Captiva Capitulation by Talyn Scott Read Free Book Online Page A

belonging to an ancient highlander Maestru knew all too well. “Forgive this interruption, Rock, but I’m here on behalf of the Beta. Bane is relievin’ you of all duties for the next few days, and might I say congratulations, you lucky bastard. I’ll stay on the island in your absence.”
    Rock took one last look at Maestru and dematerialized.
    Maestru sat up, annoyed, removing the chain from his throat and then rubbing at his ravaged flesh. “Great, now I have to feed again.”
    Heath cocked his head, his eyes flashing silver. “May I request a moment of your time, Coven Master? Bane and I have tracked a problem that involves your Coven.”
    Easily pushing Rock’s threats out of his thoughts, Maestru collected Collin’s scattered papers and smashed the flail into dust. He turned, eyeing the spitting image of Ciaran. Oh, joy. Maestru hated anything that reminded him of that particular Alpha. When Ciaran had his ass in a sling, losing his mate to a rogue Habaline faction roving Scotland’s countryside, who really saved his Rebecca? Maestru and a selection of well-paid, vampire mercenaries had. What thanks did he get? Vile whispers uttered behind his back, other factions questioning his authority. Some even questioned his sanity. And when faced with a werewolf from Ciaran’s bloodlines, like right now, he’d rather have a razorblade enema than share an ungrateful Beast’s air. “Involving my Coven, you say? So trackers track problems now?”
    “They seem to be on the rise, as of late.”
    “On that, we’ll agree.” Maestru decided reluctantly, “You have three minutes.”
    “My thanks.” Heath didn’t look grateful in the least. “I’m sure you know that our Pack has tripled its efforts in findin’ our unmated lasses, particularly mixed bloods.”
    “You want them under your Pack’s protection.” Common knowledge. “Can’t blame you there, and?”
    “We assign an unmated male to any lass we find. Of course, she wouldna’ know she’s bein’ watched.”
    “And I’m sure she wouldn’t sense it, either.” Maestru rolled his eyes. Even humans sensed when monsters circled, however, mixed blood werewolves weren’t his problem. “Land this plane, Heath.”
    “One of our youngling females spotted an unfamiliar mixed blood on the university’s campus. Immediately following protocol, she phoned our security office. From there, Bane secured an unmated male to watch over her. That chosen male misted to the campus within fifteen minutes. Fifteen minutes too late , that is.” Heath’s jaw clenched, eyes closing briefly. “The male got in touch with Bane, claiming he smelled the mixed blood’s trail and a serious overload of her adrenalin threading through it. When our team arrived, they confirmed she was nowhere in sight. Her trail dropped off in the parking lot.”
    “I’m sorry for your Pack’s loss.” He shrugged. “If you have a photo, I’ll make sure Qudir sends it out. Maybe someone will spot her.”
    “We want more than that.”
    Of course they did. “More?” Maestru shook his head, dumbfounded. “We’re stretched. Rock and Bane know that.”
    “Allow me to explain myself, then. I just came from the university.” Mercurial eyes moved within themselves, his Beast’s agitation rising. “Know what I picked up? Dynasty hunters, your Lovci were in action,” he stopped, gauging Maestru’s reaction.
    “A visual on Lovci?” Maestru scoffed. “Even I find them hard to spot.” No one alerted him to any hunting in the area, as usual.
    “Visual, no,” Heath explained, “you’re not the only one who can scent ‘em, Coven Master.”
    If Heath expected him to be shocked, he’d be sorely disappointed. Maestru knew a certain number of werewolf trackers could scent hunters. “They’re not my Lovci. None of the creatures from our Dynasty are mine ,” replied Maestru wearily.
    “They’re securin’ Donors to feed your empire, usin’ our lasses as their dinner!”
    “And Rock