SevenMarkPackAttackMobi (6 page)

Like a mantra, the words kept repeating in my brain.
No one gets away with betraying the pack.
Not even my brother.

You see? The evidence was all stacked up against him. Although I couldn’t hardly believe it, I couldn’t ignore the facts. I had to hunt him down.

I kept asking myself, how could he do it? Expose Wolf to such media frenzy. Even if he didn’t believe in racial purity. Oh, I know Bark, but he’d never said it formally. Never would have gone that far.

He’d wanted a new world order, all right, but it included peace for all. He was too much a lover, not a fighter. He would never have picked a fight for the company, and sure as hell not with the bastets, not on purpose.

But then, it appeared he did. How could he live with himself? How could I let him?

And if he really was the one responsible for that killing spree...The best I could do is offer him an easy and quick death. I had a feeling that anybody else that got a hold of him would make him suffer. Not that I didn’t think he deserved that.

Shit. What the hell had he brought down upon us?

See how my brain was jumping?

We were family. I would put him down fast, as soon as I found him. I just couldn’t get over the feeling of betrayal. How could he do this to us? To me? I wondered if I was somehow to blame. Off gallivanting, seeing the world--leaving it all to him. Too much pressure for him?

But he’d been Alpha.

I should have seen it coming--headed him off. He’d been the CEO. Who would’ve thought he’d run from that? From all we stood for? Why didn’t he just step down?

Back and forth, my brain worked. I knew he couldn’t have stepped down, because I wasn’t ready to take over...wouldn’t have done it. The whole time, Frank’s monotone droned at me, but I tuned him out.

We had established a wholly self-contained conglomerate of businesses--run completely by werewolves. And the world had no clue. But they would, if my brother did any more damage. Renegade wolf on a killing spree. Oh, my sweet Gaia. In this day of DNA, how could police not track him down? Not find the genetic--flaw? Or turn on the rest of us when the word got out? Surely they would test his family first.

“--just think there’s more to it than we see.”

I couldn’t believe Frank hadn’t disappeared from my sight. I knew at some point, my eyes had glazed over. And somewhere in the middle of my thinking, I’d actually walked away from him more than once. I was almost to the elevator.

“Look.” I pushed the button. “The group’s in turmoil, with good reason. We need a little reorganization. I am absolutely the man to do it. I just need to get my head straight...and a few other things, too, for that matter.”

Smooth out relationships, that sort of thing.

I let the wolf have run of my brain...Hunt down the culprit. Rip his throat open.

“Remember that the people here are loyal, not the guilty.”

“I keep telling myself that, too,” I lowered my voice, “but a part of me wonders how Bark could do this. It makes no sense. It’s just not him, unless...someone else was in on the whole thing.” The news report evidence had appeared pretty damning. I voiced an unbelievable thought. “Do you think my brother was the victim of a genetic experiment, that there really is M.W.D.?”

Like I said, I didn’t trust our own.

After all, more than one of Lobos’ subsidiaries operated first class bio-experiment labs, and one in particular produced pharmaceuticals that subdued neural synapse operations. Migraine solutions, brain enhancers. Bark had been checking out their new line right about the time I’d left for my vacation.

Had we developed something I didn’t know about? I knew I had to get into that lab and check things out. Maybe late, when everyone else had gone home. My instincts told me that I would find some answers there. Just had to sniff around a bit.

Frank in all his nervousness, muttered, “It’s a possibility we have to consider,”

I could admit to myself that things had gotten a little out of hand during the morning meeting. I’d had a few seconds to cool down. I wasn’t going to say that, though. I don’t apologize--to anybody. Never make them think you’re weak, you know? Never second-guess your instincts.

After all, it was too late to change what had happened. All in all, I think the meeting went pretty well. I mean, I got my point across. I don’t think anyone else will be stepping out of line in the future.

However, that didn’t seem to be Frank’s immediate concern.

Smiling, I said, “Look. I grabbed a guy by the throat, thought about slicing him to ribbons--verbally, physically--but I didn’t. I’ve got it handled.”

It surprised the hell out of me when Frank finally looked me in the eye. “But--”

The moment didn’t last long, a two-second brief. I stared him down until he gulped and looked away. I fully expected him to slink away.

He didn’t though. Gulping again, his gaze still averted, he admitted, “I gotta tell ya--some of us--we’re worried about
you
, Mark.”

“You should be worried for yourselves.” Yes, it came out as a growl--and I meant it. It was a definite warning for him to back away. He damn well better not say that I was going off the deep end--like my brother.

Obviously, he wasn’t looking for a fight. Once again, the smell of fear rose off of him. He sweated instantly, profusely, from every pore of his body, made me wrinkle my nose. I knew he was about to piss his pants.

I almost felt sorry for him. “If you have something to say, spit it out.” I couldn’t fathom why Frank would have followed me out--with my temper running so high.

And at that moment, I knew no one that could make me cower down.

I was good in business, better in bed and best when I was hunting something. The kind of guy you wanted as a friend, not an enemy--guaranteed. I had money, power, and the ability to get just about anything I laid my eyes on. What I couldn’t have, I could tear down, one way or another. I had destroyed more people, more businesses, more lives, than I could count. Certainly more than I could remember. No, Frank did not want to mess with me. He wanted nothing but to show his concern and get away without a scratch.

Pulling out a handkerchief to mop his face, Frank’s throat convulsed a little. I knew he was having trouble forming words--coherent thoughts, probably, since I’d practically crawled over the top of him. His beady eyes were on everything but me now, and I could feel his itch to run. I licked my lips, trying not to grin too big. I hoped he would.

Planting my feet wide, I asked a little too quietly, “You think I’m out of control?”

I was not out of control. Close, but not quite. If I had been, they all would have been dead.

Frank swabbed his balding forehead. “You had that guy by the throat back there.” He stammered, “Or...or didn’t you notice?”

He ducked when I moved. I eased out a chuckle, forced myself to relax. “You know what he was thinking. Plain and clear he broadcasted that Bark--”

Frank groaned, “You can’t help thoughts that spring to your head sometimes. Mind talk is a curse. That’s why Lobos has worked so hard to subdue it.”

“Bullshit. We aren’t working to subdue it. We’re working to harness it, to protect ourselves, so the damn psychic humans don’t sneak into our brains and protect themselves from us.”

“They just sound crazy--the ones that say it.”

The elevator opened. I stepped in. He put a hand to the inside of the door so it wouldn’t close. “If enough of them say it, somebody will--”

Conspiratorial kills had already occurred, more were contracted. I cut him off. “Frank, I need to talk to Lobos, and then get on a plane to backwater wherever the hell that news report was. Now, you can go with me or stay here, but let go of the elevator.”

He vacillated. Finally, he stepped in. When the doors closed, he said, “I’m gonna keep an eye on things.”

It was funny to me...Frank was stepping up to watch my back. That’s what it was all about. But he said with wry humor, “Can’t have another CEO go AWOL, can we?”

Chapter Two

My cell phone rang. I pulled it from my pocket and put it to my ear. “Wolf.”

The voice on the other end of the line was curt. Hood, head of Lobos, said, “Hood here. I want to see you.”

I pictured him. I always thought he looked like Wolverine from the X-Men series. No-nonsense kind of guy. I didn’t relish the idea of meeting him face to face until I had my p’s and q’s straight.

Silence crackled over the line for a few seconds before I said, “I was going--”

He repeated, “I want you here. We need to talk.”

Shit.

Frank gave me space in the elevator. I must’ve been puffing up, rolling my shoulders.

“Fine,” I answered abruptly and closed the phone. The longer the connection was open, the more he’d realize I was not fully on top of the situation.

Frank lifted an eyebrow.

“Hood. We’re going to Lobos first.”

He didn’t say anything. He pulled out his handkerchief, though, and mopped his head. He was right behind me when I climbed in the chopper ten minutes later and he sat quietly, not saying another word the whole time we made the ride, but right before we landed on top of the Lobos complex, he put a hand to my arm and said, “Mark, block your thoughts completely. We have spies among us.”

It wasn’t like I needed to hear that. I already knew. But it was good to have Frank thinking on the same wavelength as I was. For the first time in my life, I was glad not to be alone.

The chopper hovered above the complex long enough for us to see Wolf Wonderland, the statue garden in front of the place, and to view the acreage around the enormous building. It spanned acres. I’d been there plenty of times before, but I never got over the awe of how huge the structure was.

I asked my cousin, “You haven’t been here, before, have you?”

He shook his head. “That is magnificent.” His gaze was on the statuesque park.

“Wait ‘til you get inside. You’ve met Hood before, haven’t you?”

“Yeah. He’s pretty intense.”

I chuckled. “You could say that.”

“Don’t look him in the eye.”

I turned to look Frank in the eye.

He gulped. “Men have died for less.”

“I have to look him in the eye. If I don’t, he’ll think I’m prevaricating.”

“Are you planning to lie?”

I thought about that for a minute before saying, “I don’t have anything to lie about, do I?”

He answered my question with a question of his own. “You don’t know anything, do you?”

“I know that Bark did not cheat the company.” I felt it in my bones. I was gonna back my brother up. Never mind that I figured I’d have to hunt him down and kill him. One way or another, he’d let us down.

“I’m seeing doubt in your eyes, Mark.”

“I’m thinking about Bark, but he didn’t steal the money.”

“I know that.”

“Do you know who did?”

“Not yet.”

“You should be at home, going over the books, finding that out.”

Frank very quietly said, “I’m watching our backs, Mark. If someone takes you down, there ain’t nothing gonna save us. Doesn’t matter what the books turn up.”

The chopper hit ground on the cement roof. The door opened.

I knew that Frank was right. Someone was trying to topple Wolf, and possibly Lobos. We stepped out to no welcoming committee, which sort of surprised us both. I remember looking at Frank, and both of us raising our eyebrows. Usually, Lobos stood on convention.

We made our way inside. Things were very quiet.

I asked Frank, “Something seem odd to you?”

“It’s a test.” His beady eyes went left and right, darting like a nervous rat. I could actually hear him swallow.

Sniffing the air, I asked, “What sort of a test?”

“I think we’re being watched.”

That made me smile. I knew he was right. Raising my voice, I said, “Hood. I’m a little disappointed in your manners.”

We didn’t move another step. I liked having an exit door at my back.

Frank didn’t say a word, but I could tell he hated waiting, which struck me as odd. I mean, his whole life, the man had hovered in the wings, waiting for other people around him to make things happen. It occurred to me that Frank would have loved being in charge of Wolf E.--I almost handed it to him right then.

No, really. I thought about saying, “Look, you want the company? I’m outta here.” Let him deal with it all. He’d eventually get it all straightened out. I was sure of it.

But I didn’t get a chance to form the words. Clear as day, in mind talk, he said,
I don’t want the company, Mark. Now shut your mind the fuck up.

Shit. I’d let my guard down.

You have to know something...my end of the business runs toward intimidation. For those who can read minds to know what I’m gonna do with them, or thinking about doing to them...tends to engender fear. Letting my mind loose is a good tool to make lupines quiver. Getting a hold of it...really...that was not one of my fortes.

That’s when I saw her for the first time. Right when I was thinking that I needed to get a grip on my brain. Amber came out of a door on one side of the hall, glanced over her shoulder at us, looked us up and down--never smiled. She lifted an eyebrow, pursed her lips and said--in her head--
Look what the cat dragged in.

She was referring to me, I just knew it. But, very faintly, I
did
smell cat. I glanced around behind me. The scent was faint, too faint for most to pick up...just...a certain something that I couldn’t put a finger on.

Frank said aloud, “Excuse me, miss...do you know where we can find Hood?”

My attention went right back to her. I was looking her over. Call me fucked up. I had my dog going instantly at the scent of her. I inhaled a long draw, and let my gaze flicker over her.

Had she fucked a cat man? I don’t know why that thought came to me. I blinked it away, quick. But not quick enough, apparently. Frank elbowed me.

She lifted both eyebrows at me and took me in--to my toes and back up again--just as I did her.

You won’t believe this, but she had on fishnet stockings under her lab coat, which was buttoned. And her shoes weren’t sensible working shoes, either. No nursing flats. She had on some strappy, ankle-wrapped heels. Even had her toenails painted red. From the hem down, she looked like a whore. From there up, she looked like a doctor.

Her hair then was caught in a twist and clipped with a little fringe sticking up. Looked like she’d pulled it up quick. She had on bright red lipstick, too, and that helped me focus on her features. Her face is round, maybe more so because she is overweight, but there was an undeniable beauty in it.

Reaching up, I snugged my tie and straightened it. My sights were narrowed in on her, no question about it. I had a sudden urge to fuck.

I’m a wolf, a man...I’m not apologizing for an instant reaction to a woman that I was attracted to from moment one.

Frank put a hand to my elbow and squeezed with the thought, “Keep it in your pants before you get us killed. What’s wrong with you?”

Amber licked her lips and grinned. She was listening in. “Hood isn’t lost. Is he expecting you?”

Frank volunteered, as he pushed me forward. “He asked us to come.”

Her lips twisted more. “Did he, now? You sure it wasn’t a command?”

We didn’t answer that. Everyone knew how Hood was. He barked. People jumped.

She glanced around. “And he didn’t meet you?”

“Or send anyone else.” I found my tongue. “Seems a little crass to me.”

I hoped Hood was listening. I had things to do, and this meeting was wasting my time. I figured that getting annoyed would help me in the long run.

Amber asked, “Who are you, if you don’t mind my asking?”

Frank started to stutter an introduction, but I stopped him with a hand. First of all, as the new CEO of Wolf E., I knew sure as shit that she knew who I was. Not a wolf on the planet would have missed that changeover. My picture had been on
all
the satellite broadcasts.

She was belittling me, relegating me to a nothingness and I didn’t like it. I had never been treated ‘less than,’ and I wasn’t about to start then, I didn’t care if my tongue was wagging or not. The alpha in me rose up, that’s all I can say, the minute I laid eyes on her.

I said, “Listen, bitch, why don’t you run along and tell Hood I’m getting pissed at waiting. I’ve got things to do.”

Now, don’t think bitch is a cut-down. Garou women are bitches, female dogs. It’s an appropriate term to use when you don’t know the girl’s name. I didn’t want to ask, because that put me in the position of a beggar, and I was not that by any means.

She smiled, a little condescendingly. Her tongue rolled out, over her lips, and took its time sliding up under her lip, over the front of her upper teeth. “Listen, you little piss-ant
son
of a bitch, I don’t know who you think you’re talking to, but
I
don’t take orders.”