Taken (Sinful Series - book 1)
Chapter 42 - The Howlers

Landon

There were Alphas who relied on the Alpha Command to keep others in line. Jacob preferred leaving it as a last resort. The moment his black Subaru burned rubber in front of Velvet, Landon knew something urgent transpired.

“Get in,” Jacob grumbled.

Violet slid in the passenger seat without saying a word, thus leaving no other option for Landon but to follow. Vincent got in the car after Landon, closing the door as if it was the most natural thing. Landon glared at him only to receive a small smile in return.

“Who’s he?” Jacob questioned the exchange.

Common manners suggested Landon answer the Alpha but before he got the chance, reached forward offering his hand for a handshake and introducing himself.

“Vincent Hildeguard. A pleasure to meet you, Alpha Tassone.”

Jacob looked at Landon in the rear view mirror. He had recognized the name. Good Fixers were few and far in between. Alphas took pride in knowing their names, even if they couldn’t always put a face to the name.

“The Fixer claiming your territory,” Jacob spoke his eyes never leaving Landon.

Landon never really considered his influence as his territory, but that was not how Alphas thought. They always associated strength with something tangible – may it be embodied in their leadership or their lands.

“I’ve been otherwise busy,” Landon distractedly answered. Between the investigation in Noah’s death and replaceing Violet, he had his hands full. Both gave his life a new perspective. He was no longer passing the time, but actively making plans. Currently, Landon was preoccupied with the reckless driving of the Howler’s Alpha than with Hildi picking up some few clients.

“I know exactly what you’ve been busy with,” Jacob replied shortly.

Jacob returned his attention to the road, but the uneasiness never left Landon. There was no doubt Jacob did not refer to his recent mating. It was just in Jacob’s nature to hint of things and make you squirm under his penetrating gaze until you confessed your transgressions from months and years ago.

“He knows,” Landon informed Violet through the link, “about Creed.”

“Ethan?” Violet quickly inquired.

There was nobody else who would have talked. Landon nodded before he realized she would not be able to see him. But Jacob did.

“Out with it,” Jacob barked. The mood in the car plummeted as his Alpha dominance came to the front. The tension was heavy and Violet visibly tensed trying to resist the hidden urge to obey. It would have felt even harder to resist Jacob’s word had they been part of the Howlers.

Jacob was mad and rightfully so. Landon’s investigation in Noah’s death only reopened wounds for him and the pack. While Landon could understand him, it was not in Jacob’s calm demeanor to lose his temper, especially in front of an outsider.

“Vincent wants me to meet with Connor McCabe,” Violet turned towards Jacob. “Did you know he is my cousin?”

Jacob’s silence was more telling than the short nod he gave.

“When,” Violet swallowed before continuing with her question, “did you replace out? Did he approach you?”

“Devaro told me after you inquired about my Beta,” Jacob explained.

“Jack knew,” Violet face showed just how devastated she felt.

No, betrayed. Landon corrected himself. She had considered Jack Devaro a close friend, an ally in life’s shit storm, yet he had kept things from her. Landon knew exactly how it felt. He had been there before. Not only had Jack taken all of Landon’s savings, but he had not delivered the promised cover ID’s. Landon had collected the debt owed to him by unleashing the fury of bitterness upon the unsuspecting furniture of Jack’s office.

“I’m sorry,” Jacob replied speeding through the empty roads. “I meant to call you but then things got in the way.”

Jacob’s vague reply served as a reminder they were not alone in the car. Violet turned towards the passenger window, trying to control her emotions. But no matter how much she bit her lip, or how many steady breaths she took, her heart raced. Landon knew just how hurt she felt even without the bond.

“Are my parents alive?” Violet kept her eyes at the scenery beyond the window, but they all knew her question was for Jacob to answer.

“I don’t know,” Jacob’s voice was sorrowful. His right hand reached over to her left and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

Landon’s beast wanted to show teeth at the Alpha, but Landon held him back. It was neither place nor time for a show of dominance when it was clear, Jacob was only her friend.

“They are dead, Violet. Valencia felt the family bond breaking,” Vincent broke his silence.

“Karim seems to think otherwise,” Violet supplied, her voice betraying her hope.

“Lazuli approached you?” All eyes fell on the Fixer, who shook his head with disgust. “The spiteful prick would say anything to screw with you.”

Landon growled not appreciating Vincent’s word choice. In no universe was it acceptable for the word “Screw” to be used to describe anything between Karim and Violet.

“I need to talk with Valencia,” Violet’s voice was enough to silence them all.

Violet

“I need to talk with Valencia,” Violet thought out loud.

Vincent swiftly pulled up his phone and offered it to Violet, only for Landon to snatch it right from his hands even before he could press dial. Landon wasn’t the only one opposing such an idea. Jacob didn’t look too fond of it either.

“Wait,” Landon had shot through the mindlink stopping her from reaching the phone.

Her curiosity was awoken. What did they both see in this phone call? She could not understand the need for idling. Had it been a meeting, it would have been proper to secure the location. But for Goddess’ sake, an IPhone could not harm her.

“It’s a local number,” Landon pointed out, showing her the illuminated screen. She didn’t know how it was possible, but she could swear she heard the blood rush to her ears. Excitement and fear – Violet could not define her feelings. Her living family was close but Violet honestly couldn’t decide if that made her happy or sad.

“Of course, it is. They are at the Marriott,” Vincent casually explained.

“They?”

“Conner and Valencia,” Vincent answered. “They wanted to be close by in case you decided to meet them.”

“When were you going to tell us that?” Landon snarled.

“The Marriott is on no man’s land. Besides they didn’t want to make her feel pressured to meet them as they’ve made the journey to meet her. Their location was irrelevant until Violet made up her mind, which she did by her own free will,” Vincent explained.

Violet did not like how the male shifters talked as if she was the topic but not a part of the conversation. Before she could let them know just how frustrating that was, Landon’s first collided with Vincent’s nose, knocking him out. Physical violence never solved an argument but a sick part of Violet secretly glowed at the fact there was justice. Landon did not appreciate the insolent remark. Violet turned in her seat, looking at Landon who struggled to control his beast. The way he avoided meeting her eyes told her he felt ashamed for doing it.

Vincent was right. Until she showed interest, the whereabouts of her relatives was irrelevant.

“There is never a dull moment with you two,” Jacob shook his head pulling into the long driveway of his estate.

Landon chuckled, “You still have time to reconsider announcing us as your Beta couple.”

“Good try,” Jacob teased. “Though it is insulting when a fellow Alpha feels the need to enlighten me about my Beta’s intentions.”

“I was going to read you in when I had something solid to report,” Landon offered.

“Aberdeen is a talker,” Jacob shook his head. “You should know better than to involve him in anything much less an investigation.”

“Wait, you know. Since when?” Violet asked.

“I am the Alpha, Vi, for a reason,” Jacob smiled at her.

“You are not mad about his investigation but who he chose to trust with it,” Violet still couldn’t understand.

“I think Noah knew he might meet an ‘accident’ so he named Landon his successor. I lucked out. Of course, Landon would look into his death. I got a Fixer to handle the investigation, and I didn’t even have to pay him a dime,” Jacob smugly told them.

“A temporal lapse of judgment,” Landon rebutted.

“One of many, I am told,” Jacob teased him right back with the same carefree tone he used with Violet. “But you found Violet on my territory so now I have my Beta pair. Isn’t that a wonderful coincidence?”

Violet stared between the two and their playful exchange. They sounded like an old married couple. Noah did do a wonderful job pairing them to work together. While they were still busy exchanging glares, Vincent focused on Vincent.

“What are we going to do?”

“We won’t leave him on the side of the road, don’t worry,” Jacob teased Violet then told Landon. “When he comes to, you will apologize. But for now, we need to leave him to sleep it off. You will retire to your rooms where we shall talk further.”

“Rooms? No. Landon is staying with me,” Violet laughed at Jacob’s old-fashioned views.

“He meant Beta quarters,” Landon chuckled.

“Oh,” Violet blushed and it was Jacob’s turn to laugh.

“Can’t keep your hands to yourself,” Jacob hummed then added in a serious voice. “This weekend would be perfect for you to join the pack, maybe even go on a pack run.”

Landon nodded his head in acceptance, only for Violet to question his agreement.

“Aren’t we going to Cavino’s party this weekend?”

Violet lurched forward as the car abruptly stopped.

“Wesley, are you completely out of your mind?” The Alpha growled then turned to look Landon in the eye. “It’s an orgy.”

“It’s also the only way to figure out who finances Creed,” Violet dismissed his concern.

“Yeah, and how smooth would that go if he growls at every single soul that dare look at you wrong? Cavino is desperate to fit in the family but not stupid. He would smell you before you even have the chance to approach him.”

“Then we will make him approach us,” Violet offered. “Newly mated wolves are insatiable until the mating results in a pup. My understanding is he likes to watch.”

Landon growled at her words then quickly got out of the car, slamming the door behind him before he shifted, shredding his clothes and ran.

Violet looked at Landon’s direction then turned to Jacob for answers.

Jacob

“Couldn’t you have waited until he was brought in?” Jacob grunted under the weight of the Fixer.

Violet’s plan was feasible on paper. The carefully planned deception depended on the target believing it was his idea to approach the couple. Landon and Violet were quickly becoming popular with their more than a controversial story. Second choice matings always provoked interest. Shifters were innately curious, questioning the bond’s existence between the Taken. Even those who were inclined to believe there was a bond, doubted it was as strong and agile as the Goddess indented one to their Fated. Indeed, Violet and Landon’s arrival at the Cavino mansion party was bound to turn heads. Mario would not be able to help himself but approach them.

But the question was not whether Cavino would spend time in Violet and Landon’s company. It was whether they could allow such intrusion in their privacy so soon after their claiming. Landon’s outburst earlier was just the proof. If he could not handle Violet talking about it, then he would surely not be able to go through it.

“I don’t know what just happened,” Violet looked at the direction Landon fled. She reluctantly followed Jacob up the stairs as he carried unconscious Vincent. “Lan and I talked about the party in Velvet.”

Violet sounded confused.

“I don’t think he realized it how intrusive it would be until he heard you say it,” Jacob replied. “Mates don’t share.”

Jacob grunted tossing Vincent in one of the guest beds. He quickly scribbled, 'Please accept our apologies. The Howlers welcome your stay. Alpha Tassone.’ Jacob then left it on the nightstand and ushered Violet to his study. There were things they needed to discuss in private.

Once there he poured himself a glass of hard liquor. He was not looking forward to this conversation. The fiery liquid left a familiar tingle down his throat. He refilled his glass and then poured one for Violet.

“Rumor has it, Landon found Aidan knotted in Erika,” Jacob started only for Violet to cringe at the information and empty her glass. This was certainly not a pleasant conversation for either one of them. “The Wesley twins haven’t spoken since.”

“So much for easing into the topic,” Violet commented.

“We both know time is a luxury only fools take for granted,” Jacob took another gulp of his glass. “We all have baggage. In time, you will eventually hear the story from Landon himself. However, I am selfish and I want my Beta female to show some understanding to my soon-to-be-official Beta even if he acted childishly.”

“Childishly?”

“He ran away instead of telling you what made him upset,” Jacob replied. “Running away is for children, not mated couples, no matter how screwed up their lives had been before they got together.”

“I appreciate any insight,” Violet told him.

“Then you should also know that mentioning a pup and another male is a no-no,” Jacob watched her carefully as she calmly replied.

“I see how my words could have been taken out of context. I was referring to our willingness to mate in public provided we keep as much of our clothing as possible. I never suggested we should invite Mario to participate.”

“That would apply for Skin mating,” Jacob replied waiting for her to connect the dots, when she didn’t he helped out, “Shifter mating is more intense. You’d both be vulnerable if he is knotted in you. That is why it usually happens on pack’s runs, where other pack mates would ensure your safety.”

“Oh,” Violet sighed, rubbing her forehead. The lack of experience showing through her confused face “I honestly didn’t even think of Shifter sex.

“I’m sure Landon would reach the same conclusion after he clears his mind. In the meantime, I want you to know where he is coming from and why he needed the run,” Jacob explained. “Cavino is a wolf, and until you’re expecting, Landon will take any unmated shifter as a possible challenger to his claim on you. When you’re carrying his pup, he’d be even more possessive and protective of you. The mating bond would not have it any other way. Do you see why attending this party is a recipe for a disaster?”

Violet nodded her understanding.

“I walked right into it, didn’t I?” Violet sighed finishing her drink. “I feel terrible.”

“Well, I am sure you can think of a way to apologize to him,” Jacob smiled at her then after a pause continued, “But neither one of you are setting a foot at Cavino’s. One, you can’t just sneak into a party when you are popular and easily recognizable as the Howler’s Beta pair to anyone with a nose. Two, it would be difficult to reign in your Beasts when they get possessive in such an environment. Three, if you think my pack is conservative, you should see Red Bloods. I assume you’d like to make a good first impression on the mama Wesley. I hear she is quite traditional.”

“And foolish if she believed Erika over Landon.” Violet snapped.

“She is still his mother and you will meet the family like it or not,” Jacob explained and then rubbed the back of his neck, “maybe even sooner rather than later.”

“What do you mean?”

“Landon needed to be unaffiliated to investigate the circumstances around Noah’s passing. But he will honor the will of his best friend, just as he has been there for Noah’s relatives. He is a good man, and he knows with your mating he’d have to assume his rank here. A Beta’s induction in a pack is a public event. Ranked wolves from other packs are invited to witness it.”

“Oh, goodie,” Violet sarcastically responded only making Jacob chuckle. “I get to meet the family. Do they really look alike?”

“They do, but the way Landon looks at you, well, that you can’t copy,” Jacob smiled.

“Thank you, Jacob,” Violet replied then asked, “But what will happen to the investigation? The party was the in to try to identify the person who financed Creed.”

“I didn’t say nobody would go,” Jacob replied.

“You?” Violet laughed at the implication.

“Don’t look at me like I wouldn’t be successful. I don’t have a bond and I am a sitting Alpha in his prime. Quite the catch, I am told,” Jacob argued.

“You are,” Violet smiled at him. They both knew he would never fit in such an environment, but she still let him have his prideful moment. It was one of her unique qualities that made her ideal for a Beta female.

“But I wasn’t going to volunteer myself,” Jacob finally confessed.

“Then who?”

“Casey.”