Page 10 of Blood Pack Beginning (Pack #5)

CHAPTER NINE

As Sasha drove, the puppies argued about who should get the honor of bedding her first. How flattering and exciting. She almost suggested they all play at once. However, given she wasn’t sure how that would be received—especially by Cyrus—she kept her mouth shut.

Let them come to her one at a time, at least at first. Once she’d dazzled them in bed—and she would, because Sasha knew how to please her lovers—then she’d broach a possible menage a quatre. Not something she’d ever done before. Two men yes, but three… The possibilities made her crazy wet.

Alas, it wouldn’t happen before dawn. By the time they arrived at their secured base, she couldn’t even indulge in a shower because the boss wanted her to report.

She found Thaddeus in his office flanked by his mates, Toni and Mark. It seemed like he rarely went anywhere without them. Weird, given he used to be such a loner, but at the same time, she liked seeing him more relaxed and good-humored.

“I hear you found a sizeable nest,” Thaddeus stated without preamble.

“Bigger than expected,” she confirmed.

“Any sign of their creator?”

The odd query had her frowning. “That might be kind of impossible seeing as how Morpheus is dead.”

Thaddeus drummed his fingers on his desk before quietly admitting, “Morpheus might not have created them.”

She blinked. “Um, then who?” Who amongst the vampires would be crazy enough to want to divest themselves of their power to create ghouls. Each one took from a vampire’s essence, and even after death, that piece couldn’t be taken back.

“That is the burning question.”

“What makes you think they’re not remnants of Morpheus’ rogue army?” Sasha asked. Yes, Morpheus had stated that his Master would avenge him, but so far, they’d had no proof to show that anyone had picked up where Morpheus had left off.

“Because a very irritated Nathan just informed me that Lycans continue to go missing.”

“He’s sure they didn’t simply decide to leave their pack?”

“A mated male isn’t likely to abandon his pregnant female.”

“Shit.” Sasha’s insightful reply.

“It is my belief that Morpheus’ master continues to forcefully recruit Lycans, and I can only assume that dormants are still in peril, as well.”

“Did Nathan ever come through with a list of them?” While the packs did kick out those they considered defective, many kept track of their location in the off chance the Lycan gene proved latent and emerged at a later date. Extremely rare, but not entirely unheard of.

“He claims he’s going to contact them.”

“You sound as if you don’t believe him.”

“Nathan appears to be hell-bent on closing ranks, and by that, I mean shutting me, and anyone associated with me, out.”

“That doesn’t make sense. Isn’t he the one sending rogues and pack members who’ve been absent too long our way?”

“He was, but apparently that’s about to cease.” Thaddeus templed his fingers. “In our most recent conversation, he raised a concern about me amassing a Lycan army, and while he didn’t come out and accuse me of trying to replicate Morpheus and Roderick’s crime, the insinuation was there.”

“Nathan’s scared,” was Toni’s soft contribution. “He’s seeing our kind being used without care, sacrificed in the war this unknown person is trying to start.”

“I’m not his enemy.” Thaddeus’ reply sounded harsh, the anger not at Toni’s statement, but at the situation.

Marc finally added to the conversation, drawling, “You’re a vampire, who, despite not having an ounce of wolf blood, is somehow an alpha who is amassing unhoused Lycans. If they continue trickling in at their current rate, yours will outnumber Nathan’s pack, which is currently the largest.”

Thaddeus waved a hand. “Once we uncover who is behind the troubles, things can return as they were and those Lycans can rejoin their original packs.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that.” Toni shook her head and placed her hands over her belly. “Things in the Lycan world are changing. There’s many who believe the old pack laws need a major revamp. Then there’s the fact the veil of secrecy that used to hide vamps has been torn away, causing many to question their previous beliefs and way of life. Modern times call for a new way of doing things. New laws. But not just for Lycans. You mustn’t forget to include the vampires, too.”

“Our kind will never agree to follow Lycan pack laws,” Thaddeus pointed out.

“It depends on how you present it,” Marc interjected. “If you call it pack law, then yeah, of course they’ll balk.”

“Are you suggesting we need a new name that encompasses flock and pack? Perhaps Flack or Plock?” Thaddeus mocked.

Toni shot him a dirty look. “Be serious. Mark’s making a good point.”

Sasha cleared her throat. “I actually agree with the dog…” She thought for a moment before blurting out, “We could call our mixed group ‘Blood Pack.’ For a vampire’s oath is given and bound by blood, and for Lycans, their strongest bond, that of mating, is also done by bite.”

“Blood Pack.” Thaddeus rolled the word around before nodding. “It’s actually not bad. It would differentiate our group from the others.” Before making a final decision, he looked to his two mates for approval.

Sasha anticipated the dogs objecting to the stark reminder of the vampire’s true nature, but her mention of the Lycan mating bite must have done the trick. They both nodded, and Thaddeus turned back to face Sasha.

“Blood Pack it is. Now that we have a name for a vampire-Lycan mixed bag, let us return to the more pressing business: figuring out who this master is Morpheus referred to. We need to locate them.”

“Does no one think it odd that the ghoul nest was within driving distance of us?” Marc queried. “Of all the places they could have planted some monsters, why so close to the one vampire who would actually do something about it?”

“Perhaps because Thaddeus is the one vampire who would do something about it. He was also Morpheus’ top target,” Sasha reminded. “Or how about the fact Morpheus swore his Master would seek vengeance?”

“Have there been no other ghoul sightings?” Thaddeus mused aloud. “In other areas, I mean.”

Sasha pursed her lips. “I honestly haven’t looked any farther than our current area, working on the assumption any Morpheus leftovers would be nearby. I’ll have Pierrot digging to see asap. If the ghouls are only popping up in our vicinity, then that would imply our culprit is also nearby and solely focused on Thad. However, if they’re becoming a worldwide issue…”

She didn’t need to finish that sentence, because they could all already follow the grave implications. If this so-called master was intent on picking up Morpheus’ quest to reveal vampires’ existence and had ghouls being created to cause havoc elsewhere, then there would be no hiding. Humans would finally notice, and that would be bad. So very, very bad.

While Sasha had not lived through the terrible centuries where vampires were hunted, she knew of them. Knew there was a time when the vampires eked out an existence as outcasts, hiding from society, living in fear. The queen had supposedly been the one to change all that, gathering the vamps who managed to survive, as well as getting hold of as many remains of those who’d departed as possible. Some had been left to ash in the sun, their essence forever lost, but many superstitious souls of the time used to behead the vampires, then bury the body and cranium separately. Once those split remains had been retrieved and properly disposed of, the flock reabsorbed their essence.

“Have Pierrot start digging. We need to know how widespread this issue is. Be prepared to travel. If there are more ghoul nests, we should endeavor to cleanse them, if possible. One can only hope the Lycans manage to protect themselves better, so as to not add more fodder to this master’s arsenal.”

“And if they switch to using humans?” Marc asked.

“Then we’re going to be busy as fuck taking them out.” Thaddeus uttered a rare expletive. “But I doubt any vampire is going to give up that much of its essence to create weak ghouls.”

Toni glanced at her wrist. “I’ve got to leave for my appointment.”

“I’ll get the car keys and meet you at the garage,” Marc offered as they left together.

Thaddeus leaned back in his chair and sighed. “So much for enjoying my newly mated status. I naively assumed things would return to somewhat normal after Morpheus’ death, despite his claims of having a master.”

“At least you’re not hiding your head in the grave dirt and ignoring it.” A reference to those left in the Vampire Council who thought themselves too grand to get involved in what they called “filthy dog affairs.”

“Someone has to act, or we’ll all be ashes in the wind.” Thaddeus grimaced. “On to other things. How did your Lycans acquit themselves?”

“Not mine,” she retorted, and to herself, Not yet. “They did very well, actually. No hesitation. They worked as a team, both tracking the target and then taking out the surprise nest.”

“I noticed you left one of them behind.”

“Omar.” Her lips twisted. “He is definitely not warrior material. He’s very different from his brother. Of the four we brought back, I don’t see him staying.”

“I figured that might be the case, hence why I’ve already placed a block on his mind, preventing him from spilling any secrets.”

“I’m surprised you’re even thinking of letting him leave,” she admitted. Despite the claim the Lycans were free to go, they had to be cautious.

“Amir will make a good soldier for the coming conflict. However, his loyalty to us would be tested and possibly shattered should something happen to his brother at our hands.”

“Whatever compulsion you placed on Omar to keep our secrets better be a good one. The boy is weak.”

“Are you questioning my ability?” He arched a brow.

“Never, boss.”

“There’s always a chance he’ll instead come around.”

Her lips twisted. “Doubtful. What’s next?”

“A shower for you.” Thaddeus eyed her gore spattered outfit. “Then, rest. Depending on what Pierrot finds, you may have to travel with your new posse to investigate.”

“You’re still determined to stick me with them, aren’t you?” she complained, even as she’d warmed to the idea.

“Given what’s happening, I’d feel better knowing you have protection, especially since you sleep like the dead.” His lips quirked.

“What if Pierrot doesn’t find anything?”

“Then it might be time to find out what’s actually happening with the packs, given Nathan’s acting stand-offish. Two of your new bodyguards should still have ties to theirs. Have they spoken to their alpha?”

“I’m not sure, but I could find out. Do you want them to get in touch?”

“Yes, but it isn’t a conversation that should be conducted on the phone.”

She frowned at the idea of ordering Cyrus and Diego away. “Is it safe sending just the two of them, given we know loners are still being snatched?”

“It wouldn’t be just the two. You’ll all go.”

That picture satisfied, except, “When you say all, does that include Omar?” Her lip curled even asking.

“Bring him only if he expresses interest. Maybe he’ll stay with them instead of returning.”

“You do realize this pack likely won’t let me, or Amir for that matter, inside their compound?”

“If they don’t, then at least you’ll be nearby, should trouble arise.”

Sasha eyed Thaddeus, for he didn’t give orders without reason. “You think there’s something wrong with Cyrus and Diego’s pack.”

“Call it a hunch,” his less than loquacious reply.

“What should they tell their alpha if they’re granted a meeting?”

“As little as possible. They should try and glean what, if anything, Nathan has told the pack leaders as well as find out how many—if any—members have gone missing and whether there’s been any suspicious activity.”

“Pity I can’t whammy this alpha into talking,” she grumbled.

Thaddeus opened his desk drawer and pulled out an ornate box. “That might be a possibility.” He flipped open the lid to reveal the ashes within.

“Roderick’s ashes?” she asked. They only had a small amount left, and Thaddeus had already given her a bit to ingest so she’d be able to track down the rogue wolves. It shocked that he presented them to her once again.

“Morpheus, actually,” he revealed. “But be warned, the essence is potent.”

“Potent enough that I’ll be able to command wolves?”

“Possibly. The weak ones, at least. I meant more that, of all the ashes I’ve ever imbibed Morpheus’ remains appears to cause the most flashbacks, and they are unpleasant.”

Must be bad if they discomfited Thad. “Way to sell it, boss,” she quipped.

“You don’t have to take any. I like you sane.”

“You think I’ll lose my mind?”

“No, but you might experience some memories that will disturb your psyche.”

“I just came from a cave full of slaughtered people and ghouls. I’m sure I can handle it.”

A bold claim that led to her taking a large pinch of ash and placing it on her tongue. Acrid and dry. She quickly swallowed and smiled. “Now to go wash it down with some O-neg.”

She exited quickly, lest Thaddeus notice the tremble in her hands. It hit the moment she ingested the essence. A zinging went through her entire body, sizzling all her nerves and making all of her senses hyperaware.

As if in a daze, she walked to her quarters, only belatedly recalling she was supposed to have Pierrot do some digging. Given the shivers racking her flesh, she chose to send a text rather than brief him in person. She kept it simple.

Boss says to look for ghoul activity worldwide.

Pierrot quickly replied. That’s an insanely large task.

Good thing you’re good at that kind of thing.

I hate it when you do that.

She smirked as she typed back, I know. Let me know if you find anything.

The phone got tossed onto the dresser, and she stripped as she headed for her bathroom, the tremors making it hard to undo buttons. She ended up tearing the ruined clothes from her body. It wasn’t as if she’d ever wear them again. She left them in a heap on the floor and stepped into the shower, lifting her face to the warm spray.

…the blood splattered, heated drops of it hitting the lips and tasting delicious. The fear in it gave a delightful tang.

I looked on as Roderick conducted his torture on both subjects. The woman bound to the rack sobbed. Her body displayed a medley of slashes. Dozens of cuts meant to cause a great amount of pain without killing the subject.

The woman’s head lolled, and she whimpered weakly.

“Leave her alone,” cried out the male Lycan as he struggled against the chains holding him in place against the wall.

Roderick stepped from the woman and grinned at the man. “Is it your turn?” That same leer turned on me. “Watch and learn, Morpheus. This is how you wake a dormant.”

I watched with interest as Roderick, with his claws outstretched, turned to the female’s mate, a Lycan who’d brazenly chosen to love a dormant.

How fortuitous that we’d found them, the scent of the wolf passing me in the street drawing us to this couple who lived in the suburbs. They were so easy to snatch, the male dropping to his knees the moment I threatened his female’s life.

“Let’s see how much she values her mate,” Roderick growled as he lifted his claws. They slashed down, tearing the man’s chest, and the woman screamed. Ignoring her, Roderick turned the male’s flesh into ribbons. When the Lycan passed out, the female lost it, uttering a never-ending shriek that transitioned into a growl as she spontaneously shifted, breaking free of her tethers.

She hit the floor on four paws and advanced on Roderick, snarling.

“Obey.” A single vibrating word uttered by Roderick, an alpha Lycan who was also part vampire. A hybrid created by the queen via a method I’d yet to fully figure out.

The bitch flattened herself and whined. A new recruit ready to obey. As for the male… He hovered close to death.

Roderick saw me eyeing him. “You can have him if you want.”

I did want, because our queen wasn’t the only one who liked to play games with dogs.

Sasha snapped out of the memory with a gasp. Thaddeus hadn’t been kidding about the memories.

Memories that haunted her dreams, the nightmares displaying a depravity she’d never imagined. So was it any wonder when a hand dared to shake her and a voice yelled, “Wake up!” her first instinct was to grab them by the throat and bare her fangs.