Dawn's Path: Completed Work

He hoped like hell Angel wouldn't throw a fit over the idea of a party. Janine truly meant no harm. The women were just trying to make sure Angel felt welcome and that she belonged. He kept Angel talking as he pressed his palm to the scanner and waited for the magnetic door to open. The compound was quiet. Their footsteps echoing as they walked down the halls to the rec room. He'd gotten her there under the guise of a game of pool. What happened after that was all on Janine and the women.

"Surprise!" Janine shouted as Lance led Angel into the rec room. Janine had kept her plans subdued, almost dull. Multicolored balloons and crepe streamers decorated the room. A fire blazed in the fireplace filling the space with a cheerful, smoky, pungent sassafras scent. A table, adorned to the hilt, stood in the corner overflowing with gifts. There was no food, no cake or bubbly champagne, and most importantly, no strippers.

"Is all this for me?" Angel asked in confusion. Her eyes roamed over the balloons and streamers. Gifts wrapped in festive wrapping paper and shiny bows covered the entire top of the table sitting in the corner. No one had ever thrown her a party before. No one, except for Lance and Kayla, had ever given her a gift before. Music played over the speakers embedded in the drop ceiling, adding to the happy mood. A smile teased at the corners of her mouth and tears welled in her eyes at how many people had come to celebrate her wedding.

"Of course, silly," Janine teased. Gently grabbing Angel's elbow she led her to the center of the room. "Since you were so anti-stripper, we thought we'd throw you a bridal shower instead." She tossed a handful of confetti into the air. Showering Angel with glittering specks. Janine made shooing motions with her hands at Lance. "No boys allowed," she chastised. "Go sharpen your blades or something. Angel is ours for the next few hours. We'll give her back, relatively unharmed," she said with a big, over pronounced wink. .

Angel shot Lance a pleading look that begged him not to leave her in Janine's hands. The look turned into a deep scowl as Lance chuckled and slunk away. He understood why Angel didn't want a party. Why she'd fought everything Janine had tried to do for her so hard. She was the verge of tears as he left. She had a home and a family, people who loved her for who she was, and it had finally sunk in.

"Come open your presents," Janine said. She bounced lightly on the balls of her feet. Beaming at the party she'd managed to throw together. The balloons and streamers were refugees from the last bridal shower as was the tablecloth and most of the wrapping paper. But, the gift she'd purchased was one hundred percent her idea. Angel stood in the middle of the room in shock. Blinking back happy tears. Janine gave her a hug, reassuring her that she was loved and she belonged. She plucked a gift from the top of the stack and thrust it into Angel's hands. "Mine first."

The present was too pretty to unwrap. The wrapping paper was silver and decorated with white glitter wedding bells. Hesitantly, she plucked at the tape, careful to salvage what she could of the paper. Janine was about to burst with impatience as Angel took her time opening the present. She'd never had a present that had been purchased and wrapped especially for her before. And the thoughtfulness of the gift went far beyond what might be waiting inside. She pressed the paper out on the table, flattening the crinkled edges and folded it into a neat square to use for later. She was just as careful with the box and the tissue paper inside. Blushing, she held up the scrap of lace and cream colored silk for everyone to see.

"Mine next." Kayla said, nudging Janine out of the way. She picked up the gift and handed it to Angel. "I'm sorry I haven't been around much," she apologized blushing furiously red. "I'm a newlywed myself." She added. Hugging Angel tightly and crushing the gift between them, she whispered. "I'm so happy for you."

Carefully Angel opened the handmade card and read what Kayla had written inside. The words were heartfelt and sincere. "I love you too," she said. The contents of the card weren't for other people's ears and she tucked it away with the neatly folded wrapping paper. Curiosity got the better of her and she impatiently tore at the gift's pastel wrapping. Opening a plain white box, she pulled out a blue lace garter.

"Something blue," Kayla explained. She wasn't superstitious. But, upholding a few time honored traditions never hurt.

Angel found herself relaxing and enjoying the female companionship. Opening the presents and sharing in laughter and exchanging gossipy stories about their men, the women chattered. She was becoming excited at becoming a bride and having a wedding. "Janine, you're rehired." She whispered, "But, no embossed napkins or corny bubbles. Simple. Plain and simple."

"Got it." Janine was overjoyed at being rehired. The wedding would be the event of Angel's dreams, simple and elegant, with just a hint of luxurious excess.

Lance busied himself in the gym. Toby and Bryce took turns with him on the mat. It never hurt to duke it out now and again to stay in shape. Toby was lightening fast with his fists. And Bryce should have his kick registered as a lethal weapon. He sensed Angel's happiness through the link they shared. And he was glad that her party was going so well. She got the presents and the pretty wrappings and bows. Bryce gave him a knuckle sandwich for not paying attention when he should have. But, all in all it was the bachelor party he'd always wanted.

Bryce was glad to see Lance had fallen victim to a female's gentler charms. Nobody deserved it more than his best friend. They didn't spend as much time together as they used to. Married life was like that. And their apartment in the city had been assigned to another team. Bryce used to obsess about going back to the city and picking up where he'd left off. But, he couldn't imagine that now. He couldn't imagine any other life than the one he had. Dane hadn't punished him. He'd given him a gift. And Bryce had everything he'd ever wanted in Kayla and in the quiet of the woods.

Lance had unpacked his things as soon as the box arrived from the city. The new team had moved in and taken over the assignment. Michael had moved into his room and packed Lance's things. And he'd taken great pleasure in scribbling all over the magazines Lance had stashed under his bed. He'd drawn a mustache on Miss September and a big hairy sack on July's Playmate of the month. He guessed Michael wouldn't believe him if he said he read them for the articles. Whatever. Lance didn't need the magazines anyway and he had no intention of ever looking at them again. Not when he had the real thing in his bed next to him. And the women, airbrushed and tanned and beautiful by all standards, paled in comparison to Angel.

Lance wished Michael luck on the assignment. And luck with his new roommate. He remembered the first few months of his pairing with Bryce. The two of them had not been fast and furious friends in the day. Bryce had the worlds worst case of OCD. And Lance was his polar opposite. But, out in the field, they'd had each other's backs and still did. After a few times of saving one another's ass, the friendship had followed. He grinned and ducked a kick. Bryce cursed a streak and huffed from the pummeling of Lance's fist. Best friends were like that. When the chips were down, you could count on them to be there for you. And they both had been there for each other. And always would be.

Lance had no doubt their friendship would change with time. He would be closer to Angel than he was to Bryce. Angel wouldn't take Bryce's place in his life. But, she would enrich it as Kayla had Bryce's. Exhausted and sweating, bleeding in spots that had yet to heal, Lance reached out and gave Bryce a man hug.

Bryce returned the gesture. Thumping Lance on the back hard enough to shatter ribs. "Good luck, brother," he said. And he felt obligated to give Lance just one piece of advice. Something he'd learned the minute he laid eyes on Kayla and that had rung true ever since. "Hang on tight, bro. Marriage is a wild ride, but damn is it worth it."

Chapter 72

Darkness sank over the city as the team arrived at the satellite command post. Anna was more than ready to get out of the SUV and away from Patrick. He'd been trying the whole way to goad her and get a reaction out. She had kept her cool and refrained from an outburst. He'd have to find something else to do to entertain himself.

"You ready to get to work?" Patrick asked Anna. He was all business now. Playtime was over and he had work to do. Frowning, he sniffed the air. Sorting through the acrid and noxious smells of the city he honed in on the faint, sweet fragrance tickling his nostrils. "There's a rogue not too far away from here." He had the scent and the trail. And like a bloodhound, he was ready to lead the hunt.

"Thank you, Patrick. First we'll debrief with Keene and his team and come up with a plan before we make any moves." The team fell into position behind him as he led the way up generic, concrete walkway to the ordinary looking bungalow. Candace's old home was the perfect place for a base of command. Non-descript. Blending in with the neighborhoods that surrounded it. The humans probably thought their new neighbors were settling in and entertaining company. Odd company. Maybe, bikers given the way they were dressed. And that might draw a little attention. But, for the most part the blinds were drawn and the families in the homes within eyeshot were busy living their lives.

"Father, I am honored by your presence," Marcus said. He held the door open and stood to the side as the team entered. He exhaled a sigh of relief as he counted heads and identified the members of the team. Keene's Lori was safe, at home, where she belonged. The big guy was downstairs checking out the tech equipment Sam had set up. And he had been insufferable. Worried that Lori would somehow manage to sneak a ride with the warriors to the city. That hadn't happened and maybe, they could get a little work done before the big meet and greet.

Drew wiped his feet and stepped over the threshold. Marcus had come so far since his arrival at the brotherhood. And Drew was proud to call him brother.

The house was a hive of activity. Warriors set up gear, rechecking their weaponry, polishing it until it gleamed under the lamplight. A map of the city was stretched out across the dining room table. Drew studied the map, searching out a tactical advantage while Dane and John Mark hovered over his shoulder. Their options were limited. The river ran through the heart of the city. Flanked on one side by downtown and the other by the width of the river, they had little in terms of cover on the banks. The brothers would have to resort to the bridges to lay in wait.

Keene would be out there exposed, on his own. A primary target if things went bad. And they would in a hurry. It only took a second to sever a man's head from his neck. And although Keene was fine with the risk, Drew and Dane were not. Dane had seen his share of combat. But, Drew had far more experience in actual battle. There was a chance, and it was a long shot, if he could find a brother crazy enough to brave the cold and the river's swift current. The water would provide the cover the landscape could not. "Can anybody swim?"

Chance raised his hand. He'd been stupid enough to let Carter give him the slip. He had Carter's signal and the man moved like his ass were on fire through the city. What he was up to was anyone's guess. John Mark was not pleased with Chance's performance today and even less pleased at the speed in which Carter covered every possible point in the city. Chance's dad was out, trying to retrace the man's steps and anticipate his next move. Not that he was having any luck though. "I can." And he could, like he'd been born to do it. Maybe, he was shit as a tracker. But, put him in water and he was golden. And on a bet, a very stupid bet, he'd tackled the river before.

Drew admired the boy's spirit and chuckled at his stupidity. Chance wanted to prove himself to the brothers. And he was going to get his opportunity to do so. "Good enough." He motioned Chance over to the map and circled a point in the center of the river. With Chance in position, he had all possible exit routes covered. The rogue would get in. But, he wasn't getting out. And if the shit started, he could have his men in the fray within seconds. It might not be enough to save every life and eliminate all threats of danger. But, it truly was the best shot they had.

Carter might not be a warrior like the brothers filing out of the SUV. Black leather, how cliché. But, he was not without his talents. He could blend in anywhere and not be noticed unless he wanted to. Hiding, watching the brothers, he felt the small glimmer that his situation wasn't as hopeless as it had at first appeared. He shielded his thoughts from Eric. And hid from the brothers.

The tracker had been no small trick to remove. But, he'd managed and by now, the tracker was probably leading the brothers on one hell of a wild goose chase. Once he'd worked the tracker free, he'd stashed it in the back of a UPS van. By now it could be across the city or halfway around the world.

Being high above, hiding out on the rooftop of the community center down the block. Watching and looking down on the world, rushing about in complete ignorance of his presence, filled him with a sense of awe at the magnitude of it all. Cars sped over the vast web of interstates leading in and out of the city. Money was made and spent in every possible corner of the city. People lived and died here. And they made the best of the city and what she had to offer them. After he was rid of the tracker, he thought about leaving his golden whore and found he didn't have the heart to do it. For the better or the worse he was married to this glittering prostitute of commerce. This was his home and neither Eric nor the brotherhood was going to drive him out of it.

From his vantage point, he could monitor the both the 'hidden' outpost of the Sons and sneak glimpses at the towering structure Eric had set up as a base of operation. If a fight were to brew up, that group of piss ant rogues Eric had drafted into his service would be the most likely ones to start it and the brotherhood, the most likely to finish it. The rest of the rogues, the vast majority, strays like him, just wanted to live their lives in peace. But, would pay the highest price. Nobody would protect or stand up for them. Nobody ever had. And he knew what he had to do. It was damn time somebody did.

The Great Father and his men were in position, scattered about the river bottoms. Hiding in the grid work of the bridges traversing the wide river. They stayed downwind of the meeting place designated by the Rogue Master. If Keene got into trouble, Drew felt confident that he and the brothers could respond in seconds. The hour was fast approaching midnight and the scent of rogues was heavy in the air. Eric had not held up to the deal and arrived alone. His men were out there, hiding and waiting for whatever was going to happen to happen.

The Great Father refused to acknowledge his changed name. On the battlefield, he was the Great Father and nobody else. He needed the power his name brought to lend its strength to his men and to himself. Drew was far too human, far too soft to do the killing that might need to be done on this night. His wolf prowled through his psyche, bristling and eager to lend his power to Drew. And instead of shirking him and stuffing him down deep into his subconscious, the Great Father welcomed him.

Keene felt as if he had a big bulls eye strapped to his back. He stood on the muddy banks of the river and waited for the witching hour to dawn. The rogues were close by. Their cloying scent hung heavily in the air. They were watching him. Keene felt the heat of their eyes burning into the base of his skull. He was prepared to die, if necessary, for his cause. Provisions had been made for his wife. Lori would be well cared for. He would not call his brothers to action unless things got too out of hand and their secret was compromised. Neither side could afford discovery. If a large battle broke out, human onlookers would flock to the site. Nothing flushed them out of their cozy homes like their macabre curiosity for blood and destruction.

Keene extended his hands, displaying that he was unarmed, to the dark figure emerging from the shadows. Keene dressed simply in a pair of black fatigue pants and a black crew neck t-shirt. He thought it best if the rogues saw him in the familiar dress instead of the brotherhood's black battle gear. Sometimes, the best tactics weren't in the physical but in the mind. He'd made plenty of kills wearing black fatigues. Most of the rogues wouldn't recognize him as a brother. They couldn't recall his face. But, they would remember the black fatigues above all else.

Eric must have learned from Roark himself. Dressed in an expensive dark suit. Conveying the message that he didn't plan to get his hands dirty. He was dressed for conquest. No doubt, he expected the minions hiding in the fringes to do his dirty work for him. Keene automatically detested the man. He didn't trust him. And from his past experiences with him, knew there were no redeeming qualities about the man at all.

Eric approached Keene alone. His hands hung loosely at his sides, revealing nothing. "The infamous Keene. This is an unexpected pleasure."

"Likewise," Keene replied. He could not mask the repugnance in his voice. And there wasn't really any purpose in doing so. Eric's power rippled over Keene, stinging his skin with its cold energy. Keene wasn't any match for a man as powerful a master as Eric. Yet, Eric played the game.

"Friend, why are we standing out in the middle of a forsaken riverbank when we should be dining on the best the city has to offer. Now that Roark is out of the way, nothing can be denied us." Eric sized Keene up with a flick of his eyes. Keene had changed. He was no longer the mindless henchman Roark abused. Keene stood strong and proud, his gray eyes missing nothing. He wore his hair long, spiraling in a fall of springy carrot-top red curls down his back. The fatigues were a nice touch.

Eric had underestimated the man. The brand mark of his former master wrapped around his right bicep, flexing with each twitch of his muscular arm. Eric would have thought Keene might have hidden the mark in shame. He did no such thing. Displaying it for the rogues to see. Keene delivered death with fierce efficiency in his former master's name. And as much as the rogues Eric employed wanted the man dead, they feared him even more.

Eric moved with cautious steps closer to Keene. He hadn't realized that Keene had even the slightest hint of attractiveness. Perhaps, it was his unusual eye so uncommon to a man of Celtic descent. If he had known, he might have demanded Keene's possession. Kept him to add to his collection of beautiful creatures. Eric leaned in closer and whispered, "The world is our oyster. Should we not take a bite?" Eric was no fool and he could smell the brotherhood on the shifting breeze.

"New leadership has to be established," Keene said holding his ground. Eric's hot breath washed over Keene's ear. Eric was almost a foot shorter than Keene, and he was posturing to make up for his size. Like a little rat dog nipping at Keene's heels. Keene's fingers itched to wrap around the hilt of a dagger and end this little man where he stood. But, the brothers did not start fights. They ended them.

"And you think you're the one to do it?" The city, hell the whole world was his for the taking and he'd cut through anyone who stood in his way. And Keene was in the way. Eric had not gotten where he was by being meek and mild. His fingers slid around the hilt of the dagger hidden up the sleeve of his suit coat.