Endangered Pair: The Chimera Pact, #1

By Sydney Addae

In the shadowed halls of a top-secret government facility, Eve stands as the pinnacle of human evolution - a super-soldier honed for perilous covert operations. But when the very hands that shaped her turn against her, Eve is thrust into a harrowing flight for survival. Her journey, driven by an unknown force, leads her across the nation in a relentless quest for answers.

It's in this odyssey that fate entwines her path with Thomas, a man whose allure is matched only by the enigma that surrounds him. Thomas, leading a band of equally formidable altered humans, is entangled with the enigmatic La Patron and his wolf shifter pack, unveiling a world where the supernatural is not just myth but a perilous reality.

As Eve falls irrevocably into a love that defies all odds, danger looms large. From the icy reaches of Canada, a vengeful team of altered mercenaries seeks retribution. Meanwhile, the military's inexorable pursuit to reclaim their prized asset knows no bounds. The emergence of a new breed of lethal super-soldiers, spawned from harrowing experiments in reanimation, marks a deadly turn in their hunt.

Together, Eve and Thomas must navigate a labyrinth of love, loyalty, and betrayal. As their bond deepens, so does the peril that shadows them. Eve's unrivaled abilities make her a target too valuable to lose, setting the stage for a showdown where love must conquer the deadliest of threats. In "Endangered Pair," love battles against the darkest corners of human ambition, in a race to secure a future that hangs precariously in the balance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sydney Addae Writes
• Release date: Feb 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224243440

Book preview

Prologue

THOMAS’S EYES LINGERED on the intricate riddles and equations scrawled on the chalkboard, a chaotic yet methodical display of his mind at work. He couldn’t make sense of some, while others were half-solved, a reflection of his own inner turmoil. At odds, he thought working on a riddle or equation would settle his restlessness.

As he paced around the room, his hand unconsciously traced over the carvings and symbols on the puzzle boxes that lined the shelves. An array of puzzles ranging from Rubik’s Cubes to ancient mechanical labyrinths cluttered the desk. Something nagged at the back of his mind, persistent and important, yet just out of reach.

The team had recently returned from visiting old friends, a not entirely pleasant experience, except for Damali and Tip, who had met their mates, Jesse and Taylor. Seeing his friends find happiness made the uncomfortable trip worthwhile. So, that couldn’t be it.

And yet... He paused, gazing at the whiteboard filled with color-coded notes and diagrams in the back corner. He hadn’t touched it in weeks. Nearby, the dark computer monitors seemed to wait expectantly for his return. Was that what tugged on him?

Unsure where this disquiet came from, Thomas sank into the chair in front of the large antique desk crowded with books and puzzles, closing his eyes. Normally, this sanctuary brought peace and intellectual joy. Solving previously unsolved mysteries was his drug of choice. Nobody else could enter this room. He inhaled the scent of old books and wood, exhaling his frustration. After an hour, the discomfort only increased, grating on him.

Forget this. It’ll become clear when it becomes clear, he murmured, relinquishing his quest to pinpoint the problem and changed directions.

Irritated, he switched on the computer to review potential jobs his assistant, Kitana, and Max’s pair; suggested.

Taylor and Jesse, Tip and Damali’s pairs weren’t officially part of the team and wouldn’t make this job. Not that they’d notice. The intensity of the pairing heat would completely consume them. When the team got back, the newly paired individuals would have found out things about each other that they never even dreamed of.

He and the rest of the team needed a change of scenery and positive energy after their recent trip. Somewhere exotic they’d never been before. A place to clear his head. Refocus. They’d fly in early, chill, enjoy the culture and then do the job. He went through the list, ignored the kidnappings, retrievals, and security details.

Except one. Singapore. Pirates.

Chapter One

UNDER THE RELENTLESS sun, the colossal tanker swayed atop turbulent gray waves. Its steel structure, loaded with a massive 90,000 metric tons of gasoil, groaned under the strain, a sound that seemed to resonate deep within the bones of the four men who had just set foot on it. Ocean spray dampened their faces. The screeching cries of gulls and crash of waves filled their ears.

Thomas, Max, Matteo, and Noah—altered humans with extra abilities, their faces a mask of grim determination. They were equipped as if for war, each carrying gear that would put a small army to shame. Appearances were everything.

Once they set foot on the deck, battered by numerous storms, they were dead set on exposing the crew members involved and preventing the pirates from stealing more oil. This tanker wasn’t one of those gigantic VLCCs (Very Large Crude Carrier) that could carry 200,000 and 400,000 tons of crude oil. No, this was a smaller tanker specifically designed for transporting refined products to nearby locations where they would eventually be sold. It worked perfectly for the team because it had a smaller crew.

Thomas, Max, Matteo, and Noah made their way towards the ship’s command center. Captain Eric Johansen met them. A man who seemed almost as much a part of the sea as the vessel he commanded. Johansen’s face bore the marks of numerous ocean voyages. His eyes, full of stories, appraised the group from under the shade of his captain’s hat. Following a quick introduction, the captain’s gaze stayed focused on their assortment of weapons. You’re working security for this trip? he asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

In full disguise with an illusion from their teammate Lizzie for this job, although in reality Thomas stood 6’4, he appeared to stand several inches below the Captain’s 5’10. Thomas dressed in a navy blue, moisture-wicking polo shirt and a lightweight jacket, along with navy cargo pants with multiple pockets. On his feet, he sported steel-toed, slip-resistant boots, and a black, heavy-duty belt encircled his waist, holding essential gear such as a flashlight, a walkie-talkie, and handcuffs. A matching navy cap covered his dark hair, leaving very little exposed to the elements. Few could give an accurate description of him.

Yes. The company can’t afford to lose another shipment like before. Thomas extended his hand.

The captain shook it.

Immediately, Thomas searched the man’s memories and acknowledged the insurance inspector was correct. The pirates had inside help at the top. Captain Johansen worked with the organization funding the pirates.

Why isn’t the crew preparing to leave the dock? They’re standing around, watching us, Max asked through their mental links. Similarly dressed to Thomas, Max stood next to his oversized bag of weapons. His normally blond hair and blue eyes appeared a dull mud-water brown.

Because they have no intention of taking this trip to its destination. Captain’s corrupt and he chose the crew. At the moment, they’re deciding where to hide our bodies while they drive the tanker to the drop-off point to steal the oil, Matteo said. Similar in height to the Captain at 5’11", with a lean athletic physique, and olive skin tone. His dark chestnut, shoulder-length hair glimmered beneath the lights on the deck. Lizzie’s illusion altered his face so that he appeared gaunt, with pock-marked skin.

You were right about this country, Thomas. Singapore is beautiful. Mia loved every moment we spent looking at sights and shopping the past few days. It’s a nice place to visit and what we needed. Mia’s on-board near the galley. Has Lizzie started the next illusion? Noah asked as they walked toward the bridge.

Yes. They’re preparing the rooms to lock the crew away. Once we depart from the dock and secure the crew, I’ll merge with the captain and assume his role in navigating and confront the pirates at sea. Pearl will merge with the engineer to assist me with the languages and steer the ship. Based on previous actions and information, the company predicts the pirates will strike before the midway point out at sea. Once we secure them, we’ll finish the trip and dock in the Philippines. The client asked we remain radio silence regarding the pirates and secure them below until they dock. Company security would arrive to deal with both the pirates and crew, Thomas said.

Kitana’s below with the crew, listening to their plans to bring us down and toss us overboard once the ship sails. She’s already switched their ammo with blanks, Max said. His woman, Kitana, could become invisible, move through solid objects, and was telepathic.

Lizzie’s changed the appearance of the rooms so that the recreation room looks like the storage room. Right now they’re sitting in storage thinking it’s the rec hall. Kitana will release the sleeping agent once we’re cleared from the dock, and Thomas takes over the bridge. It won’t take long to gather and secure the others, Matteo said.

Make sure they’re locked in that room and asleep the entire time, Thomas said as he headed to the bridge. Until we leave and hit open waters, cameras are on the four of us. Thomas looked at their illusionary disguises and smiled. What they see won’t be what they get.

Interior cameras will play on a loop once I hit the remote. Noah sat across from Max, watching the harbor. Without their disguises and Lizzie’s illusions, Max and Noah stood around 6’3 with lean, athletic builds. Noah’s angular face, sharp bluish-brown eyes and dark wavy short hair that brushed the collar of his dark gray oversized jacket, blended with the shadows. For this job, both appeared around 5’9 and 5’10", respectively, with plain round faces, thin dark hair and brown eyes.

Noah released a sigh. Such a beautiful place.

Yes. Singapore is beautiful. It’s only 283.5 square miles, making it one of the smallest countries in the world, but it’s strong in commerce. Great place to do business, Captain Johansen said as he approached and pointed to the shorter, pale man walking beside him. This is Chief Engineer, Magnus Bergstrom. We have a small crew for this job. He doubles as my assistant.

Name’s Liam. Nice to meet you. Thomas shook Bergstrom’s hand and scanned him as well.

Same here, Liam. It’s about time the company did something to stop the pirate attacks. We’re not trained or equipped to stop them once they board the ship, Bergstrom said as he stepped around Thomas and entered the bridge. We’ve been cleared to leave.

Crew members scrambled around the deck as they cast off.

The tanker moved slowly through the narrow strait, bypassing Singapore, and entered the open seas. Alone with the captain, Thomas touched him on the neck. Captain Johansen fell backward as Thomas siphoned memories and critical information regarding piloting the tanker, contacts, and protocols. Once he completed the transfer, he stripped Johansen and put on his shirt, jacket, and cap.

Max carried the captain to the room, holding the other sleeping crew members.

Thomas set the course and listened to the radio while Max, who had the ability to shrink and expand, shrank and scrambled to a higher position on the ship to watch for the pirates.

Why do you think pirates made a comeback? They’d stopped for a while. But there were 34 recorded incidents of piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Singapore Strait in 2020, 49 in 2021, and 55 in 2022. Strange, huh? Pearl looked and sounded like Bergstrom as she entered the bridge.

Must be money in it. Both Johansen and Bergstrom gave information to help the pirates steal the oil in the tanks, he said.

But it wasn’t a lot of money. Not enough to retire. They’ll still need to work other jobs to survive. You’d think they’d charge enough to stay out of jail. She leaned against the wall. They have families. Kids and grandkids. With the information we have on them, they’ll go to jail or never work for a legitimate company again.

Maybe there’s more money in illegal operations than legitimate ones. Hold up, someone’s reaching out to Johansen. Do you hear them? He looked at Pearl.

She nodded. They’re concerned because they can’t reach someone named Sorrigs. That name isn’t on the crew list, must be a nickname. He’s not in Bergstrom’s memories.

Ah. He’s Johansen’s nephew and the primary contact with the organization. I’ll tell him security locked the crew away and is holding a gun on me. Noah and Matteo are on the way. Thomas waited five minutes before he whispered the information through the same channel.

The response was fast and furious. Criminals took offense at others stealing what they planned to steal. They demanded Johansen to slow the tanker so they could board and continue their plan. In the absence of Sorrigs or whoever’s help, the pirates had no choice but to use aggressive tactics openly, putting themselves at greater risk.

That pissed them off.

Thomas winked at Pearl and continued at the same speed while listening to their threats.

When will you allow them to board? Pearl asked.

An hour or two. I’ve got to make it appear as if I overpowered Noah or Matteo by some miracle and slowed the tanker.

They’ll believe that? Johansen’s in his late 50s.

Thomas shrugged and continued piloting the tanker.

Two hours later, he checked with the team. Lizzie, are you ready? The pirates are on the way to board the ship.

Yes. I’ve completely erased the front of the tanker, so they think they’re closer than they are. Once they board, Max and Kitana have the darts ready to take them out. How do you want to handle their radio contacts?

Pearl will listen in to ensure we gather as much information about the organization as we can. Mia’s working on the files to turn over to the client. We’re not stopping, only slowing a few knots. They’ll need to be flexible and determined to board. If they make it, shoot them with the darts and leave’em where they fall until later. After the majority is on board, I’ll speed up and head for the Philippines, Thomas said. Two more hours to the drop-off. Remain vigilant and out of sight, ladies. They think a crew of four took over this transporter. That’s what we want them to believe.

Briefed on the looming threat of the pirates, the team remained quiet, waiting for the action. Max scanned the horizon from the high vantage point, his eyes darting back and forth. They’re closing in fast, he announced, urgency in his voice.

Pearl’s brow furrowed in concentration back on the bridge as she monitored the communications. They’re getting impatient, she muttered, her eyes never leaving the screen. They’re discussing alternate strategies since Sorrigs isn’t responding.

Thomas nodded, his hands steady on the wheel. Desperation makes them unpredictable, but also more prone to mistakes. We need to be ready for anything.

The channel pinged again. Thomas answered, whispering, sounding afraid.

Slow down so we can board, someone said.

I’ve slowed several knots and can’t do more because he’s watching me with a gun, Thomas whispered.

The pirates’ voices came through, laced with frustration and anger.

They’re debating a direct assault, considering the tanker’s defenses and their limited access points, Pearl said.

That’s our advantage, Thomas whispered. They don’t know we’re prepared.

Down below, Noah fine-tuned the tanker’s external cameras, adjusting the angles to give them the best view of the pirates’ approach.

While stationed at her computer, Mia worked furiously on the files they needed to provide to the client, proving Johansen and his crew’s involvement with the pirates and guilt. Her fingers flew over the keyboard, compiling, encrypting, and backing up crucial data. Kitana, meanwhile, checked and rechecked the dart guns, ensuring they were ready for use.

As the minutes ticked by, the pirate vessel, a small, menacing silhouette against the setting sun, drew closer. Max’s voice came through their links, Contact sighted. Approaching from the northwest.

Everyone, positions, Thomas commanded, his voice calm and authoritative.