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

  “I’m good,” Lucian said.

  Silas looked around the small room for a window. None. Was it morning? He wasn’t sure. If Lucian went to work, Silas could ride into town with him.

  “Want me to babysit for you?” Tasha asked. “Promise not to hurt him... much.”

  “No,” Raven said.

  “Wasn’t talking to you, Chica,” Tasha snapped.

  “Stop. No more arguing. I’m tired of it,” Lucian said. Moments passed. “Tasha, I plan to take the human into town with me, I’m sure he has friends, someone looking for him.”

  “Okay, just being helpful.” She paused. “Have you given any thought of what Franz said?”

  “Yeah, I have. I don’t see why Rick can’t just ask the Red Wolves for it, go into a joint venture or something. Stealing from them... that’s asking for trouble. They have noses in their pack who never lost the ability to scent shit from miles away.”

  “Except whoever broke Tag and Squire’s neck,” Duke muttered.

  “Good point,” Lucian said.

  “So, you aren’t going to do it?” Tasha snapped.

  “Whoa, stop, Tasha,” Duke said. “If he doesn’t do it, I’ll do it or you can. Don’t put pressure on him to do something we both know goes against what he believes in. We knew that when we made the decision to sample that shit.”

  Silas listened a few more seconds to the back and forth bickering and wished they’d just leave. It’d be easier to deal with Lucian and Raven than the druggies.

  What seemed like an hour was in reality around 25 minutes later, the four were eating breakfast in the other room. No one had come to check on him. His stomach growled and he wondered when was the last time he’d eaten anything.

  “I have a phone,” Hawke said and rattled off the number.

  “Thanks. I’ll see about getting that ride into town, the markets should be opening. By the time we reach Comayagua, the streets should be busy.” Silas recalled all the stalls and open shops lining streets in the former Honduras capital. Renée would love the colonial architecture and beautiful churches located throughout. He sat up, stretched and mumbled loud enough to be heard in the other room.

  Footsteps moved toward the door. A click in the lock and the door opened. Silas blinked against the light and placed his hand on his forehead to provide relief. He waited for someone to speak.

  “Who are you?” Tasha barked.

  “How are you feeling?” Raven asked.

  “Would you like some water?” Lucian asked.

  Silas looked up with relief. He could answer those questions easily. “Tyrone, friends call me, Ty. I feel like I’ve been hit over the head with a bat.” He touched the back of his head and looked at his hand. “Yes, I’d like some water, please. Thank you.” He didn’t look at the three who remained in the doorway while Raven left to get him something to drink. Instead he focused on his plan to meet the others and re-enter the country as Silas.

  “Ty, Si?”

  Silas nodded and accepted the bottle of water. He drank the entire bottle without pause. The cool liquid eased his parched throat.

  “Thank you.” He handed the bottle to Raven.

  She took it and leaned against the wall watching him.

  “What were you doing in the forest?” Tasha asked.

  “I was in the forest?” He looked at her for the first time. She was dressed similarly to the first time he saw her in the bar with Franz. Tight jeans and shirt, combat boots. Her eyes were a lighter shade of brown. Dark hair with blond tips in a short, almost military buzz cut. That was new.

  “My brother found you lying on the ground.” She tipped her head toward Lucian. “The one who looks like Jude Law on steroids.”

  “You brought me here?” Silas looked at the tall, muscular, wolf with light brown, wavy hair brushing against his face and cleft chin.

  Lucian nodded.

  “Thank you, man. Thanks a bunch, I appreciate it.” He looked around. “I don’t see my wallet or anything, but once I get back I can give you something for your trouble.”

  “How much?” Duke asked.

  Lucian straightened. “No trouble helping someone in need.” He looked at Duke. “Pass it on to someone else one day.”

  Duke turned and walked off.

  Tasha glanced at Silas and followed her brother. The outer door closed.

  “Would you like something to eat? I can fix you something,” Raven asked.

  As much as he would enjoy a meal, Silas wanted to see Hawke and Angus to make sure they healed properly. He had a lot to explain regarding their assignment. “I’d better not. The water’s holding but I don’t want to push it.”

  “Two men were killed a few days ago, necks broken, did you have anything to do with that?”

  Silas went human deep and lied. “What? No.” He sounded appalled.

  Lucian nodded. “I didn’t think so but I gave my word I’d ask.” He looked at Raven. “Tell Uncle Rick what he said and that you were a witness.”

  She nodded.

  “I’m going to work in another hour. I can give you a ride as far as Comayagua. You can get a cab or transportation wherever you need to go from there,” Lucian said.

  “Thank you, I appreciate it. Do you have a phone? I’ll call my buddy, tell him where to meet me.”

  “Signal’s weak this far out, once we get closer to town you can call,” Lucian said.

  Silas wondered how far were they from town but didn’t ask.

  “I’m going to shower, and get dressed, be back in a bit,” Lucian said and walked off. Raven entered the room and sat on the edge of the bed.

  “I remembered you from the bar, the tip you left, I appreciated it.”

  Silas smiled as he nodded.

  “You are American?”

  “Yes.”

  “Texas?”

  He chuckled. “No, north east coast.”

  “Ah, yes, of course. New York then?” She had a nice smile and eyes full of curiosity.

  “New York is a nice place to visit, have you been there before?”

  Her smile faded. “No, I’ve never left home. I’d love to travel one day.” She looked at him with large wistful eyes.

  “Maybe your brother will take you, it’s good to see different things in the world, broadens your perspective.”

  “You are married?”

  “Yes, I am,” he said without hesitation.

  “I thought so. You are too nice to be a single man.” She smiled as she stood. “I am sorry you were hurt during your visit. Not all parts of our country are... painful. Visit the waterfalls in the National Park, or Lake Yojoa if you like water-sports. Our beaches are beautiful and you will have a lot of fun.” She walked toward the door and stopped. “If you will be here much longer, another place you will enjoy is Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve. It is one of the most spectacular places in the world, I visit once a month and always see something new.”

  Silas had heard of the Reserve from Dr. Patten who’d been full of ecstatic praise for the various plants, wildlife and birds living in there. But he wouldn’t be traveling that far north. “Thank you, I’ll see if I can put it on my to-do list.”

  She nodded and left the room.

  Silas inhaled deeply and stood. Physically, he felt and looked okay. Nothing seemed out of order, he probably had Grandfather and the Goddess to thank for that. Eyes closed, he offered a prayer of thanksgiving for his healing and the healing of Angus and Hawke as well.

  Leaving the small room, he walked into a brightly painted living room. A large sofa sat in the middle of the room facing a flat panel screen TV. A kitchen and dining area was to his left and a hall to the right. Raven sat on a soft, cushy chair next to the sofa with her legs beneath her.

  “Have a seat, Lucian will be ready soon.” She yawned as he moved to take a seat. “I’m going to bed once I lock up after Lucian leaves. I got off work late.”

  Silas nodded but didn’t say anything.

  Neither spoke for several mome
nts. She was nodding off when Lucian strode down the hall dressed in black pants and a neatly pressed beige short sleeve shirt with a company logo above the pocket. “Go to bed, Raven,” Lucian said as he walked to the door and nodded for Silas to follow him.

  “Okay, just wanted to lock up.” She looked at Silas. “Take care of yourself, no more getting hurt in the mountains.”

  Silas smiled and nodded. “I won’t.” He followed Lucian to a dark blue truck with a crew cab and short flat bed. It was unusual to see such an expensive vehicle in this part of the region. Lucian slid in behind the driver’s seat and waited for Silas to enter. After buckling up, they pulled out and headed down a long dirt road.

  Silas glanced at the large mansion in the distance. “Nice place.”

  Lucian didn’t say anything. They drove in silence several miles. Once they reached the paved road, Lucian stopped, put the truck in neutral and looked at Silas.

  “What were you doing in the mountains?”

  “I don’t remember going to the mountains, I planned to ask my friend what happened.” He wondered if Lucian would toss him out the truck.

  “You wake with no aches, pains or anything after being unconscious for hours. How’s that possible?”

  “Unconscious?” Silas’ brow rose. “I don’t know.” He shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  Lucian continued looking at him. “I hope you’re not planning anything that will come back to bite me in the ass. I won’t like that, Ty. Not at all.”

  “I promise you won’t see me again. I’m leaving as soon as I can find my buddies.” Silas said with feeling.

  “Good.” Lucian started the truck and pulled onto the highway. “Go see a doctor when you get home, what happened is not normal.”

  Silas looked out the window and murmured his agreement.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  SILAS THANKED LUCIAN for the ride into Comayagua, refused to take money for a cab and walked briskly down the street toward the market. Inhaling he scented a few full-bloods and headed toward Central Square. Hands stuffed in his pocket, he walked briskly down side-streets, avoiding merchants and their colorful wares. The smell of food caused his stomach to grumble, he quickened his pace while scenting the air for full-bloods.

  Once he made it toward Central Square, and passed the fountain, he breathed easier at the sight of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, a landmark in the city and one of the oldest cathedrals in Central America. Inside, a few early morning believers sat in wooden pews with bowed heads. Most importantly, there were no full-bloods. Silas walked to the side, avoiding the main area and headed toward a small area void of heartbeats and electronic devices. He morphed into the older Spanish man he’d been when entering the country a few days ago. He took a deep breath, turned and left the Cathedral.

  Appearing as an older male, he returned friendly greetings, waved to those who waved but never stopped his trek out of town to meet Angus and Hawke in the mountains.

  “I’m clear of the town,” Silas told Hawke as he trudged up a dirt road.

  “We can meet you and head out,” Hawke said.

  Silas agreed and kept walking close to the road trusting his men to find him. The hot sun beat down unbearably, causing sweat to drench his shirt. He stopped once beneath a tree for relief from the heat and took in the natural beauty of the country. It would be terrible to allow a few to ruin life for everyone else in the pack. He’d walked about seven miles when Hawke and Angus picked him up.

  “Where too?” Hawke asked as Angus handed Silas a bag with a plate of food.

  “We have a new assignment, for now we’ll head to the pickup point and I’ll explain.”

  “New assignment?” Angus asked leaning back in the rear seat. “What about these bodies? They have expiration dates? The bracelet only holds them for five days.”

  “Goddess extended them five more days, total of seven.” Silas dug into the rice and beans.

  “Goddess?” Angus said.

  Silas nodded and took another bite. “Turn here, drive another six miles up this road. There’s a house where we can talk and plan.” He had no idea what kind of meat he ate and didn’t care. No one spoke as they drove over bumpy terrain into the forest.

  “Any other time I’d really appreciate all this,” Angus said looking out the window. “Be nice to go for a run.”

  “Don’t have time,” Silas said. “We’re cutting it close as it is.” He shoved everything back into the bag and pulled out a plastic covered bowl of sliced mangoes.

  “You took a direct hit, you okay?” Angus asked.

  In the middle of eating as many slices of fruit as he could, Silas nodded. “Goddess and Jasmine fixed.”

  “Good, I was worried when I didn’t see you, couldn’t contact you.” Angus frowned and then turned to stare out the window.

  Finished scoffing down his food, Silas upended the first bottle of water, wiped his mouth, and then drank the second. “Ah, so much better. Thanks.” He returned everything to the bag and placed it next to his foot. Silas went over the instructions he received from Jacque’s contact, they were almost there. He searched the area for full-bloods, found none and spoke.

  “Shift to your normal form.” He flowed into Silas Knight. Angus appeared confused as he shifted. Hawke tapped the brakes, the car stopped. He shifted and pressed the gas pedal. Silas shared his conversation with Grandfather and explained their mission. By the time they pulled up to the small house tucked neatly into the mountainside, Angus and Hawke were throwing out ideas how to accomplish what they considered borderline impossible.

  “Someone set up a public meeting for you? Do you know who?” Angus asked.

  “No. We’ll find out after we check into the hotel I suppose,” Silas said. “No dual-natureds up here, good. Let’s go inside, either he’s here or will be here soon.” They exited the car, Silas entered the code on the door and walked inside. Cool air brushed against his skin, a wonderful welcome after so much time in the sun. Wood panel covered the walls in the foyer, colorful blue and yellow tiles, some with paisley designs covered the floor. More care had been given to the living room. The furniture was more modern, better quality.

  “La Patron, welcome. I am Umi, for your service.” The tall, brown, slender man, bowed. “Would you care for refreshments? A bath? Change of clothes? Or would you prefer to leave at once?”

  Silas wanted to leave immediately but appearances meant everything. “Clothes? Luggage?”

  Umi nodded. “There are new clothes for all of you inside your luggage.”

  “We’ll shower, change and eat something on our way to the plane.” He glanced at Hawke and then Angus. “You guys go first, I’ll eat a little more and then shower.”

  Hawke nodded and looked at Umi. “Which way?”

  “This way, Sir.” He walked down the hall, Hawke and Angus followed.

  Silas inhaled and found the kitchen not far from where Umi greeted them. His mouth salivated at the fresh fruits, rolls, and meats. He took a plate, loaded several pieces of meat and ate standing at the table.

  “Can I get you anything to drink, Sir?” Umi asked.

  Silas eyed him. Umi was some sort of breed, yet he didn’t register when Silas searched for full-bloods. “Water is fine, thank you.” He played with the idea of asking Umi about his lineage but realized he didn’t care. “Jacques?”

  Seconds later, his administrator responded. “Sir?”

  Standing in the middle of the semi-modern kitchen, Silas accepted the bottled water from Umi and told Jacques about their host. Jacques told Silas about a tattoo on Umi’s right, upper back with the numbers 5-10-2 in small roman numerals. Silas waved Umi over, twirled his fingers, signifying the man should turn. Silas lifted his shirt and rubbed his thumb against the tattoo.

  Nothing smeared. Good. He released the shirt and shook Umi’s hand. “Thank you.”

  Umi smiled brightly. His dark eyes sparkled and creased at the corners. “La Patron is most welcome.” He bowed again.


  “When I get home, tell me what those numbers mean,” Silas told Jacques as he headed toward the room to look at the Id’s, credit cards and clothing Jacques sent.

  “He’s a servant, that’s the number from his Master. He’s on loan to me for this job.”

  Silas wasn’t sure what to say about that, but Umi appeared healthy and happy. “We’ll be leaving for re-entry within the hour.” Angus must have showered first. He walked out in a nice black suit with a crisp beige shirt and spit-shined black shoes. He placed a pair of sunglasses up his nose and shook droplet of water from his hair.

  “Thanks, Umi. Everything fit perfectly,” Angus said stroking his goatee.

  “Your Mistress, La Patroness was very specific in how she wanted you to appear. I merely picked up her orders from the shops.” Umi bowed and returned to the kitchen.

  “Wonder what Jasmine chose for you to wear, Boss,” Angus said as Silas walked toward the back. There was only one bedroom. On the bed, one suitcase was opened. Next to it, another suitcase, closed with a piece of paper with “La Patron” written on top.

  “One way to find out.” He opened it, pulled out a black suit and laid it on the bed. She sent several dress shirts. The one that caught his eyes was white with Kelly-green pin stripes. He set that aside, along with black shoes, a belt. He held up a pair of boxers and looked at Angus.

  “She expects me to wear these while I’m here?”

  “Sent me some too,” Angus said. “Sister wants it covered up.”

  Silas didn’t think he owned a pair of underwear, he never wore them. For Jasmine to send these... she was making a statement. He put them aside and looked at the other things for their stay.

  “The cologne was nice, not strong at all,” Angus said.

  “Hmm, I don’t wear it,” Silas said replacing clothing and opening the packet with his Id, passport and credit cards. Everything looked legitimate. He looked at Angus. “You checked yours?” He lifted the packet.

  “Yes, it’s all good, put most of it in my new wallet.” He patted his back pocket. “She’s good, thought of everything.”