Taken (Sinful Series - book 1)

Violet

The whirlpool of emotions paled in comparison to the truth. It suddenly all made sense.

“Gagnon is cloning shifters,” Violet repeated in disbelief. The bitter aftertaste of the realization sobered her, steadying her trembling hands. The breedings, executions and forced matings were the foundation, the cover for his operation. The Incubators were the endgame. They were the unwilling surrogates for in vitro. It all made sense. While everyone else was wrapped up in their own Fate, Gagnon preyed on men’s greed. They all needed a mate.

“Wow, wow, wow. I admit I wanted to hurt you when I pointed out the serum will give me a piece of you, but that was it. I am allowed to be jealous,” Karim was the first to break the silence.

“What did you promise Lazuli to earn his protection?” Jacob growled. His broad back shielded Violet from Karim’s gaze.

“A piece of her will be in the serum, just like he said. It’s all he could have of her now that she is mated to you, Landon.” Nolan tried to defuse the situation from behind Karim’s back. “Of course, he’d be concerned about my safety. I am giving him hope that in another lifetime they could have ended up together, just like Fate intended.”

“I don’t know about your Fate, but mine is Violet,” Landon argued. “What she says stands. Is Pack Order involved?” Landon’s body shook as his harsh voice directed the question to the Pack Order official.

Violet knew it would not be long before he shifted and tore through the muscle of the men in front of him. Jacob would not only allow it but a happy participant. Violet touched their backs, hoping they would calm down enough to see reason. The murder of a Pack Order official last dispatched to their pack lands would only bring war to their door.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Nolan answered trying to push his way through Karim who was holding him back. “There is no such thing as cloning. While I applaud your commitment to your mate, it is best if we air out this alleged accusation before it festers.”

“Why don’t you tell them what drying someone out means?” Violet found her voice and challenged Karim. His eyes confirmed what she already knew. “He’s been in Hacksaw or he would never know those words.”

“Is that true?” Nolan turned to ask Karim.

“I’ve never set foot in Shadow waters or in Hacksaw,” Karim denied. “I must have picked up the phrase. Xander might have used the phrase.”

Karim shrugged it off as unimportant.

“Xander would never confide in you. Not after I came between you,” Violet argued then slipped her hand in Landon’s while she continued. “Dry him out, is a vulgar farewell to Breeders before they are called upon to do their duty to the pack. If a Breeder is unwilling or incapable of drying someone out, then she will be heavily sedated and used regardless. Then they’re called Incubators. So you see there is a fate much worse than being marked as a Breeder. But you already knew that, didn’t you?”

Karim’s face distorted in anguish.

“I didn’t know. Honestly,” Karim’s voice broke. He swallowed hard then raised his hands sitting down in the chair, running them over his face. Once he looked up, he searched for Violet’s eyes. “You never told me about your past.”

“You never really cared to ask, so why start now,” Violet snapped. Landon and Jacob were still staying protectively in front of her but now she knew the tension was dispersed. Karim had put himself in a vulnerable position, which also signified his submission to the Alpha in front of him.

“I should have,” Karim responded, running his hands over his hair. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know it would hurt you that deep.”

Violet snorted.

“I must have picked it up when I handled Devil’s creek right to sanctions against Gagnon because he refused to do it,” Karim pointed at Landon, ignoring Violet’s gasp.

“Don’t point fingers as if you did something for me,” Violet responded before Landon decided to respond. “You did it for your Alpha, your pack and your title.”

“It was my duty and right to demand sanctions,” Karim defended himself. “Everything in me fights against this,” Karim pointed between Violet and Landon, “you’re hiding behind him and I can’t help but to lash out.”

“What you call hiding, I call protection,” Violet replied. “So when did you get in bed with Pack Order? Before or after Gagnon promised you a new Fated?”

“There is no such thing as cloning shifters,” Nolan repeated.

“Last time I checked serums are derivates from blood samples. Why did you ask for tissue then?” Violet asked.

“She makes a good point,” Landon growled at Nolan.

“That’s what the doctors asked for,” Nolan responded looking unsure.

“Pack Order turns a blind eye to how Gagnon rules, your doctors want tissue samples to create an antidote for Creed, which you are just now admitting is a problem. What would you think in my place, Nolan?” Landon questioned.

Nolan remained silent but Violet couldn’t stop herself from responding.

“The legal, ethical and social implications of cloning humans, or supernaturals have kept us from doing it, but the technology is within reach. Gagnon is anything but moral and we can all agree he is obsessed with procreation. We thought it was to increase the birth rate and pack numbers, but the forced breedings were a necessity for diversity while the kidnappings gave him leverage. Who is to say he has not gone a step further? There were these buildings,” Violet started then swallowed heavily, “medical buildings that never lost power at night. Electricity for the majority of the pack was shut off after eight in the evening. We rationed food and had next to nothing. Why would Gagnon overspend on electric power and medical care when we all but starved?”

“Tell me you know nothing about that,” Landon challenged Nolan.

“Leave him be. He’s here to beg for early retirement,” Karim responded, stepping towards Landon. “Violet chose you, but what’s the harm in wanting a chance to love my Fated without our messy past?”

Landon

Landon kept breathing in Violet’s scent as pack enforcers escorted the detainees. Once Karim’s admission confirmed Violet’s accusation, Jacob had acted quickly detaining both the Beta and Pack Order officers until things were clarified. Now that they were alone and Jacob had already drunk a full glass of bourbon, they could talk. The only problem was nobody wanted to consider the unthinkable. The very institution tasked with the protection of their species could be their destruction.

“I must be getting old. I did not see any of this coming,” Jacob confessed, rubbing his forehead. Landon could relate. He could feel the onset of a headache himself. “I really thought he was just jealous after seeing you together.”

“He has been in love with the idea of a mate. I was damaged goods. He wants a fresh start and doesn’t see anything wrong in growing a mate. If she is a carbon copy, she would be his Fate mate just like I am. The only real difference would be our history.” Violet explained.

“I see the appeal, but it is perverted none the less,” Jacob responded.

“You had beautiful memories and a true love with Gia,” Violet continued. “We didn’t. Karim never expected his Fated to mark someone else, or to carry the stigma of a breeder. Gagnon promised him a do-over. A clean slate.”

“You aren’t seriously considering this,” Landon asked, scared of where Violet was going with this.

“No. But tell me you haven’t wondered about what-ifs,” Violet started. Landon sighed. It was human nature to doubt and wonder, but that did not mean he would put up with a clone of a mate. “Exactly. The appeal is there. It is a goldmine for Gagnon to ensure his pack expansion in both finances and numbers. What better place to grow clones than in pack with the highest birthing rate and already dedicated medical personnel on an isolated, unsupervised, rural ice land?”

“It’s the perfect cover,” Landon agreed.

“How did you know?” Jacob asked.

“I suspected. Karim just confirmed Gagnon is thinking about it, too. Whether Gagnon has the capabilities of cloning now or in a couple of years, it is irrelevant to his end game. Cloning will justify the life of destitute. His rule would amount to something. Gagnon craves followers, admirers. He only needs to plant a seed, a hope for greedy men to follow him.” Violet continued.

“Either way we need to stop him before his influence spreads,” Jacob replied.

“You’ll attack,” Violet concluded.

“Figuratively,” Jacob smiled as he laid out his plan. “Alpha Devon had the right idea to outsource the task. But instead of a Fixer, we’d need three Alphas.”

Violet

Violet could not sit still. It wasn’t every day she got to meet the family she thought lost. But family was such an interesting word to use in the situation. Sure, they were related. But they were also strangers. Shifters she never met.

“Relax,” Landon rubbed his hands over her shoulders. “I am here with you and if they so much as breathe the wrong way, we can send them out feet first.”

Violet laughed at the absurdity of Landon’s words. His thumb lifted her chin, bringing her face to him.

“I missed that smile,” Landon whispered before pressing a kiss over her lips.

Jacob cleared his voice before things heated reminding them they were not alone. Landon continued the kiss as if he had not heard the Alpha but Violet reluctantly pulled away from Landon’s embrace. It was difficult to say no to his advances when she was right there with him. She bit her lips before she said something to provoke Landon’s passion.

“You’re so lucky I like you,” Landon spat narrowing his eyes at the Alpha.

“Oh, statements like that will get you in trouble with your mate,” Jacob jested, ignoring the unmistakable threat in Landon’s words.

Violet shook her head at Landon who did not retort back, but in defiance planting his hand on Violet’s waist. The possessive gesture did not go unnoticed by Jacob who casually opened the window, letting fresh air into the room.

“You don’t need to be all over her. McCabe already knows she’s with you,” Jacob recognized Landon’s behavior before Violet had the chance to figure it out. Landon wanted his scent was all over her, leaving no doubt who she belonged to. Where others would have fought against such possessiveness, the thought of it warmth Violet’s heart. Chosen mates didn’t have the immediate attraction and mating pull, thus needed more reassurance.

“Look away or I will take you upstairs,” Landon whispered in her ear. The raw passion in his voice left little to the imagination of his intentions. Violet enjoyed his promise a little bit too much as evident by the moisture pooling in her core.

“Maybe you should work it out,” Wayne suggested, his fingers continuously dancing over the laptop’s keyboard. Violet wondered how he kept his concentration at drafting the paperwork needed to make the sanctions against Gagnon legal, yet followed the conversation. “It’s difficult to concentrate with all these pheromones flying around.”

Wayne waved his hand as if chasing away a fly.

“You chose to come down,” Landon stated unmoved by the werebear’s complaint.

“Of course,” Wayne chuckled. “I wouldn’t miss it. We’re making history, guys. Even Pack Order did not come up with such an elegant way to deal with this pest. Three Alphas would not be hard to find, and yours truly is going to be the one to legally bind them to do what is needed.”

Violet smiled at his enthusiasm. Her perception of werebears as species was forever changed by the happy-go-lucky lawyer. Wayne was right. If their plan proved to be successful, they would have singlehandedly handled a situation that Pack Order has been dreading for the better part of the last decade.

“The Alphas’ own agendas are not least of our problem. We need the agreement to withstand any scrutiny from Pack Order or anyone who is in Gagnon’s pocket,” Jacob corrected him.

“We are not only disbanding a pack but taking false hopes away from desperate shifters. Got it. Ironclad,” Wayne repeated just in time for Ryan and Vincent to open the door for Conner McCabe.

Violet gasped at the sight of the raven-haired shifter who casually strolled in the office. Her reaction did not surprise the young man in front of her. He swiftly offered his hand in a greeting.

“You can’t choose your family.”

Landon

“You can’t choose your family,” Conner’s first words to Violet made no sense. Her reaction to seeing him left few options none of which good for the young McCabe. “I promise you, I am nothing like him.”

“Yet, Vincent never told us Gagnon is your father,” Violet’s words explained her reaction. Vincent uncomfortably shifted his weight from one foot to another as his name was mentioned.

“Sperm donor,” Conner corrected Violet. “Douglas McCabe raised me from my first breath. It wasn’t Vincent’s place to discuss that with you. I believe, words fall short in such circumstances, and actions are a more truthful indicator of one’s character.”

“So how… I mean, Vincent said Valencia was with Gagnon then left him,” Violet’s curiosity was noticeable as well as her uncertainty of how to ask Conner about his parentage.

“He didn’t force himself on her,” Conner quickly recognized what Violet hinted. “Believe it or not, once they were in love. They were to take each other as Choice Mates, when my mom met her Fated, Douglas McCabe, Gamma to the Sunrise pack. He swept her off her feet and it didn’t matter whose pup she was carrying. He wanted it all. Uncle Logan feared Gagnon’s wrath would be aimed at the only Prestons left. They tried to smuggle you out. Things didn’t go as planned. I’m sorry I wasn’t more successful either.”

“I got out. That’s what matters,” Violet shrugged it off but Landon knew she was putting up a bravado. Her chipped answer helped her project confidence and stopped the quiver in her voice. The mating bond showed him the whirlpool of fear and uncertainty she associated with Hacksaw.

“No. You don’t understand. Gagnon kept you alive to have a string to pull with ma’,” Conner explained. “He offered her an exchange when I was born. My life for yours. When she didn’t respond, he isolated Shadow waters. Not knowing what happens to you under his command, was her punishment for betraying him and taking me away.”

“Ain’t he a keeper?” Violet’s bitter irony made Conner snort.

“Days before your branding, he sent me a message. He promised to make you Breeder if I didn’t go to him,” Conner continued. “So I went. But instead of surrendering to his patrol, I challenged him to fight me for you. He went to fetch you and never came back. I see now how that complicated things for you.”

“You should have challenged him for the title,” Landon spoke breaking the intense eye contact between Violet and Conner. If he had won such a challenge, they wouldn’t have this problem now.

“I wasn’t thinking clearly,” Conner shyly admitted. “I didn’t want anything from him other than Violet’s freedom. Besides, it’s one thing to hear you look like someone and another to see an older version of yourself. It’s creepy.”

“You tell me about it. The likeness is stunning,” Violet agreed her eyes moving up and down Conner’s frame. “Though Gagnon never had so much muscle.”

“Aye, it’s the Scottish spirit in me,” Conner winked at her then continued, “that had the Pigeonhead high tale it to Hacksaw.”

Violet laughed.

“Joke aside,” Conner continued becoming more serious, “I owe you an apology. My presence there set things in motion.”

“It was a matter of time before he branded me,” Violet interrupted him, absolving him from any guilt he felt.

“No. I meant for your mating. I am the reason why Gamma Xander was there. My sister’s scent was transferred on me.”

“Your sister is Xander’s mate?” Violet’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “I heard she is pregnant. How are they doing? I hope I didn’t cause issues between them.”

“Why would you say that? Olivia is thankful to you for saving Xander, and she would be here to tell you herself if she wasn’t on bed rest,” Conner replied then shared a look with Vincent.

“Lazzuli arrived here before me,” Vincent explained shortly.

“He was busier than I thought,” Conner concluded. “Vincent told me Karim hinted your folks are still among us. I am sorry.”

Violet nodded her acceptance but still asked, “How can you be certain?”

For the first time since McCabe entered the office, he looked uncertain.

“Mom got their remains,” Conner cautiously answered, glancing at Landon for help. There was no doubt Gagnon wanted to punish Valencia with such action. Landon doubted the remains were not desecrated in some way. Conner tried to spare Violet from the horrid fact. Before Violet could follow up with a question, Conner continued with slight irritation, “Is Lazulli still here? I’d love to have a chat with him.”

The talk was definitely not going to be pleasant. Landon appreciated the skillful way Conner changed the topic. Violet did not need to have a visual picture of what Gagnon had done with the remains of her parents.

“It’s so hard to resist,” Landon couldn’t help himself but to add. It was a way to distract Violet from further inquiring into her parent’s death.

“Then you must be a better person than me because I bent him over my knee the moment I heard what he did,” Conner admitted.

“I feel you, Brother,” Landon replied, clasping hands and shoulders with Conner.

Conner then looked at Violet.

“So she isn’t mad,” Violet found it hard to believe.

“Have you ever wondered why you were drawn to Xander? Why marking him seemed like a viable solution?” Conner asked her, while Violet patiently waited for him to answer his questions. “Your wolf knew he’s to be family. Just like there are mating and pack-bonds, there is one for the family. That is why whenever a shifter desires a Chosen they are to meet whole extended family. What happens more often than not is they would find their Fated within it.”

It made sense and Landon wondered why he had never thought about it before. Violet found the claim on Xander acceptable because he was meant to be her brother in law. Erika must have felt the same kinder ship and even attraction to Aidan as he was also meant to be her brother-in-law. Aidan and Landon being twins only further complicated the interpretations of their feelings.

Landon understood better the choice Aidan and Erika made but still could not excuse them. He never saw himself as the victim in this mishap of a love triangle. But he was the offended side in the matter, and as such he required space. Space did not matter any longer now that he was with Violet.

“Now that is out of the way,” Conner smiled, “care to join me for the fun part? I am going to bleed him out.”

Landon’s ears perked.