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WHEN DAVID, SARITA, Hawke, and Asia entered Silas’ tent, screams of surprise, cheers, and lots of hugs were given. Everybody talked at once. Sarita was passed around, and so was David. Tears shed, and laughter followed. Sarita was in Jasmine’s arms and held on tight.

“I’m so glad to see everybody,” Sarita said kissing Jasmine’s cheek again. “Goddess I missed you guys.”

“We missed you too, sweetie,” Jasmine said, kissing her on the cheek again before releasing her to David. “We have a lot of questions, so why not tell us what happened so we have a better understanding of what’s going on.”

“Where’s Cain?” David asked looking around.

“He’s outside talking to security and the Knights,” Silas said.

Holding David’s hand, Sarita took a deep breath and sat in his lap. “Recently, like a few days ago recent, I discovered I’m a descendant of Salah the Blessed.”

“Who?” Jackie asked.

Storm explained the legend and stared at Sarita. “My name is Storm, Renee’s mate. I’ve heard great stories about Salah and her descendants. It’s an honor to meet you.”

Heat raced through Sarita’s cheeks. “Thanks. It’s still new to me. Isodora interrupted my training because something happened.” She frowned and looked at David. “She was sending me to release you, but someone released someone. I'm not sure exactly what happened but she was really upset and sent me here.”

“Isodora?” Asia said looking at Jasmine. “She was training you... for what?”

“To do descendant stuff before it was interrupted.” Sarita turned, looked toward the opening and stiffened. “What are you doing here?”

“Sarita, that’s Logan. He was stuck in the cave, we brought him out with us,” David said rubbing her arm.

Sarita crossed her arms and moved toward Logan. “Whoever Logan is, that’s not him. That’s Kim, my roommate from college.” In a blink of an eye, Storm pinned Kim to the ground.

“And she’s my litter-mate,” Sarita said in a soft breath.

“What? He’s female?” David stood next to her staring down.

“Show yourself before he kills you,” Sarita demanded.

The next second, Kim stared up at her. “Let her go, Storm.”

Rose and Danielle moved closer, peering down. “You sure she’s your litter-mate? Recently some shady stuff went down with some chick trying to get with Razor and Storm,” Danielle said.

“That’s right,” Rose added. “That litter-mate excuse can be some straight up BS. Why did she hide who she was when she walked in and saw you just now? She should’ve said who she was soon as she stepped inside.” Rose bumped Danielle’s fist.

“We’re not having any more mess with litter-mates,” Danielle said looking at Renee. “The last one blew up the museum.”

“What?” Sarita spun around to look at Renee. “Not your museum.”

“Umhmm, it was a mad mess, Aunt Asia and mama cleaned house, kept us from whipping —”

“Girls,” Jasmine called.

“It’s true, Mama,” Jackie said. “We were two seconds off that... chick. She knew. That’s why she started begging Storm and Razor to help her.”

“She begged Razor, not my Storm,” Renee corrected.

Sarita’s gaze flew between the women she considered sisters and laughed. “When did you guys go all gangster? I’m loving it.”

“If you saw mama in action you’d know. She don’t play,” Jackie said laughing.

Sarita looked at La Patroness in surprise.

“Stuff starts flying everywhere, everybody runs for cover,” Renee said bumping Jackie’s fist.

“People start talking in tongues and stuff, trying to get out of her way,” Jackie said. The others laughed. “We got it honest, girl.”

“Girls,” Jasmine said shaking her head. “We need information. Storm let her up. Sarita, can you contact Isodora?”

Kim stood and fixed her clothes, her gaze flicked to Hawke and then landed on Sarita.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Sarita asked.

“Why didn’t you guess? Or figure it out?” Kim said.

“How would I have ever guessed something like that? I never knew Hanna or Isodora or that I had another family, let alone a litter-mate,” Sarita said surprised by Kim’s logic.

“I knew who you were immediately,” Kim said crossing her arms over her chest.

“Well good for you. I had no idea about you. But that’s no excuse for you not to tell me the truth about everything, especially the vines. You knew I wanted to go home.”

“I told you to go home,” Kim said.

“You said I was fucking contagious and would hurt my family.” Sarita pointed her finger at Kim’s chest and pushed. “You let me believe everyone could see the vines, knowing how much they bothered me.”

“I never told you to cut or burn yourself trying to get rid of your birthmark. That was all you, your vanity. You did it to yourself, thinking you knew what was best for everyone. Hey, if you didn’t listen to him when he told you to go home and they’d help you there, why would I think you’d listen to me?”

“Because you’ve got them too!” Sarita yelled, too frustrated to be ashamed her family knew that she had damaged herself.

“But I wasn’t embarrassed by who I am, the vines never bothered me like they bothered you,” Kim said.

“Just go,” Sarita said disgustedly.

“I will after someone answers me this, is Nadira in the mountain? I don’t sense her.” Kim looked around, again her gaze landed on her sire, Hawke for a brief second.

No one said anything.

“Was that the assignment Isodora said you were on? Watching Nadira?” Sarita asked trying to get a better understanding of what was going on.

Kim nodded. “We rotated, in and out of the cavern using Logan’s persona. The cavern is warded against feminine energy, so we use a male body, so Nadira doesn’t know.”

“Why is it warded against feminine energy?” Jasmine asked.

“Because Nadira can corrupt and use it.” Kim looked around. “I must give an answer to the Priestess. “Is Nadira free from her prison?”

“Yes,” Asia said.

“How was she freed? It’s important to know,” she said.

“She negotiated the release of my son, you and Cain for the restoration of her libido,” La Patron said.

“What?” Renee said looking at her father.

He shook his head.

“Thank you, I will tell her.” Kim turned and headed toward the door.

“I am available if Isodora wishes to speak with me,” La Patron said

Kim nodded and walked out.

No one spoke for several seconds.

“How bad was Nadira?” Sarita asked David.

“Succubus. Lots of sex with the others. They called her Queen. We fought a couple times.” He shrugged. “One thing, she controlled those guys 100%.”

“She’s strong,” Asia said.

“Will she hurt humans?” Sarita asked.

“I don’t know,” David said.

Sarita exhaled, returned to David’s lap and told them about the past five years, the vines, her fears of contaminating them, how David saved her sanity, the specialists, Halas and Isodora healing her. When she finished Renee and Jackie walked over to her and the three of them held each other and cried. Sarita didn’t think she had any more tears until her sisters held her close.

“Missed you so much,” Jackie said. “Don’t ever shut us out like that. We go all the way back to the nursery.”

“I’m sorry,” Sarita said, meaning it with every fiber of her being.

“I didn’t know what to think,” Renee said. “Sometimes I get so caught up in my art, I thought I’d done something to offend you but couldn’t think what. I was mad at you for hurting David. Please don’t do that again.”

“I love him so much, girl you just don’t know,” Sarita said. “Almost killed me being away from him, from home, my family.”

They broke apart and wiped each other’s tears from their face. “Missed you,” Renee whispered and reached behind her. “This is Storm, my mate, we’re getting married in a week. I’ve always dreamed of my sisters walking with me in my wedding. I want you in my wedding.”

Sarita could barely speak for the tears clogging her throat. She nodded and hugged Renee again. “Hi, Storm.”

He smiled and Sarita could see his charm. “Nice to meet you, Sarita. I’ve never seen David move the way he did when he scented your presence once he landed. It was quite impressive.” He glanced at David and smiled.

Jackie pulled Quinn close. “This is my mate, Quinn.” She glanced at Quinn. “This is my sister, Sarita.”

“Hello, Sarita, I’ve heard wonderful things about you,” Quinn said.

“Hi Quinn, it’s nice to meet you,” Sarita said thinking the two made a nice-looking couple.

“Come here, squirt,” Tyrese said holding out his arms. “Breaks my heart that you went through all of that alone, we’re always here for you.” He hugged her close. Danielle stepped in and joined their embrace. “I know you were thinking of the pups, and that’s admirable but we would’ve worked to fix it. That’s what family does, Rita. I’m so glad you’re okay. We worried about you.”

“I’m sorry. Thank you,” Sarita whispered as she wiped her eyes.

Tyrone hugged her and kissed the top of her head. “You and David, two peas in a pod. I can see him doing what you did. What are we going to do with you two stubborn love-birds? Take care of each other and don’t let him give you a hard time about this, believe me when I say he would’ve done the same thing. Love you, glad you’re safe and back home.”

Rose hugged and rocked her. “Every person in this room would’ve stayed away before bringing home something that would hurt the pups. Hawke and La Patron would’ve moved heaven and earth to find a solution, trust in that connection. Pack always helps Pack.” Rose kissed her cheek. “Welcome home, sweetie.”

“Thanks, Rose. I missed you and the boys.”

“Ryan and Ryder are in Texas with Alpha Theron learning to ride and work a ranch,” Rose said and shrugged. “Don’t ask me why.”

Sarita smiled as she looked at her Alpha. Their gazes met as she moved slowly toward him. “Alpha.”

He pulled her close and hugged her tight. “You are my daughter, not a day has gone by that I haven’t missed your smile and the sound of your laughter. A part of us was missing but we allowed you space to grow. My heart breaks knowing how much you’ve suffered. If I’d known I would have brought you home. Your father is one of the smartest men in the world, he would’ve found a way to fix the problem. Never do that again, when one hurts, we all hurt.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt him,” she said closing her eyes.

“David’s not the only person hurt by your decision. Your mam, sire, Jasmine, me, your sisters, brothers, Adam, Damian, your entire den was hurt. When you hurt little one, we’re all affected. No one in a family lives in a bubble, we are all interconnected. Remember that.”

“I’m sorry, Sir.” Tears leaked from beneath her lids.

“No, your heart was in the right place. I’m sorry for not realizing something more was going on. I could’ve pushed. From now on I will. If you keep crying Jasmine will think I’m reprimanding you and kick me out the tent, so smile please.”

The comment was so left field she laughed.

“Thank you. I love you as my own, remember you can come to Jasmine and me for anything.”

“Yes, Sir. I love you and Mama Jasmine too.” She turned and reached for Jasmine.

“Welcome home, sweetie. You’re just as beautiful on the inside as the outside. It took a lot of strength to do what you did. I’m proud of you.” She kissed Sarita’s cheek and looked at Asia and Hawke. “We need you to contact Isodora. Initially, we planned to fly out in the morning but won’t do that until we talk with her.”

Sarita exhaled, pulling her thoughts together. “Now?”

“That would be good,” Jasmine said with a slight smile.

Sarita closed her eyes, envisioned Isodora. “Priestess?”

“Yes, Sarita?”

Sarita was surprised she answered immediately. “La Patron and La Patroness would like to talk to you about Nadira.”

“Alright.”

Sarita opened her eyes and told them what she said.

“She’s coming here?” Tyrese asked.

“Yes, I’m here,” Isodora said appearing near the door with Kim walking in behind her.

###

JASMINE LOOKED AT THE Priestess for a few seconds before glancing at Sarita, then Asia. This whole thing had been her operation, Silas allowed her to handle it and supported her. Somehow things went terribly wrong.

Removing David and Cain from the mountain was successful, but if they violated a law or did anything to cause problems for the Inuit or Salah there would be problems with the Pack.

“Hello, I’m Jasmine, La Patroness.” She stepped forward with her hand extended watching Isodora.

Isodora looked at her hand a few seconds before accepting it. “Isodora, High Priestess for Salah the Blessed. Your interference has caused a problem.”

Jasmine sensed Silas displeasure as well as from her pups at Isodora’s tone. “I apologize. My son was trapped in the mountain without food, we contacted you but after waiting several hours with no response, we sent in food. Understand, the Canadian government and Inuit had given us 24 hours to bring him out and we wouldn’t leave him.”

“How was this accomplished?” Isodora asked watching Jasmine.

“A full-blood, one of Nadira’s men took it in,” Jasmine said. “Inside, Nadira admitted she could not leave but agreed to allow my son, his security detail and Lucas or Kim, to leave if we would heal her so she could feel again.”

Isodora nodded slowly and rubbed her forehead. “She tricked you. The inability to receive sexual pleasure was an important part of her curse.” She inhaled. “I was otherwise detained and answered Amynta’s inquiry when I had an opportunity.” She looked at Jasmine. “Did you get my warning?”

“Afterward, not before,” Jasmine said without admitting the message had been blocked while Asia was in the mountain. Once outside she received it and they immediately realized their mistake. “We apologize for releasing Nadira, how can we help to correct the matter? It’s important to leave Torngat in peace. The Inuit has been gracious to our visit and quest to retrieve my son.”

Isodora closed her eyes for several seconds.

No one moved or spoke as the Priestess’ body glowed and she rose slightly from the floor. Kim and Sarita both stood with their eyes closed looking up.

Nervous glances flew around, still, no one moved or said anything.

Several minutes later, Isodora’s feet returned to the ground and her eyes opened. She glanced at Silas, Jasmine, Asia, and Hawke, lingering a bit on him before meeting Jasmine’s gaze.

“Nadira was only able to leave the mountain because of a connection to the one who brought her release.” Her gaze flicked around the room at the men.

“She seduced Cain. Used some type of nasty stuff to keep him erect,” Jasmine said in defense of the Knight.

Isodora shook her head. “The curse wouldn’t have broken for rape, it’s sensitive to criminal activity. And we consider raping a crime, no matter who it’s against.”

Jasmine frowned and looked at David.

“Cain went to her to try to get information,” Silas said and explained the situation to Jasmine.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” She would have told Cain not to do it, the risk of re-contamination was too great.

“At the time I thought it was a solid idea, I was wrong,” Silas apologized.

Jasmine bit back her disappointment at him not fully trusting her. They’d deal with that another time. Now she needed to diffuse this situation.

“Nadira and Cain had sex. She left the mountain after he did,” Jasmine admitted.

“Where is he?” Isodora asked looking at the men in the room.

“Outside,” Jasmine said not wanting to pull him into this unfolding drama more than necessary. “Is there something we can do to assist in making this right?”

Isodora’s gaze locked with Jasmine’s for several seconds. “With Nadira released, new problems have risen.” She glanced at Kim, and then at Jasmine. “Nadira is a murderess, her punishment has been on hold until it could be addressed by the victims. As long as she was in the mountain, we controlled the timing, allowing the victims more time to prepare. Understand, Nadira is old and as you’ve learned, crafty, as well as an excellent warrior.”

Jasmine’s heart raced, hoping this wasn’t going where she thought it was. Her gaze flicked to Sarita and back to Isodora. “I see.”

“I will not allow Sarita to fight Nadira,” Silas told Jasmine.

“For now, the Inuit are safe, protected by their faith which Salah has added an additional layer to keep Nadira from seducing them. From what we’ve learned you’re the only other people on the mountain within Nadira’s reach.”

“She’s limited in where she can go?” Jasmine asked quickly. That would be good news.

“Yes, she’s tethered to the one...”

“Cain,” Jasmine supplied his name. “Tethered? Meaning, she goes where he goes?”

“Yes, for now,” Isodora said. “She will attempt to kill him to break the link to be free.”

Silas tensed. Jasmine heard him communicate the information to Cain.

“Not happening,” Jasmine said, crossing her arms.

“She will pull female energy from everyone in this room to assist her in battle,” Isodora said while Jasmine shook her head.

“No. I will not allow her to do that,” Jasmine said with conviction. “If she fights Cain on her own and can win against him, that’s one thing but she will not take anything from anyone else. Nor will I allow her to use our Knights against us.”

Isodora stared at Jasmine for several seconds. “I see,” she said. “Perhaps I don’t understand what’s going on and need to speak to Salah.”

“We made a mistake, for that we are offering to assist in correcting that mistake,” Jasmine said slowly. “However, as La Patroness to everyone in my pack, I cannot allow anyone to use or abuse my people. Believe me when I say I will utterly destroy Nadira before I allow her to mess with a single hair on anyone’s head in my pack.”

Silas’ energy merged with hers charging the atmosphere. “Thanks, Wolfie, bring it down a notch.”

Isodora’s gaze flits from Jasmine to Silas and back to Jasmine before nodding. “In that case let me explain a few things. You can fight Nadira, beat her repeatedly, please do. I would enjoy watching. But only Hanna’s seed can destroy her.”

“Hanna’s seed?” Sarita whispered drawing everyone’s attention.

“Yes, little one, that’s why I worked hard to prepare you. She knows and will seek to destroy the two of you first to ensure a long life for herself,” Isodora said cupping Sarita’s cheek.

“Shit,” Sarita said, slumping against David.

“Also, her ability to manipulate males is encoded in her DNA, if you have a way to stop that from happening, I suggest you immunize all your males on this mountain now if it’s not too late,” Isodora told Jasmine.

Jasmine connected with Silas. Together they touched Cain and all the Knights with Jasmine’s energy. She’d know the minute, Nadira tried to take the men.

“We can do that,” Jasmine said. “Can Sarita have a substitute?”

Isodora stared at Jasmine. “Blood proves true and that is what calls from the grave for vengeance. If that line is tampered with or does not ring 100% true, then Nadira wins and lives are forfeit. Do not attempt to play with destiny.”

“We make our own destiny,” Asia said. “You said it yourself, Sarita’s not ready to fight this bitch. Do you expect us to allow her to die behind this?” she asked in a furious whisper.

“Hanna was my litter-mate, my sister yet I could not avenge her death, do you think I haven’t begged for the opportunity to battle Nadira?” Isodora shot back.

“I don’t care about you or Hanna or anyone other than my daughter,” Asia said taking a few steps toward Isodora.

Jasmine stood between them with her hand up. “This is not helping. We need information to plan effectively. I’m asking both of you to focus on the real problem, Nadira and her plans to kill Cain, Kim, and Sarita. That’s just for starters. There’s no telling how many people she’ll kill if she’s able to travel wherever she wants.”

Seconds later, Asia took a step back. 

The Priestess exhaled. “You’re right. I apologize. The death of my sister is still a sore subject for me.” She looked at Asia.

Asia nodded. “I’m the same way about Sarita.” Hawke took Asia’s hand, pulled her close and wrapped his arm around her waist.

“Nadira has a god complex,” David said drawing attention toward him.

“What?” Jasmine said glad to get back to the real discussion.

“She wanted us to kneel and bow to her, call her queen, that kind of stuff. I don’t see that changing. She’ll enslave people to worship her, set up some kind of Queendom. It’s important she’s not able to get Cain, Abel or the Knights. Dad will have to destroy them to keep them from following her orders.”

“That is true,” Isodora said. “It was how the Liege used her. They allowed her to believe she was in charge instead of the one being used.”

“Was she a part of their experiments?” Hawke asked.

Isodora frowned. “Not that I’m aware of. I’ve watched hundreds of their tapes dealing with their operation, pups, and experiments.”

“The god complex thing,” Hawke said slowly. “Sounds like a chip to me. Especially if she can’t change.”

Isodora’s eyes widened as she stared at him. “Is it possible?”

Hawke nodded. “Yes. The Liege altered personalities to make people easier to control. It’s possible they operated on her and then used her to carry out their plans,” Hawke said. “Or did she always have this attitude?”

“She always thought highly of herself and encouraged others to agree with her. But not quite as bad. She’s never accepted her actions were terrible, thinks I’ve blown it out of proportion, like selling us was a game or a joke.”

Jasmine watched the emotion fly across Isodora’s face. When you’ve thought one way for a long time, it was next to impossible to change your opinion. Would Isodora consider the possibility of Nadira being a victim of the Liege? Did it matter? Maybe the Liege magnified the worst of Nadira’s personality.

“When she comes close, Silas can scan her to see if there’s a chip or something left behind by the Liege,” Jasmine offered softly. “It’s better to know the truth before taking the next step, right?”

“Does it matter?” Kim snapped, stepping close to Isodora. “She killed my mam. That won’t change.”

“It doesn’t change that fact, just the circumstances surrounding it,” the Priestess said softly, placing her hand on Kim’s shoulder. Taking a deep breath, she explained. “If they placed a chip inside Nadira, she would have been their puppet, doing what they wanted without her consent or knowledge. Stealing a person’s will is one of their worst crimes.”

Kim shrugged off her hand and stepped back. “She. Killed. Mam. Period.” Turning she strode out the tent.

“Is she going to be a problem?” Jasmine asked Isodora. They didn’t need someone running unprepared to fight Nadira, drawing them into it.

“I don’t know.” Isodora rubbed the bridge of her nose. “What you’ve said makes so much sense, I cannot believe it never occurred to me.”

“Anger, pain, hurt, will blind the truth. Plus, she never denied it, there was no reason to think differently,” Hawke said.

Isodora inhaled and shook her head. “I will speak with Salah when she is available.” She looked at Jasmine. “Nadira will contact Cain at some point soon. She’s not accustomed to being alone. When she attempts to rouse the natives and fail, she will seek him out. If he meets with her alone, can you scan her then?”

Silas nodded.

“Can you destroy the chip as well?” Isodora asked.

“Yes.”

“Chances are the chip made little difference in her personality. Maybe that’s the reason I was prevented from destroying her.” Isodora shrugged. “Time will tell.”

“Do I need to finish training?” Sarita asked.

Isodora turned and smiled at her. “You should mate, fully become one, draw from his skillset. I’ve heard your mate is a formidable warrior. His connection to you is the only reason he fell through the wards in the mountain. Hanna’s seed always had access to Nadira’s prison, we just wanted them ready and kept you away.”

“That’s why you were sending me,” Sarita said.

Isodora nodded. “Later, we will resume your training. Right now, spend time with your mate and family.”

“Thank you,” Sarita said standing in David’s embrace.

“We will let you know when Nadira arrives,” Jasmine said. They’d done all they could for now. It would be great to finish this before sunrise, so they could leave.

“There’s no need. I know where she is now but am curious if she was tampered with. Once it’s done, I will deal with her.” Priestess Isodora disappeared.