“Two reasons,” Ramon Vega declared. “One. His mate is still standing. If Belleron was dead, Alek’s wolf would be, also. Two. Because Belleron would be far too big a leverage tool to destroy. Now let’s move.”
“I’m coming with you,” Alek said sternly, because it wasn’t up for debate.
“What?” All four of his siblings said at once.
“And I’m going with him, too,” Mac added.
Alek now had Wick’s full attention. “Do you really think he’s alive?”
“I know he is. I may not be able to sense him… but Wrath can. When we get there, he’ll take over.” Alek prayed he was doing the right thing. He was putting his trust in one of the deadliest, most vengeful demigods ever, so he wasn’t surprised to be met with skepticism.
“Justice, tell him this is crazy. I know he wants his mate home and safe but killing himself isn’t the way to do it.” Taleb was the first to note his objection, always the one to look at things rationally.
“If he and Mac are going then I am too. I’ve never flown on a plane,” Farica said, smiling.
“And there’s a reason for that,” Taleb said. “Our wolves don’t like it.”
“Times change, brother,” Alek told him. He liked how cooperative Wrath and Wolf were as Alek took the reins and fought for their mate, “It’s risky, yes. But it’s a risk I’m willing to take. Belleron is still alive and I’m going to get him. He’s my mate.”
“And risk your brother’s and sister’s lives in the process.” Taleb frowned.
“I make my own decisions,” Farica said, adding some bass to her sweet tenor. “And they’ll need my wolf’s comfort if either of them freak out up there.”
“Um, yeah, sis. I’ve come to know Wrath a little over our ten-minute conversation, and he can be quite defensive of our gifts and reject them. I mean he let me close. But, that’s because my wolf is badass and everyone wants to know him,” Mac said, with extra confidence.
Alek turned and smirked at him; as if Mac and Wrath now had a special connection. Hell, maybe they did. Alek hadn’t been privy to the conversation after Wrath had blocked him.
“Then I’ll get to know him too,” Farica said through clenched teeth, making Taleb and Mac back off. She turned and faced Justice. “With your permission, of course. But you know I can take care of myself, Just, and don’t forget I’ve watched your backs and fought right alongside each of you and have never fallen. Because I’m female, the three of you always try to give me lesser tasks, but you all seem to forget I am an alpha as well.”
“I never forget,” Justice said proudly, draping his arm around Farica and pulling her to his side. “If you want to go then I will not stand in your way. I know you’ll take good care of them.”
“I will. And I’ll also keep them in line for you.” She turned her fierce blue eyes on Alek. “I’m going to get my bag and I’ll meet you at the airstrip. She stepped closer and pointed at Alek’s forehead, “And Wrath, don’t you even think about leaving me. I’m going, and that’s that.”
Alek scoffed as she spun on her white and purple Nikes and hurried to her tiny Smart car. He had no doubt his sister would handle this trip better than any of them. Alek took solace in the fact that her composed wolf would be there. He faced the acting leader of the vampire army and addressed him respectfully, “Lord Vega, I hope you’re okay with us tagging along, but I believe you’re going to need my help.”
Ramon Vega was an intimidating vampire. He stood over six feet, with a broader build than most of the vampires around him. His Spanish heritage was evident in his accent, his tan complexion and wavy, deep-brown hair. He had nice full lips that covered his sharp fangs when he spoke. “I have a feeling you’re humoring me, because no matter what I say, you’re getting on that jet.”
Lord Vega was also a smart vampire. He continued moving around the conference table, “I’ll only bring four guards instead of eight to allow room for you and your siblings, but…”
“You have reservations,” Wick finished. He stood but his usual regal posture was absent as he slumped over, weighted down by his grief, and braced his hands on the table. “Ramon, I understand. But, we’re going to have to work together. Make it work. Go. Get. Belleron. Now,” Wick practically growled.
“Yes sir,” Lord Vega said, and fired into action. He ordered everyone back to the caravan, to take them to the small airport. “Alpha, I’ll brief you more when we’re in the sky.”
Alek felt Wolf’s stomach drop at the mentioning of sky, but Alek worked to show no outward discomfort. “I appreciate it.”