Chp 5: The friend of a friend

Jett POV

I could not help but laugh at Clove's report.

"So my girl really is a criminal, huh?"

I realized my slip of tongue the moment I said the words. Then I stole a quick glance at my Beta to see if he noticed. He hid it well if he did.

"I'm working on IDing his werewolf friend," he went on. "But here's the interesting part. The man is based in Los Angeles, Alpha. And I've... completely lost the wolf's trail. Manny can't tell which way he went after he left Westwego. Proves their experience. They were definitely hired."

Hired? I guess I would find out who hired them soon?

The fact that the human was based in LA was interesting, indeed.

That was the City of the Forest Moon. A pack that was more than mere ally.

The Mooners were brothers of the Night Storm pack. I fought side by side with Alpha Nick of the Forest Moon. The City of Jefferson and my new pack were the prize of that battle. I became Alpha of the Night Storm after we killed the former Alpha, who was a mutual enemy.

Apart from that, Nick and his Beta were my brother in-laws. The latter mated my little sister recently.

Clove was still talking. I half-listened as memories of that night of battle played before me. I'd been thirsty for Alpha Laz' blood. But Nick got to him before I did. He cut off his head and took it with him to L.A.

"So far, we know that the raven girl has never stepped foot in Los Angeles, so it's very confusing. We could figure out what Loki Freeman wants with her without wasting time, but you said not to let him bleed too much, so..."

"Who the hell's Loki Freeman?" I asked absently with my eyes fixed on the girl's door.

"The human," Clove replied. "Her stalker. Name's Loki."

"Oh. Go on."

"Richard Wolfe is not answering his phone," he said. "The wolf friend is probably from L.A, too. If I could reach him, he might be able to explain."

"Yeah," I breathed. "My sister said he's dealing with some personal shït."

Clove was right. The human needed to bleed to make him talk. I would go handle that myself. Or I should go ask the little bird all the questions I had about her.

I stood there for a long time, unable to decide and letting my mind roam till it returned to images of her sliding down that pole in the club. Barely clothed. While everyone gawked at her ample cleavage and smooth thighs.

My irritation rose along with an idea.

"He could be a human trafficker? Seems that's serious business around here!"

"Actually, there's nothing like that in what we found. He's just a bounty hunter, Alpha. He does some PI work once in a while, but that's it."

"Maybe he's branching out," I argued. "People work two or three jobs in this country, Beta. I bet he plans to kidnap and traffick the raven!"

Saying the words made my chest grow hot.

"Did you say you lost the wolf? She's probably from his pack. If he's not a Mooner, that is. I'll go ask the pretty man myself. She can't leave here no matter what. I'll be back soon."

Clove simply nodded and mumbled, "Yes, Alpha. Oh, I forgot."

"What?"

"Andy called," he said.

That was the new Gamma I chose when I became Alpha.

"It's about the Ruby princess. She's in the pack. She came with her uncle to visit his friend. We both know she's there because of you."

"We already talked," I replied. "I'll call her later!"

****

One hour later, I'd had to make Loki Freeman bleed a little more than I initially planned in order to get some answers out of him.

What he told me did not make any sense, and he wasn't lied.

Richard Wolfe, Chief of Security in Reigns Group, L.A, sent him and his wolf friend to track the girl.

To the human, Richie was a top dog. His boss' boss or boss' boss' friend. An influential guy who was friends with the police chief and ate at the same table with the creme de la creme in L.A city.

But to me, Richie was Chief Gamma of the Forest Moon. A dear friend. An ally. I was alarmed by the fact that he'd sent them here.

What the bloody hell could he want with the little bird? I mumbled to myself.

Making sure the human stayed locked up, I ordered guards to stay close, then returned to the motel.

'I think she's asleep now,' Clove linked the moment I arrived.

I was surprised and didn't believe it till I moved closer. She hadn't tried to run away? Not even when she didn't feel me nearby?

There was no need to go near the door to feel the soft, peaceful inhale and exhale that meant she truly was in dreamland.

Wow! One would think sleep should desert her on such a night as this.

'Still can't get Richie on the phone?' I asked my Beta.

He shook his head.

"I need to head over there immediately," I said.

As he began texting to prepare my ride, I turned around to leave but stopped directly beneath the motel sign.

The plane was ready within the hour. Clove linked to tell me this, but I merely nodded. It was the dead of night anyway. No need to rush.

I waited and didn't set out until dawn's light appeared in the sky.

Just when I was about to leave, I felt movement. Then the girl's door opened and she emerged. She stared at me for a few seconds then went back inside.

What a strange girl!

'I'll be back in a few hours,' I said to Clove, then set out for the Forest Moon.