Chapter 28 On Our Way to Lucas

*Athena*

It was a very cold morning and I was driving on the road that went through Salty Moon Forest, peering through my rearview mirror every five minutes, making sure I wasn't being followed.

I had spies, too, wolves who were loyal to me and my brother Lucas. After I had taken the top position in my family's empire, some of those people had pledged they would be my eyes and ears and would inform me of anything out of the ordinary. One of them was my father's secretary. She had heard my father and my brother Chase discuss killing anyone who resembled Lucas and all the people with him if they tried to venture into our territory. The rogues, who had taken over the criminal syndicate in New York City, were also on high alert for any man who resembled my brother. If my brother were to try to enter the great states of New York and New Jersey, he and his companions would be slaughtered without much thought and definitely without an ounce of mercy.

In a strange turn of events, I can not believe, Elder Minerva Allen, my former Headmistress at school, contacted me to find my niece. When Elder Allen was still a young woman, she was a powerful priestess. Sad to say, she didn't use much of her powers anymore due to her old age, however, I did hear the excitement in her voice when I called. I guess, it's one last adventure for the lonely old lady.

As they say, surprises come in pairs. Aside from Elder Allen's bizarre interest with my niece, I also received an interesting bit of information from one of my friends from the West Coast. It appears Edward Crowne, the father of that really young, astute Alpha, was going to Maine. Why? Why was he going to Maine? Lucas was in Maine, that I know for sure, and if Edward chances upon him, he will most certainly tell my father. Ugh. I just couldn't remember where exactly in Maine was Lucas hiding. Well, I did know someone who knew where to find him and so here I am, driving to meet him near his territory.

He agreed to meet me at his bar located at a truck stop that was situated along the road through Salty Moon Forest. After Amy was attacked, alone, along this very road, Alpha Connor thought it would be wise to make a truck stop. This way, the road would remain busy and it would be easier for women to get help if the need ever arises. He didn't want the road to be used as an assasination venue. Once was enough.

"Athena, it's been a while. Look at you. You are every bit the rich businesswoman they say you are." Alpha Connor, though polite he was to me, was extremely angry at my father.  My father had his pack massacred by the rogues after which he gave them safe passage into New York City. Unfortunately, there was no evidence linking my father to the rogues, who almost exterminated Alpha Connor's pack, and so my father got off scot-free. As for Alpha Connor, he continued living, silently grieving the death of his younger brother.

"Alpha Connor, on behalf of Lotus Pack, I would like to humbly apologize for what happened years before." I bowed my head low, exposing my neck, a sign of submission.

"It wasn't your fault, but thank you for the kind gesture and the generosity you have bestowed upon me and my pack over the years. We have fully rebuilt the territory and our numbers have grown. I was even able to put up a business of my own." He patted my arm and pointed to the stool beside him. I sat down and he handed me a beer.

"That wasn't me, Alpha Connor, that was Luke. I just made sure you received the money. He says he owes a huge debt and he knows it can not be paid in full by money alone. He just knew it would help you." Alpha Connor's eyebrows rose after finally finding out the truth regarding the source of the financial donations to his pack. He closed his eyes and nodded his head.

"Pass on my gratitude to him if you manage to see him.. So, how can I help you, Athena?" Alpha Connor took a sip of his beer. I wasn't much of a beer drinker, but it would disrespectful if I didn't drink it so, I took a sip, too.

"I need to know where I can find Luke. I know he's in Maine, but I don't know exactly where." I took another sip of my beer, the bitter taste burned my throat, but it started tasting better.

"He's in Portland, Maine. Look for the "Two Men and a Griddle" diner, he owns it. By the way, he doesn't use the Lockwood name. He uses Sullivan." Michael's last name. I nodded and took another sip of my beer. "Why the sudden interest for Luke? It's been almost 18 years and you've only come to me now."

"My father and brother are at it again. They've ordered the men and the rogues to kill anyone who looks like Luke and the people he is with. There is also another complication. Edward Crowne is flying to Maine. There is something happening and I know if I don't do anything, I may never be able to see my brother or my niece alive ever again."

"Crowne...I know that name. Sacred Moon Pack in Montana. Someone who was banished from that pack came here looking for Lucas several years ago. A young pregnant woman. I told her to go looking for him in Portland. I haven't heard if that woman did find Lucas. Do you think there's a connection between her and Edward Crowne coming to Maine?" He looked at me for answers.

"This is my first time to hear about the young pregnant woman, but I assume there must be a connection. Edward Crowne, former Alpha of the wealthiest pack in the West Coast, wouldn't just make a sudden trip to Maine. I'm just worried Crowne might contact my father if he finds out about Luke. I need to go to him as soon as possible. Thank you for the beer, Alpha Connor." I stand up to bow.

"Oh, Athena, if Lucas decides to come back, tell him I'm ready to go to war with him. This time, I'll be ready for Eric Lockwood and those soulless rogues. Tell him, I have a score to settle." Alpha Connor didn't bother to look at me when he said those words, but I knew he meant every word of it. I nod my head, bow and leave the bar to go to the airport.

From the airport, I took a helicopter to Boston. I couldn't go directly to Maine, it would be too obvious. Plus, I never had any business in Maine, it was always in Boston. I already had an alibi if Chase would try and sniff me out.

I booked a room at my favorite hotel and went there. I dropped off my luggage at my room as well as my smartphone and left the room, bringing a small bag with me. I went to the ladies room at the pool area and changed into a track suit and hid my hair under a bonnet. I took out a foldable back pack and placed all the items I needed to bring with me. Then, I placed my clothes in a plastic bag, sprayed some really cheap perfume to hide my wolf scent and threw it away.

I exited the hotel and went to an apartment I had bought under an alias. I had a car there with some essentials in a secret compartment in the trunk such as an extra prepaid phone, money and fake IDs. While I was at the airport waiting for the helicopter, I had called the superintendent of the building, telling her to let in my grandmother when she arrives.

I entered the apartment building and the superintendent greeted me.

"Hi Ms. Alicia. Your grandmother is already upstairs. Good thing you called ahead. The poor things was shivering from the cold."

"Thank you, Sue. Is my car ready?"

"Yes, Ms. Alicia. Fully charged and ready to go." I thank her once again and hand her a handsome tip. I can always rely on her when I needed something.

Before I enter the elevator to get to my room, I send them a message that I am here in the building and that I was headed upstairs to the apartment.

I was about to put my keys in the lock, when the door opens revealing a man behind it. He was clean shaven, sported a crew cut and had hazel eyes. I knew those eyes.

"Oh my Goddess!" I close the door behind me and turn around to give him a hug. It's been 8 years since I last saw him. "Jonathan, how are you? Why are you here?" He was about to answer, when a stern voice answered behind him.

"Jonathan is my butler, Athena. He came to me when Chase banished him from your pack. He has agreed to accompany me to find your niece." I look at Jonathan with raised eyebrows and he shrugs his shoulders. Well, at least now I know he had a job and a place to sleep.

"Do you want to drive? I have a Tesla downstairs, fully charged and waiting." I show Jonathan my electronic car key and he takes it then turns to help Elder Allen up on her feet. I look through the refrigerator and get some food and drinks to bring with us so we don't need to stop often. I pick up Elder Allen's bag while Jonathan takes his.

"By the way, Athena, here, put some of this on." He had a small vial with a clear liquid in his hand. He opened it, pressed his finger on the opening and placed a little of whatever was in that vial on my neck. "There, your scent is masked." I raise my eyebrows again questioning the forbidden elixir. He rolls his eyes at me. "I'll explain later. Now, let's go. We can grab some lunch before we leave Boston if you want." We leave the apartment and head to the garage at the basement floor. We place our bags in the trunk after I took out all the contents in the secret compartment. Jonathan gets into the driver seat while Elder Allen sits in the back. Jonathan opens the door to the passenger seat and I slide in.

I typed in the name of Lucas' diner on the tablet of the car. It was only 2 hours away from Boston. I estimated we would get there by two forty five in the afternoon. Maybe if Jonathan drove faster then we would get there earlier. Jonathan backs out of the garage and drives out of the building into the main street. I hide my eyes with my sunglasses so does Elder Allen and Jonathan.

I was both excited and scared. I get to see my brother after 18 years! I hope no one finds out where I am. I look at the rearview mirror to see if there was anyone following us. You can never be too sure.

I bowed my head to utter a little prayer.

Moon Goddess, please help me help my brother and his daughter.