over to Talia and the others.
“Combatants, you have ten minutes to appear before me in wolf form, or your lives will be forfeit for running from a challenge,” Kane announced.
The ten minutes passed rather quickly.
“Time!” Kane said. “Challengers, present yourselves.”
The crowd parted as Stephanie escorted Gage, now on all fours into the circle. Gage was an impressive wolf. He was about four feet at the shoulder with a light brown coat that had streaks of black in it. He began to pace back and forth in front Stephanie.
Hearing a growling behind me, I moved aside to let Talia into the circle. She had her lip up, bearing her teeth while growling as she approached Kane in the center. Gage trotted over. Kane began to announce the rules.
“A challenge fight among Alpha’s is to the death, any one interfering with this challenge will be killed for disobedience. Any questions?” Looking around before he finished “Good. Fight!”
Gage leapt at Talia before Kane had a chance to get out of the way. He hoped to catch Talia unaware by this move. Gage threw his heavier body into hers, all the while as he tried to avoid Talia’s snapping jaws. Talia rolled a couple of times before she came to a stop. She was getting back up when Gage attacked again. Not giving her a chance to get her feet under her. Talia must have sensed this because she stayed on her back, and grabbed him with her front paws, while she kicked with her hind legs trying to rip open his belly. As she tried this, he snapped at her face and tried to claw her neck. With effort, Talia threw Gage off and scrambled to her feet. She had some blood that darkened her coat around her neck from Gage’s attack. Gage hadn’t fared much better; his undercoat was bleeding from Talia’s claws. They circled each other and growled, barked, and feinted their attacks. Gage’s plan to surprise Talia had worked to an extent, but now they appeared to be even.
Talia feinted to the right then attacked left. When Gage dodged away from the feint she grabbed a hold of his hind leg as he tried to escape her attack. He yelped in surprise from her bite. He tried to dislodge her, but she wasn’t having any of it. When he went for her neck she bit down harder and began to shake her head back and forth which caused him to yelp and whine in pain. All who watched heard it when she broke his leg. There was an audible crack, and then Gage howled. Talia released his now broken leg, evident as he limped away. Now she stalked him like a wolf in the wild would do to injured or weaker prey. I’ll give it to him though he didn’t just lie down for her. He hopped on three legs with his teeth bared as he waited for her strike. Talia wasn’t unscathed either she was bleeding around her neck and muzzle. As she moved in on Gage, he slipped then she leapt and grabbed him by the throat trying to use her weight to hold him down. He didn’t give up, and kicked out with his one good hind leg, and clawed at her with his forepaws. Talia didn’t let this stop her. She held onto his throat while he continued to claw at her sides. She yelped and let go of him as he must got in a good shot. Talia jumped back from him and I saw fresh blood on her side. She looked at it, then back to Gage. He slowly got up with a rasping sound that must have been from Talia when she crushed his windpipe. This fight wasn’t going to last much longer, Gage was visibly exhausted with a broken leg, and partially crushed windpipe. Talia was decades younger and unbeknownst to him she trained daily for challenges like this.
“Gage howled a challenge that Talia answered. She latched onto his throat again this time with strength and leverage over him. This allowed her to shake her head back and forth violently until we all heard the snap of his neck. His body went limp as she lowered his dead body to the ground. She then walked around and poked him with her nose making sure he was gone. Talia raised her head to the sky and howled a mournful cry to a worthy opponent.
Talia changed back and slumped onto the ground next to Gage. Joseph and Khloe rushed to her side, They helped her up so they could examine her injuries, Stephanie started to walk toward Talia with a dagger drawn and muttered something about honor, and half-breeds.
Just as Stephanie got close enough I stepped in front of her which caused her to look up only to find my pistol aimed at her forehead. Her eyes widened but before she could say anything I remarked. “Take one more step towards Talia and I’ll blow your brains across my lawn. Gage was right about one thing I may have lived among the humans for the last ten years but I wasn’t hiding. I was learning their arts of war. I served the U.S. Marine Corps in their Special Operations Command. I’ve seen more conflict and bloodshed than you can imagine even with all the vampire issues you have.” Stephanie looked down at Gage’s body then back up to me as I finished. “It was a fair fight, he fought with honor don’t dishonor him like this.”
Stephanie nodded tears in her eyes she turned and disappeared back into the crowd. I looked around for Craig and found him coming over to me. “Can you get some of the guys to take care of Gage’s body. We will need someone to get in touch with his second and explain what happened here tonight. We don’t need this to get out of hand and escalate because Gage had an issue with Talia.”
Kane joined us. “I can call Gage’s second we’re acquaintances. His whole pack knows what kind of an ass he was about your sister.”
“Thank you, that would be great. Once we get this mess cleaned up we can get down to the main reason I asked all of you to come.” I said to them. “Now if you will excuse me I need to see how Talia is doing.” Both nodded in understanding as I went inside the house.
Inside I found Joseph, Khloe, and a beaten Talia in the kitchen. They had Talia sitting with a towel around her so they could clean her wounds before they’d let her go shower.
“You guys know these will all be healed in a couple of hours. Why all the fuss?” Talia retorted which caused Khloe to step back from her with a fine whatever you want look.
Poor Joseph looked hurt before he said, “Listen here, Natalia Callahan, I am your mate, and I will fuss over you however and wherever I like. Now get up and let’s get you cleaned up.”
Talia’s head snapped up at him saying her given name. Khloe grabbed my hand and dragged me back outside as my slow to catch up brain just realized what was about to happen with those two. “Hey, you two don’t take too long, we do have a meeting later this evening,” I said as the door closed behind me.
Sometime later, after everyone had eaten, mingled, and got to know everyone. The attending alphas, Esteban, Donovan, Craig, Talia, Khloe, Joseph, and myself adjourned to the meeting room that Craig had put together in the upstairs area of the barn.
I looked around the table and acknowledged everyone before I began. “First, let me thank you all for attending.” Meeting Stephanie’s gaze I continued, “I apologize for the unfortunate event with Gage and Talia. It was unexpected, and unfortunate he will be missed with what is headed our way.” Leaving that last comment hanging out there for everyone to ponder.
Kane leaned forward asking “What is heading our way? You seem to know more than you are saying.”
“I do, but let me have Donovan, Master Vampire of Boston, tell you how this all started,” I said as I turned this part over to Donovan.
I sat down and listened as Donovan explained what had happened to the Elders, who lived in Boston. How that led him to call on Fenris Security for help investigating the massacre, and the vampire’s belief that the long dead Kirin was involved. I observed the other alphas as they listened to Donovan, then Khloe as she told them of her family’s history with Kirin, and his once lost Book of Souls.
When Khloe had finished, Kane asked, “Why should I concern myself with this? It sounds like a Vampire issue along with some disenfranchised strays from your pack.”
I looked to Stephanie asking her “How bad is the vampire situation in your territory? Has it gotten worse in the last couple of months? What about you Luis?”
“Yes, we have had an increase with the audacity of the vampires. It’s like they have been encouraged to behave like the rules are about to change.” Stephanie answered.
“Agreed, it’s the same with the Southwest,” Luis added.
Kane looked skeptical as he looked over to Esteban asking. “What’s your story vampire? You’re awfully quiet for a vampire, the few I’ve known can’t help but run their mouths at how superior they are. You’re quiet that bothers me.”
Esteban stood up and looked over to me, I nodded that he could go ahead with his story. He looked back at Kane “You would be correct. I too have often found that most vampires tend to believe in the modern fiction of their own superiority. I, however, was turned in the 1200’s during Spain’s wars against the Moors and broke my teeth as a vampire during the rise of the Inquisition. One learns to keep quiet about what one can, and cannot do. Enough about me, let me tell you about the one known as Kirin.” Esteban went on to tell them of his part in all this. Everything from him and Gustavo masquerading as Conquistadors to gain passage to the New World to the alliance he forged with the Central American shifters to the battle that ultimately led to the deaths of both Gustavo, and Kirin. He also explained that while most of the younger vampires agreed with the Blood Priests, and their beliefs that vampires should be ruling over the humans and other supernaturals, the Elders did not.
Jessica spoke up next “In other words, you are here at your Elders behest.”
Shaking his head, he said “No, they do not know that I am here. I have lived outside of the vampire political structure for the last five hundred years. The Elders were not happy with the agreement I made with Omek, and the shifter clans. I am here because of a promise I made to Omek.” I noticed he was looking at Khloe as he finished.
Esteban sat back down as I stood up. “Now, I will explain why Talia and I have called this meeting and why our mother has turned over the leadership of this pack to us.” I then told them of our journey and the ordeals we faced. I ended with Khloe’s parents being kidnapped and the capture, and rescue of the girls.
“Fallen?” Kaelyn asked. She was close to our parents so she knows what are father is. “This, is why Maeve and Micah are gone?”
“Yes, Fallen,” I answered.
“Who or what are these Fallen?” Kane and Philip both asked.
“Fallen Angels. You know those who were expelled from Heaven for attempting to overthrow God.” I stated.
“Wait, you mean to tell me that Angels are real?” Stephanie remarked.
Talia stood up to address the group. “Yes, they are but it’s the Fallen who are the threat. Angels have rules with which they have to follow when dealing with us.”
“How do you know so much about them?” Kane asked quickly and sensed like I did that Stephanie was going to call Talia out on this.
“We, my brother, and I know about Angels, and the Fallen because our father is an Angel.” She answered Kane while staring down Stephanie.
“Yes, but we are getting off topic. These Blood Priests and whoever is impersonating Kirin. They are stirring up the vampires, and if half of what is in this Book of Souls is true. Then they will pick up right where they left off from when Esteban and the shifter clans stopped them.” I said trying to get everyone’s attention off Talia and Stephanie.
“What are you asking of us?” Jessica asked as I observed that her mate Philip had been texting during our conversation.
“First, to let you know that I’m taking a team down to where Kirin’s temple was located to get Khloe’s parents back. Second, that you should all be on alert for whatever the fallout is going to be.” I answered her.
The alphas all erupted about what I meant to do or how dare I be so cavalier with their security, and safety. I tried to calm them with gestures but they were not having any of it as they began to shout over each other to get their point out. I stood there as chaos reigned around me, I decided to do the one thing that I hated to do. I always hated it whenever an Alpha uses whatever power it is that makes us different from other shifters, on their fellow shifters. Dominance was something that I was never fond of participating in.
As the voices grew in volume I closed my eyes and searched for that spot where my wolf waited for me. He was power, strength, and protectiveness, but there was always something else there that I had never attempted to touch. To my mind’s eye, it appeared like a glowing golden ball. When I reached for it, it came willingly and filled me with a calmness that I had never felt.
“Oh shit!” Talia breathed out as I opened my eyes.
No one else noticed whatever Talia noticed as the chaos was still going on around the table. “ENOUGH!” I yelled as a wave of power released from me in an expanding circle. I watched in a detached state as each person in the room dropped their head in submission as they stopped speaking. Looking around the room I noticed that even the vampires had submitted while Talia and Khloe sat there mouths open, but apparently unaffected by what I had done.
Khloe stood and reached for my face, and took it in her hands. “Dorian, your eyes. They’re different now. What did you do?”
“That was the first thing I noticed when he opened them.” Talia offered.
“What do you mean my eyes are different?” I asked them.
“They’re still indigo but now have glowing gold streaks in them,” Khloe said as she released me.
I took her hands in mine and asked, “How is it that you were unaffected by what I did? Not even the vampires were safe from what I did.” I turned to face those affected and observed everyone had begun to shake off the effects of what I did.
Kane stood suddenly as he shook off the effects and turned to face me. “What the hell did you just do? I have never submitted to anyone, let alone a wolf.” He was visibly shaken.
“I’m not sure but Talia, and I have some abilities that no other shifters have thanks to our father. This I believe was one of those abilities. I had to do something, you all were arguing over what the fallout could be. The only thing you seem to care about is your own little place in the world. Gage, only cared about dominating women. Stephanie only cares about dealing with vampires in her territory. You, Kane, only care about yourself. We need to all pull together to fight this threat because if these Blood Priests achieve their goal then the humans will learn of our natures, and that scares me the most since they have access to weapons that will make short work of most of the supernatural world.” I yelled as I finished and realized that they were all bowing their heads in submission again.
“Khloe, take him out of here. He’s made his point. I’ll finish up.” Talia requested.
Khloe pulled me away from Kane and led me out of the room.
We reach the backyard where most of our pack were still eating, drinking, and having a good time. Everyone smiled and nodded at the two of us as we walked through those gathered. She led me over to a bench and pushed me to sit then slipped between my legs and sat on my lap. She slipped one arm around me while she caressed my cheek with her other. I took her face in my hands and kissed her.
I pulled back from the kiss and whispered, “Why were you unaffected?”
Khloe searched my eyes before she answered. “My guess is it has something to do with my dual heritage. Not too different than what you and Talia have. The only difference is my father is a witch so I think my magic protected me.”
As I held her I asked, “What did I do?”
“I think you tapped into whatever you inherited from your dad. Talia and I would spend hours talking about what you two must have gotten from him. It was never apparent like it was with me.” She paused from a moment before continuing, “You have to remember that Angels technically aren’t allowed in our world. Even your dad had to give up most of his abilities to be permitted to be with your mom. One thing is clear now, you will never submit to another again.”
I was about to respond when we both turned to the sound of my sister saying, “For the love of god will you two get a room.” This caused those still here to laugh and throw in some cat calls. Talia and Joseph joined us on the bench before she began to fill us in on what had happened after we left the meeting.
“I wouldn’t recommend you do that again to a room full of alphas. I had to talk them off the ledge since they thought you were challenging them for control of their packs. Once, I explained to them that neither you or I had any interest in that they settled down. They also shouldn’t interfere with what we have planned. Luis and Stephanie said they would help however, Stephanie asked for help from Esteban with her vampire issues. Esteban said that they could work out the details later.
“As for Kane, he was rather quiet about the whole incident but did say that if you need him when you get back to call. Jessica, Phillip, and Kaelyn said they would help keep an eye on our territory for us while we are gone. My biggest concern is Patrice and Martin they were quiet throughout the whole meeting and left almost as soon as you left the building. Their Alpha, Guy, only thinks about what will benefit him. Not his pack, but him. If I had to guess they might reach out to our enemies. Kaelyn and Jessica don’t like Guy either. They said they would call their Second’s to let them know that they would be staying here to watch over our pack until we return. Both think Guy, will start something while we are gone.”
I shifted Khloe on my lap and pulled out my phone to text Craig a simple message. ‘We are a go.’ The three of them watched me as I put my phone back in my pocket. As I looked up at them I said, “I had to let Craig know that everything is a go.”
“Leave it to you two to already have everything ready for us. Fucking Spec Op types.” Joseph said which caused Talia to snort at him.
“Hun, didn’t you guys plan like that when you were in SWAT?” Talia asked him.
“Yes, but they have back up plans for back up plans.” He supplied, this time Khloe was the one to laugh.
“We’re not that bad.” I defended this time they all laughed at me.
“Yes, you are, D. However, I don’t think it was something you learned in the military. You were always planning things out like a general when we were kids.” Talia said as she laughed then continued, “You guys should’ve seen him when we went to Disney. He had a plan of attack for each park on how he wanted to hit the rides.”
Craig walked over to save me from further embarrassment. “Everything is ready for you and the team to leave in the morning.”
“What is our itinerary?” Talia asked.
“You will fly from Portsmouth to San Diego where you will meet with Luis’s Second. He will transport you across the border into Mexico where you will board an unregistered flight down to Guatemala City. Once there Manuel and Diego will meet you, and the team. They have transport set up to ferry you to the clan meeting place. Of which they are not sharing with us.” His said that last part as he looked at Khloe, concern on his face.
“I know the location. It’s a guarded secret of the Eagle warriors but they will not betray us. I have known them my entire life.” Khloe offered.
He shrugged, “I understand but please know that Talia and Dorian’s safety is my number one concern. I just don’t like not knowing.”
“I’m sure everything will be ok, Craig. We need to focus on stopping these Blood Priest along with whoever else has decided to join them. What about the team?” I supported.
“They will be at the airport waiting for you in the morning. I had the corporate jet brought up to Portsmouth. Less eyes on you leaving the better.” Craig offered before he finished, “I’ll meet you there in the morning. All of you gear is already on the jet, and under guard.” With that, he bid the four of us goodnight.
The four of us made our way back to the gathering and spent the rest of the night meeting, in my case, pack members that had joined after I left for the Marines. All in all, it was a very successful event for our pack. Their general unease about our mom’s rather abrupt departure was put at ease as the got to know Talia, and me. We said goodnight to the last of the pack members as they left. I told Patrick that he could come back in the morning to clean up. He said the daylight would make things easier as he said his goodbyes.