Chapter 86 One Part of the Puzzle

*Diana*

Flying in a helicopter at night is frightening when weather is bad or if it is foggy. I had asked Onyx to make sure the night sky was clear.

After the men had discussed their plans to rescue Aunt Athena's children from Lockwood Towers, it was time to show Captain Hathaway our prisoner.

"Captain Hathaway, I can see you are hellbent in winning the fight against the rogues," Alpha Connor said, "so we're gonna let you in on a little secret. Matt stood up and opened the door of the room which was Second's temporary prison. "There's someone here we'd like you to meet." Alpha Connor walked inside and gestured for Captain Hathaway to follow him.

Captain Hathaway raised an eyebrow wondering who Alpha Connor was talking about. He followed Alpha Connor inside and was shocked to see Second chained to the floor.

"So those dead rogues in the dumpster...you guys did that? The CCTV cameras went off during that time. Hotel Security phoned it in, but thought it was a glitch in the system because after thirty minutes, the feed came back on like nothing was wrong with the CCTV cameras." Captain Hathaway looked at Second closely. "He looks sick. Did you poison him?" He asked.

"Ah, no Captain. He has an aversion to Miss Diana's scent," Otis explained. "Well, he seems to be doing better. His last episode was before Miss Diana left for the ball."

"One...will have...your...head. All...of...you," Second said, exhausted from being sick. "I...need...water."

Otis went to the dining table, poured him a glass, and walked back towards the room.

"No, I'll do it," Captain Hathaway offered. "I don't want anyone to get hurt even if he is sick." Captain Hathaway bent down in a squat, helped Second up into a sitting position and then gave him some water.

"Better?" Captain Hathaway asked him. Second nodded his head. "Okay then. I want some answers. What are you doing here?"

"We were supposed to be servers at the ball to aid Eric Lockwood, but if given the opportunity, kill Lucas Lockwood," Second answered.

"How?" Captain Hathaway asked.

"By poison. Eric Lockwood didn't care if we slit his throat in front of the guests, but we would have been arrested if that were the case. So, we were better off being discreet."

"You keep saying we. Who was with you?" Captain Hathaway continued with the interrogation.

"Third, Fifth and some rogues who were part of Fifth's team. Now they are dead because of that meddlesome fool of wolf and Lucas's Beta."

"You mourn for them? I'm surprised. Usually, you and One think the rest are indispensable." Captain Hathaway stood up to speak with Alpha Connor. "We better get him into Wolf Maximun Penitentiary. He might escape."

"NO!" Alpha Connor and I exclaimed together. I  stood up from the dining table and went to the room with Ethan closely following behind me. My dad and Uncle Mike also followed.

"I understand why you would say no," Captain Hathaway pointed at Alpha Connor, "but Miss Diana? Why not?" He asked me.

"So One will come to us or anyone One commissions for that matter. The Chief already made an effort to extract Second from this hotel a while ago when we were all downstairs. He even told the guards to vacate this floor, however he had problems with communication," I explained. "He will come with us and we will lock him up in the dungeons of either territory once we arrive in New Jersey."

"What makes you so sure One will rescue him? Yeah, he may be his right hand man and yes, he usually does One's dirty work for him, but these rogues know that nothing lasts forever. Especially rank," Captain Hathaway replied.

"Do not underestimate the love among brothers. One will make every effort to rescue Second. Second was the only rogue who had shown him kindness. One owes everything to him," I told Captain Hathaway.

"Close the door please, I beg you. Her scent is making me sick again," begged Second. We hurriedly went back to the living room area of the suite with Otis closing the door behind us.

"So, let me get this straight. Second is here, Third and Fifth are dead and Fourth, well, we have him in custody," Captain Hathaway counted on his fingers.

"Ten's dead, too." Uncle Mike said, matter-of-factly. We all stared at him. "What?! Did I say something wrong? I was just adding him to the head count."

"And Ten...according to Beta Michael. This means Sixth, Seventh, Eighth and Ninth will be going up the ladder." Captain Hathaway took a look at his phone and checked his messages. "My agent inside wants to talk to you Miss Diana through video call if that's okay."

"Tell Sixth not to worry. We will meet when the time is right," I answered. Captain Hathaway gazed at me, shocked I knew about Sixth.

__________________

*Ethan*

I escorted my mother and my baby sister downstairs to their car. I bade them good night and kissed them both, thanking them for coming while assuring them I would see them tomorrow.

When Diana, Lucas, Alpha Connor, Michael and Athena left the ballroom to meet Lucas's mother at the cafe, I took the liberty of campaigning for Lucas and Alpha Connor. However, old Jacob Johnson decided it was time to confront me on the issue of his youngest daughter.

"If it isn't Alpha Ethan Crowne, the mate of the so-called black wolf," Jacob Johnson said from behind as I spoke to Elder Conway, whose son I did business with.

"Elder Conway, I hope we have your support. If you may excuse me, I have someone who wishes to speak with me," I said, bowing to Elder Conway. I turned around to face Jacob Johnson who stood with his belly out with a glass of whiskey in his left hand. Sophia, his daughter, was quietly standing behind him. "Such a shame you weren't able to meet Diana. You would like her." I noticed Sophia scoff at me for mentioning Diana's name.

"Oh, I wouldn't doubt not liking her. She's the queen of the wolves, my boy," he said, chuckling."But I'm not here to talk about Diana Lockwood, I'm here because you promised my little girl to make her your Luna then you stiff her after you meet the black wolf. What does that make you, Alpha Ethan Crowne?" Jacob Johnson said loudly, for everyone to hear.

"Father, you're drunk," his son, Alpha Jared said. "Why don't you have a seat at our table before you make a fool of yourself."

"Me? Make a fool of myself? He promised your sister he would take her as his mate!" Jacob Johnson exclaimed. The wolves at the other tables turned their heads towards us, amused by the commotion. Jared placed his mouth near his father's ear.

"Father, if you keep insisting Sophia is a jilted lover of Alpha Ethan, she will never be mated," Jared said  "Even if you throw money to get your way. Mark my word." Alpha Jared patted his father's back. "Sophia, take Father back to our table."

"B-but-" Sophia tried to speak.

"Now Sophia. And may I remind you...you can't always get what you want," her brother said, sternly. "Ethan has found his fated mate. That is a law amongst wolves in which we abide by above all others. It is not to be challenged nor is it to be ridiculed. You, my baby sister, have the chance to find your own."

"I understand. My apologies," Sophia said, bowing in submission. She then turned around to escort her father to their table.

"Congratulations are in order," Alpha Jared extended his hand for a handshake. "I had my doubts you would find her, but obviously the Moon Goddess showed you your path. I pray the Moon Goddess will take mercy on me and show me my path to my Luna. Be it wolf kind or human." I smiled and grabbed his hand for a handshake. Jared and I weren't close friends, but as Alphas of our respective packs, we understood each other.

"Thank you, Alpha Jared. I will also pray for you to find your fated mate," I said. He shook his head ever slightly and sighed.

"However, I fear the black wolf is angry and seeks retribution. I do hope she will take pity on me. I have not been Alpha long thus, the mistakes my father has done have not all been corrected. If you can, a kind word about me to the black wolf would be appreciated, Alpha Ethan."

"Of course, Alpha Jared. The black wolf may be vengeful, however her human form is compassionate. She is both yin and yang. My mate, Diana, has lived among humans, hence her empathy and ability to forgive," I told Alpha Jared. He smiled in understanding.

"I do hope I will be able to meet her and her father before we leave. Alpha Lucas is a legend." Lucas Lockwood's story may have ended with tragedy, but among the younger generation of wolves, it was a romance story we all looked up to. "I will also try and campaign for the two. We need younger and experienced people in the Council. Not these old-timers who think they are still above the law. You can count on me," he said.

I bowed low at Alpha Jared. It was nice to finally meet someone else who understood the plight of the wolves. "I will tell Diana and Alpha Lucas of your kind words and arrange for all of you to meet."

"Thank you, Alpha Ethan," Alpha Jared said. He bowed low to me and turned to walk back to their table.

My father was all alone at his table, drinking heavily. I felt a tug in my heart. Even if we didn't see eye to eye on issues, he was still my father. I approached him, so we could talk, man to man.

"Father," I announced my presence and bowed at him. "I was hoping we could talk."

"Sure, sit down, son," he said. He waited for me to take my seat beside him. "Good that you're here. I was hoping to speak with you to ask you if you could ask your Luna to forgive me. Have pity on an old wolf such as myself."

"Of course, Father. However, knowing my mate, she will ask you to ask for forgiveness from Aunt Daisy. Father, Diana and Aunt Daisy are extremely close. They are family, a small pack of their own. Whatever crimes you had committed against Aunt Daisy, now is the time to ask for forgiveness."

"What crimes are you talking about? Why? What did Diana tell you?" My father asked. He began to sweat, beads of perspiration started rolling down his forehead.

"About you? Nothing much. Of course, you banished Aunt Daisy from the pack and there is the mystery of Aunt Daisy's missing mate, Enrique. I may have to hire a private detective to look into the matter unless you know something, Father. It would save me a whole lot of time and money if you could shed some light on the matter."

"Enrique? Our cowhand that went missing? He is Daisy's mate?" My father was playing dumb. It only meant he wasn't willing to admit to Enrique's sudden disappearance. He will. It was only a matter of time.

"Yes, Father. Now, if you will excuse me. I have to continue my campaign. Have a good evening, Father." I stood up without inviting him to join the three ladies who were laughing and enjoying themselves. If he wasn't ready to admit what he did, then he wasn't entitled to forgiveness.

After watching the car, my mother and sister were in, drive away, I went back upstairs to the suite. All the wolves who had military training were participating in the rescue so that included me. I was a bit rusty, but so was Colt, Matt, Alpha Connor and Michael, yet we all had one thing in common, we had nerves of steel. Anyway, we now had back-up, Captain Hathaway and his team.

Lucas and the rest of the men agreed to help Diana's grandmother and her friend leave the hospital. Before the sun rises, we would meet up at the rendezvous point in Soho.

When I walked into the suite, they were talking about Second.

"He will be coming with us," Diana said. "I mean us women and Otis. Otis will be in charge in taking care of Harley. We will be taking the mage's RV." Lucas and Michael looked at each other then at Diana. "What? The RV has a navigation system. We just need to input the address. Uncle Mike, I know what you're thinking. You are deciding whether to come with me or rescue my cousins. My cousins need you."

"Kiddo, how are you suppose to get Second out into the RV?" Uncle Mike stared at Diana.

"By making him walk to the RV. It won't be difficult. Uncle Mike, I can handle this. Trust me," Diana said.

"Alright, but if he tries anything funny, do what you did a while ago. I don't care if he's suppose to bring One to us," Michael said. "People make sure all your things are packed. We won't be coming back to the hotel."

We were ordered to take a quick nap and convene at zero three hundred hours. I took a quick shower so I could get some shut eye. Diana was already in bed sleeping by the time I came out. I kissed her on the cheek and scooped her into my arms and fell asleep almost instantly.

"Ethan, honey, time to get ready." I opened my eyes to Diana's voice. Her green eyes were glowing under the moonlight.

"I'm up. I'll just wash my face and brush my teeth," I said. I got up and went to the bathroom.

When I came out, Diana was seated infront of the vanity mirror, already dressed with her head down and her eyes closed like she was praying. I quickly got dressed and put on whatever tactical gear I had with me. I noticed all of Diana's things were already packed and her luggage near the door. I hurriedly put all my things in my bags and placed them next to her luggage.

Diana remained infront of the vanity the whole time I was getting ready. She just sat there quietly with her eyes closed. "Diana?" I tentatively called out to her. "I'm ready." I checked my watch. Almost 3AM. "I gotta go. Are you sure you will be okay? Just you and the girls?"

She lifted her head and opened her eyes while facing the mirror. I was surprised at what I saw. Her green eyes were red.

"We will be quite fine, my love," she said so softly, like a caress. "Do not fear, for when the sun leaves this world, the world fears me. Remember my love, listen to the whisper. It will guide you through your mission. May the Moon Goddess bless your quest."

"Alright, my love. I will see you at the rendezvous point," I told her. She nodded her head almost absentmindedly.

"The sheep may play tonight for the wolves will sleep," she said, in a husky voice. "Except for some."

"Sleep wolves. Dream of beautiful things," she whispered. "Or dream of the nightmares of your future.

_______________

*Diana*

I told everyone I was tired and hurriedly wished them good night so I could take a shower and get ready for bed. By the time Ethan came, I was asleep in our bed, already in Onyx's realm, learning of the artifact of long ago.

I woke up to the buzzing of the alarm of my phone. I quickly washed my face and brushed my teeth so I could wake up Ethan. I knew he was tired and an extra several minutes would help he stay alert for his mission. After I was done, I woke him up.

While he was in the bathroom, Onyx came to remind me after I was done getting dressed.

"Diana, my pearl," she said. The small item my Nana had discreetly placed inside my hand was a pearl. I hurriedly checked my inner coat pocket and pulled out the small red pearl. The blood pearl, from which my Nana's pack was  named after, was a small orb which contained the blood of Onyx's descendants as well as her own for she was the black wolf of legend, reborn. "Place the blood pearl on the ring of the lotus flower. One piece of the puzzle is now complete," Onyx instructed.

The ring my father gave me when I turned thirteen was not only a ring of the true Alpha of the Lotus Pack, but was the black wolf's ring from long ago which was passed on from generation to the next. When the black wolf decided it was time for her to leave this earthly world, she divided the gemstones of the ring and gave it to three caretakers. The pink diamond ring to the Alpha of the Lotus Pack, the blood pearl to her mate and a small emerald to an important wolf, well, very important to Onyx.

Both the blood pearl and the emerald had the ability to provide long life. My Nana didn't look like she was in her 60's and I presumed she never got sick. If it wasn't for her hair, I wouldn't assume she was old.

The blood pearl would provide me the strength and power of the wolf gods before me. As for the emerald, it would give me the ability to predict the future as well as heal.

I took out the ring from my bag and gently placed the blood pearl on an empty space beside it and like magic, the blood pearl fell right into place on the ring.

I slipped the ring on my finger and I heard all the wolves near and far. Their voices were so loud, I could hear all their hopes and dreams, their anguish and their misery. I heard my cousins crying for their mother. I heard my Nana asking for guidance. I heard Eric Lockwood threatening the man who had the emerald and I heard the old man laughing at him. I heard Ethan's father's regrets. I heard Minerva Allen ask for death. I heard Andrew's torment as his wounds would not heal. I heard the High Lord Wolf's dirty thoughts as he watched porn. My dear wolves, it was time to sleep.

"Diana?" I heard the one voice I loved with all my heart.

"When the sun leaves this world, the world fears you..." Onyx whispered.

It was time to visit the wolves in their dreams or their nightmares. I lifted my head and opened my eyes. Ethan was already dressed and ready to do what was needed of him.

"The sheep may play tonight for the wolves will sleep," I said, in a husky voice. "Except for some."

"Sleep wolves. Dream of beautiful things," I whispered to all the wolves near and far. "Or dream of the nightmares of your future."

Today, the wolves will know me.