Sword of Inquest (La Patron's Sword Book 1) (15 page)

“Then
you can find any others in those groups,” she said, pleased they had found a way to avoid useless bloodshed.

“And then what?” Angus asked.

“Eliminate them,” Hawke said before she spoke.

“Or
we could track them to make sure they are out of control before pushing the button,” she added. All three men looked at her as if she had spoken a foreign language.

“
That’s a good idea,” Hawke said squeezing her hand and then looking at Chacal. “May I use your computer? I would like to get started on this.”

“Wait.” Angus raised
his hand. “Alpha Fredrick
s
cheduled a meeting in an hour and a half, we must leave soon.” He looked at Asia. “You cannot look like that. The bounty on your head increased to eight million. Dress as the one from the
Lyrill
mission. We may need to kill that face soon, it depends on this meeting.”

Asia
nodded. “What is your plan for meeting with Frederick?”

“
He asked for a meeting once I arrived. Officially, I am here as Patron’s Ambassador.”

“What’s the real game plan?”
she asked. Angus did not need to come across the world to defend her, everyone knew she could morph into another person and leave the country at any time. What was so important to bring Angus here?

“Silas is concerned about Black Clan pups disappearing. With the Liege opening labs in the United States, and a limited supply of Black Wolves,
he wants to know everything about this plan. More importantly, he wants the operation shut down.”

Asia’s head reeled at the implication. Jasmine gave birth to a litter of black pups for La Patron. Asia had worked security detail and spent time with little David, Renee, Jackie, and Adam. The idea that the filth of the Liege would touch those pups fueled
her with blinding rage. Asia would gut them first. Hawke squeezed her hand.

“Asia?”

Lost in the grip of indignation, she couldn’t speak or think past the killing frenzy in her mind. A curtain pulled to the side, and she saw it clearly. The Liege connected with the human breeders early on and used their pups as test wolves. At some point they realized black wolves were better test subjects. Angus said someone had been seeking answers on her but what if they truly wanted answers on Black wolves and concocted a plan to use them. They had taken Hawke decades ago.

“Hawke, when did
they operate on you?” She looked at him. “Your arms, and legs.”

“After
your operation was a success.”

She
nodded. “So I was the guinea pig, and they tried to repeat the experiments in your lab?”

He
nodded. “Yes. That was the reason they modernized and refitted it. I read all the reports of your surgeries. Lord Boris and the others wanted to find more like you. But you are unique; there is no one else even close.”

Asia
heard his sincerity, and it warmed her. “The Liege has been doing all of this for centuries. Operating on wolves, testing new technology, trying to improve nature. Why?” she looked at Angus and then Chacal. “Why are they still doing this? Why haven’t they
been
stopped? Just as you noticed the discrepancy, others had to notice as well. Especially the bitches who birthed them. Who in the wolf nation is benefitting from their research?”

She
looked at each man with growing certainty. “I have pledged my life and service to Jasmine Knight, La Patroness to Silas Knight and their four pups. I will know the answers to those questions and stop any threat to my pack.”

Hawke lifted
her hand and kissed the back. “I pledge to undergird, and support your pledge with my life.” They stared into each other’s eyes for a few moments until Asia nodded.

Armed with purpose,
she stood. “I’m not in agreement with blind killing of wolves, no matter what the Alphas call them. The test wolves are victims and deserve pack support, not death. Hawke will research and cross reference the test wolves. Whoever still lives we will seek out and make a decision at that time.” She met Angus’ gaze. He wasn’t happy but if it were him or someone he cared for, he would appreciate justice in any form.

Angus
nodded. “Alright, we have a short window of time and need to prepare for the meeting with Frederick. Silas has made his position clear, there is to be no attacking you. He said that three times in front of Jasmine to keep her calm.” Angus shook his head. “I hope that continues to work.”

Asia nodded. “
I will talk to her now that I have a better understanding of my mission.”

“That would help. The way
her mind works… she sees to the heart of the matter and will be an asset as we go forward,” Angus said.

“
We?” That surprised her. She assumed he’d be leaving after meeting with the Alphas.

Angus met
her gaze. “Yes, we. You didn’t think you’d get to have all the fun by yourself, did you?” He smiled. “Leon and Brix wanted to come, but Silas did not want what
he
’s doing to seem obvious. Don’t be surprised if they show up sooner than later.”

She
smiled thinking of the newly mated pair. “I won’t.” Asia looked at Hawke and then Chacal who sat quiet during their conversation. She didn’t know anything about him and would trust Angus’ judgment that he was an ally in the matter. “May we use your computer?” Hawke had asked but Angus interrupted before Chacal responded.

“Yes, whenever
you would like. I have already changed the
passcodes
to allow you to enter at will. Angus has asked to use my home as a point of operations and I have agreed. There is food in the dining area if you wish to eat before you depart.”

Relieved that
they had the resources they needed, Asia nodded. “Thank you.”

Chacal
waved his hand but didn’t speak.

She
and Hawke stood and left to eat. Their mating robbed them of calories and left them on empty. Once they cleared the room, Hawke pulled her close.

“
Are you okay knowing I used the research from your operations
?”

Asia
thought about it for a moment, checked her emotions and nodded. “
I think so. Right now I don’t have feelings one way or another. You knew who I was from the beginning
?”

He
released her and they continued walking. “
After you told me your name, I watched you and figured things out. Yes, close to the beginning.”
He looked down at her and grinned.

“
Why didn’t you say something
?”

He
frowned. “
Like what?”

“
I didn’t want you to know all the awful things I’ve done or my limited memories. Who wants a person with no past? I thought it was unfair to mate with you and not tell you. I thought you would be angry, feel slighted.”
Asia stopped at the table, picked up a turkey leg and bit into the succulent meat. “
You could have saved me from going through all that.”

Hawke
bit into his meat and looked at her. She met his gaze, saw the hint of laughter in his eyes and relaxed.

“
I suppose I should apologize, but I’m feeling too good about what you just said to do that. You mated with me because you wanted me. That’s music to my ears and food for my ego. I want you, Asia. All of you. We will discover your past and mine, together.”
He took her other hand and placed a kiss in the middle of her palm.

“
Together,
” He emphasized.

She
nodded. “
Together
.”

Chapter 25

The old building where they held the meeting with Alpha Frederick was situated in a warehouse district. Asia wore the face of the male the European pack recognized. Upon entering, she scanned the area; there were twenty full-bloods in the building. She glanced at Angus. His brow rose as they waited for the Alpha to appear.

Hawke stood on
her left. To save time and get ahead of the situation she had suggested he stay behind to work on the files. His lack of verbal response, coupled with the disbelieving look on his face spoke volumes. In hindsight, she would not have stayed behind either. Together, he had said, and that’s how they would handle things from here out.

“
There are too may full-bloods here for a peaceful meeting. If they attack, we destroy them. No teasing, no feeling bad, no prisoners. I do not know your Patron, but if we are attacked it must be done in such a way this Alpha cannot retaliate. We will set the precedent now that your Alpha is not to be trifled with; Machiavelli is right in that regard
.”

“
Okay. I counted twenty inside the building. Not sure how many outside. Any hybrids?”

“No. Not yet. Do
you suspect this Alpha works with the Liege?”

“
I don’t know. I want to be prepared
.”

“
Well,
I think this Alpha brings a show of force for his pack. As long as they do not attack, allow him his bluster.”

“
Hawke, I cannot allow him to disrespect my Alpha or my Mistress.”

“
Yes, understood. What I suggest is this, leave Angus to speak on behalf of your Alpha. The reason for the meeting is to deal with a complaint, which makes this a tense situation. He is Alpha as well and must appear as a strong leader to his pack. It is a fine line he dances; allow his bluster to pass as long as he makes no moves to attack. He will be a better ally in the future than if we shame him by destroying his pack members.”

Asia
thought on his words and agreed. “
That makes sense. I must remember there are other Alphas and treat them with respect.
”

Alpha Frederick walked in, Tobias stood behind
him. The beta nodded, and she returned the gesture.

“Greetings Angus Black Wolf,” Alpha Frederick said moving forward to shake hands. “
It is good to see you. I appreciate your return to deal with this problem.” The Alpha removed his sunglasses and glanced at Asia. His dark gray gaze flickered over Hawke but he did not address either of them. The alpha was impeccably dressed, suit, shirt, tie, shoes and leather overcoat, all in custom-fitted black fabrics to fit his large bulk. His dark brown hair brushed against his collar.

“
We arrived on time and would like to get started,” Hawke said.

Alpha Frederick stared at
him for a moment and then nodded. “Yes, my apologies for being late. Two Alphas wanted to attend and security took longer clearing them. I hope their attending will not create a problem.”

“
They are here?” Angus asked.

“Yes.”

“Then why ask if their presence creates a problem? I am here in good faith on behalf of my Alpha as you requested. We must start the meeting soon or reschedule.”

Asia applauded Angus’ handling of the Alpha. The man had been late and rude and Angus called
him on it.

“Yes,
we shall.” Alpha Frederick turned and walked to one of the chairs placed in a clearing. There were two other empty ones.

“
I do not like this
,” Hawke said in a dark tone. “
They think we are weak and defenseless. I will show them differently.”

“Wait. Diplomacy, remember?
I want to see who sits in those other two chairs,
” Asia said.

Angus looked at
his watch. “Alpha Frederick you have two minutes to begin or we leave.” His comment charged the atmosphere.

“
When Angus turns to leave, shift then,
” Asia added after Angus threw down the gauntlet.

She
glanced at Angus, he continued to look at his watch but she knew he was aware of the movement in the room. A second later they were enclosed in a sheer bubble. La Patron had used this when they were under attack in Lyrill; it helped them escape without losses.

“
What is this?”
Hawke asked. Asia explained and heard his gasp of surprise.

“
Can we be heard outside the bubble?”

“
I don’t know
,” she said. “Angus?”

“Yes? And La Patron did not provide the bubble,
I did. He taught me how.” Angus continued watching his watch.

“That’s great, can
they hear us?”

“No.”

“What’s the plan?” Asia asked.

“If
they do not start in thirty seconds, we leave.”

“Do
we destroy them?” Hawke asked.

“Only if
they try to prevent us from leaving. More full-bloods just arrived, should be interesting.”

“
I will shift to hybrid and lead the way,” Hawke said.

“
They may have darts,” Asia said. “That’s what I would use to capture us,” she said when both men glared down at her.

“As much as I hate to admit
it, you may be right. Stay in the bubble. Chacal is waiting to pick us up when we are done.”

“Can Chacal be trusted?”
Asia asked wondering why Chacal remained outside the lines of conflict.

“
He has been involved with many governments over his lifetime, and has been on the losing side often. Now he chooses to remain neutral. He will not fight, or get directly involved. Trusted? We have been friends for centuries. I understand him and never ask for what he cannot give. Within those parameters, yes, Chacal is trustworthy.”

Just as Angus turned to leave, Alpha Frederick spoke. “One of
your pack members released mongrels from a secure location into the public where they have attacked humans violating the most important rule of secrecy. Human authorities are looking into the matter and each day becomes harder to keep our presence quiet.”

Asia noticed two men sat in the other chairs. “
Do you know any of those men?”

“On the right, the bald one is Alpha Verrick of the
Southern Ukraine. I do not know the other,”
Hawke said
.

Verrick’s
height and breadth mimicked Hawke’s and she wondered if he had been altered as her mate had.

“How do
you respond?” Alpha Frederick asked.

Angus crossed
his arms. “Respond? My pack member discovered the enslavement of full-bloods, something no wolf should ever experience. You call them mongrels now, but they were not mongrels when they were captured and enslaved. These men and women were full-bloods then and are full-bloods now, worthy of respect for surviving their time in captivity. Yet you continue to persecute your own. A secure location, does that mean you knew of this group who stole full-bloods and ran tests on them? Alphas in this country allow this?” Angus looked around the room at the wolves.

“
I am Alpha Verrick of South Ukraine. You change question to hide pack member’s crime. He released wolves without place for them. Irresponsible act caused this problem.”

“
So he should have left the full-bloods in cages?”

The man’s face reddened as
his jaw clenched.

Angus turned toward Alpha Frederick. “What La Patron is trying to understand is this. Are
you upset because a member from his pack rescued full-bloods which should have been done years ago? Or is this a common practice, allowing full-bloods to be abused as guinea pigs? That notion is alien to him and as such, he approved the release of full-bloods when he saw their condition.”

Alpha Verrick scoffed. “
He saw their condition? How?”

“The same as
he is watching this proceeding, through my eyes, and the eyes of his pack.” Angus pointed in her direction. No one spoke after that declaration.

“Greetings,
I am Alpha Andrei.” He executed a graceful bow. “My territory is Bucharest and Southern Romania. I assure you, no Alpha approves the abuse of any innocent wolf. The situation at the castle has recently reached my ears and I agree no full-blood should be imprisoned for experiments.”

Asia applauded the man’s reasonable approach. Two problems. How to stop humans from discovering
our existence and how we stop… test wolves from attacking humans.

“
Destroy them,” Alpha Verrick said.

“
Why are you so quick to destroy a group of full-bloods without full knowledge of the situation,” Angus said in a dangerous tone.

“
I saw tape of mongrel chasing small girl. No one lives after that,” Alpha Verrick leaned forward, his bald plate glistened beneath the lights.

“Yes,
I agree. But does that mean all those full-bloods should die because of a few?” Angus looked around the room. “Does it?”

Asia sensed the tide turned again in the crowded space. Angus’ constant use of the term, full-blood worked like magic. None of these men wanted an Alpha challenge because
they did not protect pack. Asia hoped Angus sealed the deal without anyone discovering her mate’s address for the past three decades.

“No.
We cannot assume all mongrels are bad,” Alpha Verrick said his tone heavy. “How do we stop this? This must stop.”

Angus nodded. “
I agree. La Patron has agreed to locate the test wolves, if they are out of control, they will be destroyed. If not they will be left in peace.”

“
I do not like others killing in my territory. You find, I decide,” Alpha Verrick said.

“No. That is unacceptable.” Angus did not explain further.

“I should allow this? Why?”

“
It solves the problem. But La Patron will do it his way or not at all. You choose. The clock is ticking.” Angus looked at his watch and then at the three men.

Asia bit the inside of
her jaw to keep from smiling. The other two Alphas appeared relieved to have the situation handled and out of their hands. Verrick would be voted down.

“Patron started the problem,
he should fix,” Alpha Verrick said before the other Alphas spoke.

“
I agree and accept La Patron’s offer. I pledge to be more vigilant of my borders so that this evil thing never happens again. If any test wolves wish to move to my territory, I will accept them. They will find a haven in Bucharest.” Alpha Andrei leaned back in his chair and looked at the full-bloods crowding the room.

Alpha Verrick snarled but remained silent.

“It is settled then. Please thank La Patron on our behalf, and if we can offer assistance let us know. Many of the test wolves have been resettled. Angus made a good point, not all are bad. Those unaffected should be allowed to live. My area is open to them as well,” Alpha Frederick said standing.

“The charges against
my pack member must be dropped,” Angus said.

Alpha Frederick looked at the other two Alphas and then at Angus. “The charges are dropped.”