KnightForce Tres (La Patron KnightForce Book 3) (14 page)

“What? That someone wants to hurt her? Or your nephews and nieces?” Mélange sounded confused.

“Yes,” Renee whispered as every mafia movie she’d ever watched rolled across her mind.

“What are you thinking?”

Renee hesitated. If Silas was involved with something illegal, it’d be big. But she couldn’t see Jasmine with a criminal, no matter how much she loved the man. And she knew for certain her sister loved Silas in a way she’d never loved her first husband, Davian. None of the dots connected, she didn’t know what else to think.

“Is Silas involved in organized crime?”

Chapter 26

Countdown clock: 41 hours remaining…

Silas, Jacques, Asia, Hawke, Tyrese, Tyrone, Jasmine and Angus sat in the conference room in the lower level while a team of KnightForce trainees continued the search for Armin Bret. Another team returned to the trash and recycling plant to search for the remains of Cyndy Bret. Another team coordinated the search for Velris Fresm’s vehicle. Others continued monitoring the news for anything remotely related to the case.

Silas slammed his fist on the table. The wood cracked but didn’t break. “Someone else has not one, but two chameleon bracelets and used them against us,” Silas said, after Angus explained to everyone what he suspected.

“Goddess, help,” Asia whispered and then covered her eyes with her palm.

Hawke’s grip tightened on her other hand. The big man didn’t speak, but his fury and anguish whipped through his link with Silas.

Silas acknowledged the emotion with a slight nod.

“It fits, answers the unexplainable,” Angus said into the stunned silence.

“I sensed her in the building, tried to find her,” Jasmine said. “On some level I was able to connect with some part of her.” A small monitor sat on the table next to her with a live feed of Renee and Mélange. She couldn’t hear their conversation, but checked every now and then to make sure Renee remained calm when she discovered Mélange’s dual nature.

“Whereas I was unable to sense her at all,” Hawke said. “I searched for my blood and there was no answer.”

“Perhaps they added a blood dampener to the bracelet,” Angus said.

Hawke nodded. “Yes, that’s possible.”

“So they placed a chameleon on Sarita?” Tyrone asked.

“Yes,” Silas said, sounding more confident than before.

“How’d they control her? Is that something you can do?” Tyrone asked Angus.

“Not something I’ve ever done, but doesn’t mean it can’t be done,” Angus said. “After snapping the bracelet on Sarita, it could be activated by a remote.”

“A cell phone?” Tyrese asked.

“Yes, that would do it,” Angus answered.

“Did we order a copy of Trant’s phone log?” Tyrese asked Angus.

“Let me check,” Angus said. A few minutes later he smiled. “We didn’t, but Mope has it, he’s looking into it now. At least we can confirm our theory.”

“We can do more than that,” Hawke said. “When you use a remote, there are ways I can track and trace the device to a certain point. We can unravel more information about this person.”

Silas nodded, glad to see Hawke overcome his rage and participate. They’d need him and Asia on board to track down this new threat. “Do it,” Silas told him.

“Not only did this person use a bracelet, but to go so deep La Patron and I couldn’t detect them, a collar was used also,” Asia added.

“Yes, I agree,” Silas said. It still stung that he’d been deceived in his own house. When Angus told him his theory, Silas couldn’t speak past the anger choking him. As much as he appreciated the benefits of the chameleon, he always feared it falling into the wrong hands. The added benefit of being undetectable made it the ultimate weapon for his enemies. They had to find a way to neutralize it and for that, Hawke needed to be on board.

“This was a deliberate, delicate and bold plan, not many would’ve dared to come so close to La Patron or Mistress. I’m sure they never counted on your anger, Ma’am,” Asia said to Jasmine.

Jasmine shrugged, but remained silent.

“Plus, they couldn’t have factored the KnightForce trainees,” Tyrone said. “That’s 75 Alphas on your ass.”

“Yet, he or she, walked in, spent the day with us and then left free as a rabbit. I shook her hand, damn it!” Silas inhaled and then released it slowly. “To date, two lives have been taken, one human, one a pack child. We don’t know the disposition of Anita Trant’s body, but if the child died, it’s possible Ms. Trant has as well. There may be more.”

No one spoke for a few seconds.

“The person was trapped all day in the school and left free, but I’m betting they are scared shitless,” Tyrese said. “One thing, when mom searched the building for Sarita, the energy hit everyone, including the upperclassmen. Very few know mom’s got this super thing going on like you, so that had to concern them. They have no idea what she can or cannot do.”

“
My feisty bitch.”

“Stop flirting, or I’ll show you later how feisty I can be.”

Silas hid a smile and looked at his son. “So you’re suggesting whoever did this is rattled and may make a mistake?” He had thought along the same lines, but so far they hadn’t uncovered anything.

“Yes,” Tyrese said. “Most definitely.”

“Which means they may be trying to leave the area, or country in a hurry,” Angus said.

“I would,” Tyrone murmured.

“I’ll place a few calls, put the word out we’re searching for someone seeking sanctuary from La Patron,” Jacques said. “That’ll narrow the locations they can run or hide.”

Silas nodded, that had been effective against the Liege once Silas destroyed their main strongholds. “Have you talked to Barticus, yet?” Silas asked Asia.

“Not yet,” she said.

“I have,” Hawke said, rubbing Asia’s hand when she looked at him. “Damian contacted them.”

Asia nodded.

“They are…upset,” Hawke said.

Silas could imagine there was more that could be said on that matter, but allowed Hawke time to speak with his mate. “Jacques, have Barticus put out the same word all over Europe to layer our request, that’ll make it harder to find a place to hide if they leave the states.”

“Every Alpha is on alert and once we have more information, we’ll send it out so they can join the hunt,” Angus said.

Silas nodded and then looked at Jasmine. She’d been quiet most of the meeting which concerned him. “
Are you okay?”

“Yes, just thinking.”

“Care to share?”

She glanced at him and then at her hands. “
Why was I the only one who sensed Sarita? She’s not my child. Her father should’ve been able to pick up a blood connection and wasn’t, but I knew she was in the building. It was a throbbing certainty in my chest. Why? What does that mean?”

Silas had no answers. “
I don’t know, but I’m happy you did, because the next time she won’t fool us, we’ll have you.”

Jasmine met his gaze for a few seconds and then nodded slowly. “
Is it possible this is another sibling of yours?
”

Silas frowned. “
What?
”

“
Angus said it’s someone from your clan, and he’s the only person who’s ever had any success tapping into the power of the crystals. Perhaps it’s a gift to your litter? Maybe that’s why I could sense Sarita and not you. I’m connected to your clan through you, but not a part of it.”

Silas leaned back in his chair and stared at her for a few seconds. The Goddess blessed him with a wise woman, littermates never occurred to him. “
Angus said our littermates died
.”

Jasmine shrugged. “
Maybe he’s wrong and one survived. It’s just a thought, another thread to pull. Plus, whoever did this knew they’d face you and Angus. They pitted their skills against yours, probably thinking they were equal on some level. The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced whoever is behind this knew you couldn’t kill them.”

Silas snorted. He’d have beaten them so bad they would’ve prayed for death.

“But they hadn’t counted on me”
she continued
,” and I will destroy them for taking the life of Cyndy Bret, Ms. Trant, and for touching Sarita. For that, they’ll deal with me.”

Surprised by the ferocity in her tone, Silas stared a few moments longer. His fast rising erection hardened and his incisors cut his lip, never had he wanted his mate as he did in that moment. Human, wolf, breeder, none of those labels did his woman justice, she outshined them all.

“La Patroness
,” he whispered through their link, infusing that one word with love, pride and a healthy dose of lust.

She looked at him, smiled and winked.

Chapter 27

“What do you mean wait another day? I can’t stay here much longer!” Elyria yelled into the phone, wishing she could punch Prokam in the face. Sarita glanced at her and then returned to her TV program. Dragging her fingernails across her scalp, Elyria was tempted to yank out the thick strands one by one. For some reason Barticus had joined the hunt with La Patron, which shut down the less than normal back channels. Every door she and Mélange used in the past had been slammed shut.

Cowards. She wouldn’t forget. Fingering the chameleon, silently she promised retribution to those who turned their backs on her during her time of need. They’d all pay.

“I have a place, but you’ll need to arrive here in 18 hours. I won’t have it ready before then,” Prokam, assistant to Lord Roderick, the last Liege Lord and coward supreme, said.

Elyria knew better than to trust any of those bastards, especially after what they did to Mélange, but Roderick had been the only one to offer assistance when he discovered she sought sanctuary.

Releasing a breath, she calculated the time difference and decided to make a few alterations to Prokam’s plans. “Okay. Send me the information on where to meet you.”

“Great, Lord Roderick will be pleased. He wants to discuss the bracelet in more detail in person.”

Elyria rolled her eyes. Roderick had no idea of the limited use of the bracelet, especially for those who weren’t Black Wolves. “Sounds wonderful, I’m sure we’ll be able to do business together.”

“Is Mélange traveling with you?”

“Yes. Why?” She withheld a snort. They really thought she would tell them everything, including her arrival information. Most people in their circles knew Roderick lived on the run with limited resources, but he still had connections. He wasn’t completely useless, but he had no honor and his word meant shit. She’d take what she wanted from him and leave his carcass flying in the wind.

“Master wanted to know so he could find a place large enough for both of you,” Prokam said.

“Which Island?” she asked, even though she doubted he’d tell her.

“I don’t know, Master will meet you and take you to the location. He’s making the arrangements now.”

More like he was attempting to track this call to send assassins to retrieve the bracelets. She pushed a button, sending more interference and bouncing the signals around. Mélange had created this software program a few years past and no one had been able to dissect it.

“Thank your Master for his kindness, I will see you at the appointed time.” Elyria disconnected and looked at her security monitor. “It’s time to leave this place.” No longer Ms. Trant, Elyria morphed into another woman whose identity she’d taken two days before but hadn’t used.

“What about Sarita? I’ll need another body for her.” Tapping her fingers on the desk, Elyria wondered how to sneak the child out of the country. Why take her?

“Send for Armin Bret, have him drive her back to the school,” she murmured. She glanced at Sarita, the child must have sensed her and met her gaze. The blank stare in the child’s eyes seemed wrong. Lifeless yet living, the necklace and bracelet submerged so much of the little girl’s personality, there was little left.

“Do you want to go with me or stay here with Ms. Trant?” Elyria murmured.

Sarita pointed at her. “With you.” And then turned to continue watching TV.

“So be it,” Elyria said, pushing away from the table. “We’ll have to pick up a body on the way, but we’re leaving here today. Each hour we stay gives them a chance to find me, and that’s not the way I want this dance to end. Not even close.” Now that the reality of what she had accomplished settled on her shoulders, her confidence in her Goddess given abilities grew.

The small cache of crystals, her birthright, dwindled to two and chips. Irreplaceable, she hoped to stretch them to make four additional bracelets and place them on the market to the highest bidder. “How will you handle that surprise?” she murmured, thinking of La Patron and his littermate, Angus. According to rumors, Angus had sealed the cave where the crystals originated as if he were the gatekeeper of their heritage.

It had been so tempting to search his memories for the location of the cave when she saw him the other day. But she wanted to live, and refrained from getting too close to the wise wolf. Pity her last, most successful, creations used most of her stones, but in the end she’d won the prize by outwitting the top hunters in her world. Liberated, she could take on anyone, anyplace and anywhere and succeed.

Planning wasn’t her strongest skill, Mélange usually handled all of that, but Elyria learned a few things over the years. She packed her laptops, equipment, and clothes, and then placed them in the trunk of her car. Next, she released a mist of a cleaning solution which removed or rendered prints unidentifiable in each room. Scans of the rooms proved the illegal fingerprint cleaner a success.

Next, she filtered and then suctioned the air to remove fibers, hairs or any small particles that could be used to identify her or Sarita. Elyria wasn’t ready for her kinsmen to know of her just yet, it was more fun to keep them guessing. Afterward, she ran various scans to insure forensics would find very little when they combed through the rooms.

“Not bad, took a lot longer than when Mélange does it, but it’s done,” she murmured before packing away the last of her equipment and storing it in the car. “Now we have some fun.” She pulled out the recorder and went to Ms. Trant’s room.

An hour later, Elyria and Sarita were on the road heading toward Canada. Elyria and Mélange had a small cabin several miles shy of the Canadian border. If memory served her correctly, there were a lot of runaways and college students in the area, so finding a body for Sarita shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Tomorrow they’d cross the border to another place she and Mélange owned between Ontario and Manitoba. It was risky using their homes; she prayed to the Goddess her former lover hadn’t turned on her, which would buy them some time. From there she’d fly into the mountains, where she knew of cabins she could rent for cash, no questions asked.

“I have enough money stashed away for us to live well for the rest of our lives,” she told Sarita; unsure of the exact moment she decided to keep the child. But she lacked a companion, had no heirs to gift her knowledge, the child was young, a bit shy but smart. Why not?

One thing Mélange always insisted on was they each had separate emergency stashes that the other had no knowledge or access. That way they couldn’t inadvertently share such critical information. Over the years they’d shared millions of dollars equally and both had large off-shore accounts that couldn’t be traced.

Sarita nodded, but didn’t turn from watching the road.

They’d just turned on a secondary highway leading out of New York into Canada with very little traffic when Elyria noticed two young women in the distance walking slowly with their thumbs in the air. Elyria considered them. College students? Could Sarita take on an older form? Elyria didn’t know. But now would be a good time to see what the child’s chameleon could do. Slowing, Elyria rolled down the window as she approached.

“Where are you ladies headed?”

The thick, taller brunette answered. “Toronto, Ma’am. Ran out of gas a ways back and need to get back to school for finals. We’d really appreciate a ride.” Her gaze flicked to the back seat where Sarita sat in her seat belt.

Inhaling, Elyria smelled the lie and briefly wondered what these girls had done. She dismissed the thought, the only thing that mattered was their passports and if Sarita’s body could take the change. The smaller, quiet, teen shy of five feet might work.

“Sure, I’ll get you as close as I can. One of you sit up front with me, the other with my daughter in the back.”

“Thank you,” the brunette said, sliding in the front while her companion sat next to Sarita. The smell of perfumed deodorant failed to mask the stench of old blood and vomit. These women hadn’t bathed in a while. Wrinkling her nose, any qualms of taking the identities of these girls died as Elyria recognized the faint, yet unmistakable, scent of gunpowder.

“One second,” Elyria said as she clicked a few buttons on her phone. Sarita placed her hand on the female next to hers as Elyria did the same with the brunette. Tingles started from the bracelet and then shot down her arm through her fingertips. She glanced at the road, no cars in either direction. The Goddess continued to smile on her.

“What are you doing?” the brunette asked, trying to remove Elyria’s hand and then slapped it repeatedly to gain her release. “Let me go!”

“Easy,” Elyria said, watching the younger girl in the back in the rear mirror. Her gaze focused on Sarita’s small hand on her arm until her eyes widened, and then her mouth opened wide with no sound other than a small gasp. Sarita’s eyes never changed even as her body morphed into the much larger one.

The brunette shook beneath her hand, breaking her gaze from the rear view mirror. Her fingernails scraped across Elyria’s hand one last time and then her head flopped to the side.

Elyria tried to watch Sarita’s transformation in her rear view mirror, but her own transformation made her dizzy as the memories from Molly Burke flowed into her. For such a young human, Molly had been a whoring thief and maybe even murderer. Seems she stabbed a man who tried to rape her and wasn’t sure if he lived or died.

Shit
.

Elyria wouldn’t be able to use this body, and pushed the emaciated carcass onto the floor. Once the transformation was complete, she returned to the previous body she’d been using, and then looked at Sarita, who wore the body of the older teen well.

“I’ll be damned,” Elyria murmured. “So the body stretched, at least temporarily. Wonder if there are any side effects?” She reached back and pushed the gaunt body of the teen down so it lay on the seat. Whatever she’d done for Trant didn’t transfer to these two, they lay dead on the seat or floor. Refusing to be disappointed, Elyria decided the sins of the girls caused their present condition. Since Trant was a good woman, the Goddess spared her life for some higher purpose.

Pleased with her rationalization and their new looks, Elyria pulled onto the road and then turned off on the next road. Minutes later they turned onto a dirt road and after driving a mile, stopped to dump the remains of the women. Elyria left all of their belongings, with the exception of their passports.

Retracing her route, she turned up the rock music, tapped her fingers on the steering wheel in time with the beat while Sarita ate a sandwich from their food supply. When she turned onto the road leading to their small house, Elyria smiled at her successful venture so far.

“I did it.” She looked into Sarita’s, now blue, oblivious eyes and wished she could risk toning down the necklace so there’d be some life in that gaze. But it was too risky, her sire could connect with her and they had much farther to go.

“The Goddess continues to smile on us,” Elyria said to Sarita as they walked inside. Tomorrow the adventure of hide and seek began.