Taken (Sinful Series - book 1)

Vincent

Cats had nine lives and always landed on their feet. The same could be said about Landon, minus the feline part. He was a darn capable wolf who did not mind showing a fang when needed. Whatever the Fixer touched turned to gold or resulted in an immediate success, furthering his business. Some were just that lucky.

While others, like Vincent, worked all their lives to get out of the rat-hole life had decided to stuff him in. He didn’t have the elite pedigree, private education, nor connections passed down to him by blood. Truth be told, he was jealous of Landon. Landon enjoyed the perks of being a Wesley and even the sordid family dispute was not enough to dampen the happy-go-lucky attitude of the Fixer.

Vincent secretly admired him and even wanted to be Him. Who wouldn’t want an easier life?

Whatever Vincent had, life made darn certain he achieve it with blood, sweat and tears. Blood of his enemies, the sweat of his physical exhaustion, and the tears he shed in private as he was cheated out of his payment. Whatever the name Vinent Hildeguard meant, it was Hildi’s achievement.

He felt compelled to check the girl who was rumored to have captured Landon’s attention. When he first stepped into Velvet, he did not expect to be smitten by the brunette. It wasn’t for her state of undress, nor the way she shook her bootie.

No.

The beautiful vision of the North was his ticket to success.

“We have a development,” Vincent reported instead of a greeting. If the beach scene in front of him was any indication it was a game changer. “She has taken Landon Wesley as a mate.”

“Would that be a problem for you?”

“Not at all.”

“We’ll be expecting you.”

Violet

“I think the dose in Inferno was meant for me, not you. Pack Order was trying to silence me,” Landon causally informed her as if he wasn’t just talking about an attempt on his life.

“What? Why?” Violet bombarded him with questions.

“There are too many coincidences for them to be random,” Landon started, his hands running over her skin, soothing her nerves. “Pack Order embedded me with the Dragons, who at the time were running silvertip bullets. I was unique for the job as my wolf only resurfaced on occasion, making me as human as they were and immune to the silver. Cutter made his name quickly and nobody suspected me when police raided the place. It was a good gig.”

Landon’s shoulders tensed, then his eyes were distant, not really seeing her as he continued.

“It was months later that Noah died. I had to come back and so did Cutter. I couldn’t risk being spotted so I went back to the Club. So I came up with a story of doing business up North, threw them ten grand and Cutter’s new contacts. I even went as far as renting a dump downtown for appearance sake. Cutter would never be able to explain this home, so I kept it under Noah’s name. They can’t trace it. It’s on the Howler’s pack lands so it is a good safe house. I come here to think.”

Violet placed a hand over his shoulders, easing the knots in his muscles.

“The Dragons evolved from smuggling ammo to drugs.”

“Creed?” Violet asked, only for Landon to nod his head.

“As the good soldier that I am, I let it slip in front of my contact in Pack Order. They still haven’t raided the place. It’s been over nine months now. They’ve always been one step ahead of me. It wasn’t until Ethan pointed it out that it clicked. Vincent Hildeguard is poaching my contacts now of all times. He is trying to run me out of town. I assumed he was just visiting all the packs offering his services as I like to keep a low profile and be off to the next job by the time the media gets a wind of it. The only connection I have with my clients is through Viber or secure email if you don’t count the wire transfers. The payments can be easily traced by Pack Order and those are the clients he had already met.”

“They gave him your client book so he could muddle the water for you with a low-ball offer, pressuring you to move out of the region looking for a paying job.” Violet recapped.

“Brains and beauty,” Landon complimented, pecking her lips. “What they didn’t account for is my diverse portfolio and my interest in you. I am not leaving until Noah’s case is closed.”

“Afterwards where would you go?” Violet asked.

“We,” Landon corrected her. “Maybe the Caribbean, or wherever you want. We are overdue for a nice vacation.”

“I like the sound of that,” Violet replied. “So let’s solve this murder.”

“It won’t happen on an empty stomach,” Landon chuckled.

Violet

“I’ve never been here before,” Violet eyed the monstrous packhouse as Landon secured his bike. Ethan’s estate was intimidating not only by its size but with its luxury. The beauty of the high-end finishes was lost to Violet, whose mind raced to the number of maids and gardeners Ethan had to employ for the upkeep of his estate. “It doesn’t feel homey.”

“It’s a bachelor party house, not a home. At least it used to be,” Landon replied over his shoulder leaving both helmets over the bike. Her heart still thundered from the speed he achieved on that Harley. It was as close as she could get to a run in the wild. Violet waited for him then slid her hand in his. She loved him but she was also very glad to feel the gravel under her shoes.

“It’s our first public appearance,” Violet bumped her shoulder into his, confessing her anxiety.

“I will ward off anyone interested in my neck,” Landon cheekily replied his thumb tracing her skin been her forefinger and thumb. As they rounded to the side of the house, Landon tensed.

“What’s wrong?” Violet immediately detected the change in his mood.

“Alpha Rossi,” Landon replied lowly to Violet. “You know him?”

“I know of him,” Violet replied. “Why?”

“He is here,” Landon replied brushing his nose in her hair a gesture that could be interpreted as romantic. “I did a job for him and I don’t think he is too fond of the results.”

“Antonio’s abduction?” Violet breathed into his ear as he continued kissing her neck.

“A client?” Landon replied.

“A friend,” Violet told him only for Landon to chuckle.

“Small world.”

He tugged at their joined hands and walked to the front door, opening it without ringing the bell or knocking.

“The Alpha knows we are coming. We are capable of letting ourselves in,” Landon replied walking down the long corridor. He had obviously been there before.

“I feel like we’re intruding,” Violet whispered behind him as he reached a double door. Landon pointedly raised his fist and knocked on the door, then opened the door allowing her to go in first. Violet made a face and purposefully rubbed against his body as she stepped into the room.

“Look who the cat dragged in,” Ethan chuckled and waved at Violet and Landon. “Welcome to my humble home.”

“Humble?” Violet teased him then bent down and pecked Ethan on his cheek for everyone’s surprise.

“You’re right. There’s nothing humble about this monster,” Ethan winked at her leaving it open to interpretation if he referred to himself or to his house. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks,” Violet replied then stepped away from Ethan.

“Violet, this is Alpha David Rossi and his son Antonio,” Ethan introduced. Violet shook the Alpha’s hand, whose eyes were set over her head. Landon was right. The Alpha wanted a word with Landon.

“Gee, and here I was worried you were sick or something,” Antonio jested, uncertain if he could approach her.

“It’s a fever I still can’t shake,” Violet laughed and reached out to hug him.

“May it only get hotter,” Antonio wiggled his eyebrows at her reference the heat that would set once they had both claimed each other. Landon smiled at the reference, then shook the younger man’s hand.

“Look, we are now all here,” Ethan grumbled from his chair as the door opened.

Alpha Tassone had just arrived.

Jacob

Ethan had promised Jacob an eventful evening. In retrospect, Jacob should have known there was no such a thing as too eventful in Ethan’s dictionary.

The proximity between Violet and Landon alone was an event by itself and brought a smile on Jacob’s face. When Wayne had returned from her apartment, he had been ecstatic of the perspective of their mating. Jacob could see why. They complimented each other in ways they had not even discovered. Jacob smiled. Gia would be so proud of him for giving those two a chance at a choice mating. Their union gave hope to everyone.

The presence of Alpha Rossi and his son quickly sobered Jacob, reminding him to control his emotions. This was a business meeting above everything else. There was only one reason to gather three Alphas in close quarters.

“What’s happening?” Violet quickly picked up on the quickly rising tension in the room.

“Executions are sanctioned by Pack Order or legal if three Alphas sign the judgment,” Jacob explained instead of a greeting, then pecked Violet’s cheeks in an Old Italian fashion. He couldn’t help himself but boasted, “I am the luckiest Alpha this side of the Atlantic to have such an amazing Beta pair.”

Landon cleared his voice.

“It is still unofficial,” Jacob raised his hand in surrender in front of Landon, “but we all know he’s outnumbered.”

Jacob conspired with Violet loud enough for everyone to hear, even if he had whispered. Landon unsuccessfully tried to hide a chuckle with a cough. Violet smiled brightly at Jacob. The happiness radiating through Violet was intoxicating and for a minute Jacob wished he had that connection to someone.

Oh, much did he miss Gia.

Jacob headed to the mini bar before someone could see the longing for day’s passed on his face. He wordlessly poured himself a drink. Unnerved by the stares, Jacob casually sat down, fighting his Beast for control as memories surged in his mind.

“So who are we executing today?” Jacob asked the question they all wanted to be answered. It was easier to keep himself in the present when he was dealing with a problem.

Alpha Rossi’s eyes betrayed his discomfort as he eyed Violet. Jacob wanted to laugh at him. If David was worried about the weakest link, Violet was surely not it.

“She’s staying,” Landon informed the older Alpha.

A growl resonated from the older man’s chest at the defiance of his station. Landon stood his ground against the Alpha, confirming Jacob’s choice of making the Northerner his Beta. When the intimidation did not work, Alpha Rossi narrowed his eyes at Landon and looked at Jacob for assistance.

“The rogue responsible for Antonio’s abduction had outlived his usefulness. We’ve extracted all the information we could, and his sentence is death.” Alpha Rossi explained, handing out paperwork to Ethan.

“Then why do you need us?” Jacob casually asked but never made a move to reach for the documents that Ethan tried to hand over.

“Pack Order drags their feet. We deserve closure,” Alpha Rossi pointed out.

“It is an internal matter,” Jacob responded only to notice the way Alpha Rossi’s eyes wondered to Landon, who shifted his weight, moving forward, until Violet’s back pressed against his left side.

Young love.

So predictable, yet beautiful.

“Unless you don’t want it to be,” Jacob continued, pressing the Alpha to reveal his plan. Landon had already embraced Violet, slightly turning her away from the Rossi’s, anticipating trouble.

“A question of his guilt was raised,” Alpha Rossi’s eyes narrowed at Landon, who returned the glare. It was times like this that made Landon’s honesty volatile.

“With all due respect, one person could not be solely responsible for the level of organization needed to abduct a teen from a gaming party within pack lands. I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t speak up,” Landon redeemed himself with a brilliant political navigation.

Jacob beamed with pride at his Beta’s words. There was no doubt Landon had skill when he chose to apply it. Judging by the surprise on Violet’s face she had also been worried about the cocky behavior Landon often resolved to. He had nicely stepped up to his rank, whether he realized it or not was a whole different issue.

“You hired me to investigate, and not to blindly agree with you. Since death is permanent, I am only asking to not jump to any conclusions,” Landon calmly replied.

Jacob sighed. Spoke too soon.

“Are you calling me impulsive?” Alpha Rossi jumped from his chair.

Landon’s shoulder immediately surged forward, as he maneuvered himself fully in front of Violet, shielding her from the argument. While Jacob approved the protectiveness, Landon knew better than to poke at the older Alpha. Landon was famous for his whimsical nature, which made his movements through the seven continents unpredictable.

“No, Alpha. I want to know the blood on my paws is justified,” Landon defused the argument but still kept Violet behind his back.

“We all want a swift and just resolution,” Jacob continued looking at Ethan. He should have been the voice of reason, but it seemed like Ethan was mindlinking someone at the moment, missing out on all the excitement. Jacob was temporarily stuck playing a host.

“We do,” Antonio agreed. “I can’t accuse him of the crime. I was never good with faces even without the drugs. Creed messed me up good.”

At the mention of the drug, all eyes focused on the exchange of the father and son.

“He is a rogue, who trespassed.” Alpha Rossi exclaimed his reasons for the harsh sentencing.

“Then why don’t you kill him yourself?” Antonio glared.

Antonio was growing into his wolf, who did not blindly follow and was trying to lead. Pride flashed quickly over the older Rossi’s face before he erased any satisfaction of the outcome of this conversation.

“It is not my kill,” Alpha Rossi told his son, who shrugged.

“I am not killing someone on the presumption he might be guilty. Besides at this point, I don’t know if I want my wolf to begin with,” Antonio confessed, causing an uproar.

Violet

The room suddenly became a gunpowder keg waiting to explode. The dreaded silence filled quickly angry voices. Alpha David Rossi completely forgot he was not alone in the room with his son and had Antonio by the lapel, spit flying out of his mouth as the Alpha recited his duties. It looked like he was adamant to shake the idea of rejecting the Beast part out of his son.

Jacob rose from his seat, reluctantly placing his drink on the side table. Ethan was in no shape capable of handling an angry fellow Alpha. Jacob pulled off the agitated Alpha off his son, and Landon immediately flanked him, preventing Antonio from further igniting the situation. Landon’s chest puffed and Violet could see the outlines of the planes of his chest. He was darn intimidating and sexy all at the same time, and Violet found it hard to concentrate on anything else.

“Why don’t you take Antonio to the kitchen? I’ll join you in a moment,” Landon suggested.

Antonio eyed Landon for a second considering his chances of getting the upper hand over the Fixer, then decided to go with Landon’s recommendation and stood down.

“Yes, I can fetch you something to eat,” Violet teased him, kissed her forefinger and finger and planted it on Landon’s lips, before running her hand down his chest. “Don’t look so grim. Just make sure you follow us in a moment.”

Antonio was through the door in record time, showing just how much he did not want to spend a minute normal than absolutely necessary in the Alpha’s office.

“Could you have dropped that bomb any other time?”

“It was best done in public,” Antonio replied as they walked down the corridor.

“Scared?” Violet teased.

“Relieved,” Antonio corrected her. “At least now I don’t have to hide. You know, it has been increasingly difficult to come up with excuses not to ascend.”

“Indefinitely,” Violet inquired.

“You know better than anyone how power corrupts. Leaders start out with promises of ambitious reforms. The more power they get the bigger the greed they develop. Why should I even put myself in a position to taint myself with such vile?”

“To stop someone from usurping the power, who doesn’t even have a tenth of your moral compass,” Violet responded. “You know there are good Alphas out there.”

“I can count them on one of my hands, Violet. The chances are stacked up against me.”

“So you’re accepting defeat. Do you always give up on things when they get hard?”

“Violet,” Antonio cautioned her.

“Put your big Alpha pants and be that sixth Alpha. Inspire good in people. Be the protector so that your people don’t suffer under the rule of a pig. Be an example. Be the hope that the new generation is different.”

“I am not sure if I want to pay the price of carrying such a burden.”

“You forget that an Alpha is never alone. You have your family and your pack behind you. You’ll find your mate. Not to mention a Beta and a Gamma to help you be the better man, I see in you.”

“I’ll do it if you are my Beta,” Antonio replied.

Landon

Landon listened to their conversation, keeping himself out of sight. The moral questions Antonio raised only proved how much better equipped he was to handle his rank than most teen Alpha-heirs. When he asked Violet to be his Beta, Landon’s grip tightened around the Ipad he carried.

What he did not expect was Violet’s laughter at the question.

“Good try, but no” Violet laughed, patting Antonio over his shoulder. “My ear is yours whenever you need it, but you know I can’t be your Beta. You need someone more physical.”

“Like Landon?” Antonio wiggled his eyebrows at her.

“He is very physical,” Violet jested back, making Landon chuckle at the reference to their mating. The joke the young Alpha pulled just backfired on him, making him blush crimson.

“How did that happen?”

“Didn’t you have the birds and bees talk yet?”

“Oh, Goddess. No. I mean, yes. I know how mating works,” Antonio’s cheeks reddened even deeper shade of red. “But how did you choose Wesley of all?”

“It’s difficult to explain without sounding cheesy,” Violet told him and then sighed. “It’s mainly how easy it is just to be me with him. I like me when I am with him. I am happy.”

“And your Fated?” Antonio questioned.

“You know?” Violet asked, only for Antonio to nod.

“Who doesn’t? You’re kind of famous, you know how wolves love drama. There’s nothing juicier than a rejection gone bad.”

“You know, you need a life if you consider my life interesting,” Violet teased him.

“Hey, a little bane and a slight gaming addiction are nowhere near the category of a Beta female taking a choice mate, and not just any, but freaking Landon Wesley.”

“Let me guess, you’re a fan.”

“How could I not be? His team found where I was held captive. He is a Beast,” Antonio replied.

“He is mine, so keep your paws off him.” Violet teased Antonio.

“Lazuli didn’t get that memo,” Antonio replied with a leveled voice. “He is asking about you.”

“Fate had paired us, but he was never mine,” Violet told Antonio. “My conscience is clear. I did fight for him but he still chose another. I was done with him when I arrived here. My mind hasn’t changed because he decided to show up.”

“So his reasons don’t matter?”

“It was never about his reasons but how he cut ties with me. The coward claimed me then mated with another. That’s not how you treat someone who you respect, much less love. At this point in time, he’s not even worth the conversation we are having. But I know why you are asking. You are worried if you reject your wolf, you’d never meet your Fated.”

“Darn it. You are good,” Antonio exclaimed, theatrically bowing down.

“I can’t give you an answer, Tony. But why don’t you wait till you meet your Fated, to make your decision.”

“In the meantime, be an Alpha?”

“You can always renounce it and nobody could stop you,” Violet responded.

Landon entered the kitchen only to be captivated by Violet’s smile.

“There you are,” Violet smiled as he joined them. “What’s wrong?”

Even if she did not have a connection to his mind, she could read him like an open book.

“I’m working tonight,” Landon replied, giving her the Ipad. “The Alphas want to speak with the Rogue one last time before they sign the execution consensus.”

“Let me guess, Alpha Rossi doesn’t want me on his land,” Violet quickly connected the dots. “He blames me for Tony’s doubts about his wolf.”

“I’ll talk to him,” Antonio said and tried to get passed, only for Violet to catch his forearm.

“Let him be,” Violet told him shaking her head. “Besides I never really thought I could work from home. Sorry, Lan.”

“Don’t hide it,” Landon replied, exposing his mark on her. “Stay in public. I’ll come to pick you up.”

“I will watch over her,” Antonio said. “It’s the least I can do.”