by Vella Day
At the end of the hallway, Rye knocked then entered, holding open the door for her. Whoa. It looked as if she’d stepped into a war room. On one end was a large U-shaped table surrounded by eight chairs. Extra seats were lined up along the wall. On a platform at the front of the room was a table that held a laptop. The entire front wall and halfway back both side walls were covered in white boards, like the ones found in school. A few pieces of paper were stuck to the white boards, and several large colored maps of the area were taped there as well. An image was projected behind Connor McKinnon who was standing at the front, looking serious.
Besides Rye and herself, three men were seated around the table. Kalan’s brother, Jackson, Kip Landon, and his mate’s brother Sam, who according to Rye had recently joined the firm after serving in the military.
“Welcome, Anna, to our humble office,” Connor said. The first time she’d met Connor was at the party to celebrate Teagan Pompley’s brother’s arrival in town.
Humble indeed. Everything appeared to be state of the art. “Hi.”
“Have a seat. We’ll begin as soon as Kalan and Dalton arrive.”
At the mention of Dalton’s name, relief and excitement ran through her. As if he’d heard Connor’s introduction, the room door opened and both Dalton and Kalan stepped in. Dalton made a beeline toward her.
He pulled out the chair next to Anna and clasped her hands. “I just heard you were sick. How are you feeling?” he asked, his concerned words rushed.
“I’m good, but I’m still overwhelmed. I think it might all be a mistake.” She had to assume he knew about her newfound ability. Other witches were able to start fires or predict the future, but all she could do was locate some stone. If only her talent extended to finding something valuable—like diamonds—she’d be really happy.
Connor tapped the table, and she refocused on the man in front. Her nerves mixed with anticipation. These men had saved her life all those months ago, and now she had the chance to return the favor.
“As you know, things are beginning to erupt in the Changeling world,” Connor said. “We’ve seen what these monsters are willing to do to get their hands on sardonyx, and we can’t let them continue. Not only would it put most of the Wendayan population in danger, our very existence might be threatened. Having the human world learn of our kind would have major consequences. The Changelings must be stopped at all costs.”
Because none of the men’s expressions changed, this wasn’t news to them. Clearly, Connor’s discourse was directed at her.
He motioned for Jackson to join him on the podium. “Jackson is going to bring up the map we found on John Ernst’s computer. He’ll superimpose the current buildings in Silver Lake on top of it.”
She didn’t know who John Ernst was, but apparently he wasn’t one of the good guys.
“As you can see,” Jackson began, “one of the dots is located in the same position as the Silver Lake Bookstore. We think this is their next target.”
She sat up straighter, and Connor returned to stand in front of everyone. “Until today, we were at a loss as to how to retrieve the sardonyx. The Changelings must be in the same quandary or they would have dug it up already. According to Kalan, the folks at Books Galore did not, I repeat, did not put an offer in for Crystal Wedgewood’s bookstore.”
That made no sense. Why would Crystal lie? “Then who did?” she blurted.
Dalton reached over and squeezed her leg. What was that for? Wasn’t she supposed to ask questions? If they wanted her to do something for them, she needed to understand what was at stake.
“We can’t be sure, but we’re thinking it might have been a Changeling pretending to be from the big store,” Connor said.
She jumped ahead to what would happen after the Changelings purchased the building. “And then what? They’d tear down the building in order to rip out the floor?”
“If the Changelings don’t know where the stones are located, my guess is that is exactly what they’d have to do,” Connor said. “Until today, we had no way of knowing under which floorboard the gems might be hidden either.”
She didn’t like the way he said until today. “You really think the sardonyx is under the science fiction bookcase?”
“Yes,” Rye interjected.
Maybe he could sense what she’d experienced because he’d received some pretty powerful magic from his mate.
Kalan pushed back his chair. “I’d like to conduct one more experiment to be sure. Jackson will you bring my knife to me?”
His brother nodded and left the room. Anna was more confused than ever. What did a knife have to do with anything? She thought this was about some stones. A minute later, Jackson returned with a red knife that was made out of the stone she seemed to be affected by. Now it made sense. As he carried it toward her, her throat turned dry, and her eyes began to burn and then tear. She scooted her chair backward then looked around. No one else seemed the least bit affected.
Jackson set it in front of her. “Pick it up.”
What game was he playing? She looked over at Dalton. His eyes had narrowed, and his breathing had turned ragged. He was staring at the knife, acting as if he wanted to grab it and throw it across the room. She wanted to do the same, but it was as if someone had cut off her oxygen, and her arms were tingling too much to even snatch the object.
“That’s enough,” Rye commanded.
In a flash, the knife disappeared and Anna was able to breathe again. “What happened?” she asked in a shaky voice. She planted a hand on her chest to help draw in more air.
“The sardonyx in the knife made you ill,” Rye explained. “Proof that you are affected by it. We’ve never met a Wendayan like you before—or for that matter, any shifter with your talent.”
“Lucky me.” This time she didn’t hold back the sarcasm. Her heart was still racing, and a sharp ache was stabbing her right behind her eyes. “I wonder if I have any other hidden abilities?” She hoped not. Anna was getting rather tired of having sucky talents.
Rye nodded. “We appreciate what you can do.”
“So what happens now?” she asked, not liking the direction of this conversation.
“If we can get access to the store, we should be able to dig up the sardonyx before the Changelings can purchase the place,” the Alpha said.
“Are you planning to break into the store and hack away at the floor?” she asked, her voice cracking.
The men looked around. Connor spoke up. “Our plan is still incomplete, but we need to work fast. Now that we’ve zeroed in on its location, thanks to you, we can be in and out in no time.”
Assuming they could get in. However, she’d heard Kip was an excellent lock picker. “Then what do you need from me?” she asked.
“Nothing at the moment, but we’d like you to be on hand in case we misidentify the location.”
“No,” Dalton said.
She swiveled around. “Why not?”
“It makes you sick.”
She placed a hand on his. “I appreciate your concern, but I owe these men—as well as you—my life. I want to help.”
His jaw tightened, and his fists clenched, probably to keep from shifting. Dalton scanned the room then stopped at Rye. “Fine, but I’m going to be there. I need to make sure nothing happens to Anna.”
As sweet as that sentiment was, it was her life. “What could go wrong?”
Rye cleared his throat. “A possible war.”
Chapter Thirteen
‡
The black curtained walls and dim sconce lighting helped center Brother Jacob. While the glowing sardonyx eyes from the metal clad statues didn’t provide him with a lot of energy, it gave him the much-needed focus. As the supreme ruler of the Changelings, he had to make his Clan strong again, and that meant finding more of the precious stone.
His Clan had been thriving until those fucking wolves and bears had breached his security and stolen the Wendayan’s powers back. The entire compound began acting as if t
he end was drawing near. Cowards. He’d never let that happen.
A knock sounded on the bunker door, and he clenched his fists as he spun around to face the entrance. This room had been the only place on the compound that had given him any solace, and now someone dared to interrupt him, robbing him of the pleasure of his sanctuary. He’d come in here to think, needing to get away from the constant interruptions and complaints that were slowly wearing him down.
“Enter.” Brother Jacob drew up to his full height of six-four and lifted his chin.
John Ernst strutted in. Arrogant bastard. Brother Jacob had not been pleased with his second in command for quite some time, since he was always making suggestions on how Brother Jacob should run things. “Speak.”
At least Brother John knew to keep his head lowered. “I await your instructions regarding the death of the bookstore owner. Shall I approach her husband and ask if we can purchase the store from him?”
“You are certain the sardonyx is under the building?” He’d been against spending their sparse resources in the first place if the reward wasn’t guaranteed, but Brother John had been insistent. While he disliked the man, losing another council member would not look good.
“Reasonably sure.”
Brother Jacob slammed his hand on the table. “You need to be sure.”
John Ernst raised his gaze, a knowing gleam in his eyes. “It’s possible there is a way to be certain, but it will take time.”
“We don’t have time. What is it you suggest? Are you building some machine to detect the precious stone?” He was being facetious, and hoped Brother John hadn’t wasted his time on such a futile endeavor.
“No, sir. Brother Edward witnessed a rather strange occurrence at the bookstore today. He wasn’t sure what it meant, but their Alpha was on hand to witness it.”
Ernst finally had his attention. “Tell me.”
Brother John explained that some woman who the Alpha seemed rather fond of had repeatedly experienced illness around one particular area of the store.
“What do you make of it?” he asked, not sure what to conclude himself.
“While I’ve never known a human to react strongly to sardonyx, I’ve heard about one of our witches detecting it. She had the same reaction, but has long since passed away.”
Brother Jacob’s pulse soared at the implication. “Are you saying you think this woman might be able to find its location—like a human divining rod?”
“It’s possible, but I’ll need more time to observe her.”
“Do so.”
For the first time in weeks, Brother Jacob smiled.
*
Dalton didn’t like Anna having any part in an operation that involved Changelings, but the stubborn woman seemed determined to help. With her surrounded by the Clan, as well as himself, she would be safe. While he didn’t like that she became ill from the exposure, Dalton understood why Rye needed her.
Connor and Jackson were discussing something on the podium, while Kalan chatted with Kip and Sam.
Several things still bugged him about this whole operation, and he felt it was his duty to comment. “I have a concern.”
The group immediately quieted. “What’s that, Dalton?” Connor asked.
“We found Meredith Wilson with a gun that could be the murder weapon, so I doubt she’d be receptive to helping us. As for Ed Santaria, we know we can’t trust him. Are you planning to enter illegally? I imagine they have an alarm system.”
Jackson shook his head. “We’re still in the planning stage. We can cut power to the building if we have to, but if we can enter legally it will be for the best. As for asking Ed Santaria, he’s definitely out. I asked Ainsley to check him out earlier this afternoon, and she reported he is in fact a Changeling.”
Anna placed a hand on his arm, and her mere touch caused his animal to stir. “What do you mean Meredith had a gun?” she whispered.
He thought she’d question him about a Changeling working in a store she visited, not about Merry. “This is an ongoing investigation, and I can’t discuss it, but suffice it to say, if the gun proves to have been the murder weapon, she’ll be arrested.”
Anna sank back in her seat. “I don’t believe it. When I touched her arm, I didn’t see her holding a gun and killing someone.”
“You what?” His voice came out so loud everyone in the room faced him. Damn. Anna might not think her actions could cause problems, but learning something about the wrong person might force him to come after her.
“Anna? Care to explain?” Connor asked.
“I guess it’s too late to hide it now.” She told them how she’d touched Meredith Wilson’s arm and saw what looked like a young Meredith in a hospital bed. “From her profound grief, I’m guessing her baby was stillborn. Does that sound like a killer?”
The pain in her voice tore at him. “People change,” Dalton said.
Anna shook her head. “I agree, but if I could touch her once more, I might see something else, though I usually see the worst event first.” She stilled then closed her eyes.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Connor said, “but we can’t have news of your talent leaking out. Witches touching people like that would almost cause as big a stir as humans learning about our kind.”
Dalton agreed. News of her abilities needed to remain hidden.
“Dalton,” Rye said. “How about taking Anna home? We still have a few more hours of discussion, and we don’t want to bore her.”
He understood. He wasn’t part of the security firm, and Anna certainly didn’t need to witness the inner workings of their world. Plus Kalan would fill him in later on anything he needed to know. “Be happy to.”
*
Anna wasn’t pleased they’d dismissed her so quickly, but perhaps they weren’t interested in Crystal’s murder or whether Meredith was guilty or not. This red stone seemed to concern them more.
Dalton hovered as he escorted her outside, but instead of his nearness bothering her like it might have in the past, she enjoyed it. Add in the warm summer evening that smelled like it was about to rain, and Anna was in a surprisingly good mood, despite what she’d just learned.
“Want to grab a bite to eat?” Dalton asked.
She hadn’t thought of food until now. Everything had been too surreal. “Sure.”
The evening sun had set, but the sky still glowed with pretty shades of pinks, blues, and yellows, silhouetted against a line of black clouds. They were ominous looking yet strikingly beautiful at the same time.
“What’s your pleasure?” he asked.
She’d been about to say indulging in him, but Dalton apparently needed real food. “How about the Silver Lake Café?”
“You got it.”
He helped her into his truck. As soon as he closed her door and slid into the front seat, the troubles of the world seemed to disappear. Dalton’s presence did that to her. “You seem worried, why?” she asked.
Dalton glanced over at her. “I want to keep you as far from the Changelings as possible, but I’m fully aware of the dire need to keep the sardonyx out of their hands.”
That much she’d figured out. “It’s not like they’d dare to break in when a ton of you guys are in the bookstore.”
“I’m counting on it, but if Connor has to do something illegal, I’d prefer that you not be involved.”
“Who’s going to arrest me? You?” She half chuckled.
Anna wasn’t sure why she found any humor in the situation. Perhaps her joy was because she loved how protective he was of her. It didn’t seem his affection was based on her being his fated mate. No, Dalton really cared for her, and that made her happy.
“Hardly, unless I plan to turn myself in as well. The problem is that most of the officers in the sheriff’s department are human. Someone might become suspicious if they see light coming from a closed bookstore and call it in.”
It wouldn’t do his career any good if he were caught. She twisted toward him as he headed down M
aple Avenue, past Hope News, and then Nate’s Pizzeria on the corner. “Do you think Meredith is guilty?”
His fingers tightened on the wheel. “I’m hoping not, but she said she was upset that Crystal wanted to sell the building, so that means she had a motive.”
“I’m upset that my parents gave me up for adoption, but I don’t want to kill them.”
A small smile lifted his lips. “Is your glass always half full?”
“Not always, but why think negatively? Life is too short.”
Dalton reached the restaurant. “I hope you don’t mind that we have to park a few blocks away? I’m not sure why it’s so crowded tonight.”
“Nope, I love to walk.”
The blue awning and the cozy outdoor seating made this café one of her favorite places. Dalton held open the restaurant door and motioned her in. “As nice as it would be to sit outside, it looks like it might rain,” he said.
“I agree.”
Because it was past the dinner hour, they basically had their choice of seats. The cars must have been for the movie theater down the street. He asked the server if they could have a seat near the back, implying he didn’t want anyone to overhear their conversation. That worked for her.
She couldn’t imagine having to live her life in fear of discovery. Anna mentally halted. What was she talking about? She had lived her life like that—first with the fact she was adopted, and then with the whole concept about her ability to read people’s memories. If—no when—she and Dalton mated, she’d have to keep the existence of shifters a secret too.
“This okay?” the waitress asked.
Dalton nodded. Once seated, he leaned back. “Are you scared?” he asked.
“Of what?”
“Of how your life has changed? Or how it might change? Nothing can be done about the past, but the future is up to you.”
He sounded like some Himalayan shaman or a fortune cookie. “Are you talking about me helping Connor and Jackson and the rest of the Clan, or are you referring to us?”
A tic around his mouth lifted the side for a second. “Both.”