A Walk in the Nation

By Sydney Addae

A collection of three short stories sharing the lives of several favorite characters. 

Game Changer

Three's a Crowd

Olympus Island

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sydney Addae
• Release date: Oct 12, 2018
• ISBN: 9781937334956

Book preview

GAME CHANGER

Adams’ team made the playoffs again this year and his litter mates, David and Renee, along with their mates Sarita and Storm, are in attendance. During half-time, they see something so disturbing they disobey a fundamental rule of Pack life and become involved in human affairs. When the human strikes Bella, and the local Alpha refuses to terminate the human, Adam, David, and Storm declare war. La Patron and Jasmine must take quick action to stop an international catastrophe in Game Changer.

CHAPTER ONE

THE SUN BLAZED AT ITS zenith glinting on the metal trim on the side of the enclosed auditorium hosting the football game in the small town of Corinth located in Northwestern Ukraine near Slovakian border. Pack members from all over the continent poured into the large domed building to watch their favorite teams compete.

David and Sarita, and Renee and Storm had flown over to watch Adam play in the tournament. Adam had been anxious about it since Tomas had not returned after an injury to his left eye hadn't healed properly. He hoped the team would come together and pull off another win.

The four of them had arrived in town two days ago and had been hanging with Bella, Adam's mate, at their home on the outskirts of town, while Adam practiced.

Today they arrived early for Adam's game at the stadium and sat in the VIP section with family members of the pack teams. The hum of excitement and the smell of sweat filled the air. One of the teams on the field scored and the crowd went crazy with a combination of howls and cheers.

Adam's game is next, Bella said watching the field. Dressed in the team jersey with Adam's number on both sides, a pair of jeans and sneakers with her dark hair pulled into a ponytail, she sat between the two couples who were similarly dressed minus the jerseys. Instead, they all wore team logo tees and jeans.

Impressive, Storm, Renee's handsome mate said. I've never heard of the Lykos League. This is big. Strange to see so many of us in one place. How fast is that ball flying?

Can't go over 110mph, Bella said without taking her eyes off the field. That's where so many players make their mistakes by kicking too hard.

The Lykos League required specially reinforced balls, metal nets and reinforced goalie gear to make the modified game of soccer work for the much stronger full-bloods.

That would be difficult, Storm murmured. Seems the true skill is in testing your ability to remain in control at all times while running and communicating with your team-mates.

First game ever and you've already discovered the heartbeat of the challenge in the game, Bella said giving him a wide smile.

Storm offered her a thumb up gesture while taking Renee's hand in his.

I think I see Adam, Renee said leaning to the side for a better look.

Yeah, that's him, Bella said. Our team is taking the field now. Fingers crossed they win again this year.

They watched as Adam and the others warmed up, kicking the ball across the field, leaping in the air with controlled movements and dropping gracefully to the ground. Excitement thrummed through the audience. There were fewer empty seats than before.

Behind them, several newcomers entered. Heat spilled down and around them. David, Sarita, Storm, and Renee went still as pulsing power encircled them.

What the hell is he doing? Storm asked without looking behind him.

"He wants us to give him these seats," David answered through the mental link between all five of them.

"Happens all the time, Bella said. Probably an out of town Alpha who thinks we should bow and scrape when they enter a room. I always ignore them."

David enclosed them in an invisible bubble. "Is that better?" he asked Sarita.

"Yeah, thanks. Kind of creepy feeling his power on my skin," she said, her eyes sober before returning her gaze to the field.

"Asshole," Renee muttered and leaned into Storm.

"Indeed," Storm said.

Bella jumped up yelling Adam's name. David and the others stood clapping at the score Adam made. Even though the nature of the game wasn't necessarily physical, this game turned brutal. Three players left the game with injuries, meaning they had to go into the player's locker room and shift, something they were not allowed to do in public.

Adam's team held a slim lead and were on fire. Bella hadn't stopped cheering and sideline coaching telling various players what to do. David wasn't sure who was more entertaining, his sister-in-law or Adam on the field.

"Walk with me to get my bag out from the car, I need to go to the bathroom and make a quick change," Renee told Sarita and Bella during intermission.  It was that time of the month and she didn't want to have an accident.

Excuse me, Alpha would like a word with you, a full-blood said to David.

Alpha? David looked at the man as he released the bubble.

Alpha Hondo, this is his area you're sitting in. The stocky-built man with a wide barrel chest stood around 5'9" with thin white-blond hair and wintry gray eyes.

David frowned. These are his seats?

The man looked aggravated. No. But you should've offered them to him when he entered. He is Alpha over this area of Ukraine and you have not recognized him.

Has everyone in this auditorium recognized your Alpha? David asked.

Come with me.

David looked at Storm. "What do you think?"

"I think it wouldn't hurt to be polite, this isn't a familiar place," Storm said.

Grinning, David stood along with Storm and the females. "You're sounding more like me."

I know. What the fucks up with that? Storm placed his hand behind Renee's back. "I'll walk with the ladies to the car."

I'd feel better if you watched David's back, Sarita said. "Otherwise I'll go with him and you can go to the car."

"Go with my brother, please," Renee said as they left the row and headed toward the exit.

"Should I be offended that you believe I need assistance to greet an asshole?" David looked down into his mate's teasing gaze.

"Not at all. If he's an Alpha, he may start some shit after you politely explain to him that the only Alpha you kneel to is La Patron. Someone needs to stop you from killing him and becoming the new Alpha. In a way, I'm looking out for the other guy." She grinned and flipped her hair onto her shoulder as she met Bella and Renee at the end of the row.

The three ladies waved goodbye. David and Storm walked up six rows while being studied by several pack members.

"Something's up, be ready for anything," Storm warned David.

"Hello, you wanted to meet us?" David asked in a neutral tone.

For several moments no one spoke. Just as David thought to return to his seat, a Nordic-looking man with long blonde hair, large build, stood. His extraordinary height matched Jarcee's close to 7'. He didn't speak, he simply stared down at them.

"Why are they wasting our time?" Storm asked.

"I'm not sure. Could be a language issue," David said.

"Then he should tell the one he sent to fetch us what to say and be done with it," Storm growled.

True. But something tells me there's something more going on here.

Where are you from ?

David glanced at the full-blood he spoke to earlier. America. You?

The full-blood frowned. Where I'm from is not important. I'm translating for Alpha Hondo. He wants to know this information.

Which one is your Alpha? Alpha Hondo? David asked.

Me. I'm Alpha Hondo, the blonde giant said, moving closer to the aisle.

David nor Storm moved.

Alpha Hondo frowned.

I'm David Knight.

Storm didn't introduce himself.

David Knight from America? the Alpha said.

Yes.

You did not request permission to enter my lands, the Alpha said crossing his arms over his chest while glaring down at them.

We did not know it was required to come to watch a game, David said.

It is required for the family of La Patron.

Quite a few replies flew through David's mind, none were complimentary or diplomatic. Rather than knock this fool on his ass in front of his pack, David reached out. "Dad we've got a situation."

"THIS PLACE IS IN THE middle of nowhere," Renee complained as they wove through hundreds of vehicles in the parking lot to gain access to their SUV.

"Actually, this is one of the better auditoriums," Bella said. Because the games must be in enclosed buildings to keep out nosy humans, there aren’t that many facilities. Most of them are old, with barely working air conditioning, hard seats, broken bathrooms and I’ve never been to a game where there was only one game. Usually, there are at least three. If Adam’s game is last, it’s an all-day event.

Outside, the blistering heat made them move quickly to find the car.

"I’ve never seen a professional game like today. This is really cool, Sarita said looking around. Plus Adam is phenomenal. I know he’s always enjoyed sports but seeing him play against those other guys he really shines like the star he is."

"Yes, he is really good, Bella said grinning. He hates the attention though. No, that’s not right, hate’s too strong a word. When it’s time to leave, he’ll hang in the locker-room a bit until a lot of the fans leave. They can be scary demanding sometimes, especially without Jarcee to run interference."

"Nobody clears a path as quick as Jarcee," Renee said in agreement.

"I heard he and his mate would be returning to the compound soon," Sarita said.

"Maybe," Renee said, shielding her eyes with her hand. How much further is the car?

Bella held out the key fob and pressed. Beeps emitted from their vehicle a couple rows over.

"Thank goodness we’re close," Renee muttered and picked up her pace.

Sarita chuckled and followed.

After a couple steps, Renee stopped and looked straight ahead.

Bella and Sarita stopped behind her and stared as three young girls ran through the cars as fast as they could. Their heads barely reached the top of the vehicles. The scent of blood and semen hit Sarita as the young girls zipped past them.

In the distance they saw three large human males, two white and one brown complexion, weaving quickly through the cars. Spread out, they’re out here somewhere, one of the men said.

"They’re looking for those young girls," Renee said, her tone horrified. "They’re children."

"Human children who shouldn’t be anywhere near here, Bella said taking a deep breath. I don’t think they were more than 12 years old, definitely not much more than that."

"What? Sarita whipped around, horrified. I smelled semen on them."

Me too, Bella said watching the men came closer.

"I... I can’t believe I’m seeing this, Sarita said with disbelief. I’ve heard of young girls being kidnapped and enslaved for sex and other things, but I thought they were much older. Not babies like that."

"We can’t let them take those girls, Renee said her words held a thread of panic as her gaze latched onto Sarita. Can you teleport them someplace, Sarita? Someplace where they’ll be safe?"

"I can try but where can I take them? I don’t know this area." She looked at the approaching men and then at Bella and Renee. A sense of urgency crept up her spine.

"Take them to our place, give them something to eat and drink until we get there after the game. Then we’ll think of something," Bella said, speaking fast.

Sarita agreed. Inhaling deeply, she picked up the girl’s scent and walked briskly toward them. Bella and Renee followed at a discreet distance until Sarita stopped, bent down and disappeared.

"Got them, Sarita said moments later. I wish Jacki and Quinn had come on this trip rather than head back to their clinic, we could use their professional assistance right now."

"Are they sick?" Renee asked.

"I don’t know, yet. They’re scared and crying. The small one passed out when I picked her up. But we’re safe here at Bella’s place. I’ll get them cleaned up and fed. They’re exhausted. Also, I’ll keep them asleep so they don’t remember much. See you guys when you get back here. Explain to Adam why I missed the end of his game."

"Will do," Bella said as they turned and headed to their SUV. Renee grabbed her jacket for the air-conditioned building and her sunglasses.

The men searching for the girls had been stopping people asking if they had seen the young girls. Bella and Renee were returning to the auditorium when they heard a woman describe Sarita and say she took the girls. As they drew nearer the woman pointed at them and told the men that the woman who took the girls had been with them.

"Someone saw Sarita take the girls," Bella said without breaking her stride.

"People are always minding someone else’ business instead of their own, Renee said without looking around. There are security cameras everywhere, hopefully, Sarita’s not on one of them."

They’re coming over here, Bella said. "Try not to kill anyone, Renee. Remember the cameras."

Renee appeared shocked. "I’ve never killed anyone."

"You married a crazy man who will kill anyone who touches or looks at you wrong and you know it. Let’s listen, deny and move on, deal?"

Renee snorted. Deal. As long as they don’t start no shit.

Bella smiled and stopped when one of the three men stood in front of her. He had no neck. That strange fact popped into her head as he spoke.

Where are the girls? his voice sounded gritty as if he rarely used it.

I don’t know, Bella said and moved to go around him.

He moved to the side blocking her. His eyes darkened as something ugly moved into them.  Where is the woman who was with you?

I don’t know? Maybe she went back inside. Why were humans this close to a Pack event? Where was security? Fire raced across her face as the man backhanded her so hard she spun around and saw stars. Rage exploded through her as she opened her mouth and released a piercing, high-pitched sound as she turned to face the fool who struck her.

Angry, she kicked the octave up a notch.

The men hit the ground shaking and holding their ears as blood ran down their noses and out their ears. Their pleading fell on deaf ears as Bella moved closer to stand over them. They would never hear again and if she continued their hearts would stop working. A hand touched her shoulder as the red haze of anger dissipated.

Adam wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. David, Storm, and Sarita formed a small circle while watching the gathering crowd of full-bloods who appeared both impressed and afraid.

The men on the ground stopped moving.

He struck her, the same woman who told the men about Sarita, told the tall man standing over the unconscious humans. He wouldn’t let her walk past and then he backhanded her so hard she spun around. It was self-defense. Those human dogs shouldn’t be here.

Enough, the man said as Adam turned Bella to face him.

"He touched you?" Adam asked in a deceptively calm voice.

Bella exhaled. "Can we talk about it after the game?"

His eyes widened. "You think I can play now? Knowing a man struck you?"

Adam, please. There’s more to this. Now’s not a good time to go into it.

"Now’s the perfect time, Bella. Tell me what happened," he demanded.

Bella explained about the girls and the men questioning her.

"The three of you rescued humans?"

We rescue three young girls.

"Who are human?" he stressed.

Yes.

"It’s against our laws to get involved in human affairs, you know that," he reminded her.

"I know you aren’t suggesting I, we should’ve allowed these men to continue using those little girls as sex slaves," she said watching him closely. I certainly hope that’s not what you’re saying.

Adam pinched the bridge of his nose and looked at David. His brother gave him one of those, I know, but what are you going to do, looks.

The coach walked over with security. Are you alright Bella?

Yes, I’m okay. She straightened but remained close to Adam.

He hit you? Tried to stop you from entering the auditorium? Coach asked.

She nodded.

The coach looked at the security guard and asked why were humans allowed on the grounds? Where was the patrol? How had this been allowed to happen?

Nixon, Alpha Hondo’s Beta, allowed those three men to enter the gate, the security guard said, glancing at the silent Alpha.

The coach looked at Alpha Hondo. You’re taking responsibility for this? he asked.

For a few seconds, it seemed the Alpha wouldn’t respond. Yes, I will look into the matter. What happened to them? How will this be explained? the Alpha said looking down at the men.

Who gives a shit? Adam said. The son of a bitch struck my mate. I’d kill him right now if it wasn’t for the damn cameras outside. Would you care if your mate had been struck?

The Alpha’s gaze narrowed. You’re correct. I would kill the offender with my hands and toss his broken body away like garbage. We’ll remove these men and handle the humans. But please leave after the game, we don’t want any more incidents in my territory.

Adam met David and Storm’s gaze. "I want these assholes for what they did to Bella."

Of course, I’ve got their scent and will find them easily later, Storm said.

"We’ll pay them a visit and make sure they pay dearly for what they did today, no matter what the Alpha says," David said.

The coach clapped his hand on Adam’s shoulder. So sorry this happened. I’ve got to return inside; the game will restart in five. If you can’t play, I understand. He nodded to the others and walked back inside.

"Please finish the game, Adam. For me. Pretend you’re kicking his burly ass when you kick the ball." Bella leaned close and kissed his cheek. "Please finish the game, I’m fine."

"David, do you need to get to Sarita?" Adam asked.

David shook his head. "No, she wants me to stay here with you guys. She needs more time to settle the girls and does not want them around men yet. So it’s up to you. If my vote counts, I’d love to see you play."

Alright, I’ll finish the game and then we’ve got to figure out how to handle helping those girls. Dad’s not going to approve, I’ll tell you that.

"No, but it’s done, David said as they returned to the auditorium. He’s not happy with Alpha Hondo either who’s playing politics. Dad set him straight, reminded him that as long as we were here for the game, and only the game, we didn’t need to clear shit with the Alpha."

"That explains why he’s being a dick telling us to leave his territory," Adam said. When they entered the building, Adam kissed Bella and left to go find his team while the others returned to their seats.

Alpha Hondo had moved and now sat in their seats. Rather than argue, Bella talked to a friend who was so grateful Adam would return to play the second half, he found them better seats closer to the field. It was a silent fuck-you gesture to the Alpha that David enjoyed.

CHAPTER TWO

SARITA LANDED SOFTLY in the living area of Adam and Bella's large home with the three terrified young girls. Neither Salah nor Isodora had prohibited Sarita from using her gifts and talents from helping human children. Wrong was wrong, she thought as she placed the smallest child who had passed out on the sofa. The other two stared wide-eyed at her with fear radiating off them in waves.

Angelo? one of them asked.

Am I an angel? Sarita smiled at the thought. My mate would say no. Especially after helping these three. Sarita. She pointed at herself.

All three girls were thin, flat-chested and malnourished. Their complexions ranged from cinnamon to mahogany. The scent of semen sickened Sarita.

For several seconds, they stared at her and then took furtive glances around the room.

Maha. One of the girls said softly drawing Sarita's attention. Standing around four feet, she was the tallest of the three with large light brown eyes, a narrow nose, and thick curly hair bespoke of her mixed heritage.

Zinsa. The other girl said a few seconds later. Shorter than Maha, her large doe-shaped eyes blinked back tears as she wrapped her arms tightly around her waist. Thank you. Where? she looked around. A deep dimple flashed in her cheeks as she spoke.

Safe, Sarita said. Hungry? She made a motion of eating food. The girls faces lit.

Kali, Zinsa pointed at the small girl on the sofa. Kali.

Sarita glanced at Kali and nodded. Okay. I've got it. Maha, Zinsa and Kali. She pointed at each girl as she said their name.

They nodded as they watched her.

Come, let's get you something to eat and then washed up. She moved toward the kitchen. They didn't follow, instead, they sat on the floor next to Kali on the sofa. Were they sisters or related somehow? Sarita wondered as she searched the refrigerator for left-overs. In the other room she heard the girls speaking softly in a language she didn't recognize. When she filled the tray, she took it to the living area and placed it on the coffee table along with several bottles of water.

The girl's eyes rounded as they stared at the food and then looked up at her.

Eat. She made an eating motion with her hands. It was all the prompting they needed.

"I've gotten them to eat," she told David. Next I'm going to take them to the bathroom to clean up and then rest before I reach out to my grandfather. There must be some human agencies that protect children.

"Probably," David said. Have they said anything to you? Can you understand them?

"They speak a language I haven't identified yet. So far we're making hand gestures." She told him the girls names. They're afraid but not allowing fear to stop them from surviving. They're strong.

"I'm sure. After what they've been through they had to be strong to escape. Still wondering why they were in the area on Pack grounds, Hondo won't answer questions and wants us to leave once the tournament is over," David said.

He sounds like quite the asshole, Sarita said. Kali woke, scooted between the two girls and started eating while keeping her gaze on Sarita.

He is. We'll drop Bella and Renee off at the house. How much time will you need to make arrangements for the girls?

"I don't know yet. Once I get them settled I'll hit the internet and contact Barticus or Nana Amynta. They may know something."

It didn't take long for the food to disappear which pleased Sarita. "I'm going to try to get them in the shower, talk to you soon." She stood and waved for them to follow her.

They looked at each other, stood and trailed behind her slowly down the hall. When they reached the large hall bathroom, Sarita opened the door. Maha peeked in, said something to the others and entered the room. Kali and Zinsa followed.

Sarita waited for them to turn on the shower when they continued looking around, she stepped inside, turned on the water and stepped out. The girls stared at the water.

Kali placed her hand beneath the spray and jerked

Reviews for A Walk in the Nation

[mintedrose · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Update review: After reading Game Changer again, I think it deserves a 5 star rating, with the overall book a 4 star rating. I enjoyed the more complete character development of Silas' crew. Adam and David have very much matured into alphas to be reckoned with, and David's attitude and wisdom is admirable. The mates were fleshed out as well. I really liked Sarita and Bella in this story. The Jewels bored me, and I think I will find the Oscar character interesting when he is incorporated into a complete story about the Olympians.