Siren's Kiss (Seraphine Thomas Book 5) Read online

  “If nothing else, she allowed a raging drug and alcohol addict to infect her and her child without so much as reporting it to anyone or trying to run from the situation. The leadership of that pack and over half of it were selling drugs to children, and when they came back for more, they infected them for their own little boy and girl harems for the pack to enjoy.”

  “You’re lying,” Riley whispered, his rage cooling off though, as his body started to shake.

  “I can send your Alpha the reports, the photographs of what was found, the list of those we questioned and knew who was telling the truth or innocent. We spared dozens who knew something but didn’t have anywhere to report it. We did not spare any who knew and were party to facilitating such travesties no matter their orders. Your mother was a cooker of the drugs, completely wrecked off them herself.”

  “No, we were a happy family,” he choked out, falling to his knees. I let his hair go in time, or he would have lost a bunch with the grip I’d had.

  The councilwoman narrowed her eyes at him. “I don’t know what fantasy your mind concocted to save you from what really happened or if you were subjected to the kilos upon kilos of different drugs we found in your house alone, but that wasn’t what your family was, Riley. That wasn’t what that pack was. They wanted wolf world domination. They wanted to do what they did to those kids to all humans.

  “And those kids they tortured and raped and brutalized until they went insane, pitting them against each other and their families. They taped it all. Watching those tapes for evidence and to find out exactly who was involved and how far the reach of their sickness went that we had to handle is something that will haunt me for life.

  “I watched a beaten, hungry, and broken fourteen-year-old girl be given the choice of killing kittens to earn her dinner or starve. That’s the type of sickness they inflicted on those children. She did it, so hungry she couldn’t stand it, and what they gave her was a plate of shit. I mean that literally. She ate it because—”

  “No more, no more, okay,” Riley sobbed quietly. “Please, no more.”

  I realized we had a bunch of people gathered, mostly our security. I glanced at Nestor. “Get him locked down somewhere. In the dungeon even if there’s one free tonight.” He nodded and easily yanked Riley to his feet. I grabbed Riley’s chin and forced him to meet my eyes. “I might not ever beat down someone who acts bad like Engle or most Alphas would.

  “But don’t ever take that as I’m someone who allows herself—and by extension this pack—to be walked all over. I did not decree anything of Jesse. I asked, and there were lots to witness that. You don’t own him. Why would I ask you? I am tired of this shit with you, Riley. You might have pushed me into the original rabbit hole, but you don’t own me either, so don’t ever again speak as if you’re my puppet master.

  “We will address your punishment and at length, as your attitude needs adjusting and fast, or I’ll send you to New York to spy for me, and I’d bet they’d guess that’s exactly what you were doing.” His eyes went wide I would threaten something like that. I wouldn’t really do it, but this shit with him had to stop. “I suggest you think over your life here and find your sanity before you repent your actions.”

  I nodded to Nestor and a few other pack extras we had on hand to help for the opening night before apologizing to the councilwoman for his rudeness, mortified she’d flown out and that was her greeting. She waved it off, knowing it was complicated and assuring me that when she’d taken over the pack she’d led many, many years ago over in Europe, she’d spent most of her first few years smacking people back in place.

  While insightful, I was a bit shocked she shared so much. She gave me a quick rundown on the situation and what she thought would be best, needing my approval for once, as it was an FBI matter and mine as Alpha since they’d come for the boys.

  After a bit of debate, we agreed that five days for the transport was too long and she would work it out with Brian’s FBI office to meet midway since they were humans in custody, giving the weekend for interrogations. Worked for me, as I didn’t have to do all the work for once.

  “I would like an off-the-book conversation on a few things you are now privy to.”

  I studied her, thinking that was a weird way to wrap up what we’d been saying before she asked the kitchen for extra meals to take back with her since she was missing the dinner. I searched her eyes and gave a slow nod. “Des Moines is clean. Everyone we’ve worked with has nothing but good things to say about their pack, but they are worried that they are smaller and Des Moines isn’t considered some boonies rural area any longer.”

  “Yes, those are the type of conversations I would like to have, as they will not talk to us on such matters, but it is things we should know. Especially given the new wave of refugees in all species that wish to flee. It took over a decade for the humans’ shock to wear off we were real, trying to convince themselves it was all a lie. Then more years to decide what to do with us, some immediately jumping to the side of our favor as America did.

  “The problem is there is growing unrest and mandates being made that aren’t in our favor in South America, most Asian nations, and some in Europe. Africa treats us all as animals across the board, and those natural animals who have poacher protection are the only ones safe from death, but we both know there is lots to do to people besides kill them.”

  “Are you saying you guys aren’t thrilled at the deals I’m making with Laila when shifters need the help?”

  “I am not of that opinion,” she sighed, rubbing her hand over her forehead. “Others would say that, yes, and are ready to make a big scene that you would help fae over us.”

  “I didn’t know about any of this,” I hissed under my breath, moving forward. “Could you remind whoever that I had to shut down letting wolves in because they kept trying to assassinate me? It’s not like I’ve had anyone approach me for refugee help and I denied them in favor of the fae.”

  “Would you be open to taking refugees?”

  “That’s complicated because it wouldn’t just be a family here and there, but if a pack was in a bad place, then the whole pack would need to get out,” I surmised, cursing when she nodded. “That means bringing in Alphas that won’t want to go back to being under someone, Diandra. That’s dangerous. Even if they don’t try to take me over, they could take over others around us, and I can’t be party to that.”

  “But you would allow people under them? Say families who are no one in their packs?”

  “Yeah, if you guys facilitate that as Laila has been doing, I’m not against it.” She blinked at me, and I chuckled. “I’ve not been going and seeking fae, Diandra. She’s been giving us lists of names after talking with heads of families and stuff. I can’t possibly take all that on as well. I sign off after hearing who they are, how many, what they can bring to our area, blah, blah, blah.”

  “I understand. I will speak with the other council members and illuminate them as to what was truly going on.” I let out a string of cuss words. “Yes, they assumed you became somewhat enamored with fairies after visiting court and wish to get in so good with them and Queen Laila that you’ve been searching for those to save.”

  “I find I don’t have time to search for much or ever go looking for trouble,” I drawled. “It finds me quite quickly on its own.” I rubbed the back of my neck as I studied her. “Sending in shifters or any paranormal into problematic areas makes them just as big of a target. However, I have a lot of human-for-hire contacts from my undercover days.

  “If there was some way to facilitate getting them into hot zones with some sort of proof they had real orders or help from you guys, I could make some calls. That’s about all I have time for though. Seriously, I’ve been drowning trying to fix this pack and get the training facility up so we can protect paranormals in this country. Taking on the ones needing help in the whole world would break me.”

  “I understand, and that is helpful. It might be speaking to some of t
hese Alphas and asking them if their powerbase is more important than their lives or if they could relocate to somewhere like Rockford, Peoria, Davenport, or Dubuque where there are no packs.”

  “Bringing in a whole damn pack is seriously dangerous, Diandra,” I warned, the hair on the back of my neck standing up. “The visas could easily be revoked for everyone if not taken seriously. You get just one shit pack who starts trouble, and it could put all of us in jeopardy.”

  “What would you suggest then?” she asked, her tone unhappy with my argument. “We just let them all die while you save fae?”

  “No, but something better than rolling the dice,” I snapped, clearing my throat when she shot me a look I should watch it. “Laila warns them, promises to keep an eye on them, and gives the lecture if they so much as jaywalk they’ll spend some time at her court paying penance. What would be said to a whole damn pack to keep them behaving? I have people who are ready to work with the refugees coming to acclimate them.”

  “I understand your point better,” she muttered, bobbing her head. “We would have to have some of our people facilitate and handle the situation.”

  “Yes, especially because I can’t just send people to Davenport for however long to watch them and handle being sponsors, as the refugees can’t own land or businesses. I’ve got too many messes here to worry where my attention is.”

  “Yes, that is another problematic point that they can’t own anything.” She gave a heavy sigh. “I understand. I will pass on the word, but we will talk later. I will call you with updates. Maybe tomorrow for lunch we can touch base.”

  Her tone clearly implied it wasn’t a request, but I nodded anyways before she headed to the kitchen. As I finally made it to my table, already missing appetizers and getting to order dinner with everyone else, I felt a knot forming deep in my stomach. No good deed really goes unpunished. I busted my butt to help refugees, and now I was in trouble for not doing enough and landmines were being set all around me.

  I saw from the frowns on Eva and Alena’s faces that they’d heard the conversation and felt as I did. Also that there was no good way out of it without pissing off more people or washing my hands of the situation, risking even more wrath in my direction.

  Damn, I was so fucking tired of it all.

  19

  When we decided to make the club like a shifter club but allowed humans and other paranormal species, Simone and I agreed that meant we weren’t going to hide things. People would get to see what the clubs were really like, warts and all.

  Though not so much warts but shifter idea of fun, even if it still made me uncomfortable. Which was why we started the entertainment for the opening night of the club with such a bang.

  Literally.

  After dinner and dessert, those who had paid for tickets or given free ones for guests and media headed to the security desk to sign waivers and get their licenses scanned. That didn’t go over all that well even though we warned people on the website and at booking of reservations. Some seemed to think that was all bluster and when they crabbed, we would let it slide.

  We didn’t. Several groups were politely told to comply or leave, as there were other guests waiting and we didn’t take kindly to people making scenes. It worked, as none left, but the huffy attitude made me worried about some of them.

  From there they were guided to the locker rooms to change before taking the elevator upstairs. We had lots of wolves and assistance ready to go and explain the procedure—assuming they didn’t bother to read what they’d signed—and help them with how things worked. We had a few security on the other side to warn the ones who didn’t listen that their cell phone would fry if they tried to take it in the club because they could smell them.

  That shocked the humans that we could seriously tell that, and many went to really lock up their stuff then. Once those who had eaten got first crack at all the hoops, we started letting in some who had lined up for the club, as we could fit more upstairs than we could in the dining area given it shared the floor with the kitchen, locker rooms and security.

  We were careful to leave room for guests who came for the later dinners and would probably want to go to the club, but after the first few weeks, we would start having people tell us in advance to hold their spot. I’d thought it might have been overkill, but when I learned there were thousands of people waiting outside on a cool October night just for the chance to get in the club, I thought maybe Simone was right after all.

  “I’m sorry about Riley, Alpha,” Jesse greeted while Hinata was busy talking to some other wolves. “I don’t know what’s gotten into him. I swear I told him I offered, and it was his idea to live together but still be free wolves.”

  I hugged him, hating how heartbroken he sounded. “I think the issue’s with me, not you, Jesse. I don’t know what’s going on with him either, but it has to stop. We’ll figure this out after the opening, okay? There’s a lot on the plate.”

  “Thank you, Alpha,” he mumbled and went back to his party.

  “Are you putting this on your shoulders when we both know it’s not your fault?” Dain asked gently.

  “We don’t know it’s not. I sirened him. It drove Tristan crazy. How do we know it’s not affected Riley since I’m not being with him or something? What if I have to?”

  “I will quietly speak with your mother and grandmother, as they might know more, but I fear their answer will be to do as Alena said she did with that other wolf who tricked her siren to claim him.”

  I nodded, swallowing loudly. Yeah, she’d said her father had taken the guy’s head. Not really fair to do to Riley given he hadn’t known I was a siren or I could do it, but he had intentionally pushed me as a strong wolf so he could align himself with me.

  Not sure there was much of a difference, which was why I didn’t trust him anymore, but I really didn’t want him to die over it.

  The lights flickered, warning people the shows were going to start about a half an hour after the club was officially opened, and I felt my nerves shoot through the roof. People wanted to see what we were like, they were going to get it.

  It didn’t mean I was a fan of being center stage for it, having been filled in that morning on the more detailed specifics only.

  I moved to the middle of the dance floor, swallowing a laugh as people gave yelps or startled noises as they realized there were two wolves walking in the club towards me. People paid attention better then and found seats wherever they could, at least being respectful of the “reserved” signs in the first row for the leaders and whomever we’d invited.

  Nestor and Joan Martin reached me at the same time, shifting back so they were kneeling before me, completely naked, much to the shock of some. Nestor could shift back whenever he wanted after a change, strong as a Beta, but normally Joan couldn’t. It was the earlier prep for the ceremony that allowed her to along with something she’d gotten from Nina. I hadn’t had a chance to get involved in it, but I guessed it was common to take for pack ceremonies.

  “Alpha, after many long months apart, my mate and I have reconciled and wish to remate with your blessing, renew our love and promises to each other for the pack to witness, and with the gods’ blessing, bring prosperity to the pack we love with a new generation, as you have made it safe for us to do so,” he told me in one long declaration.

  I glanced between them, smiling when they did. “I am so happy you found your way back to each other after all you suffered. Yes, you have my blessing and the support of the pack for your mating and hopeful parenthood. Be good to each other and to the pack, which is our family. A pup would be exceedingly welcome and might even make me cry if it’s the first one born while I’m Alpha.”

  “Thank you, Alpha,” they said together. I leaned in and gave each of them a chaste kiss on the lips, visually showing my blessing as Alpha to everyone.

  “Their idea of entertainment is a wedding ceremony?” someone asked quietly from the back.

  Except way too many of us hea
rd, and the looks that table got weren’t all that friendly. She apologized, and everyone focused back on Joan and Nestor who had hopped on the stage as I made my way to my seat, glad at least the first part of my involvement was done.

  “I love you, Nestor,” Joan swore and went to drop to her knees.

  He caught her and kept her standing, tears filling his eyes. “No, never again do we have to make it seem you are subservient to me. We have a new Alpha, a kind, loving Alpha who would never want us to play such games. I’m yours, Joan. It’s amazing you ever looked my way, and it’s a godsdamn miracle you forgave me. You own me. I don’t care who the stronger wolf is, you’re the boss always, my love.”

  I wiped my eyes as they burned with tears. Nestor had fought so hard to win Joan back over and not just in their therapy but fixing what had been broken between them. Most might think it was dirty or trashy that he knelt before her and worshiped her body for all to see, but I thought it was beautiful for a man to be so bold and proclaim such a sentiment to all there.

  “Sorry I’m late,” Brian greeted as he slid in next to me, pushing me over. “I heard your speech from the doorway. It was so mushy of you.”

  I pressed my lips to his ears. “Thanks, but now is not the time to talk. This is kind of like their vows and ring exchange.”

  He nodded his head and watched, swallowing loudly as Joan orgasmed.

  Nestor stayed kneeling, looking up at Joan as he ran his hands up and down her body. “Do I satisfy you? Can I be enough for you always, Joan? Will you accept me again and let me back home after tonight?”

  “Yes,” she rasped, shoving him to lay down and sitting on him, both of them moaning. “You’re damn right I own you, Nestor Martin. Don’t you ever forget that or that I forgave you this time because I won’t ever again.”