Chapter 38 Begrudging Respect

Begrudging Respect

Nikolai

"Follow me," I muttered to her and headed out.

The girl protested but Andrei shut her up and dragged her with us to the car.

"This is kidnapping!" She screamed. "Let me go!"

"Shut up," I growled and her mouth closed immediately. "What's your name?" I asked as I started the car. Andrei was sitting in the back with her.

"Felicity." She snapped.

"Real name." I gritted as I spun the car and drove deeper into Greenwich, which was the human town.

"Jessica." She muttered. "Jessica Mathers."

"Aren't you going to tell me your name?" She blurted after a minute.

"There is no need for you to know," Andrei said after I didn't reply to her. "All you need to know is that we will get you your sister but it will take time."

"But why? He's dead! I can just go and get her. I don't need you both! Why are you taking me anyway? Where are you taking me?"

"I said shut up." I snarled. "I am taking you to a place to stay for a few days. You are not going to get out of there or say anything to anybody. Not one word. I will give you your sister in one week. I don't want a fucking word out of your mouth now."

She let out a hmph before crossing her arms and looking out of the window.

'Arrange for a female warrior to babysit her. She is going to try to escape and tell her to use force if necessary to keep her quiet.' I mind-linked Andrei.

'Yes, Alpha.' He replied.

After fifteen minutes, we reached our destination, a cottage on the outskirts of Greenwich, and the pack was near from here to travel easily. It had only one door and the two windows had grills so no one could go out. It was perfect for this situation.

I got out of the car and walked into the house. A brunette was already standing in the living room, knowing we had arrived.

"Name?" I asked.

"Bailey Adams, Alpha." She replied.

"Grant Adams your father?" I asked.

She nodded, her eyes softening for a second. Grant was a friend of mom's and I know is a good but hard man. He would have trained his daughter well.

'Bring her in.' I told Andrei.

A minute later Andrei came in with Jessica in tow.

"This is Jessica Mathers. You will stay here with her and she is not allowed outside this house under any circumstance. Not unless any direct orders from me, Beta Dimitri, Andrei, or Vladimir."

"Yes, Alpha." She nodded.

"Whats the address of Kaleb Karwells?" I asked Jessica.

She grudgingly gave me the address after I glared at her.

"If you try to escape, I will let the police know that you killed Kaleb." With that being my last sentence, I whirled around and drove to Kaleb's house.

It was in a secluded area, surrounded by overgrown plants and trees. I brought my wolf forward and took a deep breath. I could smell only one human. Good.

I looked around for any hidden cameras or a trap and when I found none, I and Andrei moved ahead silently. I broke in the locked door and found a girl kneeling by the shoe rack, her legs spread, hands on her thighs, and head bowed down.

She is trained.

All the doubts about her not knowing about us vanished.

"Stand up. Look at me." I said and the girl clumsily stood up and shuddered. When her eyes met mine, they widened.

"Your Master, Kaleb is dead," I spoke slowly so she could register it.

Her chin trembled but she remained perfectly still.

"I am not going to be your new Master and neither is he." I motioned towards Andrei. "You will not be touched or be punished. Unless you do exactly as I say." I said sharply.

She nodded frantically.

"What was Kaleb Karwells?" I asked her.

Her breath hitched before she said in a whisper, "a werewolf."

Just as I expected.

"Call in more people and comb the entire house. Find out every single piece of information on him. Trace the phone calls and messages on his phone." I said and passed him the phone I had picked up from Kaleb's suit.

"Find where Jerry is and tell him to meet me tomorrow. Find out who fired him and who hired Kaleb, I want him in the dungeon in one hour. Get information on every single business in town and the ones I own that had a change in managerial positions in the last two three months." I told him.

There was going to be an issue if I found snitches or backstabbers in my pack.

"Also send in a female in the office with some clothes in fifteen minutes."

"Yes, Alpha." He replied and walked out of the house, starting on the work I had given him.

"Where is his office?" I asked the human.

"On the second floor, first door to the right." She said softly.

"Follow me," I said as I went to where she directed.

The office looked like it was already ransacked. But from the lack of any other smell than Kaleb's, I knew this was all his handy work.

I sat on the chair behind the desk and motioned her to sit on the chair in front of me.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"I don't have a name. Master called me pet." She said and her chin trembled again. This was the exact sentence Ava had told me when I asked for her name.

"What was your name before you were kidnapped?" I asked, my voice surprisingly gentle.

"Tessa Mathers." She said softly.

"Where did you live before you were brought here?" I asked.

"Hochberg." She replied.

"Did Kaleb interact with other werewolves there? Think about it and answer."

It would be difficult for a human to judge if someone was a human or something else unless the supernatural being revealed themselves. But the thing about slaves was that most people ignored them, forgot they are there, and say and do things they won't in front of normal humans.

"I think so." She said after a minute. "Master's friends that came overused to drink like no human could." She said softly.

They were werewolves. A supernatural wouldn't invite humans into his home, not unless it's necessary.

"Was the word 'Montãna' ever mentioned?"

Someone knocked at the door at which Tessa jumped but seeing my focus on her, she started speaking.

"I wasn't allowed to be seen when guests were over. I was only supposed to cook for them and clean up later. So I don't know." She replied.

"Come in," I said and the door opened, revealing Larissa.

I got up from my seat. "You will answer everything Larissa asks truthfully. Your sister Jessica is here, we might let you go."

Her breath hitched and a tear fell down her cheek. "Thank you." She whispered, her brown eyes glassy.

I looked at Larissa. 'I want to know every single thing she knows about Kaleb Karwells. Don't pressure her and take your time. Get her the medical attention she needs. I want a detailed report on my desk in two days.'

'Yes, Alpha.' She nodded.

I walked out of the office to see the trackers snooping around. I nodded and clapped their backs in appreciation as I passed by them. I threw in greetings when I saw someone I knew personally and appreciated when I saw someone collecting something of importance in their evidence bags.

Andrei was standing in the living room, giving orders to others on what to do. Two full bags already at his feet.

"We will be done by tonight." He said.

"Good. I want a report on my desk by tomorrow afternoon." I said.

"Is he from Montãna Pack?" He asked.

I gave him a sharp nod. "Not a word of this to Ava."

He held my eyes for a couple of seconds, trying to convey his unwillingness but murmured, "yes Alpha", in agreement when he realized I wasn't going to change my will.

He knew that questioning my decisions wouldn't have ended well so he smartly remained quiet. And questioning my decisions regarding Ava would have not ended well.

"What's the status with the one who hired Kaleb Karwells?" I asked.

"He is caught and they are bringing him to the dungeon," Andrei replied. "And what is to be done about the slave?"

"Tessa will stay here with you till this thing blows over. She has crucial information and she needs protection." I said. "Also, call Grace to look after her." The pack doctor's skill would work miracles on humans.

If I am right about the kind of information about Tessa has, we might break into the spy system of Montãna Pack.

"Yes, Alpha." He nodded with a smirk. He understood what kind of information we were going to get on our hands very soon.

"I want you to personally make all the reports, this is the information no one else should know of. And keep me posted on anything that happens." I said and then headed towards the car after another affirmative from Andrei.

I drove above the speed limit to get to the estate. I finally felt like I was getting somewhere. This can be a breakthrough.

'Come to the dungeon and set the weapons table.' I mind-linked Dimitri.

'Yes, Boss.' Came his immediate reply.

'Where are Ava and Sofiya?' I asked Vladimir.

'Making preparations for dinner.' He replied.

I didn't even realize it was almost time for dinner. But if everything went well, there was going to be a nice little announcement at dinner.

'Keep them and the kids away from the parking lot.' I told him.

'Are we going to have company?' I could hear the anticipation in his voice.

It had been too long since we had tortured someone.

'Yes. Should be there any minute.' I smirked and then cut the link as I pulled into the parking lot.

I locked the car and took the stairs down to go to the dungeon. Dimitri was already waiting there, playing with a knife in his hand.

"Andrei filled you in?" I asked.

"You don't tell me anything anymore!" He pouted. "It's like you forgot about me after you met Avalyn." He jutted his bottom lip out.

"For fucks sake." I rolled my eyes. "Don't get your panties in a twist."

Dimitri was the strongest wolf in my pack after me and was all serious when it came to the pack and business. But he was a dramatic little bitch when he was in a mood.

"I knew you had a soft spot for me and my panties." He winked and then gasped. "Are you going to cheat on Avalyn for me? I'm sorry but I love Avalyn too much to hurt her like that."

I sighed and shook my head. "Grow up."

"Why grow up? It's a trap." He grinned.

"Easy." Vladimir's voice echoed with mine.

That vamp moved too quietly for my liking.

"Hey! Don't be mean to me! I'm the favorite one in our family." He pointed at both of us.

"Is he still under that delusion?" Vladimir asked me as he walked towards us.

"Sadly." I shook my head.

"Don't talk about me like I'm not here." He snapped his finger in front of my face and did a little hip movement.

A was about to flick away his hand when I heard footsteps.

All three of us tensed. We knew what was to come.

The door opened and four warriors brought in a hostile man whose wrists were bound with silver cuffs.

The man lifted his bowed head and I froze.

Grant Adams.

Fuck.

"What the hell is all this Nikolai?" He grunted.

I took two steps forward and punched him hard, knocking him out cold so he couldn't mind-link anyone right now.

"Dimitri goes to the safe house northeast of the territory and gets Jessica Mathers out of there ASAP and brings Bailey Adams here right now," I growled, directing the last part to the warriors.

They were out of the dungeon in a second.

'Be on high alert. Do not let Tessa get out of your sight.' I mind-linked Andrei.

"What happened?" Vladimir asked.

'Yes, Alpha.' He replied, hearing the urgency in my tone and not asking further questions.

"The warrior assigned to babysit Jessica Mathers is Grant's daughter Bailey Adams." I clenched my jaw.

There was a sliver of a chance that Grant hadn't betrayed us and this was a misunderstanding. But the larger, logical part of my brain said that Grant was a spy. And there was no way I could trust his daughter.

Was there a spy living in my pack, under my nose for so many years?

I didn't want to believe it. He was a good, trusted friend of mom's.

"Put him on the chair," I ordered the dungeon guards as I kicked Grant's limp form and walked upstairs, Vladimir following me.

I leaned against the car, waiting for someone, anyone to show up.

There was a good chance that Jessica was already dead yet. And for some reason, it made me feel like I failed. There was no reason for me to feel that way, I didn't owe anything to anybody. But deep down, I wanted to reunite the two sisters for some inexplicable reason.

'When are you coming home Nik? Dinner's ready.' Ava mind- linked me.

'I'm a little busy, my Love. I should be home in an hour or two.' I told her.

I should be done by then. Jessica should be here in some time and the warriors should be able to find Bailey soon. The patrols were alerted so she couldn't pass through. But if she was smart, she would go through Greenwich than going through the pack.

'Alright. I'll be waiting for you. Stay safe.' Rang her sweet voice.

'See you in some.' I said and cut the link.

"Are the vampires still in town?" I asked Vladimir.

"Only Rhazien. The rest left to look after Mozog in absence of a ruler." Vladimir replied.

I took out my phone and called him. "Where are you?" I asked as soon as he picked up.

"At a bar, why?" He asked.

"I want you to go to the southern highway and stop every car that you see going out of Greenwich and check if there is a Bailey Adams. Tanned skin, height around five-eight, brunette, and brown eyes. Bring her to the estate, alive but not necessarily conscious if she is being a bitch. She also might have a captive whose name is Jessica Mathers. I want her alive and preferably conscious." I told him.

"As you command, Nikolai." He said after which I cut the call.

'Update?' I mind linked Dimitri.

'The house is empty Boss.' He growled. I could feel his anger and annoyance.

'Any sign of blood?' I asked.

'No.' It means Jessica might be alive after all.

'Rhazien is on the southern highway leading out of town. Take two wolves with you and head out to help him. Tell the rest to spread out in town. I want Bailey Adams in the dungeon by tonight.' I growled.

'Yes, Alpha.' He replied.

"Grant must be awake by now," Vladimir said.

I mind linked the guards and Grant was indeed awake.

"Go ahead and question him, I'll be down in some," I told him.

He nodded and went back down the stairs.

My phone rang and I picked up. It was Rhazien.

"I have got Bailey Adams with me. Was speeding the hell out of this town. What did she do?" He laughed.

Seemed he had his fun catching her.

"Betrayed me," I told him. "And no Jessica?" I asked.

"Wait." He said and after a couple of seconds he replied, "according to Bailey, I quote, 'that crazy human bitch jumped out of the car'."

"Fine. And bring her to the estate, also pick Dimitri on your way back." I cut the call with that.

'We found Jessica Mathers in the woods. She is very injured but hostile. She isn't letting anyone come near her.' A wolf mind linked me.

'Use the force on her and bring her to my estate. Don't harm her.' I told him.

'She is more likely to harm us Alpha.' He replied wryly. 'She has silver knives in both her hands.'

'Corner and bring her towards the woods near the estate. I'm coming.' I growled and stormed towards the woods. Can't they handle a fucking human?

I rose my head in the air and took a deep breath.

The smell of human blood was thick. And it was coming from the woods at the edge of the backyard. I ran over there and I saw Jessica clutching the knife tightly in her arms and she swung them around whenever anybody tried to get close to her.

Her head was bleeding badly and I was sure she had wounds on other parts of her body too but it was covered with a thick hoodie and sweatpants.

She could barely stand on her own feet but she still kept fighting for herself. This arose grudging respect in me for the female.

"Jessica," I called her.

She whirled around upon hearing my voice and her eyes widened in anger before she threw one of the knives on me.

I ducked.

"What are you, people?" She screeched. "N-no, you m-monsters!"

"Shut up," I growl.

"No, you shut up with the shut up! I've had enough of your arrogant ass to last a lifetime. I have a knife in my hand, I have the weapon. So you shut up!" She screamed.

"You will let me and my sis—"

I brought my hand up and whipped out the claws. "Unlike you with those knives, I'm good with these," I said menacingly.

I was done with her disrespect. Anyone else would have been dead by now.

She paled seeing my claws and when I saw her hold loosen on the knife, I was in front of her in a second and I snatched the knife from her hand and threw it away.

I gripped her neck and slammed her against the tree behind her. "Unlike everyone you have met, I demand respect." I snarled in her ear. "Another insult from your mouth and I won't hesitate to kill you," I whispered menacingly.

Her eyes were drooping and then I heard her heartbeat slow down before she passed out.

"Fuck." I muttered and picked her up. She has lost too much blood. I need to get her to Grace. I started walking towards the parking lot. I felt a dull pain in my chest but I ignored it when I felt Dimitri trying to contact me.

'I found Mikhail.' Dimitri mind-linked me. 'It's bad Nikolai. We are in Rhazien's car right now, coming to the estate. Call Grace."

I don't know if I should be happy or angry. What the hell happened to Mikhail? And how the hell did he get to Greenwich?

'Grace isn't here. Go to Kaleb Karwell's house. She is there and I'm coming there directly." I told him as I dropped Jessica in the back seat and started the car, speeding there.

'We found Mikhail. Come to Kaleb's house after you are done with Grant. Don't kill him.' I told Vladimir.

'Is he alright?' He asked.

'Dimitri said it's bad.' I replied, not knowing the extent of it.

'I'll be there in some time.' He replied.

"Tess..." I heard Jessica groan but her eyes fluttered open.

"I'm taking you to your sister," I muttered. I wasn't sure she was going to like it.

I parked my car outside the house and opened the door to take her out but she pushed me aside and tried to get out on her own, almost falling in the process.

I don't have the fucking time to wait for her.

I put her over my shoulder and carried her in. "Shut up," I grumbled before she could get a word out.

I felt the pain in my chest again, right over my heart and I rubbed over it, trying to ease it. I followed Andrei's sent to a room and opened the door.

'Where are you, Nikolai?' Ava's mind linked me, her voice small.

'I told you I'm busy. I'll be home late, have dinner, and don't wait up for me.' I replied and shut our link tight.

On the bed was Mikhail's battered unconscious body, being tended by Grace. His left eye and cheek were swollen, his lip had a cut. Grace was applying a bandaid to his mid rift, his left hand's muscle looked like it was bitten off and his leg had a badly bleeding wound.

Fuck.

I dropped Jessica on the couch beside Andrei who was petting Tessa's head that was resting on his thigh. Tessa was kneeling between his feet, silently crying. Her eyes widened when she saw her barely conscious sister and her crying increased.

"Go." Andrei patted her back and she scrambled to get up and hug her sister, both of them crying now.

"I can't treat her right now, Alpha." Grace said, "I'll take me time to treat Mikhail. But she is a human, Vladimir's blood will help a lot."

Vladimir is busy.

I called Rhazien and told him to come here directly.

Andrei raised his head on my sight and shook his head in defeat. "He is bitten by a vampire."

A vampire bite is fatal to a werewolf.