Chapter 77
RYDEN
“Do you believe what she said?” Zeph asked us as we finally arrived at the penthouse.
Ren’s two-story penthouse was spacious and minimalist in the center of New York. The interior was modern with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the Fifth Avenue skylines.
“Yes. I believe her. Do I trust her? Hell fucking no,” I replied as I looked outside the window. “It’s how easily she could betray us as she glamoured Zarah’s face. We should be very careful meeting people.”
“And the fact that those wraiths or legions or whatever they call it can get inside us without even noticing it. That’s creepy,” Theia replied. “We should wear something to protect ourselves.”
“Like Sphalerites,” Ren said to Theia. “The price is extortionate in the black market.”
“How did you know, Ren?” Amelia came to the living room, and she just finished showering. She looked beautiful, fresh, and relaxed.
“I wanted to know who’s selling.”
“Did you find out who?” I faced Ren.
“You’re not gonna believe it, Alpha.”
“Let me guess, one of Alec’s companies,” Amelia replied.
“Bingo.” He pointed at her.
“So, let me get this straight. He unleashed the demon and its minions and the only way for people to protect themselves is that gemstone that happens to be he’s the only one that has that large amount of it. Do you know what that means? Motherfucker.” Zeph gritted his teeth.
“Yes, Zeph.” I joined Amelia on the couch. She smelled fantastic. “Everything he does is for money and power. If this demon issue escalates, he has the most expensive commodity on the planet.”
“He shouldn’t be too confident with his dubious plan.” Amelia crossed her arms over her chest, and I instantly felt her anger. “Humans and people like us are resourceful beings. We will always find a way to protect ourselves and to fight against it to survive.”
“I forgot to ask Zarah if the shield can work against the wraiths.”
“I guess anything against supernatural beings that entered without permission,” she replied.“Maybe she can upgrade it and cloak our territory so we can go back.”
“That’s a good idea,” Zeph agreed. “Look, as much as I love the view here in the penthouse, I don’t like the idea of hiding and planning while our people there are vulnerable and left unprotected. Maybe we should check Alec’s men if they are still in town. Then we will fight them and go back home.”
“That’s a good plan. I’m calling Dad, and you should call your Dad if they still get a visit.” I picked up my phone and dialed my father.
“Is that you?” Dad picked up and talked in a low voice.
“Yes, Dad. Do you remember when we went fishing one day?”
“Yes, son. I do remember.”
“If we go fishing right now, do you think we can catch some fish?”
There was a moment of silence. I didn’t know if this was good or bad.
“At this hour, son? No, we won’t get any, but dusk until dawn, if we’re lucky enough we’ll catch three or four nice big fish. Trout mostly.”
“Thank you, Dad. Be careful.” I hung up the phone and they were all staring at me, except Zeph who was still busy on the phone.
“I take it, it was a code?”
I smiled and cupped Amelia’s face to kiss her. “Yes, ladybug. Those assholes only check-up at night. So we go there via portal before dawn. Let’s confirm it from Zeph.”
“We should call the cavalry,” she agreed.
“We’re coming with you.”
I turned to Ren. “What about the recon?”
“We should take your territory back, get your people to safety, and plan, then we’ll go dig some gemstones, and then we will attack Alec once Zarah finds a way to return the demon back where he belongs.”
“I don’t think the demon has a gender,” Theia joked, making me chuckle.“It doesn’t deserve the right to gender equality.”
Zeph was done talking over the phone. “Two days ago. That’s the last time Dad and Mom got a visit. They could be waiting for us.”
“We’ll be calling the others so we can make the plan.”
Three hours later, the penthouse became crowded. Zarah wasn’t impressed that she was disturbed by her practice. And news traveled fast. They were aware now of my plan with Walker, and not everyone was happy about it. They still felt betrayed.
“Does everyone still share a pack link?”
“Yes, Alpha,” they said in unison.
“Good. Once we enter the portal, stick to your assigned location. No improvisation, MacGyver. If Alec’s men spotted you, just give us the code.”
“What’s the code?” Landon asked.
“Howl.”
“Howl?” Everyone asked wearing confusion on their faces.
“You howl, damn it,” I said irritably.
“For Goddess’ sake.” Zarah came, clearly annoyed. “I will create portals all at one so you can be in your assigned location. Expect surprises. They could have anticipated this plan. Once it’s over, and you get your territory back, I will cast a spell so your territory is shielded again, but don’t expect me to cover the entire land.”
“Thank you, Zarah.” Amelia smiled at her. “Your aunt is really a bitch.”
“She stopped being my aunt a long time ago.”
I watched her walk to the kitchen. I guess we all had bad memories, and this situation just triggered hers.
“You should go and talk to her,” I told Amelia, but she shook her head.
“You should talk to her.”
“Okay.” I hadn’t gotten close, she was already rolling her eyes.
“The wine is good.”
I smiled. “At least you find something nice in this place.”
“The penthouse is cozy, but I still prefer my den in the suburbs. Castle isn’t really my thing, but you do anything for love. What you and Amelia have, it’s precious, Ryden. Protect it, and don’t let your vengeance get in the middle of it. Revenge may or may not make you feel better once it’s done, but your relationship might not be the same once the foundation is broken, and I have a pretty fair share of betrayals. It certainly takes us to the darkness with no return.”
“Thank you.” I chuckled. “And here I thought I would have a better thing to say.”
“I live long enough to know what trust and certitude mean, and you know what’s the most precious thing in this world, Ryden?” She took a sip again.
“What is it?”
“The people who truly care about you. You would know when they’re still with you during those tough times. So treasure them. Don’t ever betray them.”
I nodded in understanding. “I’m sorry this triggers some bad memory, Zarah.”
“Don’t be. This is good for me. I wanna end this thing and move on with my life. I can ignore what she did to me, but what I can’t let her do is hurt innocent people.”
“I feel the same thing. I may not powerful as you, but I will fight alongside you to keep our people safe. I give you my word, Zarah. We owe you that much.”
“That’s good enough.” She smiled tightly.
“Enjoy the wine.”
I went back to them, and they were already berating each other. “That’s enough!”
The penthouse went silent.
“Have some respect for the owner. And for Goddess’ sake, we’re not savages anymore.” I looked at everyone, from Reede, Landon, Emil, Seven, Walker, Jeong Lee, Kalel, and Trent. “If you still have a little respect for me, then you have to respect my decision. Or you’re free to walk out of this penthouse. Am I clear?”
When no one moved, I spoke again, “Now let’s address the elephant in the room. You should be thanking Walker. He volunteered and sacrificed a part of himself so we could get some proof that Alec was the bad guy and the one in control of spreading the wraiths that killed people. If you can’t set aside your personal issues, then we are not supposed to be a pack. We should be thugs and rogues. And If you can’t treat him with respect, then you don’t deserve my respect, and you shouldn’t be in my pack.”