Taken (Sinful Series - book 1)
Chapter 44 - Pack Order

Violet

Violet snuggled into Landon, enjoying his warmth and replaying the event of last night. Or was it better to say early this morning? Either way, her body was not protesting. In fact, it wanted more of his attention.

“That smile will get you in trouble,” Landon’s raspy voice brought her eyes from his chest to his face. She hadn’t noticed he was awake until he spoke.

“I like getting in trouble with you,” Violet’s cheeks heated as she replied. Her hand felt the hard planes of his chest and disappeared under the covers tracing his abs in a direction which showed her intentions.

“Didn’t I tell you sex with me is addictive,” Landon smugly asked her.

“One night here and you sound like an entitled Beta. Are you sure being here is good for you?” Violet teased him.

“Yes, if here, is here,” Landon’s hand traced her groin, “then it is my place to be.”

Violet smiled. There was a raw power in his voice, one she hadn’t heard before. He was indeed becoming a pack’s Beta. Her tease of his entitlement was a reminder of who he was most certainly not. Nothing was handed down to Landon, and he would not take anything for granted. The possessiveness in his voice was all she needed to reassure her, he wanted her as much as she craved him. Violet snuggled into his side, before lifting her leg over his hips and straddling him.

“I love the unobstructed view,” Landon complimented her before inhaling deeply when her pelvis slid over his length coating him with her moisture.

“I love the unobstructed feel,” Violet told him only to be interrupted by the sound of vibration of his phone against the nightstand. They both looked at it, but it was Violet who reached down to kiss Landon lifting herself off his lap. “You should get it.”

“No, I am getting you,” Landon explained, his hands tracing the outside of her thighs.

“I am not going anywhere,” Violet promised.

Landon groaned then rolled them over, pushing himself up off the bed to grab his cell phone. Landon chuckled unlocking his screen then all playfulness disappeared. Violet knew whatever it was; they would not be enjoying a carefree morning together.

“Jacob. Pack Order is here,” Landon informed her.

“To arrest me,” Violet finished the dreadful sentence only to see Landon shaking his head.

“No. They are offering to share their inside in the Creed epidemic,” Landon finished reading the text message.

Jacob

For a pack where nothing ever happened, these last couple of days had been nothing short from eventful. Jacob liked it that way. There was no time to dwell on the past, and no time to remember what he had lost. His only fear was that Landon and Violet’s mating was the only joyful news for many days to come.

Pack Order’s arrival so early in the morning spelled trouble. The solemn looks on the two visiting officers told the story. They had failed to contain Creed, and they were finally going to ask for assistance.

“My Beta pair would be joining us momentarily,” Jacob spoke once he read Landon’s reply.

“That would be much appreciated,” the one named Alexander spoke tapping his middle finger against the armrest.

Jacob wanted to growl at the insolence gesture. The Alpha in him recognized the distasteful tactic to transfer some of the anxiety the officers felt back to the titled wolves of the pack they visited. The unease in the air made lesser wolves remember sins long forgotten. The urge to lessen such burden made shifters compliant to what the pompous asses sitting across him wanted.

Jacob plastered a polite smile on his face denying them the satisfaction of seeing his anger. Oh, they had planned the psychological warfare down to the very detail. Pack Order dealings were a painful bureaucracy nightmare which killed all creative thinking within their ranks. Their inaction fueled the anger of many Alphas, who spoke of disbandment at the annual Alpha Council. Alphas preferred negotiations at the summit to resolve disputes as to not involve Pack Order’s sluggish system. On the few instances Pack Order decided to take a case, the Alphas involved deeply regretted it as the resolution was worse than the original problem.

Ryan was as fierce and loyal and could not easily ignore the gesture. He was about to say something when Jacob mind linked him.

“It’s not worth it,” Jacob’s words quickly shifted Ryan’s gaze to his. “We are no fools to be rattled by a boyish behavior.”

“Over privileged bastards,” Ryan replied.

Jacob smiled politely at the officials, while he replied, “They might as well be.”

Ryan coughed covering his laughter.

It was true. There were more bastard-born within Pack Order than in any pack. Their discipline and renouncement of all blood-born pack ties appealed to many who wanted to forget their parentage or were wanted fugitives in their respective packs. Once they don on the blue uniform, they were exempt of prosecution. It was a system of honor and redemption who the society had shunted away. Twenty years of service was all it took for all sins to be forgiven and for full pension and benefits to kick in. While there were still few Pack Order officials that stood by the old principles, most were ignorant pigs, who took advantage of their station. Passing the time on the job with minimal work inspired a culture of deferment and privilege.

Jacob’s attention landed on the prick in front of him, whose apparent pass-time was disrespecting Alphas. It led Jacob to speculate of his heritage. Titled wolves ran on adrenaline and many youthful mistakes resulted in pups out of wedlock.

The knock on the door announced Landon’s arrival, who upon one look over the representatives and immediately growled at the insolent prick.

“You,” Landon spat, moving in front of Violet in a protective stance. Jacob stood up, leaning over his desk, posture demanding an explanation. “You were at Inferno.”

Landon did not need to say anything further. The accusation was clear in his words. He was convinced Pack Order had something to do with the Creed in Violet’s drink.

“Wesley,” Alexander greeted shortly, extending his hand in a greeting. “It is nice to officially meet Pack Order’s Fixer.”

Landon did not acknowledge the handshake, leaving Alexander’s hand to hang in the air.

“Violet was your mission that night,” Landon’s voice was stern, unforgiving.

“She was the test case,” Alexander confirmed only for Landon’s fist to extend hitting him in the face.

Violet

It happened so quickly that Violet couldn’t quite follow. The moment Pack Order’s official confirmed Pack Order’s involvement in lacing her drink in Inferno, Landon’s fist connected with his face. The next second, Jacob had jumped over his desk, putting himself between Violet and the men in blue uniforms and separating Landon from his prey.

“Impressive,” the second enforcer replied, slowly standing up from his chair. “Alexander, get yourself cleaned up.”

Alexander picked himself up from the sprawled position he had landed. The force of Landon’s hit had left a bruise and cracked some bones. A glance from Jacob and Ryan opened the door for Alexander, trailing behind the officer to ensure his well-being. The Howlers were home-bodies, making them fierce in defending what was theirs.

“Young Alexander often underestimates the mating bond. Perhaps now he had learned his lesson,” the second official replied dismissing the incident as nothing more than an educational lesson. Violet could swear he cracked a smile towards the end of his speech. He then focused on Landon and continued. “Congratulations on your mating, Beta Landon.”

“Nolan,” Landon acknowledged the man, “care to explain?”

“Before you wrinkle my uniform?” Nolan joked but nevertheless raised his hands in a surrender to appease Landon’s Beast.

Landon ignored him, dismissing him as a threat thus allowing everyone to relax. Landon took a step back while his eyes searched the room for Violet. Landon’s thunderous face softened when his eyes landed on Violet. She immediately recognized his plea.

Violet patted Jacob’s toned back to remind him to step out of her way, so she could go to her mate. Jacob moved to sit back on his chair only once she had joined Landon. His gesture only confirmed how little trust the Howler’s had for Pack Order. Landon pulled Violet tight against his front, his nose burying in her neck, inhaling her scent. Violet took the opportunity to run her hands over his broad shoulders, further calming him down.

Landon pulled away far too quickly for Violet’s liking, introducing the remaining Pack Order member.

“Nolan O’Ceallaigh was my contact point when I ran chores with Pack Order,” Landon introduced them.

“And your commanding officer for your service time prior to that,” Nolan clarified with a thicker Irish accent.

“Which only brings up the question, since when do you associate with pigeon heads?” Landon asked.

“Since I turn pigeons into men,” Nolan retorted, hinting he was somehow responsible for the man Landon was now.

“And how is that going?” Landon did not spare a second to respond back.

“I know I made a change in at least one life,” Nolan resolution never faltered, while his eyes shifted to Jacob. “The Alpha-Beta dynamic is commendable for a Beta who hadn’t ascended.”

Jacob’s protectiveness of Violet did not go undetected. Nolan assumed it was because of Landon’s position in the pack, but Violet knew the truth. Jacob was willing to protect any mated pair so they don’t have to go through the despair he had known.

“We do what we can,” Jacob replied eyeing the Enforcer.

“Why would Pack Order creed Violet? What did he mean by a test case?” Landon did not waste another second with pleasantries. If their conversation so far could be called that.

“Creed is now a global threat. We have been unsuccessful in controlling its spread. We are losing shifters exponentially. Panic is settling in faster than we can deploy in the field. Platoons are working independently, but we are not enough. We need local forces,” Nolan’ eyes darted to Jacob, “to limit the exposure of our kind to naturals. But that’s not the worst of it.” Nolan licked his lips before continuing, “Pack Order has an early retirement incentive for any individuals who make headway in handling the crisis. It undermined the chain of command. Unauthorized leaves are further destabilizing Pack Order, as everyone is out for themselves.”

“It sounds to me someone needs to clean house,” Jacob concluded.

“We can’t afford to release anyone from their service as it would do more harm than good,” Nolan continued. “Not all of our officials are level headed. Some are criminals, who are cutthroat enough to try anything if that would lessen the duration of their service.”

Landon

“You lost respect,” Landon shook his head.

“Aye. I was pulled out of retirement because we lack commanding officers, and I am here to offer you a Battalion to run.”

“You are asking the Vigilante for help?” Landon laughed. He had gotten the nickname ‘Vigilante’ after he had destroyed his uncle’s office once Jack had refused to supply him with a new identity. He had been sentenced to a year in the care of Pack Order, where the nickname “Vigilante” had followed him. It wasn’t until he had met Nolan, before Landon decided to spend additional time fixing a system that was beyond broken. While Pack Order could not be fixed, his time there gave him all the experience he needed for a successful Fixer-career.

“You are now mated, more stable,” Nolan replied then rubbed his hands together. “Besides they are not going to follow ma’ old bones into reform. We need young capable blood to inspire some decency,” Nolan made his case.

“Landon is now a mated Beta,” Violet’s voice was firm and Landon had no doubt she had felt his discomfort from the bond and decided to step in and give Nolan an excuse. “Besides, none of this explains why I was Creeded.”

“It was just to help you understand what times we live in,” Nolan replied, wetting his lips before he continued, “Landon spent time undercover with the Dragons. Although he was in proximity to Creed, there were no adverse effects to his health. Reports said you actually learned to taste Creed and determine its purity with little to no effect on you.”

“Is that why you kissed me in Inferno?” The question came through the mindlink and Landon nodded in Violet’s direction.

“That and I couldn’t help myself,” Landon replied cheekily through the mindlink.

Their exchange was noted by Nolan who remained silent and once he thought he had their attention, he continued with his story.

“Violet has been a beautiful torn in Pack Order’s paw for months. Your escape from Hacksaw and your affiliation with Alphas and lone wolves did not go unnoticed. I’ve read reports on all the raids on “Velvet” and how there was no angle to turn you. Pack Order needs your connections as well as your cooperation. Alexander’s former platoon decided to creed you to see if you are too immune to the drug, since you also have lost your wolf.”

Landon looked at Violet and she could read the guilt in his blue orbs.

“I am responsible for your overdose,” Landon replied only for Violet to shake her head.

“I’d gladly take it as it led me to you,” Violet replied.

“What if their theory was wrong?” Landon voiced out his fear. “I could have lost you before I even got to know you.”

“Fate. Between the group and your time here, you were bound to meet. If that’s not Fate despite Choice, I don’t know what is,” Jacob interrupted, reminding them they are not alone.

“If it is any consolation the platoon responsible for it had been since disbanded. No matter how morally questionable their approach was, we now have a working theory – Creed’s effects depend on the presence of the wolf. When we analyzed reports from packs, we further discovered reports of prepubescent pups, who survived Creed. Creed symptoms are more intense if the wolf is titled,” Nolan continued looking at Jacob, undoubtedly referencing Noah’s death.

“He stood no chance,” Landon concluded.

“You can take comfort in knowing it was likely instantaneous and he did not suffer,” Nolan continued.

Violet looked at Landon then shifted her attention to Nolan.

“What do you want from us?” Violet questioned.

There was no way any Pack Order official would admit guilt or defeat if there was no further agenda. The comradeship bond between Nolan and Landon was irrelevant in this matter.

“You make a very wise Beta Female, Miss Preston,” Nolan complimented Violet before continuing, “You are unique, my dear. You overcame rejection, survived Creed and took a Taken.”

“No. Absolutely no to whatever it is you want from us,” Landon interrupted Nolan then looked at Violet. “Pack Order always has an agenda.”

“We only need blood and tissue samples from both of you since you were exposed to Creed before you got your wolves back. Our hope is we would be able to replace something leading us to an antidote,” Nolan continued.

The knock on the door diverted all attention to the opening door.

“Excuse me,” Karim eyeing the gathering, narrowing his eyes at the proximity between Landon and Violet.

“Just in time. Come on in,” Nolan welcomed him with a cunning look in his eyes. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

“Have we?” Landon questioned looking at Jacob who remained focused on the interaction at hand, further confirming none of them knew of Karim’s invitation.

“If you,” Nolan pointedly looked at Violet, “were the test subject for Alexander’s group, he is the control in ours. He would take Creed once his wolf is no longer with him. But before that, we have a closing window of time, when his wolf is withdrawing but still present and we could use it to see if a serum from your blood samples could diminish Creed’s effects.” Nolan explained then quickly rephrased. “If we give him a serum, then Creed him and there is no adverse effect then we’d know immunity can be transferred and we’d have a working prototype of an antidote, so to speak.”

“And if you are wrong, he will exhibit symptoms,” Violet concluded.

“Is that concern in your voice that I hear?” Karim flirted with Violet. Violet rolled her eyes at him, her thumb brushing over Landon’s skin in assurance. Landon kept his face void of any emotion, but deep down the exchange did not sit right with him. “The symptoms would be mild to moderate. I am assured they would not be deadly. But if they are, I have made my peace. But tell me would you mourn me?”

Landon opened his fists before his nails broke the skin. Violet’s hands slipped into his palms, preventing him to inflict damage on himself or others.

“Karim, the martyr,” Violet clicked her tongue. “It doesn’t go with your selfish nature. So what did they promise you? A Battalion?”

“Even if they were giving out Battalions, it would pale to the chance to always have a piece of you with me,” Karim felt the need to correct her guess.

Violet

“Even if they were giving out Battalions, it would pale to the chance to always have a piece of you with me,” Karim felt the need to correct her guess.

If it was anyone else, Violet would not have thought twice of his answer and dismissed it as a flirting attempt. But it was Karim and he was as selfish as they came. There had to be more.

“And Landon,” Violet rattled him, pointing out the serum would be synthesized by both of their blood samples.

“You’ll dry me out,” Karim said with a smile on his face.

Violet froze in her place, and even Landon’s warmth could not stop her shudder. Her mind recalled the phrase from the mouth of another, the fear in her as she was tossed in Xander’s cage. While Xander could have overheard, she doubted he’d overshare. There were no coincidences, and Violet immediately knew he had been over to Hacksaw, he had met her tormentors. Her cold fingers held onto Landon’s skin, breaking the surface, focusing his attention on her.

“Gagnon is cloning shifters,” Violet whispered only to witness for the second time in the morning, movement at an extraordinary pace.

Karim shifted to protect Nolan, unwillingly confirming Pack Order’s involvement. It was the last thing Violet saw, before Jacob’s shoulder connected with Landon’s, thus shielding her behind a wall of muscle.