3. Memories

~ ZION ~

“We understand that, that is not what I meant,” Dimitri says quietly, lowering his head.

“It’s deadly to speak before thinking, you know that,” I reply emotionlessly, taking another drag on my cigarette.

“So, what’s the plan? We have nothing on their location yet, do we?”

“The boss is working on it. He’s the best. He’ll get it done,” I say firmly.

“Is he here today?”

“He is, but he is busy with other affairs. He’ll be informed of everything we discuss today,” I confirm.

There’s silence in the room. “There are rumours that they’re creating a weapon that could kill all werewolf kind,” Cole says quietly.

I look across at all seven of them and, leaning forward, pour myself a glass of bourbon. “It’s not just a rumour. There’s enough intel gathered to confirm they are doing something up in St Jacobs’ Cathedral on the western side of the Green Valley River. We just need a way to get inside and take a look for ourselves. We’ll work on something, leave that to me. What’s happening with the bill that the government wanted to pass regarding identity tags?”

“It’s been put forward, but there has been no mention of them setting a date for the vote,” Owen answers.

I nod. “So, for now we keep trying to find a way to get into the Cathedral. Cole, get one of our spies to gather intel about what the hell is going on there.” I lean back again and take a drag on my cigarette.

“That’s risky.”

“Obviously, but we always need to have a backup plan. They are set on wanting to destroy our kind, and I’m not about to let that happen. It took me years to get two men in on the inside and I don’t really care about the morality of the situation. Even if I have to plant the evidence.”

They all nod in agreement to that. They know I’m right.

“Make sure they gather any defaming information they can. Recordings, reports, CCTV footage. Everything. Eziah, start creating some incriminating evidence that we can place. Dimitri, I want you to gather proof of all the crimes they committed throughout the years. Jasper, Mac, Kolter, you three continue working on finding a way into that Cathedral and see what is happening in there.”

They all nod, and I look at the last man. He’s remained silent through all of this.

“You know what I want you to do, right?”

He gives one small nod before he stands and leaves the room. I look at the rest of them.

“Am I clear?”

They nod in unison and stand up. “Understood, Alpha Zion.”

I give them a curt nod as I take a drag on my cigarette, watching them leave the room. Once they’ve all left, I close my eyes for a moment.

No mercy.

The Shadow Order was created by Uncle Zade when the Arkan began to pop up again. He had gone after them, tried to get rid of them, but they still managed to survive and get close to us…

I close my eyes as memories of a long time ago flit through my mind...

(FLASHBACK – NEARLY EIGHT YEARS AGO)

“Fuck me now,” she whimpers, kissing my neck hungrily. Her arousal clings to the air like an intoxicating drug.

“With pleasure,” I murmur huskily as I pin her up against the wall and let go of her. She holds herself in place, her sexy thighs pressed against my waist. I rip off her bra, my eyes darkening as I gaze at her perfect round breasts and hardened soft pink nipples. I’m rewarded with a moan of satisfaction the moment I grab her breasts.

Fuck, I’ve been wanting to do this for a while…

I yank her head back as I resist the urge to sink my teeth into her neck. We just met a few weeks ago. I can’t tell her what I am yet.

“Zion…” she moans. I wrap my hand around her throat, kissing her again roughly. She drops her legs and bends down in front of me in nothing but that tiny leather miniskirt, her eyes are fixed on me as she begins to unzip my pants, slow and seductive.

“You’re a tease…” I murmur. She lets out a breathless laugh, her eyes full of hunger as a moan of satisfaction escapes her when she removes my cock from my pants.

“Oh god, this is a generous treat…” she murmurs as she sticks her tongue out and flicks it across the tip in a slow and tantalising manner.

Pleasure shoots through me and I grip the back of her head.

“Not yet,” I mutter huskily, yanking her to her feet and turning her. I push her against the wall, unzipping her skirt and yanking it down.

My eyes fall on her sexy ass. That only makes me throb harder. I squeeze her ass, ready to yank her thong down when I notice a symbol tattooed on the side of her waist.

The symbol of the Arkan.

My blood runs cold, my heart racing. She’s one of them. Suddenly, reality hits and I feel the hatred return.

“What is it?” she whispers hornily.

I could snap her neck right now…

“This mark,” I say quietly. If she is a hunter, does she know what I am? Is that why she’s here? A part of me doesn’t want to believe that. “Isn’t it the mark of the cruel, heartless hunter group?”

She sighs, resting her head against the wall. “Yeah, but I’m not one of them, just my family is, so I had to be branded too. I don’t believe in violence against anyone. Everyone deserves to live.”

I remain silent, causing her to look at me over her shoulder.

“Babe… is everything alright?”

Just a mark…

Right?

“Yeah, it is,” I say, tugging her back against me as I massage her core, my other hand tightening around her throat. I finally get to fuck this woman. I am not about to pass up on that chance. She moans when I throb against her ass. I love a girl with height. “So… where were we?”

“Right… about… here…” she whispers, grinding against my cock before she turns in my arms and kisses me once more, her hand wrapping around my cock.

“You like to play, huh?” I smirk.

“Oh, absolutely…” she purrs like the little kitty cat she is. I turn and push her down onto the bed, enjoying the way her sexy body looks lying on that bed.

(END OF FLASHBACK)

I open my eyes and stare at the ceiling.

That was the first time I hesitated. I should have killed her then; not ignored it and let it go.

I was blinded by pathetic emotions, but a mistake I made at 21 will not be repeated ever again.

She’s out there, and I know one day our paths will cross again.

‘Your car is ready’.

I stand up and exit the room, hesitating. Should I bid them farewell? I don’t think it’s necessary…

‘I have some things to tend to, once again happy birthday to Tiana.’

‘You’re just saying bye through the mind-link?’ Sia asks softly.

Sometimes it does feel like no matter what I do, it’s not enough.

‘I have matters to deal with.’

So selfish.

She probably didn’t mean for me to hear that, but our mind-link has always been stronger. I’m not sure if it was our powers, or if it was because we are twins, but where I learned to block off my thoughts, hers I sometimes still hear.

‘I’ve booked you and the family all for a trip to Disneyland Paris. Roman, enjoy the time off, everything is paid for. Ford will hand over everything you need along with flight times, etc. Have fun,’ I say, my voice as level as it always is.

‘Zion-’

‘Goodnight, Sia.’ I cut her off.

‘Thank you, Zion,’ Roman adds.

I step out into the cold night air and get into my car, zooming out onto the road. I have a few things to take care of before I can call it a night. I glance at the time. Not even ten…

Gives me plenty of time to get things done before-

My gaze drops to the speedometer. My foot is on the brakes, but the car isn’t slowing down. I look ahead at the glaring red lights, and then at the speedometer.

I wasn’t careful enough.

My eyes flash as I swerve to the left and careen off track, the car tumbling down the side road, picking up speed with every passing second.

Someone fucked with my brakes.