Rook (Black Mountain Pack Book 2) Page 2

  “No, he wasn’t, and no spells were used to incapacitate him.”

  “Is it true that she is Tomas’ daughter?” Miguel queried.

  “Yes.”

  I glanced at DJ for any questions.

  “I have no issues, if she took him out then she is my Alpha,” DJ answered.

  The other three and they nodded in agreement. “Good, because tonight I will need you to kneel and swear your fealty to her, and in turn to me as her General in charge. Can you do that?”

  They agreed in unison. “Yes.”

  “It’s time for a change, this Pride can’t make it without it. We are tired of living in fear and squalor. You are right, there will be anger, and some will attempt to overthrow you, challenge you, but we will stand behind you and Casey. You have the strongest shifters of the Pride standing before you. There are none equal in the Pride,” Niko declared.

  “Good. Now if you can gather the benches from around the building and set them in a semi-circle facing the screen we will be ready. Then you can gather those of the Pride that don’t come on their own. If anyone runs we will deal with them later.” I turned dismissing them to their duties. Checking that the video was loaded and ready to go all I had to do was wait for the Pride to come. I took a deep breath and locked away the nerves that were trying to surface. This was not the time to show any weakness to a Pride in transition.

  Waiting for the others to show gave me time to really take a look at the building. Weather worn and poorly patched made me realize that if the main building was in this poor shape I could only imagine what the other homes looked like. I went into the kitchen in the back only to see exposed wiring, unsafe cooking conditions, and an industrial size fridge that looked to be from the sixties. There were holes in the ceiling, and when I opened the pantry vermin ran at the bright light. These were deplorable living conditions for the Pride and would need to be fixed immediately. I took out my notebook and made notes as I went. Casey and Jerome would both be pissed. I made a note to find out who among the Pride had the skills to repair, replace, or rebuild what was needed. I also needed to find who was in charge of the Pride financial situation. Many of the accounts I assume would need to be transferred to Casey and have me added. I hated to admit it but she would need to travel here sooner than I had hoped. First, though, I would get this meeting out of the way.

  I came out of the kitchen to find the benches almost full and the low murmur of talking filling the space. Jonas nodded to me from the side of the tables and I saw Tamara standing beside him with her head down as she wrung her hands. She was a shy one, but I felt the spirit of a leader lying beneath the surface. A little encouragement should help bring that out. I put my notepad in my back pocket and stepped forward waiting for all eyes to find me.

  “Good evening. First, I want to thank you for coming. Some of you may remember me, but many of you don’t know me. I will explain that soon. The first matter I want to address is that your Alpha, Tomas, and many of his men are dead. You all probably felt the shift in Pride magic when it happened, but being out here so remotely the news of what happened hadn’t reached you yet. I am here representing your new Alpha, Casey Badeaux, mate to Malcolm Badeaux, and daughter-in-law to Jerome Badeaux.”

  Voices rose in anger. “A female can’t be Alpha!” “What the hell?” “I won’t accept her.” “I challenge her for Alpha.”

  I raised my hands for silence, but was quickly ignored. This meeting would not be going as smoothly as I had hoped. I reached inside and let my tiger emerge enough to release a roar for silence. I knew my eyes were the golden glow of my cat’s, but it got the attention I needed. I left my cat just under the surface. I glanced at the five men standing guard around the room to find they were all in the same state of readiness, their animal sides showing through their transformed eyes waiting for the signal. “We don’t have time for these petty squabbles. Yes, the South American Pride is the first in history to have a female Alpha. It goes against tradition, yes. I encourage you to look around the room though, you have the toughest of your Pride standing guard, all of them having accepted Casey as their Alpha and willing to take down anyone who challenges that claim. Do you really want to lose your life tonight before you have even seen or heard the changes she has planned?” I waited for the Pride to settle again before continuing on.

  “I have a video message from your new Alpha.” I turned and hit play on the video and Casey’s face filled the large screen.

  “Why isn’t she here with us now? Is she too scared to face us?” Jonas had shifted before I had completely turned around and had the shifter who had thrown the question out pinned to the ground by his throat.

  “You are the reason she didn’t arrive herself. Actually,her mate and I are the reason. As much as she wants you all to accept this we knew there would be shifters like you. Pride mates who would rebel against this change, and even though she is your Alpha she is also still a female to be cherished and protected. So I am here, and my friends have joined me, to rid this Pride of assholes like you.” I scanned the crowd addressing everyone. “I will tell you now, we won’t force you to stay. If you don’t agree with this change in Pride law, if you don’t want to accept this amazing, strong, forward thinking, big hearted shifter as your Alpha you have one chance to leave in peace. If you choose to make a stupid choice like this ass here we won’t hesitate to take you out. This Pride oozes with evil and misguided shifters. No more, I am here to clean that up. So think now, because tonight will be your one chance to leave.” I looked at Jonas. “Let him up.” I focused my gaze on the asshole. “Get out, pack your things and run. I am giving you a head start. I won’t allow Jonas to follow until we are done, but remember who he is, and how he got his position. He is the best tracker in this Pride and will find you wherever you go. Enjoy this moment of freedom as it will be your last.”

  Jonas made his way back up to Tamara, but instead of shifting back he curled up at her feet, eyes aware, and started purring. Tamara didn’t seem to know how to take it so she reached down to stroke his fur. She didn’t know it but Jonas was already bringing her out of her shell. I tore my eyes away and pulled the projector controller from my pocket and continued the video.

  Casey’s video was fairly short, she introduced Mack, Jerome, and Jaxson. The last was a surprise to me, but she explained they would all be joining her, and Jaxson had agree to stay with the Pride to help train the medical team or create one, whichever was needed. I watched those gathered as they watched the video. There were three more members that looked like they might be an issue. I motioned for Niko to join me and pointed them out.

  “Yeah, boss, those are the three Paulo and I earmarked as troublemakers. We will follow them after the meeting to see what they do if that is okay with you.”

  “Good idea, do you know where they live?” Niko nodded in affirmation. “Send Paulo to their huts now and gather any weapons they may have. I said members could go in peace, I didn’t say I would arm them.” Niko’s eyes hazed over for a moment as he conversed with Paulo. A moment later Paulo slipped out of the room.

  I didn’t have the ability to speak to the Pride members yet.When I severed ties and joined with Jerome I lost all connection to the Pride magic that allowed mind speak amongst them. That was another reason Casey hadn’t come down herself. She, Jerome, and the coven of witches that worked with the Black Mountain Pack were trying to come up with a way to integrate some of the Pack with the Pride so that we could communicate and be aware of what was going on in both worlds. We were swimming in a whole new ocean here and the waves would be big, but nothing we couldn’t handle.

  Casey’s video ended and I walked back up to the front of the room. “As you can see, a lot is going to change, but it’s all for the better of the Pride as well as Jerome’s Pack. Now, for those that don’t want to stay for the transition you may go and pack your belongings. You have twelve hours to be out of the village. Jonas and his team will be checking the huts in the morning, and those th
at have left will be removed from the Pride. You will no longer have access to the Pride magic or the support of the Pride again. I suggest you find another group to join soon as rogue shifters don’t fare long on their own.” I paused as a few shifters stood and left. I didn’t see anyone I would hate to lose. The majority of the Pride stayed.

  I clapped my hands together. “Alright, we have a lot of work to do. First off, most of you know Tamara.” I gestured to where she still stood with Jonas curled around her feet. “I have put her in charge of the kitchens and pantry here. She will need a couple people to help her. If you are interested please see her after the meeting concludes. I leave the decision of who she works with up to her. I also need anyone with carpentry, electrical, and plumbing experience to stop and see Miguel. He will be putting together a list so I can meet with you each individually and see where your talents will best be used. The most important thing is to make sure all the homes are structurally sound and the roofs are in good condition. We will decide what is most important after that. If any of you have questions please let DJ know, he will put you in contact with me in the order of importance. We have a lot to do so go get some sleep and those of you volunteering meet back here in the morning to get your assignments.”

  I watched as a few approached Tamara and Miguel to put their names on the lists. Most simply left the building. It would take time for them to come around. Having rulers who looked out for their best interest wasnot something many of them had ever known. Paulo and Niko jogged in, I waved them over to join me at the table. “How did it go?”

  “All the weapons we found are now locked in the arsenal. It looks like four members have left already, and at least a half dozen more are packing. We will check their homes in the morning to verify. Niko is itching to hunt them.” Paulo smiled.

  “In time, Niko, for now I will allow them to leave in peace. If they cause an issue or you find them simply hanging around in the forest is when I’ll allow you to take the matter into your own hands.” I rubbed my face, the stress of the last few days hitting now that the meeting was over. “Hey Jonas, you ready to change?” I looked over at the sleek cougar.

  He turned toward me and huffed. A few moments later he joined us in human form again.

  “Good. Now I need to see the Alpha’s home. I want you guys to make that your command center.” I turned to Tamara. “I would like you to join us there if there is enough room. I know I have put a target on your head by assigning you such a large task, and I plan to protect you until things settle.” She went to speak and I held up my hand. “I won’t take no for an answer. Take Jonas with you and gather what you want from your home. We will meet you at the Alpha’s house when you are finished.”

  Jonas left without another word as Nikko packed up the projector and other equipment to transport with us. Paulo patted my shoulder as he led the way outside and up the hill to the impressive structure that had housed the previous Alpha and his harem. This house was nothing like the squalor the rest of the Pride lived in. Opulence is the first word that came to mind. Large, impressive structure. The best of materials went into the making of it. I wasn’t looking forward to seeing what was on the inside, and I had a feeling most of it would be given away or destroyed. I wanted nothing that had anything to do with Tomas to be here when Casey arrived.

  The house was surrounded by a tall stone fence with an ornate iron gate. The home behind it was a huge two story structure. Half-moon steps led up to the solid oak door that was engraved with something I couldn’t see clearly from here. The house looked like a cross between an old plantation home and a castle. As if Tomas put pieces of different houses together. Turrets were at the end of the house on the right and left, but columns held up a second story balcony above the entrance. Windows lined the front of the house on both levels including two that must belong in the attic, but with a mirror shimmer. Probably one-way panes as well as bulletproof. The front door would be lined with lead as well to add another layer of protection. I could see two chimney tops from where we stood outside the gates, and I would guess by the size of the house at least one more that was on the back side of the house out of sight. Looking at the house from this distance it almost looked like a face, the smile missing a few teeth making it take on an evil air.

  The stone fence was covered with what is commonly known as the passion vine, heavy with its unique purple flower and ripe passion fruits. The vines would find their way into any nook and cranny and root. As pretty as they were, a good thinning would be needed to save mortar from crumbling. The flower also ran up the side of the house. Those would need to be removed altogether to protect the house itself.

  Tamara and Jonas joined us at the gates. “Tamara, do you know of any females that have a knack for decorating?” I asked her.

  “Yes, my cousin loves decorating and has a very keen eye.” She beamed.

  “Great, will you find her tomorrow and have her see me? I would appreciate it.”

  “Yes, she will be excited. Thank you.” Tamara had a slight bounce to her step as we headed toward the steps and to the front door.

  A large oak monstrosity stood before us at least ten feet tall. Heavy iron handles graced the front of the door, surrounded by carvings of panthers in all stages. Slumber, prowling, grooming, snarling, and even mating. Tamara blushed when her eyes roamed over that scene and I chuckled. “Someone should open it.”

  Niko pulled the door open while Paulo checked inside. “You should wait here while we make sure it’s safe. We don’t know who might still be here. Tomas took his men with him, but his women stayed home, and I didn’t see them at the meeting,” DJ instructed.

  These guys were smart and I felt better knowing they were on the ball. “Very well, I’ll stay here with Tamara while you sweep the house. Detain anyone you find in one room to be dealt with.” I watched the five of them move together as one. They had done this before and seeing them work gave me comfort that I had chosen the right men for this job. I sat on the step and patted the cement next to me for Tamara to join. “It shouldn’t take them long. Join me in a brief rest.” She sat next to me and we waited for the all clear.

  A rustle came from the bush to our right followed by a small dirt-covered child in only a pair of ragged shorts fear evident in his eyes. “Are you going to hurt us?” he asked.

  JONAS CAME OUT ANNOUNCING, “ALL clear, boss, though the women say a child is missing. We have two rooms. One with the females that Tomas kept for himself and another with the cubs he fostered off them and their nanny.” He stopped when he saw the child cowering at his voice. Jonas squatted down and addressed the child, “You’re who they are missing, aren’t you?”

  The little boy nodded.

  “What’s your name?” Jonas encouraged the child.

  “Peter,” he whispered.

  “Well, Peter, my name is Jonas, and this here is Rook, and that lovely lady beside him is Tamara. Peter, we won’t hurt you, and I promise you will never be hurt again.” Jonas inched toward him as he spoke.

  “We will when Papa gets home.” Peter cried.

  “Your Papa will never be coming home, Peter. He will never hurt you again, he will never lock you away. You are free from him,” I said with finality. “Would you like Tamara to take you in to your brothers and sisters?”

  Tamara stood as I spoke and reached her hand out to Peter. “Come on, little one, let’s go find everyone else and wait for Rook to come talk to us.” Peter grabbed her and clung to her pants as they walked inside.

  “How bad is it, Jonas?”

  Jonas sat with a heavy sigh. “It’s bad, man. The women were locked in a large room down from the master bedroom but they had no food and minimal water. They were kept naked, so none of them have a stitch of clothing on. The room still reeked of stale sex and body odor. It doesn’t look like any of them have bathed since Tomas left. All the servants he had in the house abandoned it a few days after his last check-in. Then the kids, oh, Rook, he has at least a dozen cubs. They were
all in a dimly lit room in the basement with one overworked nanny. The boys are in ragged shorts and the girls are in torn and dirty shirts. They all need baths. Hell, they probably need flea baths.” He rubbed his hands over his face.

  “How am I going to tell Casey about this? She’ll be on the next flight down here if I do. We need to take care of it. Tomorrow when the volunteers arrive ask for a few females to help with the children. We will get them bathed and fed. I’ll speak to the women tonight. If they have a child in that room we will do our best to get them back together and help them best we can. For now let’s just go inside.” I stood and stretched, mentally preparing as best I could.

  The foyer was surprisingly bright and the ceilings went the full two story height. That’s where the brightness ended though. As if a curtain of doom floated four feet inside the door the darkness took over. The house had a depressing feeling that weighed down on me the further I walked. Past the pool of brightness were two doors, one on each side of the overly wide hall.

  “Formal entertaining room is on the left, what I assume he used as his den is on the right,” Jonas informed me. “I was never allowed in the house so I can only guess at what the rooms were used for.”

  I continued on having to make the choice of going up a wide set of curved stairs that could have come straight out of Gone With the Wind or straight back to another set of rooms. I turned to Jonas. “Give me the basic low down so I know what to expect.”

  “Straight back you will find a huge dining room leading into an industrial kitchen. There is also a sun room full of flowers and fines. Upstairs are all the bedrooms. From what I could tell guest rooms are off the right, and the master bedroom and the rooms his harem were kept in are on the left. Straight ahead off the stairs is a much narrower stairway that leads up to an attic that has been turned into a nursery.There are no babies there now, but that’s where it looks like they were kept until they were big enough to go to the basement. You’ll find the basement door in the kitchen pantry, hidden well,” Jonas quickly told me.