Amber Flame

  However, there was one thing he had to know. Didn’t Sandrine bring you down in your dreamglide?

  That’s right, but she wasn’t as preoccupied as she will be now. I think you can get in without being noticed. Besides, the last thing she’ll expect is a wolf in a dreamglide.

  Then I’ll give it a shot because this could change everything. I’ll get back to you when I’m in position. It won’t be but a couple minutes now.

  He heard the amusement in her voice as she responded, Well, you know where I’ll be.

  God, I love you.

  Back atcha, wolf. Now get going.

  Fergus returned to his strategy room and saw that Warren had arrived. “I’m going after Mary right now.”

  Warren’s green eyes glittered. “And you’re sure she’s in Sydon’s bunker?”

  “I am.”

  “So, she’s not far from the bomb you told me about.”

  “That’s right.”

  “Why is that bomb even there?” Warren asked.

  “Best guess? Sydon could detonate it anytime he wanted, especially if the place was overrun. He could escape his bunker at the last minute, and still take out a lot of lives in the process.”

  Warren’s expression grew solemn. “From the size of it, I think he could take out half the block. So, what’s the plan?”

  Fergus tried not to think about Mary’s proximity to Sydon’s contingency explosives. “I’m about to find out Mary’s exact position within Sydon’s HQ.”

  “How are you going to do that?”

  Fergus smiled slowly. “I’m going to use my dreamglide.”

  Warren held his gaze. “So, you’re like the other border patrol men who’ve bonded with their women and now you have fae powers.”

  “That’s the way of it.”

  “Then you’d better go get her.”

  The wolves all around him began to draw close, the wolf pack at its best. He felt their energy as if it was his own.

  He glanced around. “I need all of you to know that Mary is my alpha-mate, even though she’s not a wolf. When I’ve secured her safety and her freedom, I intend to bring her back here to be with me, permanently. If the pack needs a different leader, then I will step aside. But she’s the woman for me. Besides having served unwittingly as my bodyguard since she first came here two nights ago, she may have just given us the key to ending Sydon’s assault with minimal loss of life.”

  Before he said anything more about sharing powers with Mary, he took a moment and with every fae ounce of his body, he formed his dreamglide. He didn’t have to meditate or shut down his conscious mind in any way. He could now be in both places at once with barely any effort at all. Somehow he wasn’t surprised. Having vaporized the steel door of his soul and confessed his love for Mary, new power flowed through him in heavy waves.

  To the warriors gathered around him, he explained his faeness briefly, then added that Mary had several wolf powers of her own. He told them about his dreamglide and that he was headed into Sydon’s HQ bunker to have a good look around even as he stood in the Gordion Compound.

  Ryan smiled. “You’re going to spy on the bastard.”

  “I am. Then I’ll let all of you know exactly how we’re going to take him down.”

  The wolves as one lifted their fists, then gave a shout. Each wore a battle uniform with black tanks bearing amber logo patches, black leathers, sword and Glock. The bulk of his army and a portion of Warren’s waited outside for the go-ahead.

  He was essentially in two different realities at the same time.

  As he put the dreamglide in motion in what was the dream-world, he spoke aloud to his men in real-time. “I’m piloting over the forest. I’ve reached the edge, and I’m passing above the central housing tracts.” He put on some speed and got the dreamglide to his destination. “All right, I’m at the Naked Wolf at the west end of Savage Strip. Warren, you know about the bomb. Get the border patrol over there to clear everyone out of the surrounding clubs and buildings. The streets need to be empty as well, but tell them to do it fast. I have a feeling Sydon’s bomb will be going off at some point in the next ten minutes. Let’s keep our Savage wolves safe.”

  “You got it,” Warren responded.

  Still focused on the dreamglide, Fergus sensed Warren was on his phone.

  While Warren made contact with the Savage Border Patrol, Fergus continued to relay information to his top betas. “I’m easing inside the HQ at the north end which is where Sydon’s office is located. I can see Mary. She’s on the couch. She’s safe there for now. I’m heading toward the strategy room which is through a series of offices at the south end of the bunker. All the offices in between are empty, but I can see Sydon and his team clustered in the last large war room. This is it. Sydon is laying out his attack as we speak. I’ll have details about Amber Flame Rising in a matter of seconds.”

  His wolves remained silent, but their joint intensity fired him up. He remained focused on the dreamglide, hovering as high against the ceiling as he could to avoid detection by the witch. Fortunately, Sandrine had her head bent over the digital relief map right next to Sydon, so he knew he had a shot.

  Fergus reported to his men. “I’m looking at the entire battle plan. Warren, get ready to transmit information to all the alphas.”

  “They’re on standby with their coms. Everyone’s in position. Just waiting for you.”

  Within the dreamglide, he took a long hard look at the map, then began, “The plan is simple but insidious. Its clear Sydon gained critical information about each compound. If there is a vulnerable or secret entrance into a compound, Sydon intends to use it. His wolves will attack at two points: they’ll create a lot of noise at the entrance, but a larger force will attempt entry through the most vulnerable points in each home or compound. He has pictures, for instance, of my hidden entrance behind the bookcase.”

  He glanced at Ryan in real-time and said, “Put some of our men inside the hidden passageway right now, the one on the third level. Hopefully, Sydon’s forces won’t even get that close, but I want a team there just to be sure. In a minute, we’ll set up a perimeter to catch the rogue wolves assigned to our compound. When you’ve got the men set up inside, come back here. I’ll want you with me when we head to the bunker.”

  Ryan nodded. “I’m on it.” He took off on a run and a few seconds later shouted orders to several of the warriors waiting in the entrance hall.

  Fergus turned his attention to Warren. “You need to get back to your compound.”

  Warren’s brow furrowed. “Some of my troops can remain here. Hell, I can stay here, if you need me to help with Mary, I’m with you. She’s risked everything for Savage.”

  Fergus stared at him for a long moment. He clapped him on the shoulder and let his hand rest there for several seconds. “Thank you for that Warren. I’ll never forget it. But the Gordion Wolves have got this.”

  As Fergus drew his hand away, Warren offered a crooked smile and inclined his head. “We’ll catch up with drinks afterward.”

  “Damn straight we will.” Fergus checked his internal clock. “Thirty seconds until nine.”

  Warren nodded twice in response, then turned on his heel. He called out for his pack and offered a long, loud howl.

  Fergus waved his team forward. He moved to the open doors of the compound entrance and tracked his friend as he headed into the skies. It was an impressive sight to watch a powerful man like Warren whipping through the night air, his blond hair flowing behind him like a mane. What couldn’t Savage accomplish with men like Warren in charge?

  Fergus returned to his team quickly and once more focused on the dreamglide. The energy in Sydon’s war room had ramped up. “On my mark,” Sydon called out in a strong voice, “Engage Amber Flame Rising.”

  Fergus contacted Warren telepathically to let him know that Sydon had just given the order. Warren would let the rest of the alphas know.

  For his own compound, he delivered a brisk series of commands
and watched as one group of wolves either transformed into their wolf shapes and ran into the forest or levitated to take up hidden places high in the trees in order to intercept Sydon’s forces. He sent a second group to the east of the pack’s property specifically to wait for the rogue wolves who would try to enter the compound through a side window in order to gain access to the secret passageway.

  He had a third of the wolves positioned to guard the entrance, while the remainder filled the large front foyer to engage the enemy as needed.

  All that remained was for Fergus to get his team of ten to Sydon’s bunker. He took to the skies, and Ryan and the rest levitated with him, rising at least a quarter mile up to avoid being seen by any of Sydon’s rogue wolves. Their job was treacherous and the last thing Fergus wanted was for Sydon to know ahead of time what he’d be facing.

  Fergus focused on his dreamglide, which still hovered above the relief map. Sydon and his wolves remained clustered in the larger war room, listening to squad reports as they came in.

  In real-time, Fergus heard several shots as he passed over the heart of Savage, yet still a mile away from Sydon’s bunker. More shots followed.

  When he looked down and could see some of the different pack wolves battling Sydon’s forces, it was hard to pass by. His wolf battle instincts wanted to engage then and there. But he had to get Mary out of the compound, and it was time to run Sydon to earth for good. His fae senses warned him that once Sydon got the first reports back from his army, he’d realize his plan had been compromised and Mary would be in serious trouble again.

  He told his wolves to hold steady as they passed over yet another compound and heard more shots being fired. When a couple of minor explosions went off, one to the east and the other in the north, he flew faster. The whole territory was now in full engagement as Sydon’s plan unfolded.

  By the time he’d reached the Naked Wolf, however, the border patrol had cleared the streets as well as the clubs in the surrounding area. A line of cars intent on leaving the territory was grid-locked all the way to Defiance Bridge. The Savage Border Patrol had done a quick and excellent job securing the street since the immediate area around the Naked Wolf was now free of its normal traffic.

  He held his team hovered over the strip club, reminding each member of his team to avoid the bomb on the stairs of the southwest public entrance.

  He continued with group telepathy. I’ll use the dreamglide to find the best point of entrance for us. Be ready to battle. This is it.

  He felt a profound warring spirit bind his wolves together. They were a unified force in the best sense.

  Within the dreamglide he saw Sydon listen intently to reports coming in from all over the territory. He was frowning hard and finally said, “Why aren’t the wolves going berserk and tearing at each other, pack-to-pack?”

  When Sydon glanced at Sandrine, Fergus took it as his cue to get his dreamglide the hell out of there. He swung the dream-world vehicle north and flew swiftly in the direction of Sydon’s office. Once there, he checked on Mary, then contacted her. We’re right outside, Mary. Can you move at all?

  The sound of her voice reassured him even though she lay inert on the purple velvet. Sandrine be-spelled me. Can’t move a muscle yet, but I’m doing better. Ready when you are.

  Won’t be long now. I’m taking my dreamglide out of here.

  Facing south, he saw a second door that opened onto the east side of Sydon’s bunker. Passing through, he found a long conference room and a large door with an ‘exit’ sign above it.

  Moving in a quick burst of energy, he passed through the door, which led to a wide flight of exterior cement stairs. When Fergus flew his dreamglide up, he realized the stairs led to street level and he could see himself and his team hovering high in the air. Mary had been right. Sydon had built his HQ directly below the Naked Wolf.

  He addressed his team in real-time, letting them know the layout and that he’d guide them in using the dreamglide.

  Ready? he asked, meeting each man’s gaze.

  The question was rhetorical, though a lot of dipped chins and snarls followed. Each wolf drew his Glock as well.

  With his wolves in position, he piloted the dreamglide back into the still empty conference room. In real-time, he directed his troops to follow behind him.

  He landed on the sidewalk, then levitated quietly down the cement stairs. He opened the door, and the man behind him came forward and held it open for the rest.

  Fergus moved inside, still holding his dreamglide tight. He moved it into the suite of offices and took a look, but Sydon’s staff was still in the war room.

  He reminded his wolves of the biggest danger. Remember, the southwest door leading out of the strategy room is armed with a bomb that will level this building and several others around it if detonated. Avoid that door.

  His wolves offered huffing grunts in response, a unique sound mind-to-mind.

  Fergus moved into the offices with the wolves. Each now had his Glock in one hand, short sword in the other.

  Fergus carried only his Glock in case he needed to grab Mary. He went through the north door first and found her still safe on the sofa. He put his hand on her shoulder. “Mary, can you hear me? Can you wake up?”

  She mumbled in her twilight state, then switched to telepathy. It’s a combo of the drug and a spell. Sorry.

  No worries. But I’ve got to help my team secure the bunker.

  Go for it, wolf.

  He heard shouting and gunfire as his troops engaged with Sydon and his team in what had to be the war room.

  Ryan contacted Fergus telepathically. Half the wolves present seem to be coming out of their stupor. Harley’s here. He’s shaking his head and rubbing his eyes.

  Is the room contained?

  No. Oh, shit. I was looking at Sydon, and suddenly he vanished. I think he might be headed your way.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  FERGUS COULD SENSE the wolf, but he couldn’t see him. As he waited for Sydon to appear, he could feel his rage, but for whatever reason, the wolf-warlock wasn’t moving fast.

  Ryan’s voice hit Fergus’s mind again. How the hell did he make himself disappear?

  Sydon is part warlock now. He probably used a spell, but I’ve got this.

  Shit. Okay, we’ll secure the war room.

  Fergus extended his fae senses. He could feel that Sydon was headed toward him though he’d barely moved beyond the doorway of the war room. What was he waiting for?

  He tapped Ryan’s telepathy again. Where’s Sandrine? Do you see her?

  No. She’s gone as well.

  Fergus accessed his dreamglide and sped quickly to Ryan’s location. Sandrine wasn’t there, but he sensed her and followed his instincts.

  When he found her, a new wave of adrenaline hit his system. Holy shit, Ryan. I’m looking at the witch now. She’s near the bomb and she’s just activated the timer. Fuck, we’ve only got five minutes. Get our men out of the bunker now. And any of the wolves affected by Sandrine’s spell! Make sure the area near the Naked Wolf is clear as well.

  I’m on it! Ryan started shouting orders.

  Fergus returned his focus to his real-time self. Sydon had suddenly shifted to high gear and was closing in on him fast. Because he sensed Sydon was armed only with his half-sword, he holstered his Glock, then unsheathed his sword.

  He contacted Ryan once more. Sydon’s coming for me now.

  Take him down, Fergus. And don’t worry. I’m getting everyone out as we speak.

  With only his sword in hand, Fergus moved away from Mary’s couch. Sydon’s choice to use his blade instead of his gun was a good thing. Mary could easily get hurt or even killed in an exchange of gunfire.

  Without warning, Sydon let go of the invisibility spell. He was only twenty feet away, lips snarling, half-sword held in a tight fist.

  “You did this?” Sydon shouted. “You and your woman? You figured out our attack plan?” His face turned a reddish hue. “How? I had every conting
ency covered.”

  Well beyond Sydon’s shoulder, Fergus watched Ryan swiftly usher the Gordion team and what was left of Sydon’s staff, through the door that led into the large conference room.

  Fergus shifted his full attention back to the wolf and shared a small portion of the truth. “A ghost sent Mary to Savage. But does it really matter? It’s just you and me now, Sydon.” He lowered his shoulders, bent his knees, then growled heavily. “As it should have been from the beginning.”

  Sydon’s nose elongated wolf-style and he pulled his lips back. Fergus could feel his intention and wasn’t surprised when Sydon disappeared again, no doubt assuming it would give him the advantage.

  But Fergus wasn’t just a wolf anymore and used his dreamglide like a visual tracking device. He could see Sydon easily and met the downward slice of his unseen sword as though he was watching it in real-time.

  “What the fuck?” Sydon shouted as their swords clanged together. But the wolf still didn’t show himself.

  “You’re not the only half-breed in the room,” Fergus said. “I’m looking at you through the dreamglide.”

  “You can build a fucking dreamglide?” Sydon shuffled backward several feet, eyes wide.

  “Surprise. But did you know your witch activated the bomb?”

  Sydon smiled. “So she did. By my estimation, I’ve got four minutes to put you in the ground.”

  Fergus countered his taunt. “I thought maybe the two of you were planning to die here together. I think it’s a very romantic idea. In fact, I intend to help you both toward that end. Right now.”

  “Like hell.” Sydon growled and came at Fergus again, whipping his sword through the air at waist-level. Fergus pivoted and with his own sword caught Sydon’s blade hard so that Sydon leaped backward several feet.

  Sydon then struck out again, creating a series of thrusts and swipes that had Fergus’s feet hopping. He moved in tandem with what he could see easily through his dreamglide.

  Sydon was a better swordsman than he was a fighter, however, and each attack came faster.