––––––––

DURING DINNER, NO ONE spoke of the upcoming battle and made light-hearted conversation mostly about pups, school and the vacation the twins had taken with Lilly and Cameron recently.

David and Sarita sat next to each other listening to the others. “I want to go on a cruise, maybe to the island one day,” she told him.

“We can go after Renee’s wedding,” David promised her. Leaning back, she looked at him, staring into his eyes and kissed him.

“I can’t wait. Maybe Adam and Jackie too?” she whispered.

“What? I’m not enough for you?” he asked.

“None of us are having weddings like Renee but we can all have the honeymoons.” She winked at him.

“Good point.” He paused. “Are you sure you don’t want a wedding? Renee claims all females really want to have that big day when her man sweeps her off her feet.”

“We’re mated, which is much stronger than marriage,” she told him. “You can sweep me off my feet on our honeymoon.”

He hugged her close and whispered all the things he planned to do her on their honeymoon. Foreheads touching, she traced his lip. “Are you okay with me training with Isodora?”

He closed his eyes for a brief second and then looked at her. “If that’s what it takes for you to feel more confident about all this, I’m okay. I just don’t want you to doubt yourself, or us.”

She hugged him close and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Thanks, I appreciate you trusting me with this. Walk with me.” They stood holding hands and walked out the building toward their cabin.

“Isodora, we need help with training. I’m asking to bring my mate along with me,” Sarita called hoping the Priestess agreed to allow David’s presence.

One moment they were walking toward the cabin, the next they were swept up in a whirlwind and landed just outside Salah’s temple.

David looked around and then at her. “You didn’t tell me I was coming.”

Sarita shrugged. “I wasn’t sure she would agree. Now you can work with me.”

He nodded.

“Shall we enter?” Sarita asked the Priestess.

“Someone will come for you.”

Sarita nodded and leaned against David, the top of her head resting just beneath his chin. “What do you think?”

“It’s beautiful, where are we?”

She shrugged. “I have no idea. It’s huge, or maybe it just seems that way. I haven’t done a lot of looking around. Mostly just training, eating and sleeping.”

He cupped her cheek and stared at her. “I’m happy you found a part of your past. It’s good to know.”

She nodded. “Yeah, it is. I wish it resonated more with me, then maybe I would be better prepared.”

“You will.” He spoke with so much confidence she believed him.

The door opened. Kim stood at the top, stared at them. “Come on.” She turned and walked further inside.

David and Sarita followed. He looked at the translucent walls and floors, vibrant foliage and flowers. Incense flowed through the rooms as they walked down a hall Sarita didn’t remember. Kim entered a room and left the door open for them.

Inhaling deeply, they entered the dimly lit room and stopped. Isodora sat in a chair in front of a large white casket. Kim sat next to her and bowed her head.

“What do you think is going on?” Sarita asked David.

“Funeral?”

They sat in the back row, holding hands and looking around as the door closed.

For several minutes no one said anything.

Isodora stood, walked to the casket, placed her hands on it and took a deep breath. Turning she walked toward the door and looked at them. “This will be over soon.”

Unsure what the Priestess meant, Sarita nodded. Kim remained near the casket and touched it with her forehead for several moments. When she turned to leave her eyes held tears. Sarita looked at the casket and stood. “We should go.” She looked at David.

“Do you want to go up there?”

“Why would I?” She frowned.

“I believe that’s Hanna, your mam. She died saving you and Kim,” he reminded her.

Uncertainty stirred in her chest as she spoke honestly. “I don’t know her,” she said afraid.

He stood, took her hand and walked toward the front. “Don’t be afraid. She loved you, there’s no fear in that.”

Moving slowly, they reached the front. David placed his hand on the casket. “Thank you for your sacrifice, I promise to spend my life making her happy and caring for your precious one.”

Sarita looked at him, placed her forehead against his chest and inhaled. “That was... I love you so much.”

Rubbing her back, he placed a kiss on the top of her head.

She reached out and touched the casket. “I’m sorry I don’t remember you but thank you for your sacrifice. They sent me to my dad, Hawke and his mate, Asia. They’ve taken great care of me. I’m mated to a good man who I love with all my heart. I wish we had more time together, be well.” She didn’t know what else to say and looked at David.

He brushed a kiss against her forehead and walked out with her. In the hall, Isodora stood talking softly to Kim. When they saw Sarita, Isodora stopped talking.

Kim walked off without looking back.

Isodora extended her hand to Sarita.

She took it. “Is everything alright? What’s wrong with Kim?”

Isodora exhaled. “She refuses to wait for the challenge. Any of you can make the challenge, afterward the battle must commence within 36 hours allowing time for training. Kim wants it done now, she believes she’s waited long enough.” Her gaze flicked between David and Sarita. “She’s not ready. There’s too much anger and hatred in her heart, she can’t see clearly and Nadira will use it against her.”

“What does that mean?” Sarita asked.

“Nadira will kill her and come after you. You will be the only person standing between her and freedom.”

“Kill Kim?” For some reason, those words stuck in her mind. Kim had been her close friend the past five years. They shared quiet moments, secrets, and became family while everyone else was so far away. It seemed inconceivable that Kim would die over this.

“Something’s wrong,” Sarita said.

“What?” the Priestess asked.

“You said Kim and I saw Hanna. I have no recollection of that. Maybe that’s driving Kim and should be driving me as well.” She shook her head. “But I have no memories at all. Nothing.” She tightened her grip on David’s hand.

“Where do your memories begin?” Isodora asked.

“On a floor, in a room with the door closed, hungry, always hungry and mad. Then in a Liege classroom with others. Angry. Disobedient.” She shook her head. “Nothing before that. Kim has memories, I don’t.”

“Plus, you never realized she was your litter-mate,” Isodora said softly.

“No. Never did. I should’ve sensed that connection. I’ve lived with litter-mates most of my life, so I know how it goes.” Had the Liege done something to her? Tampered with her memories? Goddess she hoped not. What other explanation could there be?

“Would you like me to scan you?” Isodora offered.

“What do you think?” Sarita asked David. “She may see some of your memories.”

“I’ll take care of that. It’s better to know, right?” he said.

“Yes. You’re right.” She nodded to Isodora. 

Isodora placed her palms on the side of Sarita’s head and closed her eyes. A curious warmth filled Sarita. Heat moved through her head with soft feathery strokes.

“Ah...I see.” Isodora stopped and stepped back.

Sarita and David looked at her. “What is it?” Sarita asked stepping closer to David.

“There is a seal.”

Sarita frowned. “What?”

“At some point, someone sealed your memories. The depth and care tell me it wasn’t the Liege.”

“Who else?” Sarita asked confused.

“Hanna, or Salah perhaps. I can’t tell, it’s best not to tamper with it,” Isodora said stunning Sarita. “At least not right now.”

“What?” She looked at David. “What does that mean, don’t tamper with it?”

“There was something horrible no one wanted you to remember, baby. It’s hidden to allow you to function and go forward.” He cupped her cheek while staring at her.

“But what is it?”

“No one knows.”

Sarita looked at Isodora. “What if it’s information that’ll help defeat Nadira? Maybe I knew Nadira or she’s actually mam? Who knows?”

“I can assure you Nadira is not your mam, Hanna birthed you, I was there,” Isodora said decisively. “After the battle against Nadira, if you want it removed I will seek Salah on your behalf.”

“After?” Sarita’s gaze followed the Priestess as she moved down the hall. David squeezed her hand and they trailed a short distance behind.

“Yes. Distractions of any kind at this point could be fatal. Come, we’ve much work to do.” Isodora walked into a large room Sarita hadn’t seen before.

Kim fought a really tall, muscular guy in the middle of the room and pinned him to the ground. Sarita’s heart dropped as she watched her litter-mate execute flawless moves and landed another blow against her opponent that knocked him to the mat.

He stood and applauded Kim’s abilities.

Kim glanced at Sarita and then ignored her.

Isodora spoke to someone at the opposite end of the room, leaving Sarita and David alone.

“I don’t like this,” she said to David.

“You wanted to train here,” he said.

“Not that. Why can’t I sense Kim? Even now. I had no idea she was in here until I saw her and even now, with my back to her, there’s no sense of recognition. Nothing.”

“That’s unusual,” he agreed, glancing over her shoulder and back at her. “How will the two of you work together against Nadira?”

Antsy, Sarita kept looking around. “Maybe we’re not. Maybe I’ll be on my own.” She caught herself. “I mean we’ll be on our own.”

Relieved he didn’t say anything she scratched her chest and continued searching the room. Something bothered her, but she wasn’t sure what. The lines on her skin itched more than usual.

Spinning, she leaped and kicked. Her foot connected with someone she couldn’t see. When she dropped to the ground, she crouched, searching for what attacked her. The lines on her skin burned. Without thought she kicked out, fell to the floor in a split, rolled forward and punched upward, once again connecting with someone.

She jumped up and moved slowly in a semi-circle, sensing the unseen threat. One second, she walked counter-clockwise, the next she was in the air delivering blow after blow to an enemy. She dropped softly to the ground, pulled energy from her core and waited. For several seconds she searched the area, bypassing the surprised stares of everyone until her skin burned. Leaning left, she released the energy to the right. It hit hard, breaking the shield of the tall, warrior marked with Salah’s symbol on his forehead and chest.

He stood, bowed and walked off.

Stunned, Sarita watched him leave. As the adrenaline eased, she realized what just happened and turned to find David standing next to Isodora, watching her.

“Did you see that?” she asked David while watching the retreating back of the guy who’d been fighting her.

“I did. You were great,” he said with a easy grin.

She jerked and looked at him. “What?”

His smile disappeared as he watched her. “You were fighting him a minute ago with laser focus. I’ve never seen you flow like that.”

“It was strange, me but not me,” she told him and then looked at Isodora. “What happened?” she explained her skin itching and burning, the instinctual need to lash out.

Isodora smiled. “It’s a gift for Salah’s descendants. Not everyone here has that ability.”

“What ability?” Sarita asked, looking at the others in the room.

“Your vines are sensitive and warn you if someone is close, as well as their intentions, in advance. Fight becomes instinctual. All of your senses are on high alert, allowing you to battle effectively.” Isodora smiled and placed her hand on Sarita’s shoulder. “When we met, I sensed more untapped abilities in you but wasn’t sure what they were. That’s why I staged this test. Knowing if someone means you good or evil is important because people lie constantly.”

“So when someone’s trying to kill me, the vines will heat, no burn... and what? Release a warning? Kick in a killer instinct?” Sarita looked at Isodora. “I didn’t even think about any of that. It just... happened.”

“Yes, Salah’s descendants are extremely difficult to destroy. It’s because of what they’re called to do.” Isodora looked at David. “It’s good you’re here so that you have a better understanding of your mate’s heritage and responsibilities. One day when you’re Alpha, her gifts and standing will be a tremendous asset to your pack.”

David nodded and pulled Sarita close. “I look forward to learning as much as possible so that I can assist her in any way she needs. Right now, my main focus is helping her step into the shoes she was born to wear.”

“A very wise man,” Isodora said in an approving tone. “We will talk and then practice.”

###

SARITA SURPRISED DAVID when she decided to remain in the training room while he and Isodora stepped away to talk. “She’s told me a lot of stuff already, maybe you’ll understand it better. I want to learn a few things from the women over there.” She pointed to her previous sparring partners. “We’ll talk about it later.” Sarita walked off, leaving him alone with the Priestess.

David followed Isodora to what he later learned was their temple. She went through the history of Salah, answered a few questions he had and then explained their mission to save pups, which equated to ensuring the longevity of the Pack.

While he agreed more could and should be done, the idea of Sarita operating as an agent, stepping from one plane to another, didn’t sit right with him. Diplomatically trained, he didn’t agree or disagree with the High Priestess’ explanation or request for his assistance.

When he didn’t immediately respond, Isodora stood. “Being newly mated, I am aware this isn’t what you want to hear. However, it’s best for you to understand this isn’t something we sign up for, it’s coded in our DNA. When the time comes, she’ll go and do what’s necessary without thinking twice. Soon, it’ll become like breathing, second nature.”

That pronouncement alarmed him. “Why now? She wasn’t like this before.”

“No. Once she arrived here, was exposed to her heritage and tacitly agreed, destiny stepped in. Her vines, although unseen to all but you and us, are activated. That only happens with the Blessed.”

David was sure Sarita didn’t know any of this. “If she’s so difficult to destroy, why are you worried about her fighting Nadira?”

“Because Nadira is also a descendant. Although she turned dark, she’s good at the art of warfare. This is a deathmatch, she understands what’s at stake. Tell me, young Alpha, how hard would you fight to remain alive if you knew eternal torment awaited you?”

David agreed with her. Nadira would be desperate. “Will Kim and Sarita fight as a team?”

“It’s up to them,” she said in a sad voice.

“I’m part of a quad,” he said. “I can sense my litter-mates even if they’re miles away. Why can’t Sarita sense Kim? Even now, she’s nose blind to her sister?”

When Isodora didn’t respond, David pushed. “Are you sure they’re litter-mates? You were there right?”

Isodora nodded, looked aside and took a deep breath. Just as she was about to speak, David turned and watched his grandfather walk up the aisle. His long white hair, brushed against the black tunic he wore, making a striking contrast. Piercing green eyes flicked over David, silently offering a greeting and a word of caution.

“High Priestess Isodora it is an honor and joy to see you again,” Grandfather said as he offered a courtly bow.

“Indeed,” she said with a raised brow. “Your arrival is impeccably timed as I was discussing a sensitive matter with the young Alpha.”

Grandfather smiled, displaying even white teeth and two sharp canines. “My apologies for interrupting. Please continue, I’ll wait outside.” He pointed to the side door David had entered minutes ago.

“I’m sure you didn’t come this distance to stand outside. I’ll leave you two alone.” She smiled at David, nodded and left.

Grandfather stared at her until the door closed behind her. “Very pretty. If I were a few centuries younger...” Grandfather eyed David and sat next to him. “How’ve you been?”

“No complaints.” He paused. “Why are you here? Is something wrong?”

Grandfather frowned. “Wrong? Why would you think that?”

“Normally it’s the only time you show up,” David said dryly. “Just curious. But if everything’s good.” He shrugged. “My bad.”

Grandfather rubbed his chin, glanced at David and then leaned back in his chair. “Okay, there’s just a wee-bit of caution to watch what you say while here. There’s no reason to tell everything.”

David’s brow rose. He had said very little. “Can you be more specific, please?”

“Wanting to know things about your mate, that’s within your rights. But lines are crossed when you ask questions about others.”

“Kim? You’re talking about Kim?” David watched Grandfather closely.

“Kim or anyone else here,” the old man said evasively.

“How’s it going?” David asked Sarita.

“Okay. Kim is really good.”

“So are you,” he encouraged.

“Not like this. I never knew she was this good. Kinda feel like all those years I was friends with a different person. She’s cold, distant to me now. I don’t understand why, if anything I have a reason to be angry with her.”

His heart went out to her. “Maybe the pressure’s getting to her. Grandfather’s here. He doesn’t want me to ask questions about Kim.”

“What’s he doing here? Never mind, I’m coming. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him.”

“Still the same, speaks in riddles, won’t give a straight answer,” David said while smiling at the old man.

“Hey, he was always nice to me,” she said.

“Never said he wasn’t nice.”

Sarita walked through the door.

Grandfather’s eyes lit up as he stood with outstretched arms. “The sweetest pup has returned, I’m glad to see you,” he said hugging her and then looked her over from top to bottom. “Heavy lines, I see. That’s good.” He released her after placing a kiss on her cheek. “Good for the Pack.”

“Why?” David wasn’t surprised the old man could see the vines beneath Sarita’s top. Grandfather could do things no one else could. He’d always had a good relationship with the Elder and didn’t expect that to ever change.

Sarita sat next to David and took his hand while watching Grandfather.

“She’s blessed, that’s why,” Grandfather said as if it was common knowledge. “Her lineage, you know the story.”

“We know the story,” David said. “Have heard it many, many, many times.”

Sarita chuckled. “That’s a lot of times.”

“Seems like it. Don’t let him off the hook, try to get a straight answer,” David said.

“If you know the story, you understand why it’s a blessing to have her in the Pack to protect the future. Our future,” Grandfather said.

Sarita stopped smiling. “What do you mean?”

“Pups are the future.” Grandfather’s gaze flicked between them.

“Of course. But there’s not an Alpha on the planet who wouldn’t give their life to protect pups,” David said. “That’s why I’m confused as to what exactly Sarita has to do with that.”

She nodded and squeezed David’s hand.

Grandfather stared at their joined hands and shook his head. “True. It’s in a mam’s DNA to protect her pups. If Salah’s Alpha had been protecting her pup he wouldn’t have died that day long ago.” He pursed his lips. “You’re here searching for rogues who’re breeding bitches for pups, true or false?” he asked David.

David sensed Sarita’s surprise. “Is that true?” she asked him.

“Partly,” he told her and met Grandfather’s gaze. “Our goal for being in Canada was to meet several Packs, gather information and gauge interests in joining the Canadian Packs with ours. We learned of the rogues and the possibility of them operating a breeding farm but have never been able to confirm it. Do you know more about it?” he pressed.

Grandfather waved his hand as if the question disinterested him. “This isn’t new, it’s been going on since the Liege, maybe before that on a smaller scale. Saving our pups, keeping them safe has been a constant battle for decades. Why do you think Silas never traveled and kept his pups under lock and key? He didn’t trust anyone else to keep you safe. It wasn’t until all of you were much older, able to defend yourselves that he allowed you more freedom and started traveling himself.” He pointed to Sarita. “Same for you little one. We all took precautions, but some haven’t been as fortunate. Ask Jackie and Quinn, they’ve dealt with it firsthand. It’s still going on.”

David remembered Jackie’s retelling of how she and Quinn met. It had to do with saving pups. Quinn’s uncle and his mate were still heavily involved with rescuing pups and returning them to their dens. David had no idea it was this big and wondered if his parent were aware of the magnitude of the problem.

“If pups are being taken or harmed, David and I will help in any way possible,” Sarita said, drawing David’s attention.

“It’s not an if, little one. Many are in danger and you’ll be needed to help.” He looked at David. “So will you.”

“I support her in whatever she needs to do,” David said automatically, as he tried to read Grandfather’s expression.

“Of course, as mates, that’s what you do. There will be times when she’ll need your help, especially with these breeding camps.” Grandfather stroked his chin. “There are quite a few dis-placed pups who need to be returned to their sires and others who will be adopted. Soon as we get this fight out the way, you can get started.”

“You know Nadira?” Sarita asked eagerly.

“I know of her,” Grandfather said. “Trouble with a capital ‘T’.”

David wasn’t surprised and believed the upcoming fight with Nadira was the real motive for Grandfather’s appearance.

“David already fought her,” Sarita said and shared David’s recent adventure in the mountain.

“Since your mate is familiar with her moves that will come in handy during the fight.” David met his grandfather’s gaze but still didn’t speak.

“Yes. They’ve been working with me, trying to get me ready.” She stared at Grandfather. “I don’t want to fight. I mean, I understand I have to or she’ll kill me, but...” she shrugged. “What should I do?”

“Fight like your life depends on it,” he said in a kind tone. “Because it does.”

Sarita leaned back and stood slowly. “In that case, I need to get back to practicing. Goodbye, Grandfather, it was great seeing you again.” She kissed the old man on the cheek and then kissed David. “See you soon.”

David wondered if Sarita and Kim would practice or if Isodora planned to work with her. They’d been there a few hours and time wasn’t necessarily on their side. His father should be at the camp by now, which meant Nadira would be nearby.

“You’re worried,” Grandfather said watching him.

Unsure if worry was the right emotion, David shrugged. He’d seen Sarita’s reaction when threatened and believed she would do a lot better against Nadira than any of them believed. Practicing with family didn’t show her full abilities. Sarita doubted herself, and still tried to shield or protect him by not using their connection.

“Concerned is a better word.”

Grandfather nodded. “Totally understandable. Have faith. There’s more to your mate than either of you can see. Believe in the strength of your bond.” Grandfather patted his hand and walked away.

###

ISODORA RE-ENTERED the room with Sarita after Grandfather left and spoke to David. “Come, I want to show both of you something.”

David had been reading a book on the history of Salah the Blessed and was fascinated by the details of her exploits throughout the years. According to the book, Salah rescued thousands of pups over the centuries from drownings, falls, hunter’s traps, experiments, extreme abuse, starvation and more. He’d been shortsighted and assumed Salah’s people only went after groups like the Liege. But their mission was broader than that, this group saved pups from every kind of danger.

He stood and set the book aside as Sarita reached him. “You okay?” he asked her as they followed Isodora down the hall.

“Yeah, I’m learning new things.”

He took her hand, wishing he could infuse her with his confidence that they’d be win against any threat when they worked together. It had always been that way. No matter what project they worked together on, in school or not, they clicked into an unbeatable unit.

Isodora stopped and looked at them. “Where we’re going you have to be connected to Shala’s bloodline to enter.” One moment they stood in the hall, the next they were in a large, brightly colored room with several pups and attendants watching indulgently.

Some ran around playing, others sat on the floor reading or working on puzzles or building blocks. The energy in the room amazed David and reminded him of his former nursery.

“These are a few pups we rescued and haven’t found their dens yet.” Isodora looked, at Sarita. “This is who we are and what we do. We save the next generation from extinction. You haven’t noticed the decline of pups in your country because your Alpha and his mate are very protective of their entire pack. That is not the case on other continents, although Alpha Barticus is making great strides.” She waved them forward, they stepped inside the room where the pups could see them.

“This area is restricted to Salah’s descendants and those who serve the order. The next time you come, you’ll be able to bring your mate with you, just as I brought you this time,” Isodora said.

Sarita nodded as a toddler waddled over to her holding a toy in one hand and something else in the other. Smiling the pup started talking and then giggling as Sarita stooped to tickle his round belly.

Most of the pups stopped and stared at them. Several ran to Isodora with their hands lifted, she picked up a couple while laughing and speaking in a different language to the others.

“I understand what she’s saying,” Sarita told David, excited as she stood. “How’s that work? I don’t even know what language she’s speaking but I understand it. She’s telling them how special they are and how blessed she is to see them again.”

“It’s coming to me through you,” David said surprised. “I’m beginning to understand too.” He watched Sarita with the pups and thought one day they’d start their den. His breath caught at the smile on her face as she accepted a kiss from the toddler. One day she’d hold their pup like that. The idea made his heart burst with pride. Two small pups ran to David and held up their hands. He picked them up and smiled at them.

“Are you my sire? Come to take me home?” One of the bright-eyed pups asked David.

Touched, David brushed a kiss against the pup’s forehead. “No little one, we’re still seeking your mam and sire. I’m sure they’re seeking you as well.”

The pup leaned back and gazed deep into David’s eyes for several seconds as if weighing his words. “Okay.”

With another smile, David put both pups down as he and Sarita followed Isodora out the room.

They stopped in front of a wall with a huge glass partition, allowing them to see inside the room. David’s heart broke at the misery and suffering he saw.

“This is the infirmity,” Isodora said in a soft voice. “Unfortunately, there are more pups here than in the other. Often, we find pups maimed, malnourished, dehydrated, burned, broken, seriously wounded... it’s inhumane what’s done to them either through negligence or for being different or with criminal intent.”

Sarita moved closer to the glass and watched caregivers move around the room checking on the pups. “There are so many of them,” she whispered, surprised. Heart-aching, she pointed to the incubated ones. “Some are so tiny Look at the small arm and leg casts.” She gazed at several pups and reached for David’s hand as she counted 53 pups in the room.

He took it and stood next to her. “I had no idea. My parents have no idea,” he said surprised by the number of patients. He looked at Isodora. “Is this the only place for the sick?” he asked.

“No. We have a critical care ward, a mental ward and a place for older pups.”

“What happens to them after they’re better?” Sarita asked as she wiped away tears.

“If we cannot locate their den, we train and care for them until they are able to care for themselves. Many remain here to help as teachers, caregivers, administrators, you’ve seen them with Salas’ mark on their foreheads. Some go away to college and return as doctors, dentists, therapists. All of our medical staff are pups who were saved by our order,” she said with pride. “Others return to the country we found them or any place of their choice.”

David marveled at the undertaking and wondered how they remained undetected. Humbled he nodded and locked gazes with a small pup with his arm in a cast. “What do you think happened to him, the little one on the second row?” he asked Sarita.

“I don’t want to guess. I just want to hug and cuddle him, he looks so sad and alone,” Sarita said inching closer to the glass. “My heart’s breaking, David. We’ve been so blessed. Our pack is blessed. Can you believe this is happening, and we’ve lived in a bubble... how could we not know about this?”

“No one’s told us about this,” he said.

She looked at him. “Are you sure? Do you think grandfather knew?”

The question surprised him. “There’s not much he doesn’t know. Same for the Goddess.” He rubbed his chin. “I don’t think my parents have any idea pups are being damaged to this degree. When you came to live with us, back then the Liege did this kind of thing. Between my dad, Alpha Barticus, and your parents, the Liege was shut down. Pups were returned. Maybe they missed some or this kind of abuse is random and targeted. I don’t know.” He met her troubled gaze. “One thing for sure, we know now.” He knew with absolute certainty his future was intertwined with hers in working to solve this problem.

Sarita met his gaze and nodded. “We know now.”