“No,” Farica gritted. “My wolf is the comforter, let her do her what she does. I can reach him, I can get through. I know it.”
Justice closed his eyes, appearing stressed and tired. His mouth was in a tight line as he repeated his order. “No one follow him.”
“Justice. If I may.” Mac tilted his head. “I can go with her. Just us. Maybe too many will be perceived as a threat, but not just the two of us. If Wolf is still in control then he’ll be able to sense my righteous wolf and allow him close.”
“Alek’s wolf didn’t sense a damn thing in any of us. Not your comfort or any other gifts we have. I didn’t feel Alek’s heart, only Wolf’s defensiveness and anger. That beast can hardly stand us, and I have the bruised back to show for it.”
“I felt something else.” Wick placed his hand over his mate’s and linked their fingers together. “I felt evil.”
“Stop,” Bell forced out between clenched teeth, feeling his anger spike the more they discussed Alek in his absence. “Someone explain, now.”
They all glanced around at each other as if none of them wanted to speak up first with the—what he assumed was—not so flattering information about his fated.
Mac looked the most torn up. “I guess Alek didn’t get around to the um… details about his wolf… or what he… um—” Mac stopped, chewing fretfully on his lip, then started again. “He’s different… he um…”
Bell could understand Mac’s hurt. He was only a year younger than Alek, but still his baby brother. However, “I need someone that can put a complete sentence together,” Bell insisted. His frustration peaking the longer he sat there in his ignorance.
“All of our wolves have a defining characteristic that coincides with our hearts, with the core of who we are. We were born that way.” Farica got up and stood behind Justice’s chair. She placed her hands on his shoulders and started a gentle massage. “As you can see. My wolf possesses a tranquil spirit and can typically soothe and heal with a mere touch or hug. Justice is the first born and his wolf is the strongest… or should be, but Wolf seems to give him a run for his money. Justice is the fair one. It’s almost impossible for him to be prejudiced or biased.”
Farica moved from her oldest brother over to Mac’s chair. “Macauley has a righteous wolf. Noble and good to the core. I do believe his animal spirit is the closest to Alek’s, and Wolf wouldn’t hurt him.”
“Farica. Maybe it’s not our place to tell this part of Alek’s story. Belleron is his true mate. He should hear this from him,” Mac argued.
“I have to leave the country in a few hours, and I don’t see Alek returning before then to inform me himself. So, please. Tell me what I need to know so that I can help him. I could sense something else in Aleksei besides Wolf. Is it his animal’s spirit or…?”
“No. Wolf’s spirit will always stay within him. We saw it just now,” Justice said. “Alek’s wolf is named appropriately. He’s the defender. Unimaginable strength and vigor when it comes to guarding the packs… or Alek.”
“And Wolf has never wavered in that regard. He shows up for Alek every time.” Mac nodded proudly. “Did Alek tell you his full name?”
“I already knew it,” Bell said. “Aleksei Hedon Kolya Volkov.”
“Yes. And do you know what it translates to?” Wick asked.
Bell considered the name for a moment, drawing on what he knew of Siberian heritage and culture. Which was not much. “No, I don’t. Not yet.”
“It means—”
“Farica, don’t,” Mac growled.
Bell hissed his disapproval. “Tell me.”
“Tell him,” Justice ordered.
“It means destroyer of the conquering people,” Farica said sadly.
Bell thought they were going to say it meant ‘plagued for all eternity’ or ‘demon spawn’. ‘Destroyer’ didn’t sound terrible… actually, it sounded kinda powerful.
“Our ancestors, our family were named the original conquerors. By the time my great- great-grandfather became Alpha Zenith, he changed our pack name to the ‘conquering pack’. Because, as the gifted ones, it was our duty to conquer any problems our shifters faced.”
“Is that the prophesy? Are you saying that Alek will destroy you?” Bell couldn’t believe that. He’d met Alek, albeit not long, but he’d kissed him, caressed him… tasted him. Drank Alek’s real essence, and the taste of malice had never crossed his palate. He couldn’t possibly destroy his family. It appeared everything he did was to protect them.
“We’re saying he already did,” Justice bit out.
Mac bolted to his feet, glaring at Justice, who didn’t remain seated long. “Why would you say that? None of you saw what happened that day.” Mac clenched his large fists at his sides as his alpha stared him down long enough to make him retake his seat.