Knight Rescue (Rise of the Wolf Nation Book 1) Read online

  “So, you’re awake.”

  Silas stiffened. He’d heard that voice before when the Shershone tried to split his connection with his mate. “Black wolf?”

  The wolf moved slowly and stopped so that Silas could see him. “I’ve been called that.” He sat and watched Silas. “Questions?”

  Silas snorted. “Where am I?”

  “You are here.”

  “Obviously, where is here and why am I here?” Silas was in no mood to be played with.

  “Goddess didn’t want you in the darkness of pain and had me bring you to my world until you are ready to leave.”

  Silas frowned. “Darkness of pain?”

  The black wolf blew on him.

  Back buckling, horrific pain assaulted him from every pore. Even his eyeballs hurt. His mouth opened to scream but no sound emitted. As soon as it started, it stopped. “She wanted you to avoid suffering through the pain as your body regenerates.” He shook his head. “You took quite a hit from the blast. What the bomb didn’t tear apart, the fall broke in pieces. Couldn’t kill you, your connection to the Goddess prevents that, but for all that, your human side died and had to be repaired. It’s extensive and intensive, your bitch supplied your beast with the energy to get it done but it’s going to take time.”

  “Bomb? There was a bomb?” He tried to remember but couldn’t. “When? Where?”

  Black wolf explained the car rental connection and what happened at the house.

  “They blew up the house?” That made no sense.

  “To avenge the death of their pack mates. The two you killed.”

  “They were about to kill me,” Silas shot back as the memories assailed him.

  “The first yes, the second tried to run and you killed him.”

  Silas released a breath. “You’re right. I could’ve spared him.” He couldn’t wrap his mind around what happened.

  “Why didn’t you?”

  “I thought it would start a war, seems it did anyway.” He couldn’t believe they blew up the house. They were crazy out of control. If Jasmine sent healing energy to his beast that meant she knew he was alive. Still, she had to be worried, he hoped she didn’t start a war over this.

  “Yeah and you’re right. Those packs, they’ve broken so many rules I think the Goddess or Shershone will cut them off.” He sighed. “They’re conspiring with humans, selling pack members blood and urine for experiments, they don’t remain hidden and have stained the ground with innocent human blood for decades. The ones you terminated had many offenses of killing innocents.”

  Silas’ mind went into overload mode as he sifted through information. “Where is here?”

  “A realm of rest for weary souls.” He paused. “This is the place David and others came to play when he was a pup.”

  Silas suspected the wolf was Grandfather, now he knew for sure. “He has good memories of this place.”

  “Yes. He asked me to find help for you.” Grandfather morphed to his human form. Tall, muscular with long, white hair and close-cropped beard, dressed in a green robe that matched his eyes.

  “Help?” Silas met the calm green gaze of his ancestor.

  “Yes, the explosion sent you flying off into the distance, lost, alone, unconscious in the woods, there was a terrible storm. A good Samaritan found and moved you out of the elements. Hawke is searching for you.”

  Silas frowned. Something was off about that statement but he couldn’t put his finger on it.

  “That country’s pack is in turmoil. It’s ripe for a Lot moment,” Grandfather said with sadness.

  “What? Who’s Lot?” Silas had no idea where this conversation was going. One moment Hawke’s searching for him the next is about someone named Lot.

  “Lot’s account in the Bible. Old Testament.”

  Silas continued staring at the old man. He knew of Noah and the Ark, but nothing about this Lot person.

  “You don’t know it, do you?”

  “No.” Silas refused to feel embarrassed over his lack of knowledge of Christianity.

  “To keep it simple, I’ll give the brief version. Lot was chosen by God to lead the faithful out of a wicked area because He planned to destroy it. Lot and the few righteous escaped punishment.”

  “You’re saying Honduras will have a moment like that?” Silas asked confused.

  “No. Just the full-bloods for now. Many operate as corrupt gangs with impunity...they will have that moment for sure. They think they don’t need to follow the rules regarding how we must live. They are wrong. Just because nothing has happened doesn’t mean it won’t.”

  Silas wondered what that had to do with him but remained silent.

  “I wonder how all of this will end?” Grandfather said a few moments later.

  “End?” Once again Silas was at a loss. His thoughts bounced from the explosion, to having a conversation with Grandfather, to his beast healing his body.

  “Eventually you’ll heal, be found and return home.”

  If Silas could have nodded he would have. He didn’t see a problem with that statement.

  “Mission accomplished, hmm?” Grandfather said.

  “Yes.” The Knights were rescued and probably at the Compound. His pack was safe and that was important to him.

  Grandfather released a long sigh. Silas wasn’t sure what the old man wanted from him.

  “I wondered why She agreed for you to come here,” Grandfather said.

  “Jasmine?” His mate agreed with him regarding this mission.

  Grandfather chuckled. “No. The Goddess.”

  Silas stilled. Bringing the Goddess into this conversation changed the tenor and flavor. As his benefactress, anything She did with him was important. Had he missed something? He recalled her question to him.

  “You are wise to be concerned. There is darkness afoot. Alpha Wolf do you sense a trap?”

  The problem with dealing with higher beings is they spoke in code. Seldom did their words hold one meaning. “Your desire to know the location of the missing wolves is granted. Remember, pack cares for pack, find our wolves and bring them home.”

  The Goddess hadn’t said for him to go find the Knights, but as Grandfather said, She allowed it. The choice in all of this was his. Had it been a trap? The darkness She referred to, was it the General’s experiments or something happening with the Honduran full-bloods? Yesterday he would’ve said the experiments, now he wasn’t so sure. To bomb humans... that was over the top.

  “While you did not know what was happening with the full-bloods in that place, She did. She knew their violent nature, utter disregard for rules and penchant for killing innocents.”

  Silas remained silent. His thoughts raced through the planning of this mission, his initial reaction to the bars on the homes, shock when the waitress told him to leave the bar, as a human he should’ve been safe from full-bloods. Especially when all he did was order a drink. Plus, they drugged the alcohol, why? If they hadn’t been there to get information —

  He jerked. “Angus? Where’s my brother?” Fear gripped and locked onto his chest. Grandfather mentioned Hawke searching for him but not Angus. That’s what was so odd about that statement.

  “He sustained significant damage.”

  Silas tried to swallow and couldn’t. Not Angus.

  “Currently his beast is doing the same thing to him, yours is doing for you. Although I understand he has opened his eyes and is able to communicate.”

  A roll of relief washed over Silas. The idea of Angus’ death over this could not be borne.

  “I’m sure you’re feeling guilt over your decision for this mission. Yes, you could have sent others but you missed the thrill of the chase I suppose. Now you’re stuck in it. Not just you but those most loyal to you as well.”

  “What?” Shock raced through Silas. “I feel no guilt overseeing the mission to rescue pack members. As Alpha, it’s my responsibility to ensure the well-being of the pack. The Knights were betrayed by the U.S. military. We had an
agreement. They lied and cheated. Our men could’ve died,” Silas yelled. His nostrils flared at the idea he was somehow at fault for securing the release of his men.

  “Are you saying no one else could’ve rescued the Knights?”

  “It’s possible. But the decisions to engage, or not engage required instant responses which couldn’t have been done remotely. I changed plans on the spot because I saw the situation, it wasn’t relayed to me which aided in the success of the rescue.”

  “Perhaps you’re right. But your involvement created a larger problem. The full-bloods seek vengeance against those who killed their pack-mates. The situation in that area was already volatile. Now it’s downright explosive. Soon the world will know, dual-natured beings exists. Some tourist will record the gangs fighting in the streets, taking mortal blows and walking away. Once it hits the internet it will go viral. Researchers will descend on that small country like vultures trying to get answers. Which is code for the Liege all over again.”

  Silas’ jaw tightened over the implication that he started the demise of a regional pack. “If they kill each other all the time, why blow up a house over the death of those two?”

  “Good question. Something has changed and I don’t know what it is. Using explosives, even in a sparsely populated area, is crazy. And if they’re using explosives to fight, where will that leave the country in a year or two?”

  Silas didn’t want to think about that country. It didn’t fall under his jurisdiction.

  “No comment, eh? Don’t blame you. It’s a lot to take in. Plus, you’ve got North America. Central America’s not your problem, eh?”

  Central America? “What do you want me to say?” Silas couldn’t leave or tune out the old man and that chafed his ass.

  “Say? I’m just chatting, passing the time. We can talk about anything you’d like or I’ll leave you alone to the silence if you prefer.”

  “No. It’s just... I can’t move. My body is useless. I’m having a hard time holding onto my thoughts and I get the feeling you want a commitment from me for something. Now’s not the best time for me to deal with the world’s problems.” Silas met Grandfather’s gaze. “I don’t want to agree to something now that I’d have to honor later, that’s all.”

  “The thing is, we’re all interconnected. Once the world discovers dual-natureds in Honduras, and they’re on a course to make that happen soon. How will that impact your pack? Or Barticus’ in Europe? You can’t think they’ll stop with that small country, do you? They’ll spread through Central America, each of those countries have pack problems.”

  Silas had been trying not to think about it at all. Now he had to give the matter consideration. “What about the Shershone, they had no problem coming down hard on me. Why haven’t they dealt with these packs?”

  “Believe me when I say nobody wants them to police our world. They see things in black and white, like humans and wolves mating is wrong, remember? They don’t understand the human element of choice or quirks. But... if the matter isn’t handled, they will get involved.”

  “Hmm,” Silas said remembering the cold calculation of the entity when it passed judgment on him and Jasmine. His mate threatened to pull the entire pack’s energy to fight the Shershone if they didn’t release him. “It’s obvious you have something in mind, what is it? A coup?”

  “Coup? Nothing that drastic.” Grandfather paused. “The human criminals are running drugs, and all manner of vice through that place like it’s their backyard. The government is ineffective, which seems to be the norm in the area, or continent. Instead of remaining in the background as the Goddess dictates, the full-bloods emulate humans with gangs, open warfare, criminal enterprises and shedding innocent blood. It will not be tolerated.”

  “If it just the gangs causing problems, get rid of them. Don’t punish everyone for a few.”

  Grandfather sighed. “Why does anyone join a gang? Hmm? For a sense of family, belonging, protection and survival. Sounds like pack, right?”

  “Yes, very similar. But packs have leaders whose job is to make sure those needs are met.”

  “Indeed. How does a pack leader ensure there’s enough food, clothing and shelter for his pack?” Grandfather sighed again. “Gangs originated because packs failed them.”

  Silas thought about his early challenges of meeting the needs of his people. It hadn’t been easy that first winter over 300 years ago. “Hard work, everyone pulling together to make sure there’s enough to go around. Become a solid community, staying together to share.”

  “Yes, but what if that’s not enough? Do you become an infamous Robin Hood Alpha for your pack?”

  “I would do whatever necessary to see the survival of my pack,” Silas said honestly. “But I would teach them how things were supposed to be done and prepare for lean times.”

  Grandfather nodded. “You’re an Alpha with a heart for pack. Which is why you’re here, or in Honduras more precisely. If you open your eyes, see the condition of this nation’s pack, you could offer assistance. Help them survive. You’re their Lot, if they listen they will survive. If not, they will not be allowed to continue.”

  “What? Wait, I’m not here as La Patron. No one knows I’ve left the States. I can’t just show up and start giving orders or tell them how to live.”

  “Sure you can. Every full blood in the world knows of you and how America prospers beneath your hand. They know you’re a fair and honorable Alpha who cares for his pack. Chances are you’re the only one they’ll listen to at this point. Not all, but most. For their sakes, I hope they’ll make changes and punish those who would cause their destruction.”

  Stunned, Silas met Grandfather’s serious gaze. “I don’t interfere in other countries.” Pack cares for pack, the Goddess’ words replayed in his mind.

  “Which is shameful. You were given the North American continent yet Mexico and Canada are left to fend for themselves. But that is a conversation for another day.”

  “I’m responsible for 50 states and over 30 million pack members, that takes a lot —”

  “Which you’ve handled admirably. I doubt anyone would’ve done it better. But you have trained Alphas with no territory, why aren’t they in Mexico or Canada? You have KnightForce and the Knights to assist them, yet you remain safely within your borders while the rest of your mission remains incomplete,” Grandfather said with a bite to his tone.

  Confused, Silas continued staring at the black wolf. “Why are you angry? Have I done something to you?”

  “Yes. You’ve been given a great gift and commissioned to do great things, yet you’re sitting safely on the sidelines as life passes you by. How many sons and daughters do you have?”

  “Six,” Silas said slowly wondering where this was going.

  “How many are Alphas?”

  “Six, Jackie and Renée are born leaders as well as my sons.”

  “What assignments have they received? Are they training as Alphas to lead one day?”

  “Yes, they’ve received training. When the time is right, they’ll have assignments. Right now, they’re enjoying being young pups in their 20’s and 30’s,” Silas said with heat. He and Jasmine both agreed the pups should have time to explore life, within reason, until they were ready for more responsibility to the pack.

  “That’s understandable and commendable,” Grandfather said in a more moderate tone. “Do you deny you have a surplus of trained Alphas?”

  Silas gave the matter some thought. “No, I don’t deny it.”

  “Then why haven’t you fulfilled your original quest?”

  “I thought that was a discussion for another day,” Silas hedged.

  “By the Goddess we’re having it now,” Grandfather yelled as he pointed his finger. “To whom much is given, much is required.”

  Cornered, Silas shut down. He didn’t want to have this conversation. He didn’t have a good reason for not expanding into Mexico or Canada. He just hadn’t.

  “Nothing to say, eh? Di
dn’t think so,” Grandfather muttered.

  Silas refused to be led into a trap of agreeing to expand. That was something he and Jasmine would need to discuss and prepare for. Off the top of his head he could think of a dozen trained Alphas he could send to organize packs for the Goddess in either Mexico or Canada. Why hadn’t he done so? He simply hadn’t thought of it.

  “Once Angus is healed, he and Hawke will be at your side as you re-enter Honduras. This time the full-bloods will know you’re coming and why,” Grandfather said in an implacable tone. “There are too many good wolves to die because of those who prostitute themselves for money and power. As the Goddess’ emissary you will remind them of what it means to be pack and challenge any who refuse to submit to Her authority. When you leave that place, there should be a pack similar to what you’ve established in your pack.”

  Goddess’ Emissary struck a nerve within Silas. He was her voice to the pack, he couldn’t refuse this assignment.

  “And if they say no?” Silas hated not having a choice in the matter.

  “Some will, that’s a given. I think the majority want peace and long for the days when pack afforded safety and provisions. Unity means something. The Goddess will have a person in that area to help the other countries. Plus, once they return to the Goddess, their gifts will be restored.”

  “Gifts?”

  “Some can use mental links to communicate but not all, some can shift to two legs, that will still be monitored and given to a few, some can decipher truth. The further they moved away from Her, the less they functioned as a pack and lack the abilities to do so.”

  That sucked and explained a few things he’d noticed about the full-bloods he’d met. Silas gave the matter some thought. He wanted to go home, make love to his mate and see his pups.

  Goddess’ Emissary.

  “As long as I’m not expected to govern, or assign an Alpha from my pack, once we’re healed we’ll return to this place to make the corrections the Goddess requires.”

  Grandfather chuckled. “I see why you’re Her favorite. Her interests become your interests, well, with the exception of the other American countries.”