“Why are we going to the bar? I don’t understand.” Becky asked Robert as he drove the vet mobile back into town. “It’s hard to explain, but I’ll try. I said something to you out of context. The word mate. You took it to another of my kind and they put it back into context. The part that makes this dangerous to you is. I suspect the officer has ulterior motives in this town. Those motives could put my pack and you in danger. If they don’t, but that information gets out to certain unknown people, it again could put you in danger to get to me or do something to you that could put your life and freedom in danger. As it’s my fault that you heard that word and didn’t understand who or what you were saying to an authority figure, I feel responsible for your safety and freedom.” Robert tried to look Becky in the eye, but she wouldn’t look at him. Instead, she stared out the passenger side window. “By effectively kidnapping me?” She sounded tiny, but resolute. He cou
Jon had to admit he didn’t like the silence it the vehicle as they drove. Janie sat in the passenger seat, staring ahead. Every time he turned on the music, she’d turn it off, and she didn’t explain why. This wasn’t his Janie. His Janie would chatter the entire way about everything and nothing. She was fun and playful. Now she fumed and ground her teeth. “Talk to me. Why did you leave like that?” “I had a choice to make, and you would have made me regret whatever I did.” “I would not have.” “Really? Would we have known any peace from your elders about mating? Don’t bother answering. I know exactly what’s going down with them. I’d have regretted not finishing my education really quick if I chose you over it. Do you think settling down with you and popping out a few kids would make me happy? Think again. I like to live, not subsist. We needed someone who could make money. Then having to listen to other wolves reminds me I’m only a weak, lowly
Becky finally got to escape her truck. Robert made her feel tiny sitting in the driver’s seat. However, she got some small satisfaction when he had to pull the seat back all the way so he could fit behind the wheel. But she didn’t like forcing herself to talk to him as she had. Yes, as they drove, and he did most of the talking, she’d relaxed a little. But it was a little. Becky was relieved still to step away from him. His size and his looks made Becky averse to interacting with him. It’s one thing for him to be in the same room as her. She was just struggling with the idea that he would want to be attached to her in any way. Becky didn’t see herself as a catch for anyone really, so she’d stopped looking at men for potential relationships, even though she craved to be in one desperately. All she figured was that she’d been burnt once, and she’d be shy wanting to avoid a second incident like the first. Robert wasn’t having anything to do with it. Or he didn’t notice
“Now Alpha, where have you been? We’ve had the police crawling over every corner of this bar for most of yesterday. Then we get called in here with the message that you’re back and you need all hands on deck. Now you come in here with a human mate?” Alex looked confused, and Becky got the idea that she wasn’t sure where to look or what to think. “A group of unknown wolves jumped me. Not a word to me, no warning, they just went to take me out. They then left me for dead in the woods off a side road. I guess they figured I’d bleed out and the animals would deal with my body. I came to and dragged myself to the road where I passed out again. Becky and Janie found me and patched me up.” Rob took a breath then and Becky stepped in with a few details of her own. “First, it was Bole’s Road. Janie’s parents have a small farm off of it and my house is at the end. I didn’t know who he was because he was a wolf when we found him. It was late and my house was closer, so
“I don’t want either of you near this Hebbs character until after I’ve spoken to him. I don’t trust him. If he tries to speak with you or arrange a meeting, you can meet in the bar and nowhere else. I don’t want him taking you to some private place where you could disappear from.” Rob said as they ate their meal in the corner of the shop. “I still believe you’re overreacting to all of this.” Becky insisted as she finished her meal. She sat back with her coffee and watched Rob speak. “Shh... Leanne isn’t in the know, if you know what I mean, Becky. So keep your voice down. She likes to talk, and we don’t want others to put the pieces together.” Jane Ann said in a hushed tone to Becky as she hid her mouth from Leanne with her sandwich. “True enough, also try not to answer this reporter’s questions if they approach you. We don’t know if they really are from a real media outlet, independent reporter, or something less savoury. If they ask you anything,
“Well ladies, why don’t we go to the clinic, and you can get on with the day?” Jon followed the women from the diner and down the street. “Should I still send my schedule to the officer? Since Rob is no longer missing.” “Since you aren’t supposed to know, I’d recommend you do so just in case they try to pin something else on you. A couple disappeared while camping around the same time.” “Great, just great.” Becky didn’t want to mess up anything and draw attention to herself. If the officer researched her past, the inquiries could force her to abandon everything to start again, because Ivan or her parents could get notified about it and where the inquiries came from. They’d track her down from those inquiries. Becky was sure her parents would try everything in their power just to keep Ivan happy, even if it meant bribing officials to find her. She didn’t believe that it would matter to them. It was illegal to do. Jane Ann went on ahead to op
Paul walked into the Wolf’s Den. This was a place owned by his Alpha, and he knew every inch like the back of his hand. He’d gone to school a few years ago to become a police officer and return here. This would grant his pack inside knowledge of the criminal underbelly of the area, with no one asking questions. A cop asking about a case wouldn’t raise any eyebrows. He watched Bart Hobbs settle into a booth and prepare for an interview with Rob. They’d spent the morning with Bart, showing Paul around. They couldn’t really talk about their unique similarity, as there’d been too many humans within earshot. “Bart, we need to talk before Rob gets here.” “I should have known you were on a first-name basis with him.” Bart sat down at a booth table and looked dryly at Paul. “Of course, I know him, and that’s what I need to talk to you about. I need to know what you’re doing here, and what you are trying to achieve.” “Simply put? They sent
“May I help you?” Jon stood there imposingly between Becky and Jane Ann. Becky put her hand out to stop Jane Ann from interrupting Jon confronting the two strangers. The man was not a danger to Jon. Wolf shifter or not, Jon stood head and shoulders taller than him. His blonde hair was wispy and looked like he was losing it early. It also looked like he was long overdue for more than a trim. The woman must have been a good six inches taller than the man and she moved with a dancer’s grace. Effortlessly smooth and Becky instantly wanted to dislike her. “I’m looking for Doctor Rebecca Allen.” “Do you have an appointment?” “No.” “Your name and purpose with the doctor?” Jon could see this red-haired woman didn’t know who she was looking for. “You work here, I presume? Anyway, my name is Grace Levins. I am reporting for Channel Seven.” “What does that have to do with Doctor Allen?” “I wanted t