Chapter 2 #5
“Alex sent a message this morning, but we’re not waiting around for a response,” Nate explained.
“Even if we have to talk our way into a meeting with Soko, I think he’ll like what we have to say.
” They walked between a long row of cabins as they talked.
“Have you ever been to Shadow City before?” Nate had heard Drake talk about it, but he wasn’t sure if Paul had been included in the outing.
“Nope. Drake and Caden have been down there a couple of times, but I’ve never been.”
“It’s…” Nate searched for the perfect adjective but failed, “surprising.” The description fit, but so did massive, tragic, and relic.
They followed the perimeter fence to the back of the village.
When they reached the sturdy gate installed there, Nate ordered the guards to open it for him.
The gate was dragged open and Nate walked out into the forest, Paul on his heels.
They didn’t go far. Nate reached a chest-high rock formation that protruded from the side of a larger hill.
Using the toe of his boot, he triggered the security grid.
He pushed his hand into the intersecting beams, and the scanners verified his identity.
Apparently, Soko hadn’t revoked his welcome because the camouflage shields deactivated and the hatch became visible.
After entering a numerical code into the appropriate pad, he opened the hatch and motioned for Paul to enter.
Paul climbed down into the tunnel followed closely by Nate. Their movement activated a row of overhead lights allowing them to see in either direction. The tunnel stretched on into the darkness without curves or intersections, but Nate knew it was an illusion.
Nate secured the hatch and motioned to the right. “Walk briskly. We have a long way to go.”
It took just over an hour to reach the underground city, but it would take at least three to climb back out.
Each turn was protected by camouflage shielding.
Invited guests were told how to find the junctions while invaders walked on past. There were additional security gates at each level, but Nate’s palm scan deactivated the locks.
On sublevel three the passageways began to curve, angling ever downward.
“Are the cameras still operational?” Paul focused on the device mounted high on the roughhewn wall. “I swear that one just moved.”
“Some are,” Nate admitted. “No one reaches Shadow City without alerting the inhabitants. Sneaking in is impossible.” They passed through the final security portal, and the city came into view.
“Holy fuck,” Paul whispered as awe widened his eyes.
Nate smiled. He’d had a similar reaction the first time he saw the spectacle.
The main complex had six levels and was capped with numerous domes.
Five smaller clusters branched out from the center complex.
With wide, railed walkways and curving walls, each appeared to be a compact version of the original.
The outer areas were connected by what looked like tram tracks, giving the city a spider-like shape.
“Does the tram still operate?” Paul asked, focusing on the city.
“They’ve been working on it for almost a year, but no luck yet.”
“There are lights everywhere. How is this powered?” Paul wanted to know.
“Hydroelectric generators,” Nate told him.
“It’s beautiful, but it’s massive. Why do the exotics need all this space?”
Nate shot him an impatient glance. “Why not? No one else is using it. Besides, the city didn’t look like this when Soko claimed it for his people. The improvements are extensive and remarkable.”
As if summoned by the comment, Soko stepped into view. He was flanked by his two lieutenants Kofi and Garrett. Nate acknowledged them with a nod, then looked at Paul. “Give me a minute. I pissed Soko off last time I was here.”
“Take your time,” Paul said with a grin. “I’ll just stand here and admire the city.”
Nate raised both hands and approached the hostile hybrid. “Alex sent me. May I please speak with you?”
“I banished you,” Soko reminded, his obsidian gaze drilling into Nate’s.
“What the fuck are you doing in my city?” Soko stood nearly seven feet tall with shoulders that spanned most doorways.
His entire body was heavily muscled, and his features were on the brutal side of rugged.
His dark hair had been cut short, and his long, thick eyelashes were the only hint of softness on his entire face.
Without giving Nate the opportunity to reply, Soko asked, “Who’s your friend? ”
Nate motioned Paul over. “This is Drake’s beta, Paul.”
Soko greeted Paul with a chin lift then grumbled, “Should I be insulted that I only warrant a couple of betas? Were all the alphas in your entire village too busy to make the trip?”
“We’re just messengers,” Nate stressed. “The offer comes from Alex. You’ll either accept it or you won’t.”
“If you came to bribe me, it better be one hell of a bribe,” Soko warned, crossing his arms over his massive chest.
Soko wasn’t known for his patience, so Nate chose his words carefully. “We need to expand our alliance. The birds have thrown in with the cats. We can hold our own against one or the other, but we can’t take on both.”
“Sounds like a wolf problem,” Soko said.
“Recent events might change your mind,” Paul told him with an engaging smile.
“What the fuck does that mean?”
Not wanting Soko’s irritation to spread, Nate got right to the point. “Not only have we captured more females, but we are working on a transformation formula that will enable us to bond with them at will.”
“Bullshit,” Soko sneered. “There is no such formula.”
“Even if there was,” Kofi interjected, “I’m not going through transformation again. I barely survived last time.”
“This process is much less invasive, and it’s administered to the females.” Nate pulled the datasheet out of his back pocket and unfolded the device. “These are the females that will come to you transformed and ready for claiming—if you agree to this alliance.” He held out the datasheet.
Soko narrowed his eyes, but snatched the datasheet out of Nate’s hand. “They survived transformation?” He scrolled through the images of the females.
“The formula is nearly ready for testing,” Paul admitted. “It’s just a matter of time.”
Nate shot him a warning look. Exaggerations could sneak up and bite them on the ass. It was better to stick closer to the truth. “We have our best people working on it.”
“I want the women now, as a show of good faith,” Soko insisted.
Nate tensed. He was afraid of this. Soko wasn’t going to commit his people to a conflict unless something tangible was gained. “They cannot be fucked by anyone but their mates. Abusing them in any way is a violation of the contract.”
“A contract I’ve yet to sign,” Soko pointed out. “However, I don’t abuse females, nor do I allow anyone under my command to abuse females. The concern is insulting.”
“Only the village alpha can make that sort of decision,” Paul said.
“Which is why Alex should have been here in person,” Soko pointed out.
“He meant no insult,” Nate said. “He would be here if he could. Hostilities have escalated and Alex is trying hard to prevent another war.”
After a tense pause, Soko nodded. “I forgive him, this time.”
“And the alliance?” Nate persisted. “Will you come if we call?”
“It will cost more than six females, but I am willing.”
“Will you accept three as a show of faith?” Nate asked. “Having women in the city will only make your people restless. The females can’t be claimed until the formula is perfected.”
Soko glared at him. “You’re too smart for your own good. No wonder Alex sends you so often.”
Nate thought he had pushed too far, but then Soko threw back his head and laughed.
“Fine. Three females to seal the deal. More to follow when the formula is done.” Soko held out his hand.
Nate shook it as he said, “Alex will negotiate the details of what we need and what you can expect from us.”
“What are their names?” Garrett asked as he scrolled through the images. “Which three are you sending to us?”
“The tall one is Kristen, Layton is in blue, and the one with the reddish hair is April,” Paul listed.
“Stay for lunch,” Soko directed. “It’s a long walk back.”
Nate was pleased by the outcome, but staying would rob him of an evening with Luna and he really wanted to see her again. Not willing to risk upsetting Soko, Nate manufactured a smile. “It’s been weeks since we shared a beer. It would be an honor to dine with you.”