Chapter 101 Bad Decisions

*The Chief *

"Men, hold your positions. I'm on my way to the bistro to meet with Lucas Lockwood," I told them as I exited the elevator into the lobby of my building. Damn, a wolf who had a ten million bounty on his head was across the street and I couldn't even touch him. I was so deep in thought, I tripped on the rug of the lobby and almost dropped the chest. Good thing I had a tight hold on it. I didn't want these black sapphires to fall on the floor giving anyone the opportunity to touch any of them.

I regretted giving one to Wang, but I had to test the black sapphires. When the ear-piercing howl sounded, he didn't flinch, not one bit. It was true these black sapphires made a wolf immune to the black wolf.

The only people I knew who may have some knowledge regarding these black sapphires were the mages locked up at Wolf Penitentiary. There were a number of them sentenced to life imprisonment. I bet even the former Elder Minerva Allen may know something about these sapphires, however she was now mute, thanks to the black wolf.

I paused in the middle of the lobby to think. There was one mage that I locked up years back for simply being a mage. She was once a teacher in that snobby school for the would-be Alphas of the world. It wasn't my fault the High Lord Wolf ordered any and every mage to be imprisoned. I was just following orders.

I walked towards the reception desk, placed the small chest on top of it and gestured to the Wolf Troop on guard duty to hand me the landline. That teacher who was locked up at the penitentiary may have some information regarding these black sapphires. I remembered she loved to read and was a historian of some sort. I decided it was better if I spoke to her first before I went across the street to meet with Lucas.

I dialled the number of the Wolf Penitentiary and asked the guard to speak to that particular mage. I assumed the black wolf wouldn't be infuriated if I were to talk to someone who had any idea what these things were capable of. She only warned me not to touch them. 

"Chief, she's in solitary. Her privileges have been revoked," the jail guard said nervously after I gave him my badge number.

"Then patch me through the warden," I said, the tone of my voice holding a warning. I heard him cough nervously. He knew if I didn't get what I wanted, he'd be punished for it.

"Sir, give me a moment and I'll have the guard at solitary put her through."

"Thank you and hurry. I have important things to do," I replied. I covered the receiver of the phone and asked the lone Wolf Troop behind the reception desk, "What's the twenty on Wang?"

"Sir, he's three blocks away still following the Elder," he answered.

"Don't lose sight of him. I want to know where he is at all times." I heard a brief moment of static on the other end of the line.

"Sir?" It was someone else, probably the guard in charge of solitary. I coughed my reply. "Sir, we're taking the prisoner out of solitary so you can speak with her. It'll take a moment since the guards are still chaining her up to the cage."

"Thank you. Once you give her the phone, no one should listen in. This is highly confidential."

"Understood, Sir," the guard said. I heard someone say something on the radio. "Copy that. Sir, the prisoner is being wheeled as we speak."

"Good." I turned my attention to the monitor that had the feed inside the bistro. Lucas and his Beta were eyeing my men. I sent three wolves to keep an eye on them while we kept tabs on Eric Lockwood. Lucas and his Beta knew they were being watched.

"Sir, the prisoner will speak to you now," the guard said. I heard some shuffling and static then a click.

"Hello?" An old woman's voice greeted me. She sounded surprised. "The guard had informed me you wish to speak with me. Why would I want to speak to the wolf who plucked me in the middle of my class just because I am a mage? Hmmmm..."

"How about you scratch my back and I scratch yours? I heard you had your privileges revoked. You tell me what I want to know and I'll make sure you get back all your privileges." Surprisingly, she laughed at what I had to offer her. I thought she would jump at the opportunity to get her privileges back. Maybe I was wrong. I was thinking of other options when finally, she spoke.

"Alright then," she said, agreeing to my terms. "What do you want to know?"

"Black sapphires, what do you know of them?" I asked her.

"What about them? Do you have one? If you do, how in the world did you get one? It is believed there are none left in existence. Unless," she paused dramatically, "the rumors are true that a keeper was tasked to oversee that a number of black star sapphires be kept hidden to await the black wolf's return."

"I'll be the one asking the questions, if you don't mind and I don't have a lot of time for your mumbo jumbo. What do you know about them, mage?" I growled at her. She chuckled sinisterly before speaking.

"Legend has it that a group of wolves revolted against the black wolf. They were each equipped with black star sapphires found in Asia which  were used in the occult before the migration. The Eurasian migration then brought the sapphires to the Americas. The blocks where the black sapphires lay were held in high esteem by the Native Americans. They believed the blocks repelled evil spirits. Little did they know, the black sapphires held evil in itself," she explained.

"And what uses do these so-called black sapphires have?" I asked.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk...the consequences outweigh their use, wolf, but to answer your question, the black sapphires make you immune to most of the powers of the black wolf. As we all know, the black wolf is connected to all wolves and whatever you see, hear, think and even smell, she knows. In short, the black star sapphires cloaks the bearer so he may act accordingly without her knowledge."

"Most, you said. Why not all powers?"

"For the Moon Goddess is always on her side, wolf," she said, her tone insinuating I was an idiot. "If there are dark gems as the black sapphires, wolf, there are also gems and artifacts whose powers can counteract that of the evil which lies in dark gems. The Moon Goddess gave assurances to fight the evil which desires to destroy our very world."

"What happened to the group of wolves who fought against the black wolf?" I asked.

"While a few decided to switch sides, some committed suicide, while the others disappeared into the darkness, bringing with them their kin. The leader of the group whom the black wolf killed, bore a son. It was believed that son had perished, yet his body was not found."

"Do you know how to use a black star sapphire, Mage?"

"Dark gems only need to be touched, then the curse begins. Heed my warning. The consequences are just too grave to bear. You will regret it until your last, dying breath," she warned.

"And what are these consequences?"

"Evil extracts a soul or blood as payment, wolf, and once you touch a dark gem, it will not stop until payment has been made," she replied.

"You sound like my grandmother when she would tell us a scary story," I told her, laughing at the doomsday bit she did so well.

"You should be frightened, wolf. If you possess a black sapphire and have not touched it, bury it instead where it will never be found," she said.

"Well, it seems the consequences are not as grave as you say. The group who used the black sapphires got a good deal. You even said they continued living."

"To what extent? Living in complete darkness is no laughing matter, wolf." She paused a bit before speaking again. "Ah, I see. You do not believe. Very well then, touch the black star sapphire you have in your possession and see what happens," she jested. "In due course, I won't need to extract my revenge for all the years I had to suffer in this place. The black sapphire will do it for me," she snarled. I scoffed at her. There was no way she could avenge herself.

"I think that's enough. I'll call the warden and tell him to give back your privileges," I said. She giggled like a little girl.

"Privileges?!" She then laughed so loud like she heard a funny joke. "The reason why I am in solitary is because I told that oaf of a warden the black wolf will continue to tear his body apart for making the innocent suffer. I caught the scent of his blood from underneath his clothes. Privileges," she spat. "Don't insult me. I don't need your privileges, you mongrel, because I won't be here for long! The black wolf has set in motion the events that will lead to my release. I AM AN INNOCENT!" I heard her click her tongue. "A war is brewing, wolf. If you do not join the black wolf,  then you will provide me the opportunity for me to avenge myself!"

"Oh, mage, you've gone completely insane. If you're going to be released, it will be to the asylum. I guarantee it!" I hung up, irritated. Serves me right for calling a crazy old hag!

I looked at the monitor again and saw Lucas and his Beta whispering at each other. I inhaled and exhaled deeply. It was time to go meet them. They looked like they were getting antsy and I knew that my absence will warrant another visit from the black wolf.

I turned to pick up the chest and was surprised to find it was open. I instantly looked at the lone Wolf Troop behind the reception desk.

"Did you open this?!" I roared.

"No, Sir," the Wolf Troop replied hastily. "I've been busy watching Wang. You told me to keep an eye on him." I gazed at him and peered into his eyes. He wasn't lying. I slammed the lid back to close the chest and picked it up.

"I'll be at the bistro. Make sure to inform me of any developments." I hurriedly left the building and crossed the street.

When I entered the bistro, Lucas's Beta stood up ready to draw blood. I raised my hand in peace. My men were about to move forward to where I stood, buy I gave them a stern look conveying to hold their positions.

"I will not in any way harm the both of you. That goes for the rest of my men. I have been warned by the black wolf herself," I said, telling Lucas and his Beta that I come in peace.

There were two other patrons in the bistro, seated at the far end, happily slurping on their pasta. They didn't even look at me as I entered. Basically, we had the bistro to ourselves.

"I know the black wolf has sent you to give something to us," Lucas said. Apparently, the black wolf has already spoken to her father. I nodded my head.

"I was given an ultimatum to give you this chest or face death." I showed him the small wooden chest and shook it, the black sapphires making a rumbling sound inside.

"Where is my father?" He asked. I couldn't lie. The black wolf knew I was having him followed.

"He left on foot. Last I heard, he was three blocks away from here, eastbound," I answered. "I presume the Elder must have another vehicle on standby, perhaps a safe house nearby or he wouldn't have left his car." Lucas's Beta nodded his head, agreeing with me. I knew Michael Sullivan. They tried to recruit him after his tours in Afghanistan. He was a soldier who didn't need a gun to kill. All he needed was his bare hands. However, he declined the offer to join the force and became Lucas Lockwood's Beta full time. While everyone thought both were dead when news of the missing Alpha spread, I knew they were in hiding. Michael Sullivan was a cunning wolf. He had the means.

"I would like for us to have an alliance, Chief. Whatever One is paying you, I can match that. I can assure you and your men will no longer be bothered by the black wolf. As I can see," Lucas pointed at the bandages of one of my men, "the black wolf has visited all of you in your sleep. It must have been painful to wake up with such wounds...wounds which will not heal unless the black wolf bestows it upon you."

"Really? You will make sure the black wolf never bothers us again in our dreams?" I asked. "I saw the video from the Christmas Ball. Your own daughter took you by the neck."

"Well, that was a misunderstanding," Lucas said nonchalantly. "Whatever the black wolf decrees should be followed without complaint. Her will is a means to an end," he explained. His Beta coughed to interrupt.

"What Lucas means to say, this alliance we are suggesting was also sanctioned by the black wolf. If she wanted to kill you, all of you would already be dead. You want proof? The dead rogues at the cafe beside the Four Seasons... that was her." I raised my eyebrows, skeptical she killed the rogues at that cafe. I turned to look at Lucas for confirmation and he nodded his head, telling me it was true. "Chief, I know you. I followed you when you started your career as a Wolf Troop. You always upheld Wolf Law. I also know they don't pay you enough. That is the life of a soldier. You risk your life to protect all, but receive a pittance of a salary. But all of that will change once Diana becomes Alpha among Alphas and Lucas and Alpha Connor become High Councilmen. We will rally for your rights. Join us, Chief. It will be the best decision you ever made. I can assure you, from one soldier to another," Lucas's Beta said.

I have made many bad decisions in my life and now I had a chance to turn my life around. I looked at my men who were waiting for my answer. Two nodded their heads while one shook his head. I knew what the other was thinking. He wanted the thirty million. I did too, but it would be impossible for us to kill all three.

I looked down at the chest. "However, if you decide otherwise, I will kill you before you have the chance to touch one." Those were the words of the black wolf. I didn't want to die just yet.

"Fine. I agree to the alliance," I finally answered.

"Chief, no! What about the thirty million?! If we kill these two now, we're insured of ten." The Wolf Troop who was shaking his head earlier obviously didn't like my decision and was bold enough to speak. I growled at him.

"Stand down, wolf. The black wolf told me if we hurt Lucas, she will make sure we will never walk again," I told him.

"The black wolf told you?! When?! When you were asleep?! You wake up with a bunch of scratches and now you're scared?! What the fuck, Chief!" He exclaimed, enraged I would back down. He started pacing up and down and even removed his gun from its holster.

"I said, stand down! You don't want to do anything stupid," I cautioned him. I took one step forward, one of my hands up in surrender while the other held the chest tightly.

"That's easy for you to say, Chief. I need the money. I promised my family a good life after this mission is completed," he said. "If you won't kill Lockwood, I'll do what you are too chicken to do." He raised his gun and aimed it at Lucas. Michael Sullivan moved to cover Lucas. The Wolf Troop chuckled. "Have it your way then. You die first."

"Is everything okay, here? We heard shout-" The manager didn't finish what he was saying. The bistro suddenly went dark and in the corner I noticed the glowing green eyes of the black wolf which unexpectedly disappeared. What I heard next was proof the black wolf was among us.

I heard a low growl then a crunching noise which was followed by a scream of a man. I tried to adjust my eyes to the darkness, but I just couldn't see clearly, however, I could smell the distinct muskiness of wolf's blood. All of a sudden, the glowing green eyes of the black wolf reappeared where the murderous Wolf Troop stood.

"Please, I will do anything, just don't kill him," I begged. For the second time today, I felt scared, not for myself, but for a loyal wolf of my squad.

I had to help him even if it meant moving in the dark. I decided to take a step forward towards the glowing green eyes of the black wolf, but my foot caught on the rug of the bistro and I tripped causing me to lose hold of the chest. The chest flew up into the air while I, big and heavy, fell directly onto the floor with my hands outstretched. Out of all the bad decisions I've made, I reckon this was the worst decision I have made in my entire life.

There I was, lying flat on the floor and in my outstretched ungloved hand, lay a black star sapphire which emitted a reddish glow.