Page 11 of Blood Pack Beginning

“You say ‘us,’ meaning vampires, but you forget that ‘us’ has expanded. Marc and Toni aren’t going anywhere, nor are the wolves we’ve picked up. Part of starting a new Pack Order is accepting that vampire and Lycan business will be intertwined from here on out. Also, there’s the fact Morpheus, with his last breath, said this isn’t over.”

“I’d say the fact he’s dead kind of does.”

Thaddeus’ lips tightened into a thin line. “Morpheus claimed to have a master who would avenge him.”

The revelation rounded Sasha’s eyes. “Wait, he was working on someone else’s orders?”

Thaddeus nodded. “Someone who will likely pick up the cause where Morpheus left off. And before you ask, I don’t know to whom he was referring. Morpheus’ sire was thought long dead. I don’t know who he would have claimed as master, but I intend to find out. In the meantime, having your four join our cause would be a good thing.”

“They’re notmine,” Sasha protested. “And let’s say they can be swayed. I’m not sure what good they’ll do. Their fighting skills were less than adequate when we faced them in Moon Dew.”

“So train them to be better fighters.”

Her nose wrinkled. “Seriously? Why me? You know I hate dogs.”

“I’d be careful saying that.” His cold measured reply.

“Sorry, boss.” A quick apology, not that she feared Thaddeus. He’d never harm her without good reason.

“Just so you know, I don’t think it will be long before we have a veritable pound here comprised of the strays Nathan has turned away. He’s been killing on sight any rogue he believes might have been touched by Roderick and refusing sanctuary to anyone who has been away from a Pack for an extended period of time.”

The thought of the compound overrun by dogs had her suppressing a shudder. “I’ll see if our guests can be swayed to our side and, if they agree, see what tricks they can be taught.”

“Good. Start by assessing their skill level. At least three of them have the muscle and they’re Lycan, meaning strength and quick reflexes, so they shouldn’t be too hard to train.”

“As you command,” her sassy reply.

“And by train, I don’t mean humiliate by handing them their asses.”

Sasha’s lips curved. “Would I do that?”

“Yes.”

A deep throaty laugh emerged. “What can I say? Sometimes it’s the only way to be taken seriously.”

“If you must spank them, then try and do so without causing permanent damage or humiliation. Injured pride fosters resentment.”

“Aye, aye, Captain.” She mock-saluted before leaving Thaddeus, her pace brisk. How annoying. Babysitting canines. Teaching them tricks. Then again, perhaps it wouldn’t be all bad. The flirty one smelled tasty, and she’d not had fresh blood in a while. The bagged stuff didn’t taste the same, but the boss insisted they use it in lieu of random strangers.

The wolves were being kept in a panic room, which could be locked only from the inside with a key—a key currently in her pocket. Not a problem for Sasha, who’d been the one to engage the mechanism without touch. While her compulsion skills might be lacking, she had other strengths: using telekinesis to lock and unlock doors being one of them.

She stood a few paces away before concentrating on the device holding the thick steel door shut. The bolts in it clanged as she released them. She crossed her arms as she then used her power to give the door a push.

It opened and out rushed three of the wolves.

Amir, Diego, and Cyrus. No real surprise. Although their expressions proved amusing as they realized she didn’t stand as close as expected, not that it stopped their wolfish dash. Amir had a slight lead, having emerged first, and she quickly stepped to the side as he lunged, grabbing his arm while hooking her foot around his ankle. With a hard yank, she pulled him off balance and heaved him… barely. The man had some heft to him.

She couldn’t enjoy his landing, as she ducked to avoid Cyrus’ flying fist next. Before he could recover from his swing, she’d popped up and clocked him in the nose, hard enough it crackedand bled, which led to him hollering, “Ow, fuck. She broke my nose.”

Diego wisely skidded to a stop and gave her a droll smile. “I’m thinking perhaps we should rethink our plan to escape.”

“Did you really think this would work?” Sasha eyed the three men; glowering Amir, sulking Cyrus, and the overly-charming-to-avoid-getting-his ass-whipped Diego.

“You can’t blame us for trying,” Amir growled.

“I don’t, which is why I won’t punish you.”

“Now that we’ve met with your boss, are you setting us free?” Omar had crept to the threshold and eyed her with trepidation. He was so unlike the other Lycans she’d encountered that if it weren’t for his scent, she’d have thought him human.

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