“She will be. Emotions are running high. I think it would be best if Susan and Brenda stayed here while I accompany Esme to Paris. I’m going to ask Josephine and her grandparents to stay here and work with Susan and Brenda.”
“I’d like to stay with Brenda if you don’t need me.”
“That’s fine. Perhaps, the Paris Beta could accompany us.” Jared ran his hand through his hair. Hopefully, the lawyer would have good news.
Chapter Eleven
“There is no trust fund, Mademoiselle Esme. I don’t know why your brother would tell you there is.”
Esme’s stomach clenched as she sat across from her parents’ lawyer, Monsieur Boulanger. Norris lied to her. Jared reached for her hand.
“Last week I received a package from Norris with instructions to hold it for you,” the lawyer said, getting up and walking to his cabinet. He pulled out a small box and returned to his desk before handing it to Esme. “You don’t need to worry about your future. With the money left by your parents and the life insurance Norris left you, you have a significant sum to use as you wish. Affording university should not be a problem.”
“That is good news,” Jared replied for her.
Esme’s hand shook as she opened the box. Inside were stacks of papers with a small note card on top. “Do you know what these papers are?” Esme looked from the box to Monsieur Boulanger. She didn’t know what to think. What had Norris been up to?
“No. The instructions said the box was to remain unopened until you retrieved it. Is anything amiss?” the lawyer asked.
“It doesn’t appear that way. There is a note.” Esme reached for the envelope.
Her name, written in Norris’ funny scribble, was on the front. She rubbed her finger over the writing. Tears threatened. Warmth and affection suddenly filled her through the mating bond. Once more, Jared took care of her. She blinked her eyes and opened the note.
Esme read aloud: “Dear Esme, Inside this box is the evidence you need to prove the group, the Doctors for a Better Humanity, is experimenting on human subjects. If you are reading this note, then the group has killed me. Give the box to the police. They will handle it. I am sorry to have left you, sorry for the things that happened. But I am not sorry I cured your cancer. I hope you find happiness. With love, Norris.”
“Oh, my. I will call the police immediately,” the lawyer said, reaching for the phone.
“They will want to get in contact with the police in Scotland who are investigating Norris’ murder,” Jared said.
Esme shivered. Murdered. Poor Norris. He’d sent evidence to the lawyer. He must have feared the possibility. Jared was right. Norris had been trying to protect her. He’d left her in London on purpose.
“The police said they will send someone over immediately. I do have some papers I need you to sign before I can release the funds you inherit …” The lawyer looked first at Jared, then at Esme.
“Of course. Where do I sign?” Esme asked, strengthening her resolve.
“You are very pale, mon coeur,” Jared said. “Can I get you anything? Some water perhaps?”
“Yes, let me have my secretary bring some in. I, too, could use something.” The lawyer reached for the intercom button. Moments later, the door opened, and an older woman in a business suit carried a tray with water and orange juice into the room.
“Merci beaucoup,” Esme replied as the woman handed her a glass of water.
Jared accepted some as well. He searched her face before taking a sip.
“I’m fine, Jared.” And, surprisingly, it was true. “Monsieur Boulanger, is everything arranged for the funeral?”
“Yes, yes. It is scheduled for one o’clock two days from now. Do you remember the cemetery where your parents were buried?”
“Yes, of course.” Esme sighed. It was all so sad. A huge weight pressed on her chest.
“You are not alone, mon amour. I am here with you,” Jared sent. The weight lightened as he shared some of her burden.
Esme grasped his hand that rested on her knee. She brought it to her lips and kissed it. “Thank you for being with me, Jared. I appreciate your letting me lean on you.”
“Je t'aime, Esme.” Jared squeezed her hand and brought it to his lips.
“You will be getting married soon?” Monsieur Boulanger asked.
“As soon as she will let me,” Jared replied, smiling and winking at Esme.
In spite of her problems, she smiled in return. Jared always knew how to lighten her mood.
“Excellent news, felicitations,” Mousieur Boulanger said. “Here is the first form. When you sign, you are accepting a payment of 250,000 Euros from Norris’ life insurance. I will send the company a copy of the death certificate right away.”
“What else do I need to sign?” Esme asked while writing her name on the line and dating it.
“This form that I will send to your bank with a copy of the death certificate. Your name was already on all of Norris’ accounts. This form sets you up as sole owner.”
“I see. Did Norris leave account books or checks with you? I’m not sure where he kept them.”
“I can request the bank send you a balance sheet for each account. You will need to order new checks. I can make sure that is taken care of. Where should I send them?”
“Why don’t you have them sent here, Esme? Once we’re settled, you can have Monsieur Boulanger forward them to you,” Jared suggested.
“Can you do that, Monsieur?” Esme asked the lawyer.
“Oui, pas de problème. I would be happy to accommodate you. I will set it up as soon as possible.”
The intercom buzzed. Esme gripped Jared’s hand as if it were a lifeline. “Monsieur Boulanger,” the secretary’s voice was heard from the speaker. “L’agent de police.”
“Send him in.”
§
Jared held Esme’s hand in the back seat of a sedan, as Darcel, the Beta of the Paris pack, drove them through city traffic. Esme had been very quiet since leaving the lawyer’s office. Jared could read her mind but hoped she would share her thoughts with him voluntarily. He knew she grieved her brother.
The police took the package Norris left Esme, as well as a statement of what Jared and she knew about her brother’s murder. Jared made sure to give the police the name of the officer in charge of the investigation in Scotland. The fanatical group of doctors needed to pay for its crimes.
Esme suddenly perked up. “Darcel? Can you stop at the next crêpe vendor you see? I would love something to eat.”
“But, Mademoiselle, I am to bring you to the Café de Luna Bleu. That is where the pack has gathered and our Alpha female has taken your lycan sisters.”
“We can join them later. Please, Darcel?” Esme asked.
“Darcel, the lady wants crêpes,” Jared pointed out.
Darcel looked at Jared and Esme in the rearview mirror and nodded. He pulled over after only two blocks. “I’ll have to find a place to park. I’ll join you in a few minutes.”
Jared and Esme quickly exited the car. They stood on the curb as Darcel drove away.
“Smell that? I love the aroma of crêpes. Paris is lovely at this time of year. I have missed this city.”
“We can return on our vacations if you wish. I’m sure the Paris Alpha will celebrate your return.” Jared guided Esme to the little wagon where the sweet smell of cooking crêpes filled the air. They got in line, and it wasn’t long before Esme ordered for both of them. Jared pulled out his wallet and paid the bill.
Esme spied a bench under a tree and hurried to claim it. Jared followed. They both sat down, and soon Esme put bites of sweetness on his tongue. She laughed as she fed him before taking a bite herself. “I forgot how good these are. Ordering them in a restaurant in England is not the same.”
“Granger’s mother occasionally makes crêpes. I hope you’ll like them.” Jared frowned. What if Esme didn’t want to live in Quebec? What if she wanted to stay here in Paris?
“Don’t frown, Ja
red. I’m sure I’ll like them.”
“Esme, you do want to come and live with me.”
“Of course, silly. I know you have a pack to lead. I hope I can be an asset to you.”
Relief filled Jared’s heart. He grabbed Esme’s face and kissed her. Her mouth tasted sweet and fruity, like the treat she’d been eating. He took a moment to deepen the kiss, trying to show her what she meant to him.
After breaking their kiss, he held her for a few minutes, his thumbs brushing against her cheeks. Her eyes were slumberous, an invitation to sex. At that moment, he wished everything and everyone away. No pack, no brothers, no crowded street in Paris. Jared wanted to be wholly with Esme.
“I’m sorry it took me so long,” Darcel said, his voice interrupting the mood. “It took me a while to find a place. The car is two blocks away.”
“I’m sorry, Darcel,” Esme said. “I didn’t order you any crêpes. Would you like some of mine?”
“No. It’s fine. I’ll order some myself if you don’t mind.” Darcel looked at Jared.
“Go ahead. We’ll wait for you here.”
Darcel nodded and walked away. Jared turned back to Esme and found her staring off into space.
“What are you contemplating, mon coeur?”
“Susan got me thinking. I’ve changed a lot from the scared girl who was afraid of being a wolf. I like being a lycan. I don’t know what the future will bring. However, I’m not afraid to face it. Having you at my side is icing on the cake. I know together we can handle anything.”
“I’m relieved to hear you say that, mon amour. This probably isn’t the right time, but I’ve been carrying something in my pocket since I arrived.” Jared retrieved his mother’s engagement ring. He knelt down on one knee and reached for Esme’s hand. “Je t'aime, Esme. I know that in the eyes of the lycans we are already married. I thought, perhaps, you would marry me.”
“Oh, Jared. You are the only one for me.” Esme blinked back tears.
Jared slipped the ring on her finger and kissed it into place. Several people standing nearby clapped their approval. Darcel approached the couple, a huge smile lighting his face.
“We must hurry to the Café de Luna Bleu. The whole pack will want to celebrate.”
Jared stood. “Before we go anywhere, I need to kiss my mate.”
Esme put the plates aside on the bench and stood, fitting herself into Jared’s embrace. This time, she reached for his face and brought his mouth down to hers. Jared wrapped her close, loving how she felt in his arms. She was his.
“And you are mine, and mine alone,” Esme sent into his thoughts.
§
The celebration of their engagement had been loud and boisterous at the Café de Luna Bleu. Esme rejoiced as she climbed into the back seat of the sedan with Jared. All she wanted was quiet and a bed where she could lay her head. Once more, Darcel would be the driver for Esme and Jared, while Susan, Brenda and Granger followed in the car they’d rented at the airport.
“I’ll be glad to get back to the house,” Esme said, resting her head on Jared’s shoulder.
Darcel headed the car into traffic. Jared slipped his arm around Esme and drew her close. “You’re tired, ma petit louve.”
“Yes. I appreciated the reunion and well wishes from the Paris pack, but today has been an emotional rollercoaster.”
“I understand, bébé. Sleep if you like.”
“I’m too wound up to sleep. Valerii was quite surprised to meet you. His mistaking you for the Siberian Alpha caused quite a stir.” Esme smiled, thinking about it. Josephine had been very happy with the prank on her husband. The Paris Alpha had been embarrassed by the mistake.
“I guess I should meet this cousin of mine, especially since we look alike. Unfortunately, my time is limited. I can’t be away from my pack too long.”
“It probably doesn’t help that your mate is making you chase her around Europe.”
“I would chase you wherever you lead me, and you know it.” Jared growled as he rubbed his head against hers.
“I do know it. Thank you for being mine, Jared.” Esme blinked her suddenly heavy eyes.
“The pleasure is all mine, mon amour. Rest, Esme. I’ll wake you when we arrive at the house.”
“This doesn’t look good,” Darcel said from the front of the car an hour later.
Jared had enjoyed the ride, while Esme lay snuggled up against him. He gazed out and saw flashing lights of police cars and fire engines. There was only one house on this lane and that was Esme’s. Jared looked down at his sleeping mate. Once more, a crisis confronted them. He held her close and kissed her temple. She was strong and he was proud of her, but he hated to wake her.
§
“Esme, you must wake up.”
Esme woke up to Jared’s insistent prodding, the smell of smoke heavy in her nose. She immediately saw the lights flashing and the glow coming from down the street.
“No, no, no…” She jerked the car door open and jumped out, heading down the road toward her house.
“Esme, wait!”
She heard Jared call out for her. This couldn’t be happening, not now, not her house. She rushed forward. A police officer blocked her way. “You can’t go any closer, Mademoiselle, it isn’t safe.”
“But that’s my house, my family’s home.”
Strong arms grabbed her close. “Esme,” Jared sighed. She leaned against him.
“Was there anyone in the house, any pets?” the officer asked.
“No, no we were all in Paris for the evening.” Esme trembled. The only thing keeping her standing was Jared’s arms. “Jared, do you think Brenda could have left the stove on?”
Esme could feel the doubt Jared felt through the mating bond, along with his need to remove her from the danger. But she wasn’t going anywhere until she got some answers.
The policeman flagged down a fireman to speak to Esme. “We believe the fire started in the basement, Mademoiselle, and spread quickly from there,” he said. “I’m afraid it’s going to be a total loss. The floors have already caught fire upstairs; all we can do now is contain it.” The foreman ran back to the men fighting the blaze.
“A total loss…” Esme stared at the flames licking the sides of the stone building. She sagged against Jared. Numb and confused, she closed her eyes.
“Mon Amour, let me take you from here. There is nothing you can do now.”
Esme sighed, her lip trembled as she tried to keep from crying. “Do you think Susan knocked something over in the basement when we were down there earlier?”
“No, the house is completely engulfed. I think the fire had help. The Doctors for a Better Humanity have men at their disposal. They could be here now, looking for you. I think we need to get you someplace safe.”
“At least a lot of the personal items were put in storage. I still have my mother’s jewelry and pictures. Norris insisted we pack up the important items before we moved to England.”
“I’ll make sure we get the items shipped when we go to Quebec. But right now, ma petit louve, I want you to come with me. Everything will be okay.” Jared rubbed her back and held her close.
“I’ve contacted Valerii and Josephine. They suggest you come to their house for the night,” Darcel said running up to the couple.
Granger followed Darcel, his face worried. He rubbed Esme’s shoulder. “Esme, I am so sorry. This must be terrible for you.”
Esme nodded, afraid that if she spoke she would start sobbing like a baby.
“Let’s go to the Alpha’s lodge and stay with them,” Jared said “Darcel, can you give the police the number to contact us there? I want to get Esme somewhere safe.”
“Do you think whoever did this is watching?” Granger asked. He quickly flanked the couple searching the crowd of spectators.
“I don’t want to take any chances. The members of Doctors for a Better Humanity probably didn’t like losing their test subjects. We’ll have to be on guard. Has anyone heard from Pierre?”
“I think Darcel expected Pierre and Sam to arrive tonight. We can check when he gets back,” Granger said.
“The fire could be an accident,” Esme said, unable to keep the tears from running down her cheeks. “The house is old.”
“The fire department can tell us more when their inspectors take a look. But, until then, we aren’t taking any chances.” Jared gently brushed the tears from her cheek. “I’m sorry, ma petit amour. Things have not been easy for you.”
Jared led her to the car and seated her in the back before joining her. He reached over and fastened her seat belt. Granger followed and leaned in the open window.
“Once more we have no clothes. I hate wearing dirty underwear,” Granger pouted.
“You don’t wear briefs. Don’t give me that.” Jared smiled.
“I wonder if Brenda knows you go commando, Granger.” Esme smiled weakly. “I know what you guys are doing, by the way. Trying to distract me with your silliness. I may be a newly turned lycan, but I won’t break. The most important thing is that we are all safe.”
“Said like a true Alpha female. You are the perfect mate for Jared,” Granger said.
Darcel jogged back to the car and climbed in the front seat. “I gave the police the contact information. The fire chief said he would contact you tomorrow. They said it’s okay for us to leave.”
“Let’s go then,” Granger said slapping the door and heading to the car parked behind theirs where Brenda and Susan waited.
Jared held Esme close. She glanced back out the window one last time at the stone walls of her ancestral home. She didn’t know how she would have survived the last few days without Jared. He had become the rock she leaned on.
Chapter Twelve
Esme fastened the last button on her black dress and gazed at her outfit in the mirror. The funeral for Norris was today, and she felt caught in a nightmare.
Yesterday morning, the fire inspector determined that the house fire was arson. The whole pack immediately gathered to protect Esme, Jared and the rest of the Quebec Pack members. After the fire, Jared and Valerii kept the Alpha’s den locked down tight with guards at the gate.
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