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SILAS STIFFENED AGAINST Jasmine.

“I sense her too,” Jasmine said, enforcing her energy in all the Knights. “She tried them but couldn’t break through. So far I’m holding them. Do you have everyone else covered?”

“Yes. It’s harder to pull anything from mates. David and Sarita are now mated, that takes care of everyone except Cain and the Knights,” he said.

“You told everyone to remain calm?” she asked. This was not the time or place to fight.

“Yeah. Storm was concerned but will stand down along with the others. She needs to feel comfortable enough to come closer for a scan,” he said.

“So we pretend we don’t know she’s here?”

“Yeah. Hopefully, it works.” He kissed her forehead while scanning the area. “Cain wants to move from the camp, he’s afraid she’ll do something stupid and someone will get hurt.”

“No. We stay here, together,” Jasmine said adamantly. “This is the only place we have permission to be.”

“I told him,” Silas said holding her close.

“Link me with him again,” Jasmine said. The next moment she flooded Cain with her energy, cooling and steadying him.

Silas chuckled. “He said to thank you.”

Jasmine exhaled and waited for Nadira to come in closer. “Can you pinpoint her location?” she asked Silas.

“Yes, she’s not that far, but too far for a scan. Patience, she’s arrogant and will think she’s smarter than us. She’ll come closer, especially since Cain’s following my instructions to ignore her calls.”

Asia and Hawke’s close proximity to David and Sarita’s tent eased Jasmine’s mind. Those two needed to be strong to face whatever was coming. Jasmine didn’t think the threat or battle had been averted by her comments to Isodora.

True, she wouldn’t allow Nadira to use Pack to energize her fight, but the battle would still happen. Knowing Sarita could access David’s abilities in any situation, made Jasmine hopeful they would all be leaving for home soon. To think anything different would break her heart.

“She’s moving closer,” Silas said as he kissed her deeply.

When they broke apart, he touched the tip of her nose. “There’s a chip. I’ve got her boxed in and am removing it now.”

Jasmine blinked a few times and frowned. “You did that on purpose.”

“Of course, you would’ve looked and given away the surprise.” He stood and extended his hand to her. “Come, let’s meet Nadira.”

Jasmine took his hand and walked toward Nadira. The others saw them and headed in the same direction. Before Silas reached her, Isodora appeared.

“You were right? She was tampered with?” Isodora asked looking at Nadira who remained still inside the enclosure.

“Yes, a small computer chip. I’ve removed or dissolved several over the years, definitely from the Liege,” Silas said.

“I would like to talk to her, can you remove the barrier, please?” Isodora asked.

Silas partially removed it, keeping most of her upper body trapped.

Isodora flooded the area with light and stepped closer. “Nadira, how do you feel?”

Nadira didn’t speak, instead, her eyes followed Isodora and remained focused on her. “Do you remember the Liege?”

Nadira frowned but still didn’t speak.

“They operated on you a long time ago, do you remember?” the Priestess asked.

When Nadira didn’t say anything. Isodora touched her shoulder and closed her eyes. Moments later, deep sorrow emanated from her as she stepped backward.

The two stared at each other.

“What now, Isodora?” Nadira asked in a soft voice as the box surrounding her disintegrated.

Silas started to replace it.

“Don’t.” Isodora held out her hand to stop him. “It’s not necessary.”

Blue fabric rippled across Nadira’s flesh, clothing her. She looked at Cain and pointed at him. “Come to me.”

Jasmine’s energy erupted, stopping Nadira’s command.

She looked at Jasmine and laughed. “It’s you. You’re the one interfering.”

Jasmine didn’t say anything.

“No matter, soon I’ll have a chest-full of men like him to play with.” She looked at Isodora. “I’m never going back to that mountain. Once I’ve dispensed of Hanna’s whelps, I’m leaving.”

“No,” the High Priestess said, frowning at her captive.

Nadira laughed. “You’ve had your fun. I spent time in the mountain, that’s all you could do and you know it. Admit it, I won.” She laughed again.

Silas sealed all of his people in protection, placed his hand on his mates’ shoulder to calm her. “Let them do this.”

“She seems worst,” Jasmine said, echoing his thoughts. “I’m pulling energy from the Pack to protect the Knights.”

“Whatever it takes, I don’t want to kill them,” Silas said.

Nadira and Isodora circled each other.

“What are you going to do? Kill me?” Nadira taunted. “Where are Hanna’s brats? I thought they were the only ones who could do that? Isn’t that why I was in the mountain all this time?”

“Is Nadira a full-blood?” Jasmine asked.

Silas inhaled. “Yes, altered but at her core a wolf.”

“Can you pull her beast?”

“Probably, but why?”

“Just wanted to know,” Jasmine said. “You may need to control her wolf.”

“We can’t interfere at this point,” he reminded her.

“When she fights Sarita and David, all bets are off.”

“Jasmine, if we interfere it could tip the scales in her favor. She could kill one of them.”

Jasmine crossed her arms and watched the unfolding drama.

Isodora clapped her hands. Light flashed, the next moment the two women disappeared.

Cain fell.

Silas and Jasmine ran to him. Silas touched his forehead and pulled his beast.

Once his beast lay on the ground, Silas extended his hands to heal him. Heat transferred from his palm into Cain.

Jasmine stood and refortified the barrier and every knight. Watching the skyline she sensed Nadira hadn’t gone far. The moment Nadira tried to grab the mind of a Knight, Jasmine sensed it and slapped her with energy.

Nadira made a grab for Tyrese and then Tyrone but their mates remained strong, guarding the gateways of their minds, barring her entry.

When Nadira went after Storm he snapped at her and sent a whip of energy that lit the air.

Cain remained in beast form, taking shallow breaths. “She’s trying to kill him through their connection.”

“Can we reverse it, send a charge from him to her heart and try to kill her?” Jasmine asked.

Silas shook his head in wonder. “Women, you ladies don’t play fair.”

“Who’s playing? I want this bitch destroyed so we can go home without looking over our shoulders.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Silas spoke to Cain, got his approval and found the tenuous link. Seconds later Cain, sent a strong strike to Nadira, her yell of painful outrage filled the night.

Cain howled.

Silas and the rest of the Pack joined in. It was a delightful sound.

In the distance, a copter flew closer to the camp. Silas stared at it and smiled. “Adam and Bella.”

“Warn them to protect their minds, Silas and cover the pilot. Have him leave as soon as the kids get out.”

When the copter landed, Adam took Bella’s hand and each of them held a backpack, ran away from the plane. It lifted and moved away before Adam reached the camp.

“This is a hard place to reach. We spent a few hours trying to find someone to bring us here,” Adam said as he hugged Jasmine, and placed a kiss on her cheek.

“We’ve rented most of the copters to bring us here and take us around the mountains,” Silas explained while Jasmine greeted Bella and he hugged Adam.

The others moved toward the new-comers slowly, greeting Adam and Bella. Once they’d all spoken to him, Adam looked around. “I’m sensing David nearby.” He frowned and then his eyes widened. “Sarita’s here?” he looked at Renee and then Jackie, saw their wide grins. “They’re mated! Finally, thank the Goddess,” he said with feeling.

“She came to rescue him,” Jackie said.

Adam looked at Bella. “You haven’t met Sarita, she’s the one I told you we grew up with. She and David were best friends since pups.”

“They’ve been mates since pups?” Bella asked sounding puzzled.

“Probably,” Jackie said. “David told Sarita she belonged to him after the kidnapping.”

“Kidnapping?” Bella said frowning. “Who was kidnapped? David?”

“No, Sarita,” Adam said and then told her about the kidnapping. “David lost it.”

“David is the calmest person I’ve ever met,” Bella sounded doubtful.

“He is unless you mess with someone he loves, and he’s always loved Rita,” Renee said. “Just wait. When you see them later, you’ll understand what I mean.”

Bella smiled but it was obvious she didn’t understand.

While they stood in a loose circle talking, Silas and Jasmine turned simultaneously and stared at the beach. Two females appeared several feet in front of them near the water.

“The Goddess,” Silas said taking Jasmine’s hand and moving forward in obedience to the Goddess’ call.

“Who’s that with her?”

“My guess, Salah the Blessed,” he said.

###

BEFORE SILAS REACHED the glowing entities, he fell to his knees and bowed his head. Jasmine joined him. He sensed his den and the Knights followed his example.

“Rise, Silas and Jasmine, Black Wolf and Alpha of my people.”

Surprised by the different salutation from the Goddess, Silas stood and assisted Jasmine to her feet. By the time they both stood, the Goddess was in front of them.

“Meet Salah the Blessed, she has sought my counsel regarding the matter of one of hers. She is not the only one who is concerned about your den on this mountain. The natives have sent prayers to Tungak requesting for you to leave their holy mountain.”

Silas wasn’t surprised.

“The situation is sensitive enough that you must leave at first light and travel to another, remote location Salah and the Inuit have agreed upon.”

Silas nodded.

“Regarding the dilemma with Nadira, she cannot be released from this area. Her evil intent will cause problems with both humans and dual-natureds. However, there is a problem. More than one. She is a blood descendant of Salah’s, but her desire for war and bloodshed, her methods ... ultimately she was judged unacceptable for service. Salah believes that rejection sent her down a darker path filled with anger and hatred. Before her younger den-mates tested for service with Salah, out of envy Nadira sold them to the Liege for experiments, fully aware of their fate. In her jealousy, she did everything to keep them in bondage and eventually caused the death of Hanna.” The Goddess looked at Salah who stood slightly apart from them staring at the water with her back turned.

“When you move to the remote location on the mountainside, Nadira must be destroyed. She cannot return to the States with you,” the Goddess said.

“Nadira is under the misconception that she can destroy the one she’s tethered too. If he dies, so does she because of the curse she thought to break,” Salah said staring into the distance. “The Goddess does not approve of this, but it is only fair that you’re aware of this option.”

Silas and Jasmine agreed with the Goddess, Cain’s death was off the table. They wouldn’t even tell him about it.

“My direct descendants are both blessed and cursed. The seed of the blood Nadira shed is the only one permitted to destroy her. She has always known this and has prepared for the battle for decades. Since she cares for no one other than herself, she escapes the curse of losing someone close.”

“Isodora said Kim and Sarita are not ready to fight Nadira,” Silas said.

“Unfortunately, that is true. However, their mam deserves justice,” Salah said.

“Sarita is mated and is no longer alone,” the Goddess said. “No one separates mates. When she meets Nadira, she’ll have her mate with her and all of his resources.”

Hope sprung to Silas’ chest. David knew how to pull energy from Silas and his siblings.

“True,” Salah said. “But Sarita must be careful and only use her mate’s abilities when necessary, otherwise, Nadira can claim foul and be allowed to pull on additional energies to assist her in battle.”

“Nadira has been mated?” Jasmine asked.

“No,” Salah said.

“How is there any comparison between those situations?” Jasmine asked, confused. “Sharing energies and gifts is a part of being mates, one flesh. If Nadira has never allowed herself to care for anyone to that extent, why is she allowed to reap the benefits of a relationship she despised?”

No one spoke for several seconds.

“What you say is true and worthy of merit. It will be as you say. Nadira cannot have it both ways,” the Goddess said.

“It is good to speak with you, to see things from a different perspective. Thank you. Do you have questions regarding Sarita?” Salah asked.

“What do you expect of her?” Silas asked.

“She will assist in saving pups, a mission you have already implemented within your pack. For that I am grateful. We will integrate her mission within the framework you’ve set in place. Her skill set will be instrumental in locating pups and those who would either destroy our people or attempt to usurp our abilities. Isodora will reach out to her later.”

That sounded good to Silas. “Thank you.”

“Be well, La Patron and La Patroness. Thank you for your assistance in this matter,” Salah said disappearing.

The Goddess smiled at them once Salah left. “Your previous good works and heart have made you an invaluable ally. Before seeking me out, Salah heard of all your pack has done to rescue pups and return them to their dens. The investment your pack has made to protect and educate pups is a testimony around the world of your commitment to the overall health of dual-natureds.”

Silas didn’t know what to say and remained silent.

“She has asked, and I’ve granted permission for you to assist in eradicating this threat to the Pack. Rest tonight without fear of Nadira tampering with any of your pack. Jasmine’s energy, filled with righteous indignation on behalf of our people, protects them completely.”

Filled with pride, he squeezed Jasmine’s hand.

“In the morning leave to the location, Isodora is preparing for you. She’s gone ahead to remove humans and full-bloods from Nadira’s snare. Cain will travel by boat, the rest may fly but he must move over the water to keep Nadira from land.”

Silas nodded. “Yes, Mistress.”

“Once there, Isodora will close the area. Layer your seal over hers, that will keep others out and Nadira in. I leave it up to you whether to allow your pack inside or out.”

“We’ll allow mated pairs inside and leave the others out if Nadira cannot reach and compromise them,” Silas said.

“Once contained, she will not be able to reach them.” She smiled and looked beyond him at the others. “Your pups are all here. They’ve come together to assist David, which is admirable. You’ve both done well. Several Alphas are in your den in the right season. Do not be afraid to send them and allow them to serve, the Pack needs the Black Wolf to thrive.”

Filled with pride, throat tight, Silas nodded.

“Thank you,” Jasmine said. “We’re very proud of them all.”

“As you should be,” the Goddess said and disappeared.

Silas dropped to his knees and took several deep breaths while wrapping his arms around Jasmine’s waist. 

The others walked toward them, Jasmine shook her head stopping them. Silas needed a moment to pull it together. The Goddess’ praise, was the equivalent of a supernatural pat on the back, dropping Silas and robbing him of breath. If Jasmine had been a full-blood she would probably be gasping for air as Silas was doing, instead, the hair remained standing on her neck as a tremor ran through her on a loop.

When Silas could stand, he pulled Jasmine into his arms, holding her tight. “Love you, love you, love you, Sweet Bitch. I never dreamed I’d have all of this and wouldn’t without you.”

Holding him close, she stroked the back of his head and whispered soft words. “Silas I cannot imagine life without you. I’m so proud of you, your strength, loyalty, and honor. You’re my heart, Wolfie.”

He looked down at her. “Did you hear what the Goddess said?” He sounded awestruck.

“Yes. And it’s all true, baby. You’re an awesome Alpha.”

“You changed the schools.”

“No, I only fine-tuned what was already in place. You were big on education before we met,” she said refusing to take credit for his foresight.

“Always knew my pups would be Alphas, but to hear Her say it...”

“That whole send them remark makes me think they’ll be here in Canada or Mexico,” Jasmine said.

“Possibly, we’ll see. The pups are getting worried,” Silas said. “We need to prepare them for tomorrow. I’ll have Jacques order the copters for sunrise, by then Isodora should have sent the location information.”

Jasmine nodded and wrapped her arm around his waist as they walked toward their kids.