Rescued By An Alpha, Complete Set (23 page)

"A good friend of mine who is an undercover SIS agent is coming over from South America. He is the one who helped uncover the case I got tangled up in. He needs some connections here. Would you be able to arrange a meeting with your dad's friends from the Foreign Legion?"

"I'm sure that can be arranged. I will talk to my dad and see what we can work out. Why is he coming here? Is there some problem?"

"I'm not sure, but the SIS are always on the tail of someone." Tom didn't want to say too much.

"I hope you don't mind, but I'm curious to hear about your experiences in the jungle with the jaguars. Serena probably told you I'm a shape-shifter myself. I would be very interested to hear how the pride you lived with went about their lives over there."

"They are a lovely species, loving and peaceful people, and if it weren't for them, I doubt if I would be sitting here today. But there is a lot of danger in the jungle, and you have to be very fit to survive. I was lucky my good friend Chan taught me how to survive. He pushed me to my limit every morning to do my exercises, climb the trees, and shoot with a bow and arrow."

"I would like to meet them. Do you think that's possible?" Philippe seemed eager.

Tom's eyes widened and he scratched his jaw. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, it would be great to meet people of my own kind and not have to hide who I am. It would be such a relief. I would enjoy the freedom of being accepted for what I am so I wouldn't need to keep it a secret from other people. Yes I know, I have my den and the people there, I appreciate that, but I still have to mix with people at work and my everyday life. I sometimes have a strong urge to just run in nature in my jaguar form. I would love to experiences being in the wild and feel the trill and adventure of running through the jungle and climb the trees. I can hardly do that in the den."

"Oh that is so nice, Philippe." Serena patted his hand, tears in her eyes.

Tom was also touched by Philippe's honesty. "Let me think it over and see what I can work out."

It turned out to be a nice evening, and Tom had to admit Philippe was a nice enough person. But how could he organize a meeting with Chan and Philippe?

"When your friend Franco comes over, maybe some opportunity will present itself," Serena suggested.

"Yes, let's wait and see what time will bring." Tom had learned to be patient and let fate take its course, one of the many things Chan taught him.

The following week, Franco arrived. They made arrangements for him to meet up with Philippe, Joshua La Bell, and the Foreign Legion team. They talked about how bad the trafficking of drugs had become. Plans were being made on how to catch some of the criminals that kept coming to Paris from overseas.

Tom was busy at work with building the mini-model of the mansion. One day, Aiden, the supervisor said, "Tom and Walter, you better come with me out to the building site. We are going to meet up with the owner and his men."

"Yes, that would be great."

The building site of the mansion was a couple of hours drive out of town. It was situated near a large vineyard. Tom suspected the owner was a wine maker. The owner was there with his men, and they all shook hands. Some of them seemed to recognize Tom from the papers and television.

They started to ask questions. Tom just said, "Oh yeah, that's all in the past, I'm moving on."

One of the men kept staring at Tom with a more suspicious look in his eyes than the others. It made Tom feel uncomfortable.

"I'm sure I've seen this man before down at Carlos Fontana's property," he said to himself. He reported his observations to Franco, who told him to watch his back.

"Why don't you come with me to the meeting we are having later, and we can talk about it?"

"Yes, not a problem. I will come straight over after work," Tom was happy to have Franco around again, it made him feel normal. Tom called Serena to let her know he was going to meet up with Franco.

"How's it going?" Franco greeted him.

"So far so good, but the man who recognized me at the building site today has got me spooked. I'm sure I have seen him around at Carlos Fontana's house. Now I'm wondering whether Carlos has his feelers out for revenge."

"Let's get going to the meeting. Then we can explain the situation to Maxi and his team."

Joshua, and the team from the Foreign Legion were already at the meeting. They had started the discussion on the subject of wanting to help making their country a safe place to live.

"We have to stop the trafficking of drugs," Maxi continued.

Franco interrupted, "I think we may have a lead. Tom, our loyal connection, spotted a guy at the building site who kept looking at him. He's sure he has seen him at Carlos Fontana's house. Maybe we should put a tail on him?"

"That might be a good idea. I'll arrange that," Maxi said. "Tom, could you please help us out? If you can organize a visit to the building site and point the man out to us, then we can take it from there."

"Yeah, maybe Franco and I can just drop in on the building site. We can pretend we need to check something out so I can get on with making the mini model," Tom offered.

"That sounds like a good idea," Maxi replied.

CHAPTER TEN

Chan sat next to Gonzo up on the dais, both in their human forms. Gonzo looked at something far away, deep in his thoughts. Chan relaxed against the wall in a meditative state as he focused on the pictures gliding across his inner vision.

"I'm getting a vision about Tom coming back. I have been getting that for the last few days," Chan confided in Gonzo.

"So have I. They will come by air to the same spot where Tom arrived last time. The person he is bringing has a good, loving nature. He will be of value to our pack. He is a beautiful jaguar. I look forward to meeting him." Gonzo seemed pleased.

Philippe was pleased to talk to someone who understood shape-shifters. Opening up about his secret was a pleasure.

"Tom, I want you to see my den. I also want you to see me in the jaguar form so you can see for yourself that I really am a shape-shifter."

"Oh, but I believe you. However, I would love to see your den," Tom assured Philippe.

They had a meal at the restaurant before they went down to the den. Philippe wanted to talk to them a little first to make them feel at ease when they got down to the den. Tom, luckily, seemed quite pleased and excited by the idea of a den tucked into the city. He was used to a den hidden way out in the jungle where no one could find it.

They entered the den through a big, heavy door with a guard. To Tom's surprise, the den looked very civilized, with dim lighting and tables for couples, most of whom sat around, kissing and caressing each other. After a while, they would disappear into the dark corridor.

I can understand Philippe wants to experience another environment. The energy in here is so intense
, Tom thought. Several jaguars lay in front of the roaring fire in the huge fireplace. Serena felt an urge to go and pat them, but Tom held on tight to her, because he knew they wanted to be respected as the majestic species they were. Philippe found a table for them and they all sat down. Tom noticed how they all showed respect towards Philippe, he didn't doubt he was a true alpha.

"I would like to change into my jaguar form in front of you so you can see the other side of me and maybe understand me better. Are you guys okay with that?" Philippe asked.

"Yeah, go ahead. I would love to see your jaguar form," Tom said. Serena was a little more reluctant, but nodded.

Philippe got up from his chair and pulled off his shirt and light jeans. His limbs started to change in front of them. His bones rearranged and his entire body furrowed. His skin became furry, and within a short time, Philippe had disappeared and a beautiful jaguar stood in front of them.

Both shocked and mesmerized, Serena's hand flew up to her mouth and her eyes were wide, "WOW," she whispered.

Tom smiled. He had seen it many times before, but he still found it fascinating. Philippe stood there in his jaguar form for a few moments, looking at them, then trotted into the corridor and disappeared into the dark.

Tom took Serena's hand and squeezed it. "I know all this must be a frightening experience for you. But these people are nice, there is no need to fear them."

"Okay, but it will take me a while before I can get used to it. I'm glad he showed us, because I found it hard to believe. Now that I have seen it for myself, it is going to be easier to accept."

They sat there for a while, enjoying their drinks, while they waited for Philippe to come back.

The helicopter landed on the river close to the shore, but far from the den.

"Come back here and pick me up next week," Tom shouted to the pilot.

Tom and Philippe climbed out of the helicopter and walked through the water to get to the shore, each carrying a backpack. Tom had his bow and arrows over his shoulder and his knife tucked into his belt.

"We may have to survive out here in the jungle if Chan and the pride don't find us. Let's walk into the edge of the jungle and find a safe spot where I can meditate and see if I can connect up with Chan."

"Let me help," Philippe offered.

It didn't take long before Chan and his pride showed up. Chan smiled and said, "Hello, Tom, I knew you would miss us and want to come back again." He hugged Tom. They both laughed, happy to see each other.

"This is Philippe, he is a shape-shifter and one of your kind. He is a good friend of mine and is longing to be among others like him, so he can feel free and won't have to hide what he is."

"Welcome to our pride, Philippe. You have come to the right place," Chan shook hands with Philippe.

"Thanks for letting me come to your den. I would like to stay with you for a little while so we can see how I fit in."

"You are welcome. We have been looking forward to meet you."

"Thank you. Will you excuse me? I'm dying to go for a good run. Please give me a few minutes." And in no time, Philippe changed into a beautiful big jaguar and sprinted down the beach. What a sight he was. Everyone stared in admiration of him. Some of the jaguar pride chased after him. When they caught up, they played and raced after him.

Tom was happy they all seemed to accept Philippe. He came back and changed into his human form, picked up his backpack and laughed. "I feel much better now."

"We better get a move on we have a long way to travel," Chan said, taking command again.

"I'm so relieved our little expedition turned out well and you found us," Tom said. It felt good to be back in the den again. Romina was delighted to see him, and soon due to give birth to her little cub. Tom also noticed some of the female jaguars already had their eyes on Philippe.

"How are you doing with your workouts, Tom? Are you still doing the exercises?" Chan asked.

"Oh yes, I sure am. I feel much better when I do them."

"Maybe we should take Philippe for a little trip around the area so he can get familiarized with the surroundings here. We need some more meat for dinner, let's go hunting."

"Don't venture too far away from us, we must stick together. There are lots of dangers out here," Chan remarked.

They smelled a boar that seemed good enough to cook over the fire. Tom climbed up in a tree with his bow and arrows, ready to shoot. He felt right at home again, it all came so natural to him. Philippe was right behind him and not doing too badly, either. He changed into his jaguar form and jumped down on the boar when he saw it. The boar slipped away. Tom fired an arrow into its neck, making it fall. Philippe trotted over to put his teeth into its throat.

Back in his human form, Philippe came over to Tom, "What an amazing shot, can you teach me how to shoot?"

Tom laughed and called out, "Chan, you have another apprentice."

"Great, I miss teaching. We start tomorrow."

The next morning after breakfast, Chan rounded them up and the three of them headed outside. They were having fun, Tom enjoyed being back. He could see Philippe was going to fit in well with the pride. The week went by quickly, and the time came for Tom to head back to meet the helicopter. Chan, Philippe and some of the pride went with him to see him off.

The helicopter came into a cove near the spot where it used to land on the river. They all walked down to the little inlet to make sure Tom got away safely.

"I will miss you all, but I have another life to live now. I hope I can come back to see you from time to time. Chan, will it be okay if I bring Serena? I would like to show her where I spent the last two years of my life."

"Yes, I'm sure everyone would like to meet her." Tom hated goodbyes, but he gave them all a hug, happy to know he'd have a place with them for sure. Chan and the pride turned around and started to walk away.

Philippe walked with Tom out into the dark, murky water to get to the helicopter and watched Tom climb in.

"Can you please come back in a month to see if I'm ready to go back?" Philippe called out to the pilot.

"Yes, sir, I'll be back in a month."

"Thanks, Tom, for bringing me out here in the jungle. I've got a feeling I'll like it here."

"I'm sure you will. It is a good place, but take care of yourself and watch out for those HOT jaguar women," Tom said with a laugh.

"It is going to be hard to resist," Philippe said with a smile. He rolled his eyes and turned around to walk away from the helicopter. The engine of the helicopter started, and the loud sound from the rotors spinning killed out any other noice. Philippe stumbled, lost his footing, and fell over.

A huge anaconda suddenly emerged from the water and started to wrap itself around Philippe. He struggled to get out of its constricted hold. Its muscular body started squeezing him, making it impossible to get out of its grip. Philippe screamed "HELP" with the only breath he had left. The helicopter was already gone, in the air, whisking Tom back to Serena. The sound of Philippe's scream echoed through the jungle.