Altered Destiny

CHAPTER ONE

SILAS KNIGHT, ALPHA over the North American continent strode down the hall with Jasmine, his mate, toward the main conference room. "Are you sure about this? I mean, yes, we’ve talked about it since Thomas contacted us about those new Olympians, and yes it looks bad but should we tell the others before we know more?" Jasmine asked, appreciating he slowed his long-legged stride to match hers.

"I don’t plan to tell them about Thomas and the others living here on the grounds or that we’ve assisted them in perfecting their abilities—"

She stopped. "If we hadn’t helped they would have died."

I know that. My Alphas don’t need to know that.

Oh. Okay. She walked faster to catch up with him.

"Helping humans, getting involved in their affairs... even enhanced ones, skates close to the line of breaking our law." Silas stuffed his hands in his pockets.

"The Goddess approved and calls them Chimera because their genetic makeup has been changed. So you, we, aren’t doing anything wrong by saving their lives and allowing them to build homes in the compound." Jasmine walked ahead of him and stood in front of the conference room door.

Calm down, Sweet Bitch. You turn into a mama bear whenever you think our new friends are in danger. I’m simply thinking of how much information to share with the others. They don’t need to know everything. Silas reached out and pulled her close. Thomas and the others saved your life and have the Nation’s eternal gratitude. Now, stop pouting and help me strategize on how to warn our Alphas of the upcoming threat to the Nation without alerting them to the fact that enhanced humans live among us. We don’t want them to panic, simply become aware and remain in a state of readiness

Pacified, Jasmine leaned against him and inhaled his unique scent. The steady beat of his heart and strong arms never failed to fill her with a sense of peace and comfort. Usually, she didn’t interfere in discussions with the 50 Alphas, and climbing, beneath his banner. But exposing Thomas and the others to Pack didn’t sit right with her. Lizzie had just met her pair or mate. The team needed time to finesse the skills of their new abilities and practice working as a cohesive unit, especially with Matteo, a new addition.

Knowing the military experimented with the same drugs used in the Liege compound decades ago left a bad taste in her mouth and she knew the Alphas would be outraged that experiments of any kind were ongoing. Every Pack around the globe lost members because of the Liege’s quest for money and power over the centuries. Her fear was the Alphas, who could be stubborn and provincial, would loop all enhanced humans in the same category, which could put her dear friends at risk. That she could not allow happening.

Trust in your mate if you don’t trust our Alphas. I will not permit anyone to harm our Chimeras, they are family by your decree and I concur. For the safety of Pack, we must warn the Alphas of this threat, we should have told them more when Zeus destroyed Noah’s home in Texas earlier this year.

"At the time we didn’t know them," she said stepping back and looking into his calm emerald gaze.

"True. But we knew of the threat Zeus presented. Tyrone told us what happened and how powerful he was. Too much time has passed. I’ve invited Barticus and Lucian to listen in as well. I’d prefer to tell everyone at once."

Lord Barticus already knows. He allowed Thomas and the others to stay on his properties while they worked the job in Europe. Jasmine entered the conference room behind him and nodded at Asia who stood across the room talking to her mate, Hawke.

He does not know the specifics of the threat, not what we learned when Thomas replayed the fight. He needs to know what these new human soldiers can do. Silas strode further into the room and nodded at his brother and Beta, Angus before speaking to his administrator, Jacques. "Are we ready?"

"Everyone has signed in and wait for you and Mistress." Jacques smiled at Jasmine, his daughter-in-law.

"How’s Mom this morning?" Jasmine kissed Jacques on the cheek.

Well and resting.

Tyrese and Tyrone entered the room, David, Adam, Storm, and Jackie followed behind them. Five of her six children were accounted for. Mom. Daddy. Jackie walked over to Jasmine and hugged her. Quinn is on a conference call with Lucian’s mate, Zoe, and a medical supplier. She’s quite the executive and getting things done. Very impressive. Jackie's mention of her mate, Quinn reminded Jasmine of the recent mating of Lucian, Alpha of the Central American Pack and Zoe, daughter of Queen Miriam of Lyrill which surprised everyone.

I like her too and think she’s just what Lucian and his pack needed. Jasmine looked around for her daughter. Where’s Renee?

At the Art Museum interviewing for Trista’s replacement now that she and Razor live on the Continent as Alphas to the BlackWolf Clan. She’s having a hard time because Trista was really good. Jackie paused. Has anyone talked to Razor since Rone and Rese came back from helping him set things up with his new Pack? How exciting it must be to have the Goddess show up at your installation. Did he say anything?

Silas had also been honored and commended publicly by the Goddess after the Alpha challenge which Razor won by defeating a traitor. It was a fantastic day none of them would ever forget.

Good question. Your dad hasn’t mentioned it and to be honest, I haven’t thought about it. Our plate’s been full with expansion plans and other problems.

Has Daddy filled any of the Alpha positions in Canada or Mexico yet? Jackie looked across the room at Silas who stood talking to Angus and Hawke.

A couple. Leon and Brix accepted a position in Canada, can’t remember where exactly. He’s meeting with them later today to ship them off, they should be in the Alpha House by the end of the week. We need to fill more as soon as possible. I think he’s considering Ethan for Ontario but I’m not sure. Vanessa would love it there.

Why not let Adam and David help with the interviews? They can send Daddy the ones they think will work best. It’ll help get through the applications faster, Jackie said.

Jasmine met Silas’ surprised gaze. "She’s your daughter and thinks like a master strategist."

Silas smiled. Yes, she does. That’s an excellent idea. Both David and Adam are becoming antsy—

Bored, Jasmine corrected.

He frowned. "Okay, bored. That would help me tremendously." He paused. "Did they put her up to this?"

Jasmine’s brow rose. "What do you think?"

No. They would’ve told me themselves. I’ll talk to them about it, give them offices on the first floor to hold initial interviews. Sounds like a plan. He winked at her.

Angus turned and smiled at her across the room.

Be sure to thank her. Personally, I think she’d be great at doing the interviews if she had time.

Silas frowned. "Why wouldn’t she have time?"

"She and Quinn are working on some sort of project. I don’t know much about it. Jasmine looked around, the table was filling up. Let’s start. The sooner you share the news, the sooner we can answer the million questions they’ll have. Then we need to deal with Canada and Mexico, ole!"

He smiled and shook his head as he pulled out her chair. She sat and he sat next to her. Before we begin, let me remind all of you that I have not and will not inform the Alphas of the enhanced humans living here. Thomas and his team are off-limits and are never to be discussed or included in this or any conversation outside of this compound. Are we clear?

Yes, Sir, they chorused.

Good. If you slip up, I won’t stop Jasmine from hurting you and she will, no matter how much she loves you. He grunted when she pushed his shoulder.

I will be very upset if anything happens to our friends because of anything said today. With that announcement, she let the matter drop.

As warnings go, that was scarier than what Dad said. Adam smiled at her.

Indeed. Start the meeting, Jacques. Silas linked with Jasmine to include her in any telepathic conversation that might occur since her personal links were restricted to him and Asia. He leaned back in his seat as the widescreen monitor flickered to life. One by one, every Alpha wearing his crest appeared and greeted him.

An honor to serve, Alpha and Mistress.

Silas and Jasmine nodded in acceptance. We’ve news to share with you that must remain within this council. You are not to share this with anyone except your mates. They cannot share it with anyone. He paused and waited. When they all agreed, he continued. The military is engaged in creating enhanced soldiers by injecting them, when they die on the field, with a modified formula taken from the Liege’s notes. I have seen and heard what some of these soldiers can do.

When they die? They bring them back to life? an Alpha asked.

Some survive the shot, most die. But to answer your question, the shot can revive a person but it changes them. Silas paused. One revived soldier stopped time, reversed it to a previous point and drove away. Another enters the mind to cause nightmares or pleasurable dreams with the sole goal of incapacitating his victim. Silas ignored the gasps of disbelief and continued. They needed to know what was on the horizon. Another claps his hands and a sonic boom of sorts follows that destroyed a home and barn. Another emits poisons from her skin, another from his touch, another merges with water and weaponizes it. These are the few we know of. They are called Olympians and train in Athens.

He looked at the thunderstruck expressions on the faces of his Alphas, sensed their fear and went into damage control. For every strength, there is a weakness. If we could not survive in the face of this new threat, the Goddess would have warned me.

She knows of this... these abominations?

Jasmine’s jaw tightened but she remained quiet.

Yes. I informed Her immediately to seek guidance. We cannot interfere in human affairs, that has not changed. We’ve always been permitted to defend ourselves. Silas placed his hand on top of Jasmine’s tightly clasped hands.

How can we defend against someone who merges with water? What if he causes a tidal wave against Pack living near the coast?

I will begin looking for alternate locations for Pack along the Florida coast, Alpha Bartholomew said slowly. Thank you, Alpha for the warning, with time we can limit the impact of that threat at least. The stopping time... what’s going on? How is it possible for a shot to do such a thing?

Is this because of the withdrawal of the Knights? another Alpha asked.

No one spoke immediately because that sounded close to criticism of Silas’ decree to remove the Knights from the military.

As far as we know, there are side effects when using these abilities. For instance, his nose bled as he manipulated time and he only reworked a short amount, not an hour or days. I’d imagine he needed downtime to regroup. Hawke, can you address the withdrawal of the Knights?

Yes. Alpha. The Joint Chiefs permitted experiments in the search to win against the Wolf Nation in case we decide to attack them, at least that’s the excuse they’ve used years before the Knights. Alpha allowed the Knights to serve in the United States military in an act of good faith and they agreed to stop all experiments on our people.

The Alpha’s mumbled in displeasure. The idea of anyone, especially Pack, being used in such a manner was distasteful and fighting words.

When they took five Knights to Central America to run experiments, Alpha, Angus and I went to retrieve them. It took weeks for our warriors to return to normal. Alpha canceled the Knights program and brought them home. To have the equipment available to use on our Knights, they had to have been experimenting all along. Hawke looked at the Alpha who asked the question.

My apologies, Alpha. I was not questioning your decision to pull the Knights and always bow to your decrees. This is just so over the top, I am flummoxed.

Knowledge is power. Now that you are aware of a new threat, we will prepare to keep our people safe no matter what comes our way. Silas squeezed Jasmine’s hand before releasing it and leaning forward. What do you know of the mythical Olympians? Silas looked at them.

They required worship, faith, praise to exist. Alpha Lyle of Virginia said with a frown. It’s bold of these soldiers to call themselves gods, don’t you think?

Yes, I do. Silas sat back to listen. Eventually, they would see the real problem. Experience taught it best for them to realize it on their own. He glanced at the wall clock before meeting Hawke’s gaze across the table.

"Any bets on how long before they hit the jackpot?" Angus asked.

"Ten minutes," Hawke said as the Alphas discussed the matter in the background.

"You’re being generous, half an hour at least," Tyrone said.

"Possibly longer the way they’re going on and on about Zeus’ clap of thunder. I think they believe he’s the god come to life," David said.

"Clap of thunder, sonic booms, close to the same thing," Adam teased.

"Hopefully, you won’t let them go on and on for more than half an hour," Tyrese said looking at Jasmine instead of Silas. Smart man.

However Silas wants to handle this is fine with me. He’s already promised to keep our friends safe. I won’t push or do anything that might jeopardize that, she said in a martyred tone.

Jackie and Asia grinned. Her sons, Tyrone, Tyrese, David and Adam, groaned.

Silas kept a straight face as he retook her hand. "Well put, my love. Message received, I’ll keep it short."

Thank you. May I talk to them?

He looked down at her, met her gaze. Yes, of course.

The corners of her lips rose. You don’t have to look so surprised... or afraid. I can be diplomatic.

Silas leaned back. I take exception to that remark.

Which one? Being afraid? she teased.

No. You being diplomatic. This I must see, please address your Alphas. Their gazes held for a few moments.

Jasmine turned and faced the screen. The Alphas were in deep discussions over the best course of action. Gentlemen. She paused and waited. They continued talking. She sensed Silas’s climbing anger at what he considered disrespectful. Alphas! Jasmine raised her voice and thrust power into the word. They stopped talking and stared in confusion at her.

There’s something you’re forgetting and it disturbs me that you have. She paused to tamp down her anger. Silas picked up on it and took her hand. She took a deep breath. You have an Alpha who would never allow any enemy, foreign or domestic to harm one member of the pack. No matter how many soldiers turn into enhanced humans, we will never allow them to hurt ours.

Immediately, they looked at Silas who stared at Jasmine.

We meant no disrespect. Our Alpha always looks out for Pack, Alpha Theron from Texas said. We’re discussing alternatives as we normally do.

Yes, that’s all well and good but not once have I heard you include your Alpha in your plans. He’s equipped by the Goddess to oversee all wolves on this continent. How would you respond to this announcement if She were here? Jasmine crossed her arms. Anger thrummed through her. We have a problem. What’s new about that? The Liege stole pups and experimented on them for years. We shut them down. Destroyed their labs. Upon the Goddess’ orders, we’re in the midst of expanding into Canada and Mexico, more Pack to protect, which we will handle because that’s what we do. She hit the table with her palm, cups fell as she glared at the screen and stood. Why are you afraid? After everything that’s been thrown at us, we’re still standing and will continue to stand. What I don’t understand is why you doubt your Alpha?

"Jasmine," Silas said as he reached for her hand, calming her upon contact. She looked at it and then into his eyes. They glowed blue as she took his hand, he stood next to her and they stared at the Alphas on the monitor. One by one, everyone in the room with them, Angus, Hawke, Asia, Jacques, and their pups stood to look at the Alphas.

The Alphas stood and bowed their heads. I apologize, Mistress. You are right. It’s disrespectful to think of defeat for one moment with Alpha and your leadership. Wherever you lead, I vow to follow. Others followed with similar sentiments until the atmosphere changed to one of positive energy.

"Do you have more to say?" Silas asked Jasmine.

"Not at the moment. I hadn’t meant to say all of that." She took a deep breath as she retook her seat.

Even though it did not occur to me to say it, those words needed to be said. We work well as a team. I will properly thank you later for defending my honor. He winked at her.

I look forward to it. She crossed her legs and watched him.

The greater the gift, the higher the cost to use it. Remember that. These soldiers have nothing, other than the vow they took when they joined the military, to keep them in check. How long before a soldier who thinks he’s a Greek god stops listening or taking orders from people who can’t stop him from doing what he wants? How long before he believes he’s above the law? Silas watched as expressions of surprise and anger filled the Alphas faces.

They’ve lost their minds, Alpha Theron said in a shocked tone. Why would they give shots with that kind of power without a kill mechanism? What if they go rogue?

Exactly, Silas said. I’m more concerned about that possibility than what they’re doing now.

They’ll come begging for us to help them then, Alpha Lyle said. The Knights can stop the rogues.

We cannot become involved in human affairs, Silas reminded them. If these enhanced soldiers attack any of our people or trespass on land, I want to know about it immediately and will deal with it. You are not to engage unless personally attacked. Help will arrive within the hour to take out the threat. Make sure Pack is safe and out of the way as quickly as possible. I’ve stationed teams of Knights and KnightForce in every State.

That’s if our network doesn’t report seeing them in the area first, Jasmine added. She had formed a network of women throughout the Nation using the mates of every Alpha as Directors. Very little strange activity happened in any territory that wasn’t immediately reported and elevated up the chain. National threats were forwarded to Jasmine’s office.

Yes, Mistress. My Bitch’s team is phenomenal. We’ve had fewer problems since the system was implemented. Everyone’s now involved with keeping Pack safe which makes us closer as well, Alpha Lyle said.

A wonderful side benefit, Silas said. I wanted to inform you of this new threat. As my mate said, we’ve had bigger challenges before and the Goddess saw us through and will again. Be concerned without the fear. He looked at them until they either nodded or bowed their heads.

Are you expecting them to attack us?

Silas thought a few moments. If they’ve been searching for something to win against our Nation and think they’ve found it, the next step is to test to see if they’re right. The water isn’t much of an issue since we’re connected to our land. The others? We’ll deal with anyone who comes after Pack.

CHAPTER TWO

LEO, BRIX, ANGUS, JACQUES, Asia, Tyrone, and Silas stood around the conference table in the room off of Silas’ office. Leo you’ve agreed to accept the position of Alpha in the Canadian Province of Quebec. By our accounting there is less than 1,000 wolves in the area, however, land-wise, it’s massive, a lot of ground to cover. Take your time, visit and search every corner to ensure the Goddess’ decree is made known and followed. Be diligent with a light hand, using force only when necessary to achieve the goals I’ve given you.

Leo and Brix bowed their heads Yes, Alpha.

Silas looked at the Alpha Wolf crest on Leo’s arm and nodded. You wear my brand, have taken my name, Leonidas Knight, and I’m proud to call you my son, my Alpha. Lead with dignity, honor, and respect. I am always with you, a thought away. You’re never alone. He looked at Brix. Your Beta is strong, solid, and loyal. As your mate, the Province will prosper and grow per the Goddess’ wishes.

Silas moved closer and met Leo’s gaze. Prepare for the Alpha elevation bite.

Leo tilted his head, offering his neck.

Silas struck hard, biting down to make a transfer of power. Leo weaved and Brix placed a hand on his back to steady him. Silas stepped back, looked at the mark until it healed with the skin closing around the marks. Good. He placed his hand on Leo’s shoulder. That bite elevates you to Alpha and all the powers associated with it. Your two-footed beast will be stronger, faster, and use less energy. You’ll be able to pull the wolf in anyone in Quebec as well as the reverse. He glanced over his shoulder at Angus who stepped forward,

Hold out your hands, Angus said.

Leo held out his hand. Energy arced between them.

This is something new we’ve given to all the Alphas, something Angus developed, Silas said watching Leo manipulate the bubble beneath Angus’ instructions.

Every direction Leo moved his hands, the bubble stretched.

This offers a protective shield when used this way. Angus moved his fingers and the bubble enclosed them all. You’ll be heading into unknown territory with unfriendlies. Alpha challenges are honorable, being shot by darts or bullets or whatever to rid the area of an Alpha is unacceptable. Create this shield the moment you sense you’re not alone. Angus practiced with Leo a few times until he was able to snap his fingers and the bubble appeared.

Good, there are some other uses, too. You can bag and tag your enemies, give them a time out so they can’t move or leave until you can deal with them, Angus said.

Silas and the others stood in the background as Angus taught Leo while Brix watched. When Angus finished, Tyrone stepped forward and handed him a large notebook.

"This is your hard copy information and instructions on our database. Even though there are no passwords or information on how to access it, lock this up. We don’t want anyone to know