Chapter 37

Jesse watched the chopper fly over his head. The last few hours had been trying. They had gotten some information, finally after the jackal shifter realized he wasn’t going to be free again, ever. Jesse didn’t ask what happened to him after the Alliance was done with him, that was just something he didn’t need to know.

Calum and Cale had to remove Blair from the equation right around the time the man had said they were fed information and knew how many women were here. He didn’t know how they got the numbers or who told them, he was low on the totem pole and just followed orders. Orders were given by Lindon, Blair’s brother. That information had put Blair over the top as far as tolerating him went.

To know your own estranged brother was that deep inside Tomas’ organization was something Jesse didn’t know how Blair was managing to cope with. He didn’t blame him at all for wanting to find his sibling and end him.

Calum walked by him talking low on his phone, no doubt telling Devin everything that they’d learned. Hopefully, the Alliance would be able to get addresses and locations from him.

Jesse gnawed on his cheek and stared at the ground. The jackal, he smirked, they should have gotten his name—his clan was from an entirely different continent. What did that mean exactly? Had they moved to North America or were they brought here to help Tomas? That was a question they really needed the answer to.

His phone buzzing in his pocket brought him back out of his head. It was Shepard. He could count on one hand the number of times the king had called him and not the other way around.

“Sir.”

“Jesse. I just spoke to Ed, and he gave me a quick rundown.”

“It went better than we planned.”

“I’m glad my son gave you the go-ahead, if we’d waited, he may have had time to come up with stories.”

Jesse grinned, “I’m pretty sure having Blair and Calum staring him down inspired him to share what he knew.”

“That would help, yes. I’m calling you because in the past you have come up with some very creative distractions and I need some input on how we can lead them away from Blair’s clan.”

Jesse tried to hide his shock but failed when he blew out a long breath, “problem with that is before we weren’t aware someone was sharing information. How do we know who to trust if we do something as a decoy?”

“We have been working hard on a select group that we know we can trust. What would you suggest we do to plant false information?”

Jesse rubbed the back of his neck, trying to relieve some of the tension in it. “Well, uh,” nothing like being put on the spot, “I’d go about sending the information down the line the way we always have and say they’re changing locations. Something wasn’t working out here, space or whatever. Then actually send transports and have them drive to wherever the new location would be.”

“Have an assault team waiting there?”

“I’d probably send some of them in the transports. Moving nine females was scary as hell the first time and I think the only reason we didn’t run into problems was that Cal and I changed the plan at the last minute and didn’t communicate that to anyone.”

“It’s a good plan. How would we know if they continued to watch Blair’s land?”

“I’m not sure. Our jackal friend admitted he was the one watching the land and had been on it several times. His counterparts were only here the one time they tried to poison one of the women and ended up getting Jake instead.”

“Do we know why it was only him?”

“The others were called back, something more important was happening.”

“More important than nine females? That’s fairly significant.”

“That’s our take too, sir. We’re wondering if the information that we have those addresses has leaked back to them.”

“I don’t know if Calum told you, but I’ve put a temporary hold on hitting any of those addresses until we ferret out who we can trust or get enough in place that once you go in the backup is there when you get out.”

“How long of a delay?” He thought of telling Evanna they’d have to wait to see if any of her clan survived this long.

“We’re keeping someone at the locations, to monitor any movement if that’s your concern. If ours are moved, we’ll know. I understand you want to find your mate’s clan members, but we have to protect the whole of the clans with the Alliance.” He made a low growling sound, “all of this started during my grandfather and father’s time and has been left to run rampant all this time, like a festering wound. We need to nail it down, now and put a stop to it.”

“I understand.” He did, mostly, the idea that so many things had been mishandled had to be weighing on the king heavily. Like clans such as Shaelan’s falling off the radar for so long. Entire clans vanishing was also a heavyweight on the king’s back. “Sir, before I forget, I was talking to the clan co-ord team and we’d like to add a few to our roster. It’s hard for so few of us to cover so much ground.” He closed his eyes to try and think through everything else he had in his head, “my first thoughts of who would be a good fit are Gia Marin and Calla Hart.”

“That’s understandable, we need more now than ever. Marin? That’s an Alpha family?”

“Yes, she is, but she’s good and I doubt any weapons training would be required.”

Shepard chuckled, “bored female children in Alpha families always tend to excel in all things combat.”

Jesse smirked; he’d never thought of it but it was true.

“I will leave that up to you and Cal, who you want to bring into the fold. Both of you know many more of ours on a personal level than I do.”

“Okay, I’ll talk it over with Cal.”

“Cal’s mate sent us a new list of things the co-ord team should have, so all of that has been updated and is ready for pickup.”

Jesse nodded, “Zain sent us the list, it’s a lot more than we had, but after this last trip, I’m understanding the need for it.”

“We do try to look after you.” He sounded distracted for a second, “The weapons training is going to continue there, we’re moving it over to Ed’s because it’s any easier location to monitor, especially now with us acting as if we’re moving Blair’s clan.”

“That’s a good idea, sir.” At least the king trusted him enough to make the split decision to follow Jesses suggestion to pretend to relocate the clan.

“It will take a few days to get that in play, to bring in the assault team members we know we can trust, so I’m going to ask you something of a more personal nature now, Jesse.”

He stared at the ground, not sure what it could be.

“Rayne shared with Irene the challenges ahead with your mate, although I’m extremely impressed that she and her leopard caught the jackal, I’m concerned for both of you that we’re just tossing you into everything when she may require something else.”

“How do you mean?”

“I’m not going to claim to be an expert on it, because I’m only going on what Rayne and Irene have told me, they’ve been talking to specialists and researching, but I understand it’s going to be a long road ahead in her treatment.”

“It could possibly be the rest of our lives, sir.”

“I know you will find a way to cope with it, Jesse, you’ve shown me your logic and patience on many occasions. Here’s what I’m proposing, just understand this is a suggestion, not an order.”

Jesse cleared his throat, still not sure where this was going. “Okay.”

“While we get things sorted and set up, would you like a week off to go home and spend it with your mate, get to know one another better, and get her started on the right path to healing? I’m sorry if I keep saying she, Irene told me I should say them or they, but I’m old, son, I don’t quite grasp all of this.”

“She is fine. They are both females, so it applies.”

“Well, I suppose that’s a good thing then.”

Jesse glared at the ground. He didn’t even want to think of what it would be like if there was a male alter. He realized the king was waiting for him to answer. “I, uh, yeah going home for some peace for a week would be helpful. I’d like Leah and Evanna to have some quiet space to learn how to communicate and control their cat.”

“That’s understandable, although after her being able to sense and track that jackal, maybe let’s not put too tight of a leash on her, we need trackers like that.”

“Oh, that was Evanna controlling Mi—her cat today.”

“That’s good to know. Are you considering her being on the retrieval team?”

Jesse snorted, “I don’t think my thoughts weigh in much, sir, she—both of them have said they’re on it.”

Shepard chuckled, “I understand that completely. Which reminds me in your travels if you spot any plots of land and good defensible locations jot down the details for me.”

Jesse frowned, “for?”

“Oh, my mate has decided we need to buy Devin and Rayne a nice private getaway spot where they can go to be alone now that the campground is filling up.”

“Oh,” Jesse smirked, “I can keep my eyes open for sure. There’s a lot of land between here and my place.”

“Irene says we’ll never have grandchildren if Rayne is too busy being a mother to the entire Alliance.”

Jesse chuckled, “well I can’t help with grandchildren, but I will keep an eye out for land.”

“Thank you. One more thing before I let you go, both Devin and Calum have mentioned they have two more members to add to the retrieval team, apparently, they have skill sets that will be helpful. I’d like your feedback too.”

Jesse was a bit surprised the king was asking his opinion when Cal had already spoken to him about it. “Who do they have in mind?”

“Uh, one second, let me find it.” He could hear papers rustling. “Here it is, the other two members are Creed and Bear.”

Jesse grinned, “yeah, those two would be helpful. Creed is a flyer, so that would be very helpful, and Bear’s strength is insane.”

“I never considered a flyer, that’s brilliant. And this Bear, I’m guessing he’s from one of our bear clans?”

Jesse’s grin grew wider, “no, he’s not. I guess his parents just had a really good sense of humor.”

“Oh. All right then. So, you agree with Devin and Calum’s choice?”

“I do sir.”

“Very well, I’m going to send them to Blair’s for training this next week while your home dealing with things that need to be dealt with. I trust you can do the weapons training with your mate while you’re there?”

Jesse smirked, “I can.” He had no intentions of her ever being right in the mix and needed it, but he could still prepare her.

“Thank you once again, Jesse. I’ll let you get back to things now.”

“Anytime, sir.” The line went quiet.

Staring at his phone, he blinked a few times. That was not the call he’d expected at all. Sighing, he glanced in the direction of the trailer. If he hurried, he might be able to get in a quick run before he checked on Evanna. He didn’t want to bother her. She would have ‘homework’ after talking to the doctor and he wanted her to focus on the information she sent her to read through.

After a quick trip into the house to grab a beer, he sat in the open doors of his van. He made so many calls from here, the van was like his office. The first thing to get out of the way, he opened the chat room with the co-ord team and typed out a message telling him about his choices for two new members. He smirked as he took a drink, he already knew the reactions he was going to get.

Yes. We need more females on this team. Was Deva’s reply.

I like Gia, she’s really good. Amari wrote. I don’t know Calla personally but have heard good things about her. Followed by a thumbs-up symbol.

Jesse, I thought you like us. Foster wrote. Gia beat my ass the last time we were in the same events.

Jesse set the beer down and replied, you were 12, Foster, I’m sure she’s forgotten your reaction.

Reaction?? Oh I HAVE to hear this story. Webb put in the chat.

No you don’t. Foster used a pouting emoji. I agree to choices though, Calla is both charming and scary.

I can’t recall either, but if everyone agrees, I’m in. Asher wrote.

Okay, Zain, I leave it to you to contact them, give them my number if they have doubts or questions. They should probably ride with someone for at least one trip to get the feel. Jesse waited for the gripes to post.

I have no problem taking either of them along. To his surprise Amari replied.

Someone to talk to on a drive sounds great to me. Foster put down.

Zain, you set them up for a training round, then with whichever one of us are closest to their locations. He stared at the blinking cursor. I’m going to be at home for the next week, but will still be in touch. He took a drink and waited.

You’re getting downtime? Now? Foster wrote.

I’ve been given a week off so I can show my mate my place and get some time with her. He wrote. Other explanations would come later. He glanced over at the trailer. He’d like to see her sometime tonight, so more information could wait.

Woe. Did not see that coming. Congrats! Foster put.

That’s excellent, Jesse. Deva added.

I’m sure she’s a kicks woman, Jesse. Amari put in.

You’re still with the team, right? Asher wondered.

Yes. Nothing has changed there or with the retrieval team. I’d just like some time with her while I’m not running all over the map.

We’ll try not to screw up for a week. Foster put in.

Like that’s going to happen. Webb added. Congrats, Jesse. Hope to meet her soon…if I’m ever home again.

I have to go. Zain will keep everyone updated on the new members and pick up your new packs ASAP all of it will make our running around easier. Bye.

He watched for a moment to see thumbs up or smiley faces but there were no more comments. Closing it, he picked up the beer again.

“One thing off the list.” He mumbled then took a drink.

“Hard day at the office?”

He startled. Calum and Shaelan standing right there. “No, just a long to-do list.” He waved the beer bottle around, “I had a call from Shepard and now I have a to-do list.”

Calum smirked, “that tends to happen. I have one too from his son.”

Jesse grinned, “Shepard is sending me home with Evanna for a week,” he shrugged, “some downtime so she can connect with the doctor and her cat…”

“Good.” Calum hugged Shaelan against his side, “you look like shit.”

Jesse rolled his eyes. “How do you guys do it? Running all over and you haven’t been together that long?”

Shaelan smiled up at her mate for a moment, “it’s easy, he has to travel, and I never have, so I’m all for new locations and road trips.” She gave Jesse an understanding look, “I think Leah and Evanna will be for that too once they come to terms with a few things.”

Jesse toasted her with the bottle, “I hope so.” He cleared his throat, “I’m sure Dev told you about the training?” Calum nodded, “okay, well there’s a new plan,” he made quote marks in the air, “happening that’s not really happening if you get my drift.”

“I do,” Calum said no more than that.

“All right, I’ll leave you to that while I’m gone. Oh, and big thumbs up on the two new additions to the retrieval team, they’ll be here this week for the training.”

Calum grinned, “that should shake things up a bit and give us an advantage.”

“New team members?” Shaelan looked from me to her mate.

“Yes, Creed and Bear will be joining us on our ventures.” Calum glanced to Jesse briefly, “Creed is a flyer, so we’ll literally have eyes in the sky.”

“Oh, that will be handy.”

He nodded his head slowly.

“And Bear is a bear shifter?” Shaelan asked.

Jesse grinned, then shook his head, “no he’s actually a lion and stronger than anyone I’ve ever met.”

“He’s a lion shifter and his name is Bear?” She looked from one to the other, “is that a nickname?”

Calum was trying hard not to laugh, “No, that’s his given name.”

“That’s interesting. Poor man.” Shaelan said with a puzzled look on her face.

“Anything else before we go for a run?” Calum looked impatient now.

“Ah, we’re adding two new members to the co-ord team as well, because let’s face it, with Tomas’ ramping up his shit, we need more on the road.”

Calum glanced at his phone and then tucked it into his pocket. “Who are you adding?”

“Calla Hart and Gia Marin.” Jesse lifted his phone, “the team just gave them a thumbs up.”

“Those are good choices, both can be diplomatic, but know what they’re doing when things get real.”

“I’m not guessing their clan,” Shaelan smirked.

“Lioness and fox,” Jesse told her then took another small sip.

“I’ll have to read up on their health info.” Shaelan mused.

“Oh good, we need you to read and research more.” Calum beamed down at her.

“Shush you. What I know comes in handy, like when your friends get shot.” She looked at Jesse.

He laughed, “anything to put your knowledge to good use.” He looked over at the trailer again.

“If that’s it, we’re going to go now.” Calum said, “better call your folks and get them to clean up your trailer.”

Jesse’s eyes locked on him, “shit.” He could hear Calum’s chuckle as he hit the dial button. His trailer was a complete disaster. How could he forget about that?

“Jesse?”

Of course, he’d called his mother and not his father. “Hi. I have a huge, huge favor to ask of you and the girls.”

“Oh?” She sounded amused.

“I need you to go clean up my trailer.” He drank the rest of his beer.

“Right now?” She chuckled, “it’s a bit late to go there with a shovel and garbage can.”

He rolled his eyes. “No, not right now, but in the morning.”

“I’m going to guess you’re coming home and bringing your mate with you.”

He got up and tried to figure out if he could arrange it by morning. Seven hours of travel time including the boat trip, at least it was still boat season and not a plane. “Yes. I’ve been given a week off so we can go spend some quiet time there, while she adjusts to therapy and other things.”

“Have you marked her?”

Jesse shook his head, “no, we’re not there yet, it’s more complicated…”

“I know, dear, I’ve been reading everything I can about that disorder, and so have your sisters and dad.”

Jesse wasn’t sure if he was relieved now or anxious. “Oh. Okay, then you know this is not a simple bring-the-girl-home-to-meet-your-family thing.”

His mother laughed again, “nothing with you has ever been the simple, easy way.”

He grinned, “so will you go clean the place up, maybe open a window, change the bedding?” He frowned, “make up that little pull out too for me, I’ll crash on that.”

“The fencing hasn’t been finished, Jesse, it’s barely started.”

He rubbed his hand over his forehead, “we should be okay for a week, Thera won’t wander too far from Leah.”

“Which reminds me what do we call her? I mean how do we know…”

“You’ll understand when you meet her, but a really good indicator is Leah wears her hair down and dresses, and Evanna pulls hers up and likes jeans,” he paused when it hit him what she’d told him about her neck and how she immediately pulled her hair up, “but you’ll know, you have twins, you of all people will notice everything.” Probably more than him, he thought.

“That’s encouraging. When are you headed back?”

“I’m hoping by the morning. I still have to call Ezra and see when he can have the boat to the pickup point.” He had no idea how Thera was going to react to a boat ride or Leah. Evanna he was pretty sure would be up for something new.

“Ezra has taken some time off, he and his mate are on some island. Kolten is running it right now.”

Jesse frowned, “do I call him or the office?”

“The office.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll have one of the clan drop off your jeep at the docks.”

Jesse wondered if Thera would ride in the jeep. “Can you see if Dad can get someone to give him a hand putting the hardtop on it?”

“So you don’t lose the leopard?”

He nodded, a big grin on his face. “Yes.”

“Okay, honey, we’ll get everything ready for you. Do you need groceries taken to the trailer or…”

“Please. At least the basics. Uh, a few herbal teas as well as coffee and protein bars, the caramel ones and vanilla.”

“Since when do you like those?”

“I don’t, both Leah and Evanna think they’re the best thing ever.”

“I like them.”

He looked over to see the lights were off in the trailer. Now, he was really looking forward to this next week. “Thanks, and Mom, don’t share that I’m coming home with anyone but Dad and the girls, okay? I’ll explain why when I see you.”

“Oh, okay.”

“We should be there by dinner, I hope.”

“Okay, we won’t arrive unannounced, you let us know when it’s a good time.” She sounded emotional he thought, “I don’t want to upset your mate in any way.”

“I’m sure you’ll be fine Mom.”

“Okay, talk to you tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Mom. I love you.”

“I love you too, Jesse.” She hung up.

Jesse glanced at the phone and then looked up at the darkening sky, hopefully, Kolten answered, the last thing he needed was a delay and wasting two of the days off on transport.