Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23

J ax

Scientists of any kind were taught to believe that there was always an answer for an oddity. A drug, a disease, a weather condition. Something caused the various disturbances in life.

Yet in this situation, the answer Sedona was seeking wasn’t easy to find.

Or one she could scientifically accept.

“How many are coming to the meeting?” I asked Riker. I’d called both brothers to establish a meeting of Alpha members of those tied to the Cartersville pack I knew who would aid in determining a plan of moving forward. Every male had been at the council meeting, most reacting just like Chase.

However, they were strong and able bodied, men and women refusing to give in completely to the spoils of being human. Our females were just as strong as our males. They would be useful in several ways.

But only if they agreed to work with me.

So many of our pack had scattered to other cities, accepting jobs and promotions or being close to their kids as they went off to college. We still had a solid number within or near Cartersville, but without knowing the kind of numbers we could be facing if things went to shit, I doubted it would be enough.

I’d talked to Mother for longer than her usual ten-minute allotment as I continued to watch over Sedona.

She’d gotten very quiet since our time spent in the elevator. I knew she was processing, but in being able to read her mind she’d all but convinced herself the story was impossible. Even with the video, she was blocking out details. Whatever tests she had planned on running could prove useful, but with the FBI still very much involved, I feared not only what they could learn.

But also how they’d react.

Taking her to the meeting might infuriate some of the elders also invited, but I needed to keep an eye on her. Other than my mother, no council members had been on the invite list.

“Enough for tonight. The word will get out. You know Mommy dearest,” Riker answered. “She’s already contacted a few of the closest packs to confer and ask for their assistance if needed.”

“The problem is that we don’t know how far this thing goes.”

“The problem is that it’s going to be tough to kill them.”

I pulled down the road leading to my house. I’d purposely chosen a site of land years ago that I’d developed over a couple of years. The location was private, surrounded by acres of woods, all of them owned by either me or my family. That allowed me peace; it wasn’t to indulge in hunting like the lovely woman believed I engaged in.

Plus, there was some of the most gorgeous scenery in the entire town. I had my own private waterfall.

“We’ll find a way if necessary, but we need facts, not fiction, Riker.”

“Ah, the lovely scientist is rubbing off on you.”

“Maybe so. How did it go with the Italians?”

“Parker did a great job in your absence. Hopefully, they won’t cause us any additional trouble. I’ll be there in thirty minutes. Don’t count on Chase.”

Chase’s actions and attitude had finally pissed me off. “I don’t care what you need to do, brother of mine. Bring him.”

“I’ll do my best. How’s that woman of yours taking everything?”

“Not well.”

“She has information?”

I resisted laughing out of frustration. “Yes, she does. It supports what Cane told us.”

“Then the meeting will be fascinating. From what I’ve heard, most of the Alphas refuse to buy what they heard. They don’t like being forced into living what they voted against so many years ago.”

“They have no choice.”

Riker whistled. “Taking the lead finally? It’s about time. You were born and bred to be the head Alpha dog. I’ll bring more liquor.”

The lead. Mother had pushed me into accepting the top position within the Wolfen community, accepting the role as leader of our shifting empire. Our family was considered special, born leaders. I’d been marked at birth, a clear sign of my royal blood.

I’d disguised the blemish as a tattoo, hiring an artist to incorporate colorful scenes around the mark. But every wolf knew it was there. I hated it. Taking on the role would change everything in my life.

Now I did laugh. “You do that. I think we might need it. But under no circumstances is there to be fighting.”

“Understood, brother. I’ll do what I can to be your enforcer.”

I ended the call, going over the details in my mind. Bringing every Cartersville Alpha together had always troubled me. Most of the males had been forced to participate in the games early on. We all had a competitive edge.

“If I’m not wanted at this meeting, why am I going?” Sedona asked from beside me.

“Because it’s my house. My rules. And I want you there.”

“What you say goes. Right?”

Obviously, she’d gleaned a portion of the conversation. “It must be this way. We have protocol like any organization.”

“Mmm…”

It was almost dark and I sensed she was more skittish about the lack of light than normal. At least when I pulled into the driveway entrance, she seemed to relax since there were lights on the tall brick walls extending several yards from both sides of the driveway.

I’d purposely kept trees lining the mile-long private road, all with lights at the base of the tree. I had security as did anyone in the kind of positions we were in with Wolfen Industries. While not extensive, the entire perimeter was wired so that any movement other than done by small animals foraging the forest floor would notify the system.

I also had a gate and brick wall built in front, the front panel allowing me access to interior and exterior lights and other functions. When I turned on the decorative white lights I’d had installed in the tree canopies, she moved to the edge of her seat.

“Lights. They’re beautiful. Almost Christmasy,” she said. “A sharp contrast to your personality.”

“I think I’ll take that as an insult,” I said, trying to make light. “Christmas is my mother’s favorite holiday.” I drove through the gates, keeping the window open to allow me to take a deep whiff. There were scents of the deep forest and moss, and a light water smell from the spray of the waterfall.

I could also gather a scent of creatures hunting, but they weren’t wolves or even coyotes. They were aware of me, but I’d built a symbiotic relationship with those that had remained for any length of time. They knew I had no intention of hurting them.

The house was built over the river, both sides bridging the gap while the long expanse of adjoining rooms over the body of water was used for entertaining.

The entire structure was lit up with enough of the exterior lights to make her feel comfortable. That was easy to tell by her more relaxed body language. She was also able to gather a peek at the bridge area as well. The glass windows allowed a see-through view. Some might say it was dangerous, but I had gone to the trouble of installing bulletproof glass. Yes, I had enemies in the corporate world, but telling her would only add to her angst.

“Is someone home?” Sedona asked.

“I turned the lights on a few minutes ago at the gate. I can also do so using my phone. I don’t live in the dark ages, Sedona, if that’s what you think. We don’t live in huts and forage for small animals to feed on.”

“Don’t make fun of my fears, Jax. Imagine what other humans will think when they learn they’re not alone, a wolf maybe purchasing the house next door to them. Talk about pandemonium.”

“I’m in no way making fun. I’m also aware humans can never find out. Our goal isn’t to take over the world.”

The words hung in the air and her heavy sigh meant she wasn’t completely buying them.

“I can’t wait to see inside your home.”

“To ensure I’m not lying?”

“Something like that. Look at all those rocks,” she mused. “Incredible. Peaceful.”

“There are rock gardens and various granite paths leading to some of the most amazing sights in the area. I love it here and when the land went up for auction, I paid way too much for it. There’s even a secret hidden cave.”

“Exciting. A cave. Now can I call you a caveman?”

“You do and you see what that gets you.” I pulled around to the side where I had a three-car garage.

“I would have thought you’d have a dozen cars, all worth millions.”

I gave her a look as I pulled into the enclosed area. “I do.”

“Such a spoiled brat.”

“You’ve called me much worse.”

When the engine was stopped, she took a few seconds before opening her door. Once outside, she appeared more nervous than she had before. “Jax, I don’t like this. Just being away from my daughter. Worrying about my lab. Uncertain what the hell is going on. I’m an outsider, no matter how you look at it. I come from a different type of family, wolf or no wolf.”

I closed the door and slowly walked around to the other side. “What do you mean?”

“You’re a bazillionaire and I come from a very poor family. I had to work two jobs while attending high school to try and have money for college. The first year I went to community college to keep the funds growing. I’m not in your league.”

I closed the distance, crowding her space until she finally smiled and planted her palm against my chest. “You’re very special to me.”

“Don’t. You’re a very bad man and I don’t think I like you very much.”

“That’s not what you said inside the elevator. I seem to recall that?—”

Sedona snapped two fingers across my lips. “The jury is still out if I can tolerate this creature you are. Besides, I need proof.”

“Proof. Isn’t the way I fuck you like some wild beast from the woods enough proof for you?”

“Nope.”

I wasn’t ready and neither was she to accept what I was. It would be difficult enough being around more of our kind and I suspected conversations would become heated.

As I took her hand, she darted her eyes back and forth across mine. She was looking for answers, but also another realm of comfort. It would be easy to sweep her off her feet, ravaging her for hours, but tonight would be tedious. The meeting would stretch her imagination and her scientific abilities. I wasn’t certain I liked the possibility of the outcome.

“Come on. Let’s get inside before the others arrive,” I told her, guiding her to the door.

“We’re staying here tonight?”

“We are. Don’t worry. You aren’t going to be kept a prisoner. At least not unless absolutely necessary.”

Sedona tried to pull her hand away. “I won’t let you. I have a life.”

She didn’t understand how much danger she was in.

“I hope I won’t feel the need.” I guided her toward the house, taking another deep inhale before shutting the garage door. The creatures would be stupid to invade the area with so many wolves around.

No matter what they became, we were still trained to kill.

Stepping inside had reminded me why I loved the place so much. I watched in continued amusement as she folded her arms, walking into the more private living space that included a wet bar and a massive stone fireplace.

Without uttering a word, she made her way to the bridge pass-through and recreational space and I trailed behind, curious as to how she would react. When she moved into the kitchen, her slight squeal of delight brought a smile to my face.

“This is gorgeous. All the wooden beams and the bank of windows on either side.”

“You’ll be able to see my favorite spot in the distance on the one side. There’s a waterfall flowing into a basin that flows into the river system. It’s gorgeous in every season, but with the trees changing colors, the vivid hues add to the beauty.”

She gave me a look and smiled herself, although it wasn’t as bright as I’d seen before. “You love it here.”

“I do. I find solace in privacy and the woods.”

“And it has nothing to do with you being a…”

I moved toward one the specialty freezer I’d had installed. Riker wasn’t the only one who kept vodka on ice. “You can say the word wolf. It doesn’t disparage me, nor does it make me want to turn into a creature of the night.”

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to be insulting. I just…” She didn’t finish her sentence. Her hand was shaking as she brushed her fingers through her hair. She’d removed the ponytail she’d been wearing, allowing her long locks to sweep across the middle of her back. The wolves would smell her fear and her discord.

“You weren’t insulting in the least.” I grabbed two small glasses, filling them with my favorite choice of liquor. As soon as I walked toward her, she stiffened. “Taste this.”

“I keep forgetting you’re a vodka man.” She took it tentatively, ensuring our fingers didn’t touch. Just being able to watch her as she brought the glass to her lips was far too enticing for a man like me.

“Yes, don’t hold that against me.”

At least I was able to make her laugh. “You have incredible artwork here as well. And the fireplaces are so inviting.”

“There’s one in the master bedroom as well.”

I allowed her to walk around, exploring the house for herself. Meanwhile, I tried to figure out how to handle the meeting. Being faced with an enemy wasn’t necessarily new except for the younger wolves who’d never known any concept of bloody battles. At least a solid number of the Alpha males did. I was hesitant to provide Sedona with too many stories of the ancient past.

Including the fact we’d fought to the death with claws and sharp teeth. It seemed surreal even to me at this point.

The battles had always been bloody, dozens of lives lost. In the end, we’d been victorious every time, but the price had taken a toll on all of us. For those who hadn’t participated, my mother and other Elders had provided their children with enough stories about the past to help with the comprehension our kind wasn’t appreciated.

The warning had gone unheeded with the newer generation.

I couldn’t blame all humans for the massacres from years before. Fear was a powerful instigator.

Now the Wolfen could have something to fear.

I started a fire in the main fireplace, sensing her return a few minutes later.

“A spectacular place. Every inch,” she said in a quiet voice.

“I’m glad you feel comfortable here.”

“I’m curious. Do werewolves only come out at night?”

Answering her meant perpetuating the terror she felt, but there was no other choice. She wouldn’t allow me to get by with her not hearing everything possible.

“As I mentioned before, werewolves are entirely different than depicted in movies. Does the full moon affect them? My mother would tell you that their rage increases. Other than that, no. They don’t automatically shift. As far as I know, darkness doesn’t affect them either, but that’s a question for the Elders.”

“Elders of the Wolfen?”

“Yes.”

“How old are you?”

How could I not laugh? “Older than you think. Let’s go with that and no, we do not live forever. Our metabolisms are simply different. We are immune to most human diseases, but we have some of our own.” The information was repetitive, but at least I was offering her some details.

“Why do you think I’m your mate?” Sedona was seriously asking me. Telling her now could be disastrous, especially without any proof. “How would you know? A sense of smell, a heavier desire? Better sex?”

“Why don’t we discuss that later?”

“I need to know, Jax. You’re aware I can’t tolerate being kept in the dark.”

My exhale sounded exaggerated even to me. “There is a sense of knowing deep inside every wolf, a hunger that burns so deeply within that the beast can barely function because of the raging desire. There is also an innate need to protect against every evil, including mankind. Scents are different. The touch more powerful. But our senses are dull from lack of use. I wasn’t certain the first night I met you, but my entire being required keeping you protected.”

Sedona sighed. “That’s almost romantic. But how can a human be considered a mate? You’re required to build a family with a wolf to strengthen your numbers and your senses. If we had a child, he or she wouldn’t be a wolf.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” She was getting too close to the truth and I was not eager for her to discover something that would rock her entire world. Perhaps even sending her spiraling to the point she ran far away. But she had no idea that she could never get away from me. Once discovered, she belonged to me.

“Answer me, Jax. What else? I can feel you’re holding back and I can’t stand it. Tell me.”

I closed my eyes. There was no perfect way of sharing the news. There was nothing I could say that would soften the blow.

Not. One. Thing.

A deep growl erupted from my core.

“Because you have some wolf in you.”