Seductions (Alpha City Book 4) (6 page)

“No, not on this tape, but I don’t know if Maggie got any bad feelings from anyone in the crowd.”

Judd glanced over at his mate and smiled, waiting for her to speak. Brody knew this was hard for his friend, since Judd was a take-charge kind of guy. But he did it, allowing his mate to stand up and take control. He could see the change in Judd was not just physical but mental as well. He was more stable and confident, which meant Maggie did that for him. She was his stabilizer. They seemed to be a perfect match.

“At first, I picked up the twins and only got confusion from them, but now it makes perfect sense why I was reading them that way. With Regina, she is simply angry with all of the Alphas and wants to punish you, and this is her way of doing it. She wants redemption for losing her job. I moved closer to the others and didn’t feel anything except sadness from the rest of them. Not everyone was there, so we will need to figure out who is missing—which I’m sure is a lot of people—and continue doing this in restaurants, stores, maybe even have a meeting like before to give updates. I can move around the room that way.” Maggie explained.

He could hear MJ twisting around in her seat as Maggie spoke. What he didn’t expect was MJ’s outburst as she interrupted, “Look, I’m an organizer, guys. Always have been. We should split up in teams, and each team will have a mission, because that’s what needs to happen here. No more wondering what Claudia is going to do next. We can find out now. So who’s going to organize this?”

She looked very agitated that nothing had been planned by this point in the meeting. “MJ, can I see you outside for a minute?” Judd stood up and waited for MJ to follow him out. He could tell that everyone was getting a little flustered with MJ, and he knew Judd well enough to know that he was going to take care of it. It would be better coming from him. He loved MJ, but how she’d snapped at his mate earlier didn’t sit well with him. He was going to say something, but Sage was embarrassed enough, and he didn’t want to put the focus on her again.

“Alright, since Alpha Judd is out of the room getting attitudes adjusted, let’s do that. Let’s figure out a plan.” Bast said simply. It didn’t bother anyone when Bast said it, but MJ had a way of rubbing people the wrong way with her wanting it her way, and fast.

Nolan stood up. “First, I think we need to split up in groups to cover more ground quickly, like MJ said. Since MJ, London, and Zoey have worked on the bees, flowers, and whatever they have made, then they need to stay in that group together. We need to set up some antennas so all the bees can get a good signal, but that’s not going to be so easy if she has guards watching the grounds. What do you guys think?” He paused and looked over at her. “Sage?”

He watched as his mate sat up higher in her seat. Clearing her throat, Sage nodded. “She does have a lot of guards watching the grounds. I’m pretty sure she has others hiding in the trees surrounding the property. We were only allowed in certain areas, so I didn’t get to see much of the outside. Remember these are witches and wizards, not shifters. I believe if you shift and get in your stealth mode, then they won’t know if it’s a shifter or an animal. You have a huge advantage by using your animal.”

“I know for a fact that Knox and Ransom would love to help us out. Those guys specialize in going into countries undiscovered. What do you guys think?” Kayden asked.

The members were all nodding as Judd and MJ walked back in the room. MJ didn’t say anything, but instead sat down at the table and leaned back in her chair. Sage avoided looking in her direction, not wanting to fuel her fire if she gotten in trouble with her Alpha.

“Judd and MJ, we are going to solicit some help from Knox and Ransom. Both can help us get the antennas up and help us watch Claudia without her knowing. MJ, we would like for you to talk with them and show them what they will need to get the antennas up for your bees to work properly. And since you are already working with London and Zoey, stay in that group as well. We think you could do a lot of damage to Claudia’s plans with what you girls have invented, and anything else you can come up with. Second, I think Ryder, Me-Len, and Brody need to get the twins and reprogram them. Then Sage, Judd, Maggie, and I need to get with Bo and Cat to see how they are coming along on their plans for moving, and help them. The closer they are to Alpha City, the better. Maggie, maybe you can contact Mick and see what happened at the Council meeting.” Bast paused for a moment and looked around the room.

“We have a lot to do, people, in a short amount of time. I guess I don’t need to remind anyone that tomorrow is the full moon. Get the information out to your people and tell them to go underground. Once we know who we can trust, then we can get them to the mines.” Bast explained. He placed his hands on the table and leaned over, staring at each of them. Everyone could feel it as the fresh energy flowed through the room. They had an opportunity now. A window had just opened for them. “I think we need a welcoming party for Jamal, as well. Maybe a little water and some good old-fashioned firepower would help. MJ and Sage, I don’t know if you’ve found anything that would hurt Jamal, but maybe you two can do some research and come up with something. Does anyone have any questions?” Bast asked, looking directly at MJ, who pulled out her nail file and started filing her nails. Sage wanted to laugh but she didn’t dare. There was no telling what she would do or say next.

O
nce the meeting was over
, Sage took a couple deep breaths and walked over to MJ. “Do I need to meet you at Judd’s home to do some of the research?”

“Nah, I can come to Brody’s house. I can bring my laptop and it has everything I need on it. Plus, Judd said that Brody has a lot of older books. There could be something in there that will help us.” MJ smiled as if nothing had happened. She closed her laptop and put it back in her book bag.

“I need to go over some computer programs with London and Zoey, but I can meet tomorrow morning if that’s good with you?” MJ asked.

“Sure, tomorrow morning will be great. I will go ahead and start looking in the library.”

“Okay, see ya tomorrow.” MJ said, turning around and leaving without another word. Sage wanted to laugh again…had to give it to the woman. MJ really didn’t mean anything by it, it was just her way. Some people took her as rude, but Sage was slowly realizing that MJ was always contemplating her next step. Like Brody explained, MJ was calculating and dangerous. She wouldn’t be surprised if the woman already had plans in motion and the Order was just too slow for her. When they met tomorrow, Sage was going to ask if she had plans already written down on her computer. She couldn’t wait to see what she had come up with, and what groups she had placed each member in. Sage liked that about MJ, now that she knew she wasn’t trying to be a bitch.

“What’s funny?” Brody asked, standing beside her.

“MJ. It finally hit me that she’s not being rude to everyone.” Brody cocked his head to the side and Sage explained, “Like you said earlier, MJ is calculating and she is always two to three steps ahead of everyone else. She doesn’t like to waste time, and we were wasting her time. I think she has already come up with some plans, and we’re all just too slow for that brain of hers.”

“I think you’re correct, old wise one,” Brody said, his mouth curved into a beautiful smile. She really liked this man, and she liked being around him. Her heart felt light for the first time in years. “You ready to go?”

“Sure.” When she turned around to walk out, she noticed that Carina was still sitting at the table, watching her. She didn’t understand why the girl was staring at her. Or was she studying her? She never said a word as she passed by her. Sage smiled, hoping that would bring Carina to smile back but nothing, not an emotion crossed her face. However, Carina did continue to watch her as Brody escorted her out. As the door was closing, Sage looked over her should one more time and found Carina still watching her.

Odd, she thought. Sage figured if anything were wrong, she would have said something. Maybe Carina was just curious?

B
rody noticed
the looks that Carina was giving Sage through the whole meeting, but the question that kept eating at him was why. He watched as Sage studied the little witch as they walked past. What was Carina staring at, and did she know something about Sage? Those were all questions that were nagging at him, and he really wanted to ask because if Carina had a vision about her, or if her life was in danger, he wanted to know about it. He meant what he said that nobody would ever hurt his mate again. This was his vow and no matter what he was keeping it.

Lex was waiting by the SUV when they came down the ramp. “Good meeting?” He gave a half smile.

“I think so,” Sage answered.

“Wait here for me, I forgot something.” Brody didn’t wait for anyone to answer as he jogged back up the ramp and back into the conference room. He knew Lex would guard Sage with his life. She would soon be his Alpha female and Brody trusted him to watch over her until he returned.

Carina was still sitting at the table staring at the door as he walked back in. He walked around the table and pulled the chair out next to her and sat down. “Hey sweetheart, I need to ask you a question.” When Carina nodded, he continued, “You were staring at Sage the whole meeting. Is there something you need to tell me about my mate?”

Bast was still talking to Ryder and Me-Len, but he knew the elf was well aware of the conversation as he sat next to his future mate. “Yes,” Carina’s voice was flat as she answered. He waited for her to say more but Carina continued to stare off in space before she answered further. “She has been blessed with a great power from the Tree of Life. It will come to her in her time of need, but…”

Brody leaned forward concerned. “But what, Carina?”

“I told her to check her pocket. Did she check her pocket?” Carina asked, staring up at him now.

Narrowing his eyes, Brody glanced toward the table then back at her. “I don’t know. If she did, she didn’t say anything to me about it. When you say that she has been given a great power from the Tree of Life…what does that mean?” Brody asked.

“She needs to check her pocket,” Carina answered, then got up from the table and walked over to hold Bast’s hand. He looked equally as surprised by her actions. She whispered, “I’m ready to go now.”

Bast only nodded and smiled at Me-Len and the others, then said goodbye to them and walked out the door.

Me-Len and Ryder noticed Brody sitting at the table staring at the door. After a moment, Ryder asked, “What’s wrong?”

It took him a minute to speak. He couldn’t grasp what Carina had just said. Did this mean Sage was in more danger? “Carina said that Sage had been given a great power from the Tree of Life, and to check her pocket.”

When he glanced up at Me-Len, the color had left her face. “Me-Len?” Brody stood up and went to her side. “What does this mean?” Brody barked out, then touched Me-Len’s arm. He didn’t mean to yell at her, but this couldn’t be good.

Ryder pulled out a chair and got Me-Len to sit down. Brody and Ryder both pulled up a chair and sat beside her. Brody’s foot bounced up and down impatiently, waiting for her answer.

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen this before. The Tree of Life is something I can’t even explain. I don’t know where it gets its power from, or why it chooses only certain people to grant these gifts to. I really don’t know what it means, but I think Sage needs to check her pocket.”

Brody looked toward the door and abruptly got up and marched out. Me-Len and Ryder was right behind him, following him down the ramp. Lex was talking to Sage about something, but then he glanced up and saw Brody’s expression and stopped mid-sentence.

“Everything all right, Alpha?” Lex’s eyes darted around the room.

Picking up Sage’s hand, Brody took in a sharp breath, “Did you check your pockets when you got home yesterday?” Sage furrowed her brows. “Carina said that she told you to check your pocket.”

Sage gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. “With everything that happened, I just forgot. I left them on the laundry basket in my room. I never checked it.” Sage grabbed hold of Brody’s hand. “Did she say something to you?”

“She said that the Tree of Life had given you a powerful gift and for you to check your pocket.” Brody answered. “That’s all she said.”

“A gift?”

Me-Len inched forward. “We need to go and check your pocket.”

“What’s up?” London walked over smiling, pausing when she saw everyone’s expression. Sighing she asked, “Okay, what’s wrong now?”

“Carina said that the Tree of Life gave Sage a powerful gift and for her to check her pocket.” Ryder answered.

London mimicked the sound, “Dun, Dun, Duuuun!!!”

“This isn’t funny, London.” Me-Len admonished her granddaughter. Brody and Ryder didn’t see the humor in it, either.

“But it is. You see, if the Tree of Life gave my cousin a gift then we need to see it as that, a special gift for her to help us out. This is good news,” London explained.

“What if it’s not?” Me-Len replied.

“What if…what if the world ends tomorrow? We won’t have to worry about any of this anymore. But Carina said a powerful gift was given to Sage. Are you all not listening? A gift,” London emphasized, but nobody said anything. “Hello, let’s go check her pockets so you all will see this as what it is, a gift.” Shaking her head, she walked toward their vehicle and turned around. “Well?” Throwing her hands up in the air.

Brody put his hand on Sage’s back, guiding her to the SUV, and opened the door. The others followed suit and fled to their own vehicles. When Brody drove out and onto the road, she turned to him, “Do you think it’s just a gift?”

“I do, because if it wasn’t then I think the Tree of Life would have told her so. I think it’s something good. I think we are all so gun-shy right now we don’t know when something good hits us in the face,” Brody said, and then glanced over at her. He could tell she was worried now. Picking her hand up and giving it a little squeeze, Brody smiled as he glanced over at her, “I know this is good sign. I know it.”

Sage seemed to release the breath she was holding and nodded. He sped up to get them there faster. Deep down he knew it was good news, because the Tree of Life wouldn’t have inflicted anything bad on them. London was right and knew that, especially since she wore the Tree around her neck, and the amulet was always meant for good.

They didn’t speak until they pulled up in the garage. He took her hand in his and ran through the house, into her bedroom. Just like she’d said, her clothes were folded on the hamper. She walked over to them, and brought her blue jeans over and laid them flat on the bed and started feeling the pockets. Nothing was found in the first one, but she felt something in the second. Slowly, she pulled it out and opened her hand to show what it was. Ryder, London, Me-Len, and Meryl all walked in just as her hand opened. Similar to the Tree of Life, this stone was a crystal blue color. As they all leaned in to get a better look, the necklace holding the Tree of Life fell out of London’s shirt and started glowing. Like a magnet, the Tree of Life swayed closer to Sage’s hand. She had no control as her hand moved closer to London. They watched as both stones started blinking and glowed brighter. The Tree of Life was an agate gemstone, and very powerful, and whoever wore it would be given some type of power, but if the Tree of Life found you worthy then you would be granted more. Sage wondered if this similar stone would have that same power.

“What the hell?” Brody pulled Sage toward him.

“It’s a sister stone.” Me-Len laughed, looking at her mate.

“A sister stone?” Ryder asked.

“Yes, apparently the Tree of Life has a sister stone. When this stone was formed, another stone was also formed. I’ve never heard of this one, though. I have heard that sister stones existed but I’ve never seen one, until now. I guess it was ready to find you, Sage.”

“But how? I never picked it up. It just appeared in my pocket.” Sage questioned, examining the crystal closer.

“The Tree of Life can do some pretty awesome magic, so something tells me that her sister can too. I guess we need to research it to see if there is any mention of a stone that has a blue crystal color and…” Me-Len leaned in closer. “May I?”

“Of course.”

Me-Len picked up the stone from Sage’s hand and smiled. “Look.” Me-Len held the stone up toward the light. They all moved closer. A small tree could be seen inside of it. If she hadn’t held it up to the light, they would have missed it.

“That’s a tree,” Brody said, pleased.

“Yep. I believe you have the sister stone. It may have a name like the Tree of Life, but I’ve never heard of it. A long time ago, I read about the Tree of Life and remember some documentation in an old book about a sister tree. I had never heard of it before then and didn’t think much about it. The book said that the Tree of Life sat closely by the sister and both grew lush in the desert. It spoke of how dry the land was, but these two trees never failed to produce leaves or grow with the vigor for life. That was all that was said, but I should have known it was talking about the Tree of Life, and that there was a sister stone out there somewhere. I just never put it together. The Tree of Life has a twin, and yes…this is good news.” Me-Len nodded and smiled back at everyone. The tension in the room seemed to lighten after the news.

“It has a hole at the top where you can put a necklace through it.” Brody pointed. “I think I have something that will fit it.” Brody walked out of her bedroom in search of the chain.

He knew this was good news but he still couldn’t help but worry. Now Sage would be in more danger than before. If Claudia found out that there was another stone—a sister stone like the Tree of Life—she would go after Sage with a vengeance just to obtain it. The question he had now was how all of this would fit into the pieces of the Stone.

Brody pulled out his drawer where he kept all of his mom’s personal items. She’d had a gold chain that would be perfect for the sister stone. He opened the velvet box and took the chain out. Smiling, he remembered when he bought his mom the chain. He was only eleven years old. He’d had saved all year for it and purchased the necklace for Christmas. His mom cried when she opened the box. To say he felt ten feet tall that day was an understatement. She made such a big deal about it to everyone. “Look at what my son gave me for Christmas,” she said. She loved telling everyone that he had saved all year for that necklace. Before she died, his mom told him to put it up and when he found his mate to give it to her. She would love it as much as she had. Smiling, Brody turned around and carried the beautiful necklace to his mate.

“I found it.” Brody walked in and held out his hand. Sage gave him the stone and watched him as he put one end of the necklace through the hole then held it up. It would fit perfectly around her neck. “Turn around.” Sage smiled, pulling her hair up. Her neck was perfect, just like her. He wanted to kiss the back of it, but held off, knowing she wasn’t ready for that.

“Hey, isn’t that the necklace you gave your mom for Christmas one year?” Ryder asked, but before he could yell at Ryder to mind his own business, Sage was already taking the necklace off.

“Please don’t. It would mean a lot to me if you wore it,” Brody urged.

“I can’t take your mom’s necklace from you. You should give it to your mate—”

Brody stiffened as her words stabbed him in the chest. He just nodded and walked out of the room. Apparently, the thought of being his mate wasn’t something she wanted anything to do with. He thought she would come around and get used to the idea of being his mate, but he had thought wrong. Maybe she felt nothing for him and he was pushing this on her. Maybe she didn’t feel the same way about him, or even feel the mating pull. What are you talking about man, of course she doesn’t want to be with you, he thought. She’d jerked that necklace off so quick you would have thought it was burning her. He needed a moment to be alone and re-group. Walking out the back door, Brody jerked his clothes off and shifted.