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by Lora Leigh
Jonas was amazingly practical. If he couldn’t use the scientists in one way, he’d do so in another. He rarely executed the scientists if it was possible to apply their abilities to the survival of the Breed community as a whole.
“What do we have in terms of information?” Dog’s voice was a terrible rasp of fury.
And Dane’s smile was savage. “Top-level scientists, Dog. The cream of the Council crop. My teams are moving into place to grab as many as possible who escaped, kill those we can’t acquire. With any luck, we’re getting closer to the bastards funding this. Jonas’s enforcers are joining my teams within the hour to begin downloading information and gathering evidence within the labs. Everything they had. They didn’t have time to destroy anything. Their soldiers followed the escapes, deserted the labs. My teams moved in and secured them, thinking there was no way they could track the others. We were wrong.”
The Genetics Council. The twelve-member Council hadn’t been identified; even pinning down suspects had proven impossible in the eighteen years since the Breeds had announced themselves to the world.
In all the years since the world had learned of the Breeds, every time a new lab had been discovered, records and information storage had been damaged before the Breed enforcers could get to it. They’d never managed to acquire a facility with all records and information storage undamaged.
“Rhyzan’s been apprised of all this?” Dog asked; then at Dane’s nod Cassie watched Dog’s eyes narrow warningly. “And he’s still determined to enforce his petition? Even with the knowledge that I’m no rogue, but a member of the Bureau instead?”
“So it would seem. Hence Dash Sinclair’s rage.” Evidently, that made no sense to Dane any more than it made any sense to her or to Dog. “Rhyzan has demanded a full Cabinet meeting at the Window Rock Bureau for tomorrow afternoon. Jonas is having the required Cabinet members flown in tonight.” He turned to Cassie. “Determined chap, isn’t he?”
“So it would seem.” Rising to her feet, Cassie rubbed at her arms, frowning in confusion as she left Dog and Dane to continue discussing the mission that had played out as Dog fought to hold his place in her life. The very fact that Rhyzan was still alive amazed her.
Dog wasn’t known for his patience in the face of anyone attempting to steal so much as a cigar. The fact that he hadn’t killed the assistant federal director himself amazed her.
There had to be a way to neutralize him short of killing him, because hiding didn’t set well with her.
Sitting back in her chair as she tapped the fingers of one hand on the upholstered arm, she narrowed her eyes on the old-fashioned clock hanging on the wall across the room.
There was too much going on right now to stay hidden like this, not just for Dog but for herself as well. And it wasn’t as if Rhyzan’s stand would hold with the knowledge of Dog’s position. Besides, it wasn’t the first time compatibility had shown between siblings to a single mate. It had occurred several years ago—two Bengal brothers, but only one had been the mate …
She stilled, frowning at that thought, information suddenly connecting, forming the answer she hadn’t been able to come up with since learning of the compatibility tests.
She sat up, the answers pouring into her mind as she quickly went through each angle, each objection Rhyzan could make, each counterobjection. And still, there was only a single conclusion to draw.
“Cassie?” Dane’s voice filtered through her thoughts.
“We need to go back—”
“Like hell,” Dog grunted.
“If we stay hidden I won’t be able to argue clarification on the Reconsideration and I won’t be able to argue for another mate if this happens again. They’ll always call into argument the fact that I hid myself rather than following the articles of Breed Mating Law.” That she wouldn’t allow.
“Fuck Breed Law,” Dog growled. “Cassie, that assistant director will die if he attempts to take you out of my sight.”
Oh, she had no doubt Rhyzan would die if he attempted that.
“I have to file a counterpetition.” The answer came so quickly she was amazed she hadn’t thought of it before. She turned quickly back to Dane. “Contact Callan. I need the form for counterpetitions sent to Dog’s tablet as well as the form for a Petition for Restraint. He can access those for me if, as pride leader, he disagrees with actions being taken. I have them, but I need to show a paper trail to keep my back door into the files open.”
“You’re not part of his pride; your father will need to lodge that protest,” Dane pointed out. “And he’s considered prejudiced in your favor.”
She smiled slowly. “Dane, I was made part of Callan’s pride when I was nine years old, before Dad instituted his own pack. That induction was never rescinded because I visited so often.” She turned to Dog. “Are you considered alpha to your teams or do you answer to someone else?”
As if she didn’t know that answer.
“I answer to no one but you, halfling,” he assured her, satisfaction suddenly gleaming in his gaze.
“I’ll need the forms to file pack status as well,” she informed Dane as he pulled his mobile phone from the leather holster at his side. “We’ll go to my apartment rather than the Bureau tonight and arrive in time for the Cabinet to convene tomorrow evening.”
“You have an apartment?” Dog’s brows arched with curious amusement.
“Of course. I’ve had one near the Bureau for months.” Didn’t everyone have their own place?
She’d just never had reason to use it.
“Of course,” he murmured, his lips still quirked with that odd smile. “So, we’re going to that little meeting and facing Rhyzan?”
“We are. I’ll fill out the forms when Callan sends them and shoot them to all the required parties. All I need is Callan’s verification and acceptance of the protest to ensure Rhyzan’s hands are tied until Elizabeth can complete the mating tests with Kenzi, which will be before the meeting.” She shook her head. “I should have thought of that, dammit. I would have if you didn’t keep my brain messed up.”
His brow arched as Dane chuckled at the accusation.
“Message sent,” the hybrid announced. “And confirmation of agreement received. Dog will have the forms within the hour.” He looked between them, a dark blond brow arching inquisitively. “Shall we go, then?”
She slid him a considering look. “May we borrow a few of your Breeds? They’re not required to follow Bureau dictates, correct?”
“Correct.” She could see the laughter gleaming in his green eyes. “They are not.”
“We need a security detail that’s not required to obey Rhyzan’s orders if he somehow manages to throw a wrench in the works. I’ll be ready to leave within the hour.” Turning, she hurried to the bedroom.
She had a lot to do in that hour.
• • •
There she was.
It was all Dog could do to force himself not to follow her, to bend her over the bed and assure himself he was still alpha in this mating. He’d be damned if she wouldn’t challenge that position every chance she had.
“That look on your face is almost envious,” Dane drawled, pulling Dog’s attention from the fact that the bedroom door was closed and his little mate was hidden from view.
The undertone of regret in his friend’s voice was a reminder that the woman Dane believed should have been his mate was another’s, something the hybrid had never stopped regretting.
“She makes me complete.” Dog sighed, shaking head. “Hell, I never knew I was incomplete until the mating.”
The problem was, he wasn’t so certain she felt the same way. He knew she was determined to make the mating work. It wasn’t her determination he wanted, though; the hunger for her heart was growing by the day.
He wanted her love.
“Her life hasn’t been easy, has it?” Dane remarked. “She’s too damned intelligent, sees too much, senses too much, for others’ comfort. That woman could rule the w
orld if she set her mind to it.”
The world, or the Coyote Breeds Dog led. Over the years he’d drawn several dozen beneath his command. More than six alphas in their own right and Breeds hungry for a home, for a life that didn’t include living among the monsters they’d worked to destroy.
“I’m going to petition for Coy status when this is over,” he informed Dane, referring to the title given to a Coyote alpha who commanded more than a single pack. “Lobo’s Wolf Breeds are the only Breed force in the area, but it’s small and very secular. I have over sixty Coyotes that follow me with accompanied alphas ready to pledge their loyalty to the Breed Ruling Cabinet. I think there’s enough room among the Nation here for a Coyote community.”
He had far more support for it than even he had imagined until the Bengal who worked with Lobo had informed him of the backing he’d have. It would take that backing too, if he was going to pull off his plans.
Hell, come to think of it, all he needed was Cassie fighting for him. The halfling with the siren’s voice and an ability to argue Breed Law as though she had written it herself.
“Your teams will be a benefit to the community,” Dane agreed. “Once you’ve finalized your plans, contact me and I’ll make certain you have whatever you need for security.”
Dog’s gaze sharpened on his friend. “Callan’s and Wolfe’s Breeds are making a mark with their military and rescue teams. Del Rey’s Coyotes are aligned with the Wolf Breeds in Colorado and their own security forces and are in high demand. I’ve discussed this with the alphas. I think we’re going to look more in the private sector rather than military or strike.”
“Whatever you need to set up, Vanderale will be there for you.” Dane nodded. “As it appears we’re going to party tonight, I’ll notify my men of the change in plans and prepare to move out. Shall we use the heli-jet to transport your mate back to town? I believe we can land behind her apartment building. It would make a statement.”
A statement Rhyzan wouldn’t miss.
“Let’s slip in,” Dog suggested instead. “Keep it quiet, everything under wraps until we arrive at the ball. Let’s not give Rhyzan a chance to consider any options he may have.”
Not until he knew his own backers were in place. Which meant he needed to make a few calls of his own and pull in a favor or two. And the support he had in mind would definitely make a statement.
And then he’d have to face a past he’d tried to ignore for far too many years but had never forgotten.
His father had always warned him that Major was in a position to know who Dog was, know he was a hybrid if Dog was ever in the public eye. As long as he stayed under the radar, then he’d been safe.
Not that safety had been his concern for a lot of years. Now, it was of the highest importance. Because of his mate. Nothing could endanger his mate.
• CHAPTER 12 •
DC Insider News
CONSORTING WITH THE
ENEMY?
If the heading hadn’t caught his attention as he sat down with his morning coffee, the picture of the rough-hewn, powerful male would have.
Pictures were attained of the Breed princess, Cassandra Sinclair, in the arms of who insiders are claiming to be her lover.
Known only as Dog, and according to several unidentified sources to be a known Genetics Council associate, the powerful Coyote Breed is listed as “rogue” within the national Breed database, meaning he’s declared no affiliation with the legitimate Breed community and is suspected of crimes against Breed Law.
Ms. Sinclair, known as the Breed’s foremost legal expert where Breed Law is concerned, and a consultant for the Federal Bureau of Breed Affairs, couldn’t be reached for comment, but other sources within the Breed community claim the affair to be no more than a fling or possibly a hoax. They say a news release is expected soon announcing the engagement of Ms. Sinclair to none other than the assistant director of the Federal Bureau of Breed Affairs, Rhyzan Brannigan.
Ms. Sinclair, a known companion of Deputy Director Brannigan, is rumored to have already committed to the engagement. So why then was the Genetics Council Dog seen carrying Ms. Sinclair through the entrance of the Western Bureau of Breed Affairs in Window Rock?
The spokesperson for the Bureau of Breed Affairs, Tanner Reynolds, is promising a press release soon, and the arrival of Breed leaders Lupine Gunnar, Coy Delgado and Prime Lyons, along with their wives, has already been noted. Alphas of the largest packs and prides, as well as Ms. Sinclair’s parents, Dash and Elizabeth Sinclair, are also known to be in attendance …
Senator Aaron C. Ryder’s attention shifted from the article. He didn’t give a goddamn about the Breed goings-on in general. It was like watching an animal shelter fucking free-for-all. And the damned masses were still so stupid over the animals that no matter their actions, the Breeds waltzed through the public like they owned it.
No, it wasn’t the gossip or the lovefest googly-eyed article that had him shuddering. It was the picture.
The young Breed female was sheltered in the Coyote Breed’s arms, her head resting on his shoulder. It was that Coyote’s face that held him, had him tracking every plane and angle of the imposing features.
Sharp, gunmetal gray eyes were piercing behind thick, sand-colored lashes. A high forehead, an aristocratic nose, and an imposing chin. Generations had gone into perfecting those features and building the tall, powerful body. The Breed DNA that now marred them only sharpened them, made the body more powerful, stronger.
But still, an abomination.
Yet he couldn’t take his eyes off the Breed’s face. He’d suspected he existed—hell no, a part of him had known he’d existed. When his father’s body had been returned, there hadn’t been so much as a whisper of a child, but there was no doubt a child had been born of the mother.
Her body had been found nearly a year after the escape. The scientists who oversaw the autopsy were certain she’d died just after whelping the bastard.
His fist clenched in fury as he scrolled down, finding several other pictures of the Breed. Most were fuzzy, the features not really clear. The Coyote was called reclusive, secretive, never allowing pictures to be taken. He shouldn’t have allowed that picture to be taken.
Because what he was could be revealed, and surely he didn’t want that. No, no one wanted that, and it had to be stopped before it happened. It had to be stopped before the world learned that Ms. Sinclair could possibly whelp his child. A child no test on earth would reveal as a Breed. A child who could infect the world if it bred.
“Hey, Grandpa.” The cheerful young woman who took her seat at the breakfast table had his head lifting, regret shaming him as he stared at her despite his return smile.
Those generations of careful selection had somehow bypassed this sweet girl. Her hair was a soft, nondescript brown, her eyes an unremarkable hazel. She was barely five-five, a little on the plump side, which he detested, but she loved him.
He was quite fond of her, just sorely disappointed in both her looks and her bearing. Finding her a husband should have been easy, would have been easy, but somehow it never quite worked out.
Not that he often regretted it, except for the fact that it still left him with no male heir. There was no way he could leave his fortune to this flighty, often forgetful child.
“Good morning, dear.” He shuttered his tablet and laid it aside. “Tell me, how do you feel about a little trip out west with your grandfather …”
• CHAPTER 13 •
She was dressed in her customary slim black silk skirt, a sleeveless white silk blouse buttoned and tucked into the waistband, a thin black belt cinching her waist. The blouse was buttoned to just above the vee of her breasts, the tailored fit not snug, but complimenting her breasts, while the sleeveless cut displayed the silken flesh of her arms.
She wore stockings nearly the color of her skin, and the black four-inch heels that added to her height and, sometimes, her confidence. The long, rioting curls that n
ormally tumbled around her were now pulled back from her face and woven into a loose braid, compliments of Dog.
As she walked across the hardwood floor of her apartment’s living area and went over her arguments displayed on the tablet, she felt energized. She felt strong. She could feel that energy surging through her and welcomed it, knowing that when she stepped into that meeting, she’d be a force to be reckoned with.
Breed Law statutes danced within her head, all the various pieces fitting together and displaying each loophole to allow her to present a scathing, censorious statement against the actions taken by the assistant director of the Bureau of Breed Affairs.
As she worked, her focus was sharper than it had ever been before, her awareness of Dog somehow heightened. He’d worked with her through the night, going over the individual articles of the law and finding several areas she’d missed. She’d known he was highly intelligent, calculating and logical, but as they argued back and forth, tested each other against each argument, she realized he was also amazingly intuitive and possessed an understanding of law she hadn’t expected.
He waited patiently now, leaning against the framed doorway leading into the bedroom. She’d had to threaten him with all manner of bodily harm to get him into the black silk slacks and gray shirt Dane had arrived with earlier. He’d glared at her, growled at her, swore he was going to spank her when he got her back to the apartment. He was wearing them, though, along with a pair of black leather boots that were possibly new as well.
His dark blond hair was combed back from his face, a little neater than his normally shaggy appearance, though she did like that rough bad-boy look, she had to admit. It wasn’t just a look; he was indeed a bad boy, and he was hers.
She almost paused at that thought before she let it sink inside her, let herself accept it. Whatever the future held, whatever came from the meeting with the Cabinet, she knew he was hers, just as she belonged to him. She’d belonged to him since she’d stepped out on that balcony of Seth Lawrence’s guest suite and felt Dog’s crosshairs land on her.