Page 60 of Blood Pack Beginning

“Anything you can do would be helpful,” Thaddeus replied politely, yet icily.

The pair hung up, and the vampire eyed Cyrus and Diego. “I’m afraid that conversation was rather useless. Nathan seems determined to downplay the danger.”

“I don’t get it.” Cyrus shook his head. “He knows firsthand the trouble his dad caused. Saw what happened to those wolves Roderick turned. I don’t understand why he’s not taking this more seriously.”

“I don’t know.” Thaddeus shrugged. “Perhaps he thinks with the queen and Morpheus dead that another monstrosity like Roderick won’t occur.”

“But he knows about the master Morpheus mentioned, right?” Cyrus questioned.

“I told him, but that doesn’t seem to have made a difference. On the contrary, he seems to have convinced himself that this is now more of a vampire problem than one affecting the packs.”

“More like he doesn’t give a shit because it’s rogues and dormants mostly being affected,” Diego grumbled.

“Do you think he’s going to contact Xander and warn him?” Cyrus asked.

“Even if he does, I think it still best if you both were to pay your pack a visit. Although, keep in mind, you may have difficulty entering the compound and speaking with your alpha.”

“We’ll make him listen,” Cyrus stated. He paused before adding, “Could Xander have been compromised? Nathan seems pretty sure it’s impossible, but…” He hesitated, and Diego took over.

“Xander lied to Nathan. I know for a fact people have gone missing. Have been for months. Seven, by my count, last we were there. Why just before we left to visit Moon Dew last month, we had three disappearances in a week. Two males, one female. The gossip mill claimed Leslie ran off with Perry since they were dating, and as for Tom, the other missing guy, given his drinking problem, it was assumed he got picked up by the cops for pissing in public again. But Leslie’s mom insisted she wouldn’t have left like that, and as far as I know, Tom never contacted the pack for bail.”

Thaddeus frowned. “That is concerning because I see no reason for an alpha to intentionally lie unless he’s hiding something.”

“Or he’s been ordered to keep quiet,” Cyrus muttered.

The vampire drummed his fingers before slowly saying, “You’ve both tasted Sasha’s blood, right?”

Cyrus shifted foot to foot before admitting, “Yeah.”

“That will provide you with some protection, but there is a way I can offer more.”

“Roderick’s ashes?” Cyrus made a moue of disgust. “Sasha claims you already snuck some in our food.”

“That was to ensure that if you had been touched by Roderick we could shut and lock the door to anyone else entering your mind. No, what I’m talking about is a step that would bind you to me. It will require you renouncing your current pack and pledging to my Blood Pack.”

“Making you our alpha,” Diego clarified.

“Yes.”

Not an entirely shocking suggestion, and something Cyrus and Diego had been thinking of, especially now that were bound to Sasha. Packless Amir had already said he’d do it. He’d just been waiting for the next full moon when Thaddeus planned to do a group pledge with the Lycans who wanted to join.

“How does agreeing to take you as our alpha help?” Diego asked.

Fangs flashed as Thaddeus grinned. “The words to the pledge are only ceremonial, but the blood you’ll ingest, my blood, will bind you to me and make it almost impossible for another to claim.”

“Um, no offense, boss, but I’d rather keep my link to Sasha rather than have one with you,” Diego blurted out.

“That bond will remain. After all, you are mated. All my blood will do is protect you from the unknown. We never could have predicted Roderick becoming an alpha Lycan-vampire hybrid and wreaking as much havoc as he has. Unlike Nathan’s wait-and-see attitude, I prefer to cover all bases and be prepared for anything.”

Cyrus glanced at Diego, and the pair shared a silent exchange before saying, “We’ll do it.”

Hence why they ended up kneeling on the carpet, repeating some mumbo-jumbo about serving and protecting and then exchanging blood with their new alpha. Tasty, but not as yummy as Sasha’s, nor did they feel any different afterwards. Hopefully, it would work as intended.

By the time that was all said and done, the SUV was ready to go, and they headed for it, with Thaddeus saying, “Soon as the next vehicle is ready, I will send reinforcements, as I have a feeling there will be trouble. If the odds are stacked against you, wait for them.”

“Sure thing, boss,” Diego quipped, but Cyrus remained silent. He wasn’t about to make a promise he couldn’t keep. If people were in danger, especially Sasha and Amir, he would act.

He and Diego didn’t go alone. Anabel and Pierrot would also be going, with the latter declaring he’d drive. Fine by Cyrus, who chose to nap during the long drive. He woke when they reached the motel where they were supposed to meet up with Sasha and Amir.

---