Chapter 87 Asleep

Sixth

The casino never closes so we work in shifts. Since I have been here since lunch, it was time for me to head home and get some rest.

I glanced down at my wrist to check the time. It was two-thirty in the morning. The after party crowd would be coming in soon and I didn't want to be here when all the noise came in. For tonight, we had a strict wolf only policy since the VIP's were in town. I went to the bar where I knew I would find Eighth.

"Eighth, you're in charge of the tables. One will be at his office at his usual time in the morning. Just send  the rolls of receipts to my office and I'll get those done by the time I need to report to One," I told him.

"Sure, Sixth. Do you know if Second will be coming in later? He's usually here at this time," Eighth asked.

"All I know is he had something important to do with Third and Fifth. You know I only get the details when they're done with whatever they were ordered to do," I replied. I rubbed my eyes. I was really tired. "I need to get some of my things from my office and then I'm headed back to my apartment. It's been a long day," I said. We both noticed Ninth heading towards us, swaying his hips and looking really frustrated.

"I can't find Ten anywhere and his phone is off. Have you guys seen him? He's suppose to be here already." Ninth stomped his foot, the heel of his pumps making an impression on the carpet. "Sixth, I can't keep covering for him. He needs to start getting his shit together," he said.

"Call Eleven or Twelve then," Eighth said. "Eleven keeps coming to work late and Twelve says she wants more responsibility. Have them cover for Ten," Eighth said. "Better yet, I'll call them. Sixth, go on home. I got this." Eighth took out his phone from his pocket. I liked Eighth. You could always count on him. I actually believed he should have become Fifth when the spot was vacated, but the wolf who took the position of Fifth was a close associate of Second.

"Thanks Eighth. I don't want to be here when Eleven comes in. That wolf hates my guts," I told him.

"He doesn't hate you, Sixth. He just doesn't like you. There's a difference," Ninth said while looking at his polished nails. "You know how most rogues are, they usually don't like the smart ones or the educated ones. It spells privilege. Most Omegas aren't given an education because their calling is eternal servitude. None of the Alphas like having a smart mouth servant." He raised an eyebrow and flipped his hair. "Anyway, you are indispensable to One and he knows it. No one here can balance the books. Only you can do it."

"One will have his head if does anything to you, anyway, Sixth," Eighth said, tucking his phone back into his pocket. "If Eleven did more and stopped showing up to work late then he probably would gain a bit more of One's trust. The only reason he got his position in the first place is because he's One's top she-wolf trafficker." Eighth couldn't hide the disgust in his voice. He didn't like that aspect of One's business, neither did I. I patted Eighth on the arm and blew Ninth a kiss.

"Well, I just need to get some papers from my office. I'll see you guys later in the day. If there are any problems, call me," I instructed them. I left them at the bar and took the elevator to my office. Like most of the rogues, I was alone.

I envied Seventh and was happy for him at the same time. He was one of the few rogues who was married and had kids. He had a beautiful human wife and two adorable little pups to go home to. He would leave the casino at exactly midnight to make sure his kids were sound asleep and to spend some alone time with the missus. I remember telling me he was planning to go back to school and get a degree. His only problem was the vow he gave One. Being part of the Numbered meant a lifetime of service.

When I got to my office, I glanced up at my wall clock. It was almost 3AM. I had to hustle if not, I'd be only getting four hours of sleep than my usual six. One allowed me to come in late in the morning just as long as I got everything done by noon. With Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Ten absent, I had to put in more work at the casino.

I stuffed the receipts, papers and laptop in my bag. I'll probably do some work at the apartment and finish off here at the office when I come in. I took out my burner phone I had hidden in a secret panel in a drawer of my desk to check if Captain Hathaway sent me a message.

I was happy to see I had a message from Captain Hathaway, but was shocked by its contents. Second was a prisoner of Diana Lockwood, Fourth was under Wolf Troop custody,  Third, Fifth and Ten were dead and Diana will speak to me if the time is right. Did One know about this? Does this mean I will rise in rank? When will Diana speak with me? Will it be sooner or later? I heaved a sigh. She would find me when it was time. I only had to wait a bit more.

I placed my burner phone in my bag. I'll probably know more later. I picked up my bag, shut off the lights and exited my office. I took the elevator back down to the casino so I could check on the others before I left.

When the elevator doors opened, I was surprised to see the casino lights were dimmed and everyone was so still. I turned to look at the bar. Eighth and Ninth were still there. I walked up to them and was shocked to see they were sleeping on the table, their heads on their arms . I looked at the bartender and he too was asleep, in a stool behind the bar, his mouth wide open, snoring. What was happening?

I decided to check the tables. The dealers were also asleep on the casino tables as well as the gamblers and high rollers. Even the ladies with the trolley carts had sat down at the nearest couch or chair and had also fallen asleep.

Was I asleep? Was this a nightmare? I pinched myself to check. It hurt, so no, I was awake and this was real. I tried waking up a security guard who was sleeping at his desk at the entrance. He wouldn't wake up. He looked peaceful and was mumbling about eating a juicy steak. He was dreaming.

"The wolves will sleep until the sun rises," I heard a faint whisper. The voice was familiar. It was the voice of the black wolf.

I couldn't leave them here like this, but I couldn't stay here either. I was at my office when they fell asleep so I decided it would be better if I came from my office or if they found me there. I turned back to the elevator. I'll be sleeping in my office tonight.

______________

Ethan

After Diana commanded the wolves to sleep, her eyes became green once more. I took her hand and helped her up so we could come out of our room together.

Everyone was awake and ready except Harley who was sleeping peacefully on the couch. Otis took his duties as a babysitter seriously, even placing a blanket over him and a pillow under his head.

"Ah, Ethan, you're just in time. Helicopter should be here any minute now. Athena gave me the keys of all the rooms of each floor so we can go in and out without problems," Michael said. "And my friend said the vehicles we need are all parked at the basement parking of the loft in Soho."

"Everyone knows what they're suppose to do?" Alpha Connor asked. "Lucas, you have your disguises?"

"Yes and I already phoned my friend. We are going out through the morgue area," Lucas answered. Lucas pointed at the ring on Diana's finger. I have never seen her wear it before. "You're wearing the Lotus Flower ring, but it looks different. There's something red on it."

"The blood pearl, Dad. Onyx's prized possession. Nana had it with her and slipped it to me at the cafe." Lucas walked towards Diana and took a closer look at the ring.

"There's a small space right there. What is that for?" Lucas asked.

"An emerald."

"And where are you supposed to find the emerald?" I asked.

"From a good friend," she answered. We suddenly heard the unmistakable sound of a helicopter coming towards the hotel.

"Heads up everyone," Alpha Connor said. "Masks and gloves on. We might be dealing with silver. Make sure to keep your body protected at all times. Lucas," Alpha Connor bowed low at him, "may the Moon Goddess bless you. Men," Alpha Connor looked at all of us who were dressed in black, "may the Moon Goddess bless us. Let's go. See all of you at the rendezvous point." He saluted Diana and the rest of the men and slipped out of the suite, disappearing under a blanket of darkness.

I covered my face with my mask and made sure my gloves were on snug. I gave Diana a quick hug and waved at the rest of my men.

"Alpha, you ready?" Colt asked through mind link. Captain Hathaway provided him a suit and Colt looked ready to do what was needed to be done.

"Ready, Colt. Let's rescue those children," I answered him back through mind link.

We exited the suite and ran up the stairs to the helipad. Michael took the access card from his pocket and swiped it in the security panel so the doors would open. "Let's move." Michael mind-linked all of us, making sure there was an open channel of communications between each other.

The huey helicopter Michael's friend was good enough to hold twelve men. Michael went first lifting his mask so his buddy could see his face. Then he gestured for all of us to board the chopper. When we were all seated comfortably with our helicopter head gear on, Michael gestured to the pilot, "Let's get this bird up in the air."

The weather was optimal. There was no snow and the sky was clear except for the occasional cloud. The moon shined brightly above us, giving us a clear path to where we were headed.

"Michael, you guys have thirty minutes to go in and out of the building. That's the length of time from when someone calls the cops until the police get to the building. Remember, thirty minutes."

"No problem. We will manage," Michael said.

"Are any of you armed?" The pilot asked.

"If you mean guns, no. And believe me when I say we don't need guns," Michael answered.

"Copy that. ETA, five minutes," the pilot said.

I peered ahead and saw Lockwood Towers as we approached. I stretched my neck and moved side to side to remove the kinks and rolled my shoulders to stretch them out. Game time.

The helicopter flew above the helipad of the Lockwood Towers and landed gently. "Thirty minutes men," the pilot said while he adjusted the timer of his watch, "and your time starts now. Move!"

One by one, we all jumped out of the helicopter, bent our heads, and ran to the doors leading to the inside of the building. Michael took out an access card and placed it on the security panel for scanning. It beeped green and the sliding doors opened. Alpha Connor popped his head at the entrance to check if there were any guards. "Clear."

"They are on the 45th floor according to Diana in J.L. Lockwood Suite 4501. That's five floors down," Michael said, mind linking with all of us. We nodded our heads and followed Alpha  Connor to the stairwell, going down as fast as we could.

At the 45th floor, Alpha Connor opened the door ajar to check if the coast was clear.. "Four guards, eleven o' clock." Alpha Connor and Matt walked out the door slowly and quietly while Colt and I were a couple of paces away, near the wall while Michael stood guard by the door to make sure no one was behind us.

"They don't seem to be moving," Matt said through mind link. Alpha Connor rushed over to look. I glanced at Colt and we both shrugged our shoulders at one another and walked over.

"They're asleep," Alpha Connor said, out loud. He slapped a guard in the face. "Yup, out cold."

"Sleeping while on guard? That's odd," said Colt.

"This makes our job a whole lot easier," I said. I gestured to Michael to join us. "Michael, come over." I mind linked him. "The wolves are asleep just like Diana said." Michael jogged to where we stood.

"Nice," Michael said, snapping his fingers infront of one guard. "He's drooling. Alright, we got twenty-five minutes left. Come on. This way." Michael began walking through the hallway and turned at the corner. We followed him.

"We have a bunch of wolves at the door. They seem to be asleep too," Michael said, slapping the face of one wolf who was seated on the floor, peacefully sleeping. He then took out a key and placed it in the lock. It wouldn't open. He jiggled the key in the lock and it still wouldn't open.

"Let me see that," I said. I bent down and took a small black bag from my belt, opened it and took out some tools. I was the best in my squad when it came to picking locks. I started young, picking the locks of doors and lockers in school. I placed the tools in the key hole and in second I heard the click and twisted the keyhole around. "Open says me." I turned the doorknob and the door opened.

"Good job," Alpha Connor said. "Now, let's find these pups of Athena's." We entered the dark suite and split up. Alpha Connor, Matt and Michael went to the bedrooms while Colt and I went to a source of light we saw through the darkness.

We crept slowly towards it and heard a soft buzzing sound. "It's a TV, Alpha," Colt said, peering through the corner. "Found pup number three." I walked over to where he was standing. A little boy was sleeping with his head on the table and the television on. "I got you, baby boy." Colt picked up the boy and rested his head on his shoulder.

"You good?" I asked him.

"Yes, Alpha. Just lead the way," Colt answered.

"Mommy? Is mommy coming to see us?" We heard the boy say. I looked over Colt's shoulder to check if he was awake. He was dreaming. I let out a sigh of relief.

"Yes. We're going to see Mommy," I answered. Colt gave me a weird look. I gave him a "what am I supposed to do" kind of look.  "Just go to sleep and when you wake up, Mommy will be there with pancakes."

"Okay," the boy whispered and snuggled into Colt's neck.

"Have you guys seen the youngest?" Alpha Connor asked through mind link, concerned. "He's not in his bed.:

"We have him, Alpha" I said through mind link.

"Good. Meet you guys at the door," Alpha Connor said.

I led the way to the door by retracing our steps. I saw the silhouette of Alpha Connor and Michael  who were each carrying girls wrapped in blankets ahead of us, exiting the door. Once we were out the door, we hurried to the elevators to go up to the helipad.

"We still have a few minutes before the helicopter leaves without us," Michael said. "I didn't know Athena's eldest was already a teenager. We couldn't find robes so we wrapped them in blankets."

"Good job boys. This was one of the easiest missions I've done," Alpha Connor said. I smiled at him, agreeing it was easy.

We all felt so pleased with ourselves until we got to the helipad to discover the helicopter wasn't where it was supposed to be. We all looked at Michael. Some friend he had.