24.

New York



"Well isn't this a lovely sight!"

Jonah, Angelo, and their mates were at the park enjoying the evening sun, reluctantly so. Danielle and Amelia convinced them to loosen up a bit even though they were on high alert with three of the most heartless men in the city. The sentinels were at random locations and exits of the park while Jonah and Angelo were on a bench looking at their mates feeding the ducks.

The sound of the familiar female voice caused them both to turn their attention to the person. There she stood in faded ripped jeans and a graphic tank top with worn chucks smiling up at them, the smile that brought her mate to his knees and the smile that gave her anything from the men in her family. "Becca," Angelo said out loud breathlessly rushing to her side and embracing her in one of the tightest warmest hugs that the little princess missed from her elder brother.

Princess Rebecca took in her brother's scent indulging in it all from his hug, his scent, and him saying her name. Tears pricked behind her eyes as she listened to him tell her how much he missed her and everyone back at home. Angelo and herself have been close while growing up he was there when she first shifted their parents have been away on business, Caiden was on duties of the throne when it happened. He was patient and reassuring with her, ever since that day they have shared a quiet bond. "What are you doing here in New York? Where is Matt? I told him to keep an eye on you" Angelo said looking around for the brown-haired prince who just loves to play tricks on him.

Rebecca laughed out loud loving to finally hear the words of worry from him and not the expression and quiet aura of one's worry. "He's coming brother. He's talking to Jace. You know how those two are. This is the longest they been apart." she replied with the biggest smile on her face. Looking up at him she noted the changes just by looking at his eyes so much like their mother's. He was happy.

She ran her fingers through his hair tugging at the ends and on cue he growled playfully at her nipping at her hands. "Don't you see your uncle here, young lady. Swear I've grown older waiting for you to notice me." Jonah whined behind Angelo. Rebecca laughed and rushed him, "Thanks for taking care of him, uncle," she mumbled against his neck as he swayed them from side to side. "I would do it again for any of you" he returned kissing her head before she pulled away.

"Now would you tell me why you are here?" Angelo asked impatiently. "I gotta get used to you talking big brother," Rebecca said poking his cheek.

"Becca," he whined batting away her hand.

"I see you wasted no time in annoying him, sweetheart." the voice of Matthew had Angelo spinning around once again. The brown-haired, blue-eyed Britain came waltzing up showing that boyish smile girls loved but only one girl received it every day. "And you are gonna continue for her?" Angelo asked folding his arms.

"What no hug for your little brother? I'm hurt. Caiden treats me so much better," Matthew said feigning hurt.

"That's because Caiden isn't the brunt of your tricks," Angelo mumbled. Matthew grinned broadly at the prince and cheekily waved at the Delta. Matthew was surprised that his mate was the princess of their kind and coming from a pack that pretty much unknown to anyone it was a big deal to them all. Rebecca quickly went to his side and clutch on to his hand he released a relieved sigh that he didn't know he held in. Her touch always gave him a sense of belonging and completeness he was lucky to have her in his life. Forgetting everyone around them he leaned in and kiss her soft pink lips loving the feel of them. It always carries him to the brink of madness kissing her having the feel of her body against his the urge to take her anywhere and everywhere. 'My very own addicting drug' he said to her over their link.

Pulling away from the knee-weakening kiss, Rebecca gazed lovingly up at her mate that took up her whole world, 'Damn right I am' she returned winking at him.

"Well, that was disgusting. Thank you for nearly bringing back up my lunch. Now can either one of you answer my question," Angelo grumbled getting annoyed.

"He was so much nicer when he didn't talk at all," Matthew said rolling his eyes, Becca laughed out loud when Angelo threw her mate a good distance away from them onto the lawn with a simple arch of his eyebrows. He didn't need to flick his wrists or do anything with his arms or head it was all done by his mind. Apart from all three kids' gifts that neither Caiden nor Becca mastered fully, only Angelo did. Though from what she heard from her mother's worries to her father, Angelo's true potential hasn't reached. "That wasn't nice Angelo. Mom is going to hear about this," Matthew shouted dusting himself off.

"Think about it, Matt. You are going to squeal on Emma's little Angie. Who do you think she will believe?" Jonah called out with amusement. "Blah Blah Blah. Let's just get on with this Becky. Where are y'all, imaginary mates?" Matt asked still peeved at his brother.

"Down by the lake," Jonah answered motioning to the two women who were talking and laughing while the ducks paid attention to the bread being thrown at them.

"Finally more girls at the castle" Becca said clapping her hands excitedly before running to the ladies.

Angelo and Jonah returned to their seats on the bench with Matthew following, they watched on from afar as Becca introduced herself to them.

"Caiden wants you back home with immediate effect," Matthew said bluntly. Jonah became tense the family knew when Caiden became the overprotective big brother something was wrong and he cannot say. Wanting his little brother back home in the secluded confines of the castle means that its something that he wants Angelo by his side 24/7.

"No." was all Angelo said.

Angelo looked on as his little sister was talking animatedly to the ladies who were lost in whatever story she was telling, maybe she felt his stare but Amelia turned and met his gaze. Her eyes soften with all the love and care in the world she had for him, his heart felt like it was going to explode with the joy he was feeling. But he was scared shitless, scared that he would lose another mate to someone's greed for power. He will do anything to keep her safe. Most importantly ALIVE. "I saw what is about to happen. I am not leaving my people. What I want you to do is to take her home. She's not safe here. I don't know what Alpha Mendez and the Vargas brothers have in common but I won't allow her to be here when they decided to show us" Angelo said all of this trying not to sound weak and pathetic, he couldn't let his fear be shown.

Both Matthew and Jonah heard the wavering of his voice as he spoke, when it came to Angelo it's best to keep quiet or you would lose him completely.

"Yes your majesty" Jonah said in his Delta voice before getting up. He looked down at his nephew who's focus was still on his mate, Jonah knew the fear Angelo was now experiencing, he was scared to lose Daniella also. He couldn't lose her so soon. "It's time for us to head back in." was all Angelo said before leaving his family.

"I don't like this, Jonah. Defying Caiden. Vargas after his mate. It's suicide." Matthew was worried as to what Angelo on his mind. To him, Angelo was everyone's most treasured prince, they all want to keep him safe, always wanting to protect him.

"Stop underestimating your brother, I have faith in whatever plans he is making all we have to do now is get everyone out of New York," Jonah said sternly before following his nephew. He walked up in time to hear Danny and Amelia protest in going back to the apartment and being cooped up like prisoners.

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to spend some alone time with you guys away from my brother and uncle." Becca quipped in a hypnotic voice. Angelo released a tired sigh when he realized that his sister was manipulating them to take the stress away from him.

'Becca.' he called to her.

'I'm sorry, Angie. You have enough to handle.' she answered sympathetically.

'I need everyone to stop coddling me. I am not fragile' Angelo shouted to everyone on his pack link. They all winced in pain at his outburst and moved away from him. "Baby?" Her concerned voice brought him out from his brewing anger instantly. "Yes, love. Let's get going," he said taking her hand and not taking his eyes away from hers. She was his rock, the one thing in life that can pull him away from any darkness. His Amelia.

'Are you okay? You seem.... bothered.' she asked over their link. Pulling her closer to him he kissed the crown of her head savoring her scent allowing it to calm Lykos and himself. 'I'm fine now. All would be said when we get home. I love you, Amelia. Please remember that.' he said squeezing her slightly.

'Always will.' she responded trying to bring him closer.

Their ride back to the apartment building was entertaining with Becca and Jonah telling the ladies about the antics Angelo and Caiden would get into, they never were punished by their mother but by their father. Bringing back the memories of how much of a mama's boy he was brought a sense of longing to see his mother again to Angelo but he has to postpone that for the safety of his people.

As they neared the building every wolf sensed something was wrong, sirens were blaring from cop cars and fire trucks, onlookers lined the opposite street looking on at the commotion. Smoke was seen coming out of the 6th floor, "Fuck" Jonah shouted before rushing out of the car. He has seen that kind of smoke before it was a lighter than any smoke a fire caused and with him feeling mildly weak he knew what was the cause.

They were attacked.

'REPORT NOW' Jonah shouted to his men.

'Two casualties. Silver Dust bomb.' one of his men responded. Jonah looked around the area and spotted most of his men hidden between the humans, he caught the eye of Zhee who looked to his right. Four vans were parked along the sidewalk one had a red ribbon tied on the side-view mirror it was to signified of their fallen sentinels. Jonah's heart was heavy, he lost two men on simple protection detail. The bastards who attacked knew what they were doing and it was recent, they knew the wolves who were on that floor or around them would be affected by the silver weakening them from doing any kind of communication.

'Where are they?' Jonah asked in full worry.

'The Royals are safe. The hybrid is with them.' They all confirmed. His shoulders sagged in relief.

'Get to the safe house.' he said to all even his nephew before going into the building against the officials protest.

'Uncle the silver is still heavy what are you doing?' Angelo shouted over their link. 'Angelo get away from here NOW. That's an order.'

'I am still your prince your order means nothing to me.' Angelo argued.

Jonah growled in frustration and continued in using the stairs, as he made his way up he was taking in the scents a few was familiar which were his men, no human scent was detected male nor female between the 5th and 6th floor he paused where he caught a scent he hasn't got in weeks. It was female and one that left a big and lasting impression. He groaned thinking how stupid she was to get involved with this mess. Jonah hurried back down the remaining floors rushing past the officers in the lobby he was relieved when he didn't see the car holding the royals still there. Five of his men were there waiting for him, "The hybrid had help in this attack. Such a coward." Jonah said to his men. They all growled lowly at the news and kept a trained eye on the crowd on the streets.

He was about to give his orders when his phone rang, he answered it quickly thinking something was wrong with the kids.

"Is she safe? Is everyone okay?" The deep voice of the Russian Alpha filled his ears.

"They are fine. I sent them to the safe house. You should be on your way there also."

"Michael suggested coming to the castle in the knowledge of Mendez but I do not want to leave princess again. I just got her." Jonah heard the sadness in his friend's voice.

"Angelo wants to send her home. I don't know how that is going to work out for him."

"I'm happy that little prince is happy. He's smart one he would figure things out. I'm leaving the hotel now. Alexei would be in touch with you. " Nikolai said hanging up. Jonah turned to his men, "I want two on the east and two on the west. You are looking for a redhead she-wolf with a very strong strawberry perfume mixed with orchids. I picked up her scent on our restricted floors. Be careful out there."

They nodded in respect and dispersed to their appointed ways, the other sentinels sent their confirmation texts to him confirming the arrival of the royals and the safe zone intact. "Sir? This attack is a minor attention-seeking plot." Zhee confided to his boss.

"And he got it even from the humans. He hit very close to home. No more lying low. It's time to get rid of him before he gets closer." Zhee nodded in agreement and got on the phone to contact his team while Jonah began other plans to get rid of this threat once and for all.







Angelo stood across the room vaguely listening to his men and Matthew. He was thinking very hard of the best way to tell Amelia that she is to leave New York in three hours without him by her side. It pained Lykos and himself to have her so far away but it is needed to be done. Bryan got too close and knowing his big brother is there to help in any vile plan Amelia needs to leave New York.

"Your majesty?" Jace called out to the prince.

"Give me a moment." he simply said before heading to the area he knew Amelia was with his sister.

As he entered the room a worried Daniella stepped forward, "He's fine. I'm sorry about my uncle, his job is always my protector no matter what." Angelo joked. She returned a nervous laugh and sat back down on the sofa beside Amelia. His mate looked up at him with speculative eyes causing him to release a tired sigh.

"We all know who was behind the attack and they hit really close to home putting you two in danger....." Angelo began.

"I'm not leaving, "Amelia said in a soft voice. Her head was bent low with her hands clasped tightly, her right leg was bouncing in one place showing her nervous voice.

"This is not up for discussion Amelia. Daniella and yourself are leaving with Becca for the castle in two hours. We are not risking your lives. We are not losing our mates again" He responded. He was trying his best to keep a tight lid on his emotions knowing how haywire his gifts get when he's really worked up.

"You won't lose us, Angelo. We can help. They are after me baby, not you. I can help...." she pleaded with her mate.

"NO!" he shouted at her.

For a moment the whole house was silent, the ladies in the room silently watched as Angelo reigned in Lykos.

"No." he repeated more calmly, " I am not letting you play bait and that's an order. Do you think I would be so stupid to allow you to do that?"

Amelia's shock wore off to anger, "An order? Allow me? You can't order me, I am your mate. Your equal. I have a say in what goes on in my life. It's me they want. I know Bryan and Samuel like the back of my hand. YOU NEED ME ANGELO SAVILLE. I WON'T SIT HUNDREDS OF MILES AWAY WORRYING IF THEY KILL YOU OR NOT. I WON'T ALLOW IT" The higher her voice went and the angrier she got the tremors began beneath their feet got stronger.

"Oh no," Becca murmured beside her brother. Amelia inherited their grandmother's elemental gift of earth.

"I got everyone in this mess. It's all my fault so don't think for a second that I would standby like a damsel in distress." With the stomping of her foot, a powerful earthquake shook the whole block. The lights went out immediately, car alarms went off in the distance, no one moved an inch in the house. Only the heavy breathing of Amelia was heard, also the wild heartbeat of Daniella.

"Well...." Danny said snapping her fingers making the lights come back on in the house. Angelo kept his eyes on his mate who was taking in the damage she caused the windows were gone, little cracks were on the ground and the wall surrounding her.

"What just happened?" she asked with her voice breaking. Sentinels came bursting through the door with Nikolai leading them, Hakeem by his side fear showing on his face.

"Everyone okay? No one hurt?" Nikolai asked.

"My mate just acquired her gift as a future princess" Angelo said grinning broadly. Still in shock, Amelia looked at Angelo. "My gift? Earth right since I caused all that," she said gesturing to the damage and the now emergency services who arrived around the area.

"Just like high queen Arabella. Proud of you my docha" Nikolai said rushing to hug her. Amelia returned her father's hug in the much excitement he gave. She didn't expect to receive her gift this early and at this moment where Bryan is a threat.

"Daniella are you alright?" Hakeem called out. By the sound of his voice, Danny realized that her little brother was here. In the same room as her.

"Hakeem ou etais-tu? I've missed you so much." she said hugging tightly while kissing his face all over tugging at his locks. Hakeem released an embarrassed laugh as his sister fawned over him. "I'm fine, soeur. The delta has kept me safe from Bryan. He was going to surprise you when you come back home but..... seems like plans changed" he said brushing away her brown curls.

"It sure has. That's why we need to leave. Amelia..... please. I can't lose you. I cannot lose another mate." Angelo pleaded with her. Amelia knew the pain of losing a loved one and can't imagine the pain Angelo went through in losing Elise. If he wants to do everything in his power to protect her she won't stop him even when she's scared that she would lose him too.

"Okay. I'll go," she said smiling at him.

'Thank you.' he said to her over their link.

"Alright. Since that's settled let's get a move on. Alpha Nikolai, Alexei, and your men have created a safe route to the airstrip. We should take this opportunity now." Jace said leading everyone out. As Angelo was about to leave the room his phone rang, "Yes uncle?" he answered.

"I think you need to re-evaluate your staff immediately" Jonah responded.

"That close huh?!" Angelo asked.

"Too close kid."