Charlotte's Pride: Sacred Order, #1

By Maria Warren

She thought she was rescuing them, but they'll be the ones to free her.

Charlotte works for the Sacred Order a very exclusive laboratory that deals in protecting all of mankind, not that Charlotte is sure just how they do that.

One day she gets a glimpse when she notices a trio of big cats a cheetah, a tiger, and a lion all being abused and experimented on. She takes matters into her own hands and steals them intent on delivering them to a sanctuary.

But those plans are destroyed when she wakes up to a man licking her cheek and two others beside him claiming they are the very cats she rescued.

Now she has to risk her job, her best friend, and even her life if she wants to help these men get home. But will she be able to follow through or will she be the one that ends up in a cage?

this book contains adult situations including steamy scenes, adult language, and graphic descriptions. It is intended for an adult audience

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maria Warren
• Release date: Dec 3, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201534714

Maria Warren

Maria Warren brings you unique and erotic paranormal adventures with 20 years of writing experience. Her works explore difficult themes and topics.

Book preview

Charlotte's Pride

Maria Warren

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Maria Warren Writes

Copyright © 2021 by Maria Warren

All rights reserved.

Cover by Getcovers

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

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Contents

1. Charlotte’s Pride - 1

2. 2

3. 3

4. 4

5. 5

6. 6

7. 7

8. 8

9. 9

10. 10

11. 11

12. 12

13. 13

14. 14

15. 15

16. 16

17. 17

18. 18

19. 19

20. 20

21. 21

22. 22

23. 23

24. 24

25. 25

26. 26

27. 27

28. 28

29. 29

30. 30

31. 31

32. 32

33. 33

34. 34

35. 35

36. 36

37. 37

38. 38

39. 39

40. 40

41. 41

42. 42

43. 43

44. 44

45. 45

46. 46

47. 47

48. 48

49. 49

50. 50

51. 51

About Author

Authors I Enjoy

one

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Charlotte stared at the vast tiled room across from her. A new laboratory, perhaps? But something was off. There were not the usual rows of machinery in here, like from the other rooms. Besides, she doubted they would do experiments behind glass walls. What was this place?

The cells reminded her a bit of isolation rooms from hospitals. Cube squares of thick glass where she could see in, somewhat. The light didn’t stretch far enough to get a good view of what they were unless you were directly in front of them. A place no one wanted to let her be.

The Sacred Order claimed to be a lot of things; Champions of Mankind, Defenders of Humanity, even the Saviours of the Future, but the longer that she worked there, the more that Charlotte doubted any of those titles were accurate. There was a secret hidden behind the plastic perfect smiles, and she was going to uncover it.

Charlotte hadn’t looked at the cages closer yet. Not with the interference from the other workers as they tramped over her freshly cleaned floor.

Why wouldn’t management listen to her? It was better for her to work after everyone else left for the day. It would make so much more sense and yet they refused to leave her alone with the mysteries. When her shift ended, she had to vacate or face penalties. No time to explore or figure out the secrets, just out of reach.

Charlotte!

An excited cry tugged Charlotte out of her thoughts, and she grinned as her friend jogged to her side. The tall blonde grabbed Charlotte in a hug and squeezed her as she giggled. Jamie, Charlotte greeted with a shy smile.

I still don’t understand why you’re a janitor of all things, Char. Jamie ran a hand through her own short hair as she clucked her tongue. You’re worth so much more. I mean, look, I’ve only been here a matter of a few months and I’m already getting promoted again. You’re stuck in the same spot from when you joined.

Charlotte shrugged as she glanced away from the sharp green eyes. It’s fine. I make enough to pay my bills.

In your teeny tiny house, Jamie sighed. You’re supposed to be spreading your wings when you become an adult, Charlotte. Not sticking yourself in a smaller eggshell.

I don’t need everything you do, Charlotte pointed out. I’m happy with the way things are. Besides, it’s just me. Why do I need a huge house? I have room for my books, and that’s all I need.

Jamie sighed again. But what if you ever have a guy over? Where are they going to sleep? On your bookshelf? You have nothing to do in that hovel. You need to live more, expand, grow. Let's talk to the boss about promoting you. You’ve done great at your job. Jamie smiled at her.

Jamie. Charlotte frowned back at her friend. I’m fine, okay? Stop worrying so much. Let’s just focus on celebrating your promotion. Who are you going to be in charge of now?

Jamie smirked. Oh? Didn't I tell you? she teased.

Charlotte hated this game. No, she answered. You didn’t tell me.

Jamie grabbed Charlotte’s hands, tugging her closer until they were almost nose to nose. Her eyes still danced. I’m your boss now!

Wait, that didn't make sense. Why’d you say we should go to see the boss, then? she demanded.

Her inquiry was met with a smirk. "I was going to take you to my new office, but no, Charlotte, the buzzkill had to ruin everything again."

Charlotte pointed to the cages in the corner, clasping her hands in front of her and widening her eyes in the puppy dog look that usually killed Jamie. You can tell me what those are then, right? Since you’re my boss. She threw in some blinking for good measure.

Jamie shrugged. "I don’t know, nor care. All I do know is that whatever they’re planning is going to help make this place even better. Did you know that since I came on board that our productivity has doubled? Anyway, I didn’t come here to brag."

Charlotte raised a brow. Really?

Okay, a little bragging. Jamie shrugged. But there’s nothing wrong with being proud of your accomplishments. Tonight we’re having a big party for me. You have to be there, Charlotte. I’m tired of you making excuses every time.

A party? Did this woman do anything but? Charlotte bit back a sigh. She’d run out of viable excuses. Telling Jamie that she couldn’t go to her party because an alien had kidnapped her wouldn’t exactly work.

Maybe something like being enthralled by a vampire would be better?

You’re thinking about stupid things again, aren’t you? Jamie demanded with a roll of her eyes. You’re too difficult. You’re lucky I love you. But I’m serious. You’re coming to the party tonight. And I’m going to introduce you to some people in the company. You’re not going to stay a janitor forever, or single.

Jamie, I’m not interested in dating.

That’s what you say now. Jamie bent down, so they were nose to nose again. But that’s not how things are going to stay. Let’s get ready for that party.

I’ve got strict orders to clean up in here, Charlotte countered. Can you at least let me clean longer than my last boss? Charlotte found she didn’t even care what happened to the man. A piece of day-old toast would be more fascinating.

You want to work longer? Jamie groaned, tipping her head back before rubbing her forehead. Fine, you can spend a little extra time here to clean up when everyone is gone. Because even I know how stupid it is to try to mop while people are moving around. In return, you’ll go to the party?

This wasn’t a question. This was a command, and Charlotte knew it. Yes, she replied. Did she even have anything to wear to a party? She always dodged them.

Great, Jamie chirped. I’ll send you something to wear. I know you. You have nothing suitable at your place, not that you could fit anything suitable in there to begin with.

Mission accomplished, Jamie finally left her in peace, and the rest of the people in the spacious room trickled out with her.

Charlotte was alone.

At last, her curiosity could be sated. She continued to clean, edging herself closer to the giant cubes. They were tall, taller than she realized now that she was near them. They were easily the size of a house.

Would giants live in there?

Her next sweep took her farther away, and Charlotte hurried to make her way back. She hurried, but she was still sure to do her job to perfection, as always. In no time she was even with one monstrosity once again, and she peered inside. It was hard to see, but they weren’t empty like she first assumed. In the middle sat a great big steel table. It was too dark to make out a lot of other things in the room. Just glimpses of things here and there. Were those tubes in one corner? And on the other side?

Charlotte pressed her face against the thick glass to get a better look. Something golden glinted on one side. She could almost make it out. Wait, that wasn’t one glint, it was two? Charlotte pulled back and winced. It would take ages to get those smudges off. Still, in for a penny, in for a pound. She edged closer yet and crouched to where the gold had caught her attention. What was in there?

The glint blinked. Charlotte bit back a gasp, holding her breath. The darkness peeled away from the wall and stalked forward. The lights behind her gave a dim amount of sight into this area, but as it got closer, at least Charlotte could tell what she was dealing with. She couldn’t mistake those spots.

The cheetah came to a stop a few feet away from her and tilted its head, staring. Deep crimson eyes watched her every movement. A red tongue lolled out, and it smiled at her.

Charlotte had to wonder if it was smiling at its next meal and the beast took a step closer, or at least it tried to. From the other side of the glass, it huffed in complaint as it was stopped.

It turned to see what was the issue, and Charlotte noted the cause. A long spiked chain was tied around its neck and the end slithered off into the darkness. The animal whined and pulled at its restraint before it sighed and flopped on the ground.

What was going on? Why was there a big cat here? Charlotte left her vigil at that cage and moved to the next. It was a carbon copy of the one before, with a singular difference. Its occupant wasn’t a cheetah. This one caged a large and angry tiger. She couldn’t see its eyes, as it did nothing but snarl and threaten her.

Charlotte shivered and moved to the last cage. At first, she didn’t think there was anything there and got up to leave when the darkness itself moved. This animal was smaller than the others, but the ice-blue eyes that locked on Charlotte froze her in place. Did they even have blue eyes? She couldn’t remember. Her mouth was dry. The animal sat down and glared at her. His mane was coal-black and small for his species, but she could recognize what she was staring at easily enough. A lion was on the other side.

Why did a laboratory that was supposed to be for the good of mankind have big cats held prisoner? And those chains…

Charlotte shook her head as she set about cleaning all traces of her spying. It was going to be time to put her talents to work. Because now she had proof of the mystery here, and she was going to get to the bottom of it no matter what.

two

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Jamie tapped her fingers on the long black granite counter. Charlotte was late. How long did it take to clean a single room? She glimpsed at her phone and resisted the urge to take it with her to the bathroom and obsess over it. That would not be the image she wanted to convey of a professional businesswoman. Despite that, all she wanted to do was check what was holding up her bestie this time.

Ms. Dolce! Congratulations, boomed a voice nearby.

Jamie broke her trance and turned to grin at her former boss. Now, they held the same rank. While the big beefy man controlled the night, she controlled the day. Thank you so much.

Where’s Newsome? I thought she was going to be here. He frowned and chewed on his silvery mustache. The guy really needed to know how to trim that thing. It was looking like a porcupine had decided to live on his lip. I hope she didn’t try to stay behind again. It’s dangerous when it gets dark.

Dangerous? That was an odd choice of words. Jamie moved closer even as his breath tinged with early celebrating tainted her air. What do you mean? If he was a danger to Charlotte, she'd deal with it.

His eyes widened as he shook his head, and he backed away, almost tumbling off the barstool. No, nothing. There’s nothing dangerous, I just mean you know the situation. Being alone, unguarded, anything could happen.

She’s inside the Sacred Order, a company that vets its employees to the extreme. Why in the world would she be in danger there? Jamie shivered. Something about this made her scalp tingle, as if something was running claws over it.

Don’t worry about it. I’m sure she’s fine. He gave Jamie a broad grin. Besides, we’re not here to talk about her. We’re here to celebrate you! You’re our rising star, Jamie. You’re going to go far with this company. Did you know we’re worldwide? You could be the head of your own research facility at some point.

Thoughts of his earlier conversation faded away. The man was drunk. It made sense that his words were nonsense. Oh, she knew about how large the company was. It’s why she’d picked it, after all. You really think so? she asked as she widened her eyes and gasped appropriately.

They loved to educate her, and it made her less of a threat. All perfect little things to help her climb higher. She’d drag Charlotte with her if the woman wanted to or not. Charlotte just needed to have more ambition, and Jamie would force it. People were going to acknowledge what she already knew. Charlotte was an amazing woman with a bright future ahead of her.

I imagine with your focus and will you’d get your own location before this time next year, he chuckled. Though I’m not sure your shadow will reach that level.

He slapped a hand over his mouth and excused himself as Jamie’s eyes narrowed and her hand curved around her cup like a claw. Jamie downed her drink in one throat-burning gulp. This was always how people treated Charlotte. Why couldn’t they see how much potential she had? But they were fools if they thought she was going to abandon her best friend.

Ah, you must be the woman of the hour.

Jamie plastered a bright smile on her face and turned. Oh, wait, this one she didn’t know. Her smile faltered. I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.

She meant it to be a greeting, but it came out in a breathy whisper. He was gorgeous. Finely chiseled features, golden hair, and blue eyes reminded her of a lake. Her lips parted as everything else faded away in the room.

Wow.

He chuckled. No, we haven’t met just yet. My name is Peter. I’m in charge of one of the obscure teams here. But I wanted to make sure that I could greet you. I’ve heard you’re quite the rising star.

Warmth flooded Jamie’s cheeks, and she glanced away from him. She was acting like a teenager! What was wrong with her? But then again, no man deserved to look like they’d waltzed off the pages of an underwear ad. Was the rest of him just as delectable? Thank you, she whispered after several long moments.

He chuckled again, the sound warm and reminding her of honey. How could a chuckle sound like honey? She had no idea, but she was swooning, hard.

Your name is Jamie, right? his eyes twinkled, smiling down at her with those perfectly formed lips of his.

No man had the right to look so perfect. His teeth were perfectly straight, his lips plump, his eyes sparkling with promise. He was a piece of art come to life.

Am I wrong? Do you prefer Ms. Dolce?

Jamie shook herself out of her trance. Jamie is fine, she squeaked as she grabbed his offered hand. His warmth spread through her from just the barest of touches. It’s nice to meet you.

I plan to get to know you a lot better, he added, smiling at her.

God, even his smile was perfect, just the right amount of teeth. This man couldn’t exist, could he?

I was told that there was going to be a rare sighting of one of our hard-working employees here. I was curious about her. He glanced around the room and away from Jamie.

He was talking about Charlotte. She’ll be here soon, hopefully. Jamie’s stomach clenched into knots, but she wasn’t about to give up a chance to find someone for Charlotte. Even if Peter was like a storybook prince come to life.

You know of her? I must admit, I’m most curious about how she’s kept in the same position for so long. I would understand if she failed at work she would be fired, but she keeps her position, so she must be good at her job. That’s rare here. Everyone that makes it through the hiring process advances.

Telling the truth would likely make Charlotte look bad, and Jamie wasn’t about to betray her best friend. Though said best friend was going to be strangled if she didn’t show up soon. Jamie had spent an entire check on that outfit.

It’ll be a pleasure to meet her as well. Peter nodded to the bar-tender that waited on the other side of the bar. How about I treat you to a drink to celebrate this next step of your life’s journey? Peter suggested, with that to-die-for-smile.

How could she possibly say no? Please, Jamie replied.

Please? Was that all she could manage to say? She wanted to drag this man to her room and do any number of shameful things to him. He lit a fire inside that raged out of control.

He leaned forward and whispered some words to the barkeep. The other man nodded, and he smirked as he scurried behind the bar, picking out bottles. What kind of drink was he planning?

Jamie spared the room another glance. Still no sign of Charlotte. Had something happened? Should she go back to the office? She frowned and sighed, pushing away from the counter. I have some business to attend to. Thank you for the drink.

Peter glided across the floor. There was no other way to describe the way this man moved. I have to insist you at least try my drink before you run off, Jamie.

The way he said her name did things to Jamie that were on a different level. She’d never really cared about the opposite sex before, besides using them to get what she wanted, and now she was falling hard. Even thinking was becoming a chore. Would it be too rude to ask if he was single?

I promise there’s nothing bad in it if that’s what you’re worried about. It’s an eclectic mix, but I think you will approve. You remind me of it.

She reminded him of a drink? That had to be a good sign, right? Jamie took the glass to her lips. It wasn’t a shot glass like before, so she couldn’t just down it. Sweetness cloyed to her tongue, and she resisted the urge to gag. The cherry cordial was smooth with the unbearable sweetness. Regardless, she finished the glass with ease.

Peter chuckled. Jamie, I’m going to need you to sit down. He patted the stool next to him. You won’t be in any shape to walk around after that. You were supposed to sip it.

Jamie opened her mouth to argue she didn’t have a problem holding her liquor when the floor swirled beneath her feet. She stumbled onto the seat, and Peter’s warm hand steadied her back. She sighed at the soft contact. Maybe Charlotte would be fine wherever the woman was. And maybe it wasn’t so bad she had missed this party.

Jamie was enjoying Peter far too much to want to share him at this point. Warmth spread through her limbs and coiled in her stomach. If you insist, Sir.

Sir? He laughed again, and Jamie melted. She was torn between wanting to just bathe in his presence and throw him against the wall at the same time. Call me Peter, and I’ll continue to call you Jamie, unless that’s too improper for you.

She wanted him to scream her name, but asking about that would cause more problems than it solved. Jamie is fine. I like when you say Jamie, Peter. Even his name was honey on her lips.

She was going to enjoy getting to know him, and as for Charlotte? She’d deal with her later.

three

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Charlotte finished cleaning the glass of the cages and glanced around the enclosure, closer this time. It didn’t take her long to find them. A set of cameras all pointed at the cages and their occupants.

Had they seen her? She glanced around the room. If anyone had witnessed her, they would have most likely been here to take her away by now. But what in the world was this place doing to these animals? She moved away from the cages as she cleaned the last area of the room.

Newsome!

Charlotte winced at the booming voice and looked over at its owner. Her boss! Well, former boss, anyway. Now Jamie was her boss. Sir? she answered.

What are you still doing here? he didn’t have to get close for her to know he had been celebrating hard. Dolce has been waiting for you all this time. He glanced past her at the cages farther in the corner and frowned, chewing on his mustache as he did so. You didn’t go anywhere you weren’t supposed to, did you?

No, Sir, Charlotte wasn’t about to tell him the truth. Everything about him screamed red flag right now. She wasn’t even going to go near him if she could help it.

Good, good, but why are you still here? It’s time for night-shift and you’re still cleaning.

Some people were in the spirit a bit too early from the party and they vomited everywhere in here. It took forever to clean up. She ran a hand through her hair. He was directly in the way. She wouldn’t be able to escape this room unless she went by him.

He huffed, shaking his head. I’m glad to hear that, Newsome. Now, why don’t you let me escort you out? You could still make the party. He reached for her, but Charlotte took a step backward. His red-rimmed eyes narrowed. Stop playing, he scolded.

I’m not, Charlotte replied. Maybe he wouldn’t do anything to her, but she wasn’t about to trust him. She was alone in here, and the guy was considerably larger than her. But I’m not leaving with you. I’ll leave behind you, but I don’t need any rumors swirling around.

Whatever, Newsome, he grunted, turning and waddling away.

Charlotte followed several steps behind him, her mind racing. Why were animals being kept here? And just what were they doing to them? She wanted a better look, and to find out the truth.

They were back in the light, and Charlotte lagged behind him. I’ve got to grab something from the office before I go. Jamie left me something for the party. Could you lock up, Sir? His face turned red with streaks of purple, but nodded and hurried to do so.

Perfect.

Charlotte retreated to Jamie’s office, which was locked tight. Why had she expected differently? But still, if Jamie was leaving her clothes, there had to be a way to get into the office. She glanced around until she noticed a bonsai tree on top of a water cooler on the other side of the hall. Couldn’t she at least have put it next to the office? Charlotte rolled her eyes but shifted through the loose dirt until she got the key and turned her attention back to the door.

She was in.

She locked the door behind her and left her key inside the lock from the inside so she’d know if her old boss tried to enter. On Jamie’s new desk, sat a large black and red box with ribbons and Charlotte’s name stenciled on it.

Charlotte winced. Jamie was going to kill her. No, Jamie was going to carry through with her childhood threat of shaving Charlotte bald and gluing the hair to her underarms. How much had the woman spent?

Charlotte was tempted to look, just sneak one peek. But no, the animals were more important. She sat down