Ancestral Lands

By Sydney Addae

Civil war has broken out in Gridton, the country where BlackWolf Clans have lived for centuries. They have pushed rebel forces into the mountains, across BlackWolf Lands, bringing death and destruction. Uncertain how to retaliate against humans, Alpha Razor and his mate, Trista, seek guidance from the Goddess. When that doesn't work, they turn to Silas Knight, Alpha of the North American Wolf Nation.

 

The Pentagon is interested in Silas' presence on foreign soil while reviving a failed project that will cause serious problems for the Wolf Nation. Silas and Jasmine continue to battle enemies at home and abroad in the fight to keep their Ancestral Lands.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sydney Addae
• Release date: Jun 9, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201335915

Book preview

Ancestral Lands

By

Sydney Addae

As Silas and Jasmine celebrate their birthdays, civil war is tearing apart the country of BlackWolf clan’s lands. Uncertain of his options, relatively new Alpha Razor seeks help from Silas and the Wolf Nation and the Hunter.

Several Olympians accept an assignment from the government to fight the rebels and learn their new powers come at a high price.

Thomas and the others learn of others who escaped from the Liege Castle and seek ways to help them before they are arrested as trespassers.

Silas and Jasmine must remain strong in the face of constant conflict to keep their people safe as the military restores Project Olympus to create more super soldiers.

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THANKS TO ALL OF MY Den-mates in  La Patron’s Den! You guys rock.

Thanks

Sydney

Chapter One

SILAS AND JASMINE ARRIVED late to the Chimera complex because of a last-minute conversation with Alpha Lucian from South America. Reluctant to discipline one of his alphas, Alpha Lucian discussed alternatives with Silas. Together, they arrived at a solution that used the situation as a training opportunity to prevent similar problems going forward. The compromise provided a platform for discussion and growth between the alphas. Pleased they finished the matter quickly, Silas and his mate left to share a meal with family and friends.

Dressed in teal slacks, a teal and cream geometric sleeveless top and matching sweater, Jasmine held Silas’s hand as they strolled up the walkway.

"You take my breath away," Silas said through their link as he lifted her hand and kissed the back, while snaring her hazel gaze.

Smiling, she pushed the long braids from her shoulder. "After six kids?"

"Hmm, I hadn’t thought about that... He stopped and stared into her eyes. When I consider your giving birth to my pups, not only do you take my breath, you own my soul."

Her breath caught. "Children. Not pups."

He brushed his lips against hers. Semantics, Sweet Bitch. You know what I mean.

Leaning into him, she wrapped her arms around his neck and looked up. "Yes, but I like to hear you say it."

He squeezed and whispered. Thank you for my children and this... this celebration.

Jasmine laughed.

Stop being a baby, Wolfie. People normally celebrate birthdays every year. This is your first one, ever.

Only because you are sharing your birthday with me and Angus.

Because neither of you know the actual dates—

I know. I know. He released her. "Seems a big fuss for one day," he grumbled.

She placed her hand on her hips and glared. The day you were born is important to me and worthy of all this fuss, as you call it. She took his hand. "We were made for each other the day we were born. I believe that."

Hearing her sincerity, he pulled her close. Determined to enjoy the next three days without further complaint, he kissed the top of her head.

Forgive me. You’re right, of course. It’s new... unusual for me to be the birthday person and not our ... children. I promise to appreciate all the hours of hard work and planning that have gone into this.

Thank you. Thomas and the others are waiting with a cookout to start the celebration. We’re already late. Let’s go inside.

As the guests of honor, we cannot be late, since nothing should start without us, right? He quirked his brow.

She chuckled. You’re a mess.

I’m your mess.

True. Love you, Wolfie.

I know. He snickered as they reached the front door to ring the bell. Thomas opened the door before they could.

Come on in. Everyone’s here. Smiling, Thomas stepped back, allowing them into the community house.

Something smells good. Has Damali been baking? Jasmine’s eyes lit as she squealed.

Yes, since yesterday. We’re all excited and honored you’re starting your birthday celebrations with us.

"Did she make cheesecake? Cobbler? Carrot cake?" Jasmine walked faster toward the large common room in the middle of the building.

Thomas laughed and followed.

Happy Birthday! The room filled with their children and close friends yelled as they entered.

Jasmine stopped, blinked, and smiled. Thank you. The smells distracted me. She searched the room. Did you bake?

Damali grinned. Yes, Ma’am. It’s your birthday party.

Music played. Bella stepped forward and led the group into an interesting variation of Happy Birthday.

Angus stood next to Silas, smiling.

Jasmine did a mental checklist. Angus and Shyla. Jacques and Victoria. Tyrese and Danielle. Tyrone and Rose. Renee and Storm. Jackie and Quinn. David and Sarita. Adam and Bella. Asia and Hawke. Cameron and Lilly were all present.

Her heart leaped with joy and excitement.

Jasmine hadn’t had a birthday party since she turned 10. Pregnant at 16, married and a mother at 17. Husband deployed most of the time, she and Renee would celebrate with a movie or spa date or something similar. The twins, Tyrone and Tyrese, joined the military after high school. After all the birthday parties she gave the boys over the years, the idea of throwing a party for any reason never occurred to her.

She clapped in appreciation of the song and hugged Bella, who pointed to a table in the corner filled with brightly wrapped packages. That’s where we’ve put you and Dad’s gifts. Uncle Angus, too.

Hard to believe they thought of gifts for us when I have problems every Christmas deciding what to get you, Jasmine told Silas.

He looked at the table. Good point. Maybe I’ll get tips and surprise you for Christmas this year.

What did you get me for my birthday? she teased after hugging Sarita.

"The utmost desire of your heart." His quick, outrageous response made her pause while hugging Matteo, Lilly’s pair.

"Which is? She walked over and hugged Angus. Happy Birthday."

Angus laughed. I don’t know when that day is, so this one will do. Thank you for sharing it with us. He glanced at Silas and pulled Shyla close. Seems like another new tradition.

We celebrate our children’s birthday’s, Jasmine reminded him.

Yes, I know. But not like this. Angus looked around. This is more than I imagined.

Jasmine followed his gaze to the brightly decorated room. Two enormous posters, one with a picture of her and Silas, the other with Angus and Shyla, were on the wall with Happy Birthday beneath them. Small, colorful lights trimmed the walls. They transformed the space into an elegant ballroom with emerald green, cobalt blue, and cream decorations on the tables. An ice sculpture of a large wolf standing, looking up, sat in the middle of a long buffet table filled with covered dishes. Bottles of champagne chilled in buckets around the room. Jasmine took in the finishes, recognized the time, effort, and care that went into the party. Her throat caught.

Tears pooled in her eyes.

Silas wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. "You’re loved and respected, Sweet Bitch. Never doubt it."

But... but this looks like a professional decorator... it’s so beautiful, she whispered. Touched beyond words, she continued looking around. Thomas talked with Hawke in the corner. Lizzy and Matteo walked around filling glasses. Tablets in hand, Damali and Tip went back and forth from the kitchen. Kitana and Max were outside with Mia, Noah, Tyrese and Danielle on the grill.

Pearl? Where was Pearl?

Jasmine looked for her and chuckled when Pearl pushed a trolley with a large five tiered cake almost as tall as her.

Everyone clapped when she stopped and blew out a breath.

Thanks. If I messed this up, I would’ve had to move, for real. No one’s allowed to make mistakes today, Pearl said before walking over to Jasmine and hugging her. Happy Birthday, Ma’am. I love you and am so happy you’re letting us do this. We never get a chance to celebrate you and Silas or Angus. This means a lot to us.

This means a lot to me, too. Holding Pearl’s hand, she waved. Everything is so beautiful. It’s like a fairy forest. Thank you. Jasmine kissed Pearl’s cheek.

Teary-eyed, Pearl stared at Jasmine and nodded. You saved our lives. We owe you so much. She walked away as the music played. Adam and Bella danced. Jackie and Quinn joined them.

Happy, Jasmine pulled Silas toward the floor. He didn’t move. She looked at him.

Dance with me.

They stared at each other for a few moments. He nodded and walked with her onto the floor. Aware they attracted the attention of everyone in the room, Jasmine held his gaze and started dancing to the beat. Silas moved slightly side to side while watching her like a hawk. Once the song ended, he pulled her close and danced slowly, despite the fast tempo.

Remembering his cryptic remark, Jasmine rested her cheek against his chest. "What did you mean by the utmost desire of your heart?"

He chuckled. "Didn’t take long to circle back to that."

She tightened her arms around his waist.

Foreplay? Out here? he teased.

"Tell me. What did you mean by that?"

"Exactly what I said. I’m giving you the utmost desire of your heart."

She frowned. Which is?

"I’ll know as soon as you tell me."

Smiling, she closed her eyes and allowed the music to soothe her soul. Good food, family and friends to celebrate the day of her birth. Life didn’t get much better.

Chapter Two

SOUNDS OF RAPID-FIRE guns and explosions rocked the building where Razor, Alpha of the BlackWolf Clan, and his mate, Trista, kneeled in their prayer room, holding hands as they petitioned the Goddess for direction. Warring human factions moved steadily toward Pack lands with the goal of destroying the other in a civil war. The country’s economy stalled. Supplies limited. Bloodshed and destruction happened daily.

Caught between the two, Razor moved Pack from their outer most borders to safety, losing livestock, homes and crops to the raiding forces. The humans grew bolder, more desperate, ignoring the no trespassing signs, and using more and more of his pack’s precious resources.

For the past three days, he and Trista prayed constantly to the Goddess for direction. Should they fight the humans or not? How could he protect his people without engagement? How did the Goddess want him to handle this critical, emerging crisis? As the gunfire increased, he remained on his knees, begging for answers. Praying for Pack safety. Knowing the Goddess loved all wolves, he expected an answer or supernatural intervention.

After three days, he received neither.

"I must check on the office, but will return soon." Trista brushed a kiss against his forehead before walking out the door.

Shame coated his throat as he watched her leave. She never complained or criticized, but she had to be embarrassed by his inability to solve these problems. How did she feel when hearing discontented Pack members lay the blame for this disaster at his feet? His previous work as an assassin did nothing to prepare him to handle anything of this magnitude.

When I accepted the Alpha challenge, never did I expect to be caught in a human civil war. Fighting wolves, I understand, but this is beyond anything I’ve ever imagined, he whispered.

Locked in a prison of despair, his beast demanded action. The Goddess required they not engage in anything that would reveal Pack secrets. Rifling through past experiences, he came up empty. Diplomacy he lacked. Doubts of his capability to lead rolled through him on a loop. Murmurs of his failures multiplied daily amongst his people. Instead of earning their respect, he used fear and intimidation to keep them in line, something he abhorred.

He closed his eyes and swallowed hard. What to do? Things could not continue this way. There was a knock on the door.

Razor ignored it.

Alpha?

More knocks.

Alpha, humans were in the forests near Liam’s hut and hurt his family, his beta, Juan, said.

Razor’s heart slammed into his chest. A red haze enveloped him as his Hunter surfaced, propelling him up and out the door toward the forest. Liam’s homestead was miles from the edge of Pack land. Neither rebels nor soldiers were sighted anywhere near that area and they never destroyed buildings they could use. If the fighting had come that far inland, they could lose more land.

"Stay here," he called to Trista before allowing his beast to take over. Running with blinding speed, he zig-zagged around trees, jumped over limbs and a stream to get to Liam’s.

Inhaling, he threw a protective shield to stop bullets or bombs from destroying more of Pack territory.

His eyes burned, and nostrils pinched from the acrid smell of destruction. Without care of inhabitants or nature, within minutes, explosives wiped out sections of forest that stood for centuries.

Razor’s heart wept at the waste and useless destruction. Greed and dissatisfaction pushed these small groups to fight the government over the right to rule the people. They used Pack lands to stage their fight. It made no sense.

His beast demanded retribution as he stared in horror at Liam’s homestead. The house, barn, and shed were sticks and twigs tossed about as if sifted by a massive unseen hand. Fire and smoke were everywhere. Worse, he sensed no heartbeats.

His beast mourned the loss of life.

Why hadn’t he insisted Liam, his mate and two pups move closer? Why destroy their home when housing was scarce?

Sensing the approach of Pack, Razor locked away his pain and fought through the rising anger. Humans attacked and killed Pack. They could retaliate.

Liam?

Razor recognized the voice and fear in the question from Alfred, a friend of Liam’s. If this happened to Liam, what’s stopping it from happening to us? As a relatively new Alpha with very little experience living with a pack, let alone leading one, Razor fought within himself daily to prove himself worthy. This challenge could break him. The thought rolled around until it settled. If he could not protect and provide for the clan, he was not suitable and should step down. The thought of defeat tasted bitter. He would not fail.

They deliberately attacked his home. This is out of the way, far from the fighting, Razor said, allowing anger to feed him. Better anger than regret.

Why? Alfred asked, sounding just as confused as Razor.

Razor focused on the damage in front without looking at the two men standing behind him. I do not know, yet. But I will find out. He wasn’t sure how he would accomplish that task, but he would get justice for Liam. Someone would pay for this.

Are they after Pack? The question from Alfred echoed the hearts of many.

Liam’s destroyed homestead sickened and strengthened Razor. The Hunter inside rose with the need to find the perpetrators while the Alpha warred with the need for caution to speak with the Goddess before hunting humans. The friend who would miss the long conversations with Liam, and the laughter of his mate and pups, bristled with the need for vengeance.

Taking a deep breath, he faced the men. Alfred and Kinley, like the rest of the BlackWolf Clan, Razor inherited from the Alpha challenge, not all were happy. These two had been neutral. Would that change because of this? He refused to dwell on that.

No, this is not about Pack. They do not know who we are or that we’re here. They did little research before starting their fight or they researched and didn’t think we mattered. His gaze hardened. A mistake on their part that we shall correct.

The two visibly straightened as their wolves peeked from behind their irises, ready to fight.

Razor held up his hand. We will confront them as humans. The Goddess forbids us to show our dual nature. He hardened his tone, so they understood.

Both men nodded. Alfred, with dark hair and gray eyes, stood a full head shorter than his litter-mate, Kinley, whose eyes were dark brown.

Yes, Kinley said.

We have prayed to the Goddess for protection all week. Alfred’s gaze slid to the destruction of Liam’s property. Has She spoken to you? Given you instructions?

Razor’s shoulders tensed. He turned to face Liam’s homestead. No. Although the men remained silent, he sensed their unease. Moving forward, he flicked his fingers and covered Liam’s property with another protective shield.

Come with me.

Alfred and Kinley followed, picking their way through the debris. Heavy of heart, Razor searched for the remains of his people.

Why hasn’t the Goddess responded to Alpha? Kinley whispered to Alfred.

Shhh, Alfred snapped.

Razor wished these two could mind speak, but the Goddess hadn’t restored that ability to all of his pack. Minutes later, he found Liam’s broken body beneath wide, heavy logs and stones from the fireplace. The older man, his mate and pups, died in wolf form. Unable to stop the grief, Razor threw back his head and howled his anguish.

Alfred and Kinley joined in.

The absence of other howls reminded him of the bubble in place, angering him further at the injustice of it all.

The gunfire... I don’t hear it, Finley said.

Razor almost remarked about the shield before listening harder. It was true. The shelling had stopped.

We need to move them. Razor pointed to the bodies. If humans found four dead wolves in the debris, they might take them for skins or research. Neither could happen. Inhaling, he ignored the stench and tugged on Liam’s human nature. The body returned to human. Once all four were in human form, Razor picked up Liam, slung him over his shoulder and reached for the smallest pup. Take the others back to Alpha House to prepare for burial.

Yes, Sir. They picked up the smaller wolves and returned to Alpha House with Liam’s mate and pup. After removing the shield from Liam’s, Razor followed.

Trista’s teary-eyed gaze met his as he entered and lay Liam on the floor next to his mate.

I felt your pain. I’m so sorry this happened. She leaned against Razor.

"I should have insisted they come here sooner." He held her closer, inhaling her calming fragrance.

"You insisted. He refused."

"I could have dragged him here." He met her gaze.

Trista cupped his cheek. He lived in that house for decades and would have hated you for removing him. You did what you thought best. Stop blaming yourself. Humans and this senseless war are responsible for Liam’s death.

Silently, he agreed.

Alpha, we stand ready to avenge Pack, Kinley said, breaking the silence.

This is the first death, but they have hurt several of our people with guns and other weapons. The Goddess will allow us to defend ourselves. Our homes and land, right? Alfred asked.

Yes, we can defend ourselves when attacked, Razor said with a measure of hesitancy. He preferred the Goddess’ explicit permission to engage in this fight against the humans.

How do we know which humans killed Liam? Juan asked from the other side of the room. There are two groups fighting. Which sent the bomb that destroyed Liam’s home?

Or shot Pack? How will we know who to attack? Kinley asked, staring at Razor.

I am a Hunter. Follow me. Razor left and returned to Liam’s homestead.

Intermittent gunfire sounded in the distance. Razor smelled the humans before he cleared the woods. The hunter in him marked their scent. Three men of various heights and builds, dressed in military gear including gas masks covering most of their faces covered picked through Liam’s homestead.

His beast pushed against him to repay the men who killed Pack. Blessed be the Goddess for the control he now employed, something he never had before. Razor took several deep breaths to leash his beast before shifting and doing irreparable damage that would impact full-bloods worldwide.

Juan and the others stopped behind Razor to watch and listened to the soldiers.

This is where it happened.

There’s nothing here.

That’s the problem. We picked up body heat in the area before targeting it. There should be bodies.

"These are the attackers, Alpha," Juan said from a short distance.

Razor’s anger simmered and boiled over the cavalier discussion. Now that he knew these men killed his people, he would repay them. With a flick of his fingers, he created an opaque shield over Liam’s property and walked forward.

The three soldiers stopped, looked at him, and pointed their weapons in his direction. With another flick of his wrist, he placed a barrier in front of him and the other Pack members as they continued forward, ignoring the soldiers’ orders to stop.

Who are you? What are you doing here? Are you with the resistance? one soldier asked.

They aren’t wearing the colors, another soldier whispered.

Doesn’t mean anything, the other soldier snapped. Stop where you are.

Razor ignored him.

What are you doing here? another soldier asked.

Looking for my friend. This is his home. Do you know what happened? Razor growled.

Two soldiers looked at the devastation. The other raised his weapon.

I said stop, he yelled as Razor and the others came closer.

We’re unarmed, Razor said.

The soldier held his gun in position as the other two soldiers stepped to the side with their hands on their weapons.

We don’t want to hurt you. Stop now or we open fire. All three soldiers raised their weapons.

Razor snapped as the first bullet hit the shield. Quicker than a blink of an eye, claws extended, he leapt forward, decapitated the first soldier, stabbed the second in the chest, ripping him apart. Spinning, he punched the third so hard he bounced off the shield and flew forward, falling in front of Juan.

Less than 30 seconds, Juan said as he stooped and placed two fingers at the neck of the man at his feet.

"Barely breathing." He stood and looked at Razor, who fought to contain his beast. No matter how many times I’ve seen you fight, it’s still impressive. No one’s as fast as you.

Storm’s faster, Razor said absently, while looking at the equipment the dead men carried. They were talking to someone. He smashed everything.

Juan nodded. "Might be nearby."