Becky didn’t believe the day could get any odder. Once the Elders of Rob’s wolf pack left, they left her feeling drained and vulnerable. They needed to finish cleaning up the back rooms after they were ransacked. Rob kept trying to talk to her about what happened, and Becky would brush it off. Several times she’d pick up something and then leave the room to put it away somewhere else. It was irritating, Rob. Becky could see that. But she couldn’t bear dealing with it right now. Every time she thought too long on it, her hands shook, and she wanted to curl up in a dark corner and cry. Becky couldn’t deal with anyone right now. “Becky? Becky, did you do something or say something to the Robinson’s?” Jane Ann came in with a questioning look. “No, why?” “Or the Samuels’?” “What are you talking about, Jane Ann? Please, get to the point.” “I’ve got several payments from several business accounts that I have to process.

“Yeah, I’m reporting in.” Bart said, annoyed. He’d finally been able to get Grace to rest. The last thing he needed was to find himself in a position where he had to explain what he was and how her reality was just the tip of the iceberg. No, that he wanted to avoid as long as he could. It was hard enough watching her flirt with people around town, trying to get information about her story. Gods, what was he going to do with her? “Well, Bart, me old friend. You know you should have reported ages ago. The boss isn’t going to be happy. I’ll see what I can do to appease him.” “Tell him I have some complications on this end and read the reports I’ve sent in. I’m dealing with a human investigative reporter, among other complications.” What Bart was telling the Gamma on the other end of the phone who worked in the office on behalf of their Alpha and boss, shut up. It’s none of his business until the Boss says it is. Bart and the guy on the phone were not the same

Becky’s phone rang. One rancher was bringing in a sick pup for treatment. “I’m sorry, Rob, but this is work. I need to be here. I get it. You need to be with your pack, too. But I have to look after my business, because it’s what’s keeping me afloat financially.” “Fine, but John and Janie stay with you, and you don’t do anything if John says otherwise.” Rob couldn’t believe the timing. They were trying to get out of here to a safer location and she was finding reasons to stay. “You’re tying my hands.” Becky was struggling here. She needed to do this. It was her livelihood, for crying out loud. She didn’t have people to staff it for her, so she could go running who knows where. “I’m keeping you alive. Just try to do as I ask, please.” Rob felt like she wasn’t taking this seriously or not seeing her life as worth the consideration. “Alright for now. I shouldn’t be much more than a few hours. I’ll get John or Jane Ann to call you if it’s going

Becky reached the clinic and unlocked. Jane Ann went to the front desk to get ready for the anxious client. John headed for the back room to make sure it was secure. Becky finished changing into her scrubs and jacket when the bell over the door went off. She could hear John on the phone with someone in her office. Smiling, she made her way to the waiting room. The reporter Grace was there look worried or anxious. “Hi Grace, right?” “Yes, I have a question and I need to know you’ll take me seriously and won’t think I’m crazy.” “I’m waiting for an emergency to arrive, but until then, I guess I could try. I’m not sure what you’re talking about, though. You need to make yourself more clear.” “You know all the wolves in the area? Not the normal ones, but the sightings of huge ones.” “Vaguely, I guess. Why?” Becky could see where this was going, and it wasn’t good. “This is crazy.” She was torturing herself with this. “First off, I would never write ab

“Just tell me what is going on. Straight up, no frills or pleasantries.” Rob was about to get the girls, pack them into his vehicle when he was forced to take a call from John. Then he’s stumbling over his words and Rob didn’t understand a single thing he meant. “Grace is here with Becky and Janie. She’s asking about werewolves, and she’s convinced Bart and us are too. She’s Bart’s mate. Wait, I think you know that. Anyway, two suits were here. I couldn’t get a scent off them bugging Becky about picking up an injured wolf at the side of the road. They wouldn’t name themselves or answer questions. She got them to leave. Now they’ve locked me out of the office, and I don’t know wants to go on.” “I’m coming to get everyone right now.” “No, you need to get Bart. He’s at his home. Grace took his car. He’s stuck there. Bart must come deal with his mate. It’s not our job.” “I’ll get him and call the Justiciar about this. I’ll be an hour tops. Gods, how did this happen