“Good lord. Is that all for you?”
“I might be able to share a little with you, but… I was really injured, and the day before that it was slow on the eating so I’m playing catch up.” I tapped my spoon on one of the copper bowls in front of me. “This is mac and cheese with crab.” I tapped my spoon on the other copper bowl. “This one is mac and cheese with lobster. I can’t decide which is better, and I’m wondering if I should ask them to make me up an order with crab and lobster. But would that be too much?”
McTavish’s eyes were wide. “You speaking in fat and calories or money?”
“Flavors. I don’t want to overwhelm the senses. Maybe the crab one highlights the crab, and the lobster one the lobster. Maybe if the two were combined one would overpower the other. That would be a shame.”
He scratched his head. His brows furrowed as he took in the scene, and then he shook his head and grabbed a spoon. “Why don’t you just mix a bit of both together and find out?”
I pointed my spoon at him. “I knew I called you for a reason.” I grabbed a small plate from under one of the bowls and spooned some of each onto it.
His grin was nice. Comforting. “Thanks. But I hope I can help out in more than just a culinary way.” He took a bite of the mixed mac and cheese. “It’s quite nice.”
“Hmm.” I took my own bite. “Nah. I like them better apart.”
He shrugged. “Well, it’s mac and cheese. What’s not to like?”
“Very true.”
More plates showed up and McTavish’s eyes grew wide again. “You seriously going to eat all this? Or did you order for me?”
“I didn’t order for you, but I can?”
A crease formed between his brows as he thought about that. “It’s a werewolf thing?”
I nodded “Definitely a werewolf thing.”
“Right. Got it.”
The waitress stopped. “You wanting something to drink, McTavish?”
“I’d love a hot tea if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. But I will tell you we’ve a bet going on in the back over her eatin’ all this food. If you eat some of it, the bet’s ruined.”
He grinned up at her. “Can’t have that, can we? I’ll have an order of the fish and chips.”
“That’s all?” The waitress stared down at him with her hands on her hips.
“I think so.”
“Well, your wee friend here can out eat you, that’s for sure.” With that, she hustled back into the pub.
“So, Meredith the werewolf who can eat three times her body weight in pub food, what can I do for you?”
“I need your help to make sure there isn’t another run-in with the beast.”
“Christ almighty. Didn’t we kill it well enough?”
I shook my head. “No. He’s not dead. At least I don’t think he is.”
His face went sheet white. “And how do you expect I can help with that?”
“Well…” I needed him to show me the police records of what got stolen from the museum. If I knew what the brooch looked like, then I’d have something to bring to the pack meeting. There were innocent people in the pack who didn’t need to feel the full force of Donovan’s wrath. If I had a picture or description of the brooch, then someone might be able to help us identify the traitor before things got out of hand. “It’s about the robbery in Dublin.”
The friendly McTavish was gone as his gaze narrowed at me. “And what would you know of that?”
“How much do you know about my kind?”
“Not a lot, but more than what they’re sayin’ on the telly.”
“Right. And if I told you we’re not the only things out there?”
“I’d say you’re in the country that’s always believed in the fair folk, and I’m not an idiot.”
Fair folk was another term for the fey. Smart man. “So, let’s just say the fair folk had some things in that museum. One of them was an object that controls this beast, and now—”
“Someone’s got it and is bossing the monster around. Jay-sus. It’s like something out of a horror flick.”
Very smart man. “For sure. I mean, it felt like I’d fallen into It Follows last night. I was running and running, and still, it was right behind me. I’ve never been so scared.”
“I caught that one. Good movie,” he muttered under his breath.
I leaned forward and gave him my best try at puppy eyes. “You wouldn’t happen to have a list of what was stolen from the museum, would you? I just need to know what I’m looking for.”
The waitress came back with his tea and food. He took a long sip before setting the mug down. “Ehm… So… I don’t have it offhand. I’m posted in Murriton, and I don’t see much about the goings-on in Dublin.”
I closed my eyes as that idea went down the toilet.
“But—” He started speaking, and my hope bloomed again. “I’ve a mate in the Dublin garda. I can make some calls. What’re you after? Might be easier if I’m specific rather than asking to see all the files.”
“A brooch. I just need to know what it looks like.”
He nodded. “I’ll text you once I hear back. The number you called me on is your mobile?”
“It is. Thanks. I really appreciate this.”
“Any way I can help.”
We spent the next little bit chatting. I found out that Mrs. O’Collins was an old lady in their town. The teenagers liked to prank her by moving her yard ornaments and potted plants around, but they always came back to put everything back the way she wanted. Poor lady.
Despite the fact that Bhrunyz could show up at any second to kill me, I had a nice break away from the stronghold. All told, I was only gone an hour and forty-five minutes. I had an impossibly full belly and had finally made some progress. If Donovan wasn’t having any luck spying through the pack bonds, then at least I’d know what the brooch looked like soon.
I hoped McTavish sent me the information before the pack meeting. If not, it wouldn’t matter what the brooch looked like. Because in an hour and fifteen minutes, Donovan was going to rip apart his pack to find the traitor.
Chapter Twenty-Two
When I got back to the stronghold, I went straight to Donovan’s apartment to see if he was done, but he was still in the sitting room. His eyes were closed as he meddled with the pack bonds. I didn’t want to distract him, so I decided to dig through his files while I waited to hear from McTavish.
I went for Vivian’s file first. I didn’t want to seem like I was harping on her, but I couldn’t help but assume she was the killer.
Vivian was a mad wolf. Mad wolves did very evil, very irrational things. Setting Bhrunyz on her own pack could only be the action of a psychopath.
I knew I should keep my options open, but I couldn’t help it. I reached into the cabinet and pulled out the three file folders that held information about Vivian. I couldn’t believe three folders weren’t enough to get her kicked out of the pack.
I flipped through papers and clippings from newspapers filled with Donovan’s scribbles. There were cuttings from crimes in Shannon, Dublin, and Cork. In his notes, Donovan wondered if Vivian had anything to do with them. Then records of complaints from other pack members and visiting Weres: items reported stolen after Vivian had commented on them, threats she’d issued, and some slights she’d committed. Some of the accusations against her were just typical Were issues. Others were a little more severe. At the end of each report, Donovan had written “no proof.”
Shit. At some point, he should’ve accepted that she was rotten and called a tribunal.
The last report was Ciara’s. I closed the file and threw it on the ground. I didn’t need to read about that. I already knew enough.
Even if Vivian wasn’t responsible for what was going on in the pack now, she was a bad element and was probably buddy-buddy with the traitor. Shadowing her would be a better use of my time than sitting around the apartment looking through files. I could just as easily wait for McTav
ish to send me the information on the brooch somewhere else. Plus, following Vivian would give me a chance to check out the other pack members and see if anyone had jewelry that smelled fey.
I looked at the clock. There were only thirty minutes until the meeting. The idea of being around the rest of the pack made me nervous, but I had to do something. Clearly, I wasn’t very good at sitting around.
It took me twenty minutes to find Vivian. I circled around the castle a couple times, hoping to catch her in the dining hall, but never saw her. Her scent was everywhere, and I couldn’t tell the difference between the very fresh scent trails and the extremely fresh ones. But she was a Were. She was going to get hungry eventually.
The fourth time I went back into the main dining room, I hit gold. A laugh cut through all the chatter. It was too high, forced, and above all, made me want to hit something. Or more accurately, somebody.
Vivian.
She was sitting in the back, leaning on one of the men. This girl needed attention, and it showed by the way she was always causing some sort of a scene. She’d posed herself perfectly, laughing while she clutched her chest with one hand and caressed a guy’s shoulder with the other. Flirting shamelessly. Which would be fine, except she’d been going around saying she was someone’s mate. If she’d been acting like that the whole time everyone thought she was mated to Donovan? It made him look bad.
What an asshole. I was so going to enjoy taking her down.
I tucked my phone in pocket and wove through the tables. It was a little unsettling how much the pack stared at me. People usually watched Tessa, so when I was with her they watched me by extension. When I was on my own at St. Ailbe’s, people deliberately ignored me. Except for my small group of friends, no one wanted to be around the cursed werewolf.
I really preferred the “ignored” version of my life.
Strolling over to a buffet table, I grabbed a bottle of water and a chocolate croissant before moving to an empty table. For now, I was just watching Vivian. I didn’t have proof of any specific wrongdoing and she wasn’t wearing jewelry.
Sitting down, I relaxed with my drink and tried to look casual. I took my phone out and texted Tessa. How on earth did you survive the Imogene drama without murdering her?
Imogene hadn’t claimed to be Dastien’s mate, but she had been clingy. But she was actually Dastien’s ex, whereas Vivian was just a one-night stand.
The three animated dots popped up. Thank God she was texting me back. I was a terrible actress and wasn’t sure how long I could pull of sitting here alone.
You’re joking, right? I almost ripped her throat out.
I stifled a laugh. How did you handle it?
Uh. I tore my feet up running home in flip-flops like a crazy person. Remember? I pretty much handled it the worst way possible.
I snorted a laugh. It was kind of funny.
I hate you. Everything okay?
I glanced around the room, but Vivian was still flirting with that guy. I’m fine. I’m just in Ireland and… I don’t want to bother you. What are you up to anyway?
You’re my friend. You’re not bothering me. We’re in France at his place. Holy shit it’s amazing. Have you been before?
I took a sip of water and eyed Vivian again before texting back. No! But I’ve heard… Now I definitely want to go. Invite me over ASAP.
BTW why are you in Ireland?
I didn’t even know where to start. How much time do you have?
Spill. Or our entire friendship is off.
I filled her in on everything that had happened the last couple of days. It would’ve been so much easier to just call her and talk, but then everyone would’ve heard the conversation, and I so didn’t need that.
I glanced at Vivian as I typed. So now I’m waiting for Vivian to take off so I can follow her.
You sure you don’t want me and Dastien to come? Have Donovan stall the meeting. We’re only a quick flight away.
I’d love the help, but I didn’t want to risk them. I checked my watch. No. This is about to blow up in a few minutes anyway.
I sat up straight as Vivian finally headed toward the door. Gotta run. She’s on the move.
Text me later with an update. Need to know you’re okay.
Will do. I sent the message and then put my phone away.
There were no classes at St. Ailbe’s about how to follow someone. I was going to have to rectify that because it would’ve been great to know how to be sneaky. I felt like I was making way too much noise, but it must’ve been in my head because Vivian didn’t spare a glance back.
I let her get a little bit ahead and focused on following her scent trail. We went up and down staircases and through hallways. At first, I thought I was following her to her rooms, meaning I’d need to let her get away. But every time I was about to let the chase go, she’d go through a doorway into another wing that I was sure would lead outside. Only it didn’t.
A map would’ve really helped.
I didn’t want to quit until I knew where she was going because she definitely wasn’t heading to the meeting. Donovan hadn’t called me through the bond yet, but I knew it was coming any second now.
My cell phone buzzed in my pocket and I nearly jumped out of my skin.
A text from McTavish. Finally.
I checked it as I walked.
He’d sent me two pictures. One was of the brooch. It was a silver rose, about two inches tall, with a worm wrapped around its stem.
I froze as I stepped through a doorway. I knew that brooch. Only I’d thought it was a necklace. A family heirloom.
Holy shit.
I’d been had. I wanted the traitor to be Vivian so badly, and Saoirse had been nice to me… I hadn’t even considered her.
I swiped to the second photo. The picture was a blow up of a still from a security camera, and Saoirse was standing front and center at the museum.
McTavish texted again. If she’s one of yours, I’m going to need to tell the Dublin garda. Call me.
What the hell? How could it be Saoirse? She’d been nice to me.
I shook my head as I started to put my phone away. Movement caught the corner of my eye, and I turned.
Fucking shit. I was an idiot.
I’d walked into a large room. It was mostly empty, except for a few pieces of furniture covered in white sheets. On the other side of the room stood Vivian and Saoirse.
I stepped backward as I thought about leaving, but running was a bad idea. It showed weakness. And even if I didn’t care about that, the door slammed shut behind me. I didn’t have to turn to sense the Weres behind me. Pack members who most likely wanted me gone.
I’d walked straight into a trap.
Donovan. I could really use some help here. The bond was quiet, and I wondered if he could hear me.
I was screwed without him, but there was one positive to this fucked up situation. Saoirse was wearing the brooch, and I was going to rip it from that bitch’s lying throat.
Chapter Twenty-Three
“You’ve been following me,” Vivian said. She crossed her arms and looked down at me like she was queen of the freaking world.
I met her gaze. “I sure was.”
“Did you have something to tell me?” She smiled like she’d already beaten me.
But I hadn’t even started yet. “Not particularly. Other than to ask what do you all think you’re going to accomplish here?” I gestured around the room. We didn’t need a meeting. All of them were traitors. Donovan needed to get rid of everyone here. “You set the fey beast after John, Thomas, Riona, and me.” I shook my head. “Vivian, I get. You’re a mad wolf, and you want me gone so you can move in on Donovan, but that’s not going to happen. Even if I was dead, he’d never want you.” I was pretty sure if I ended up dead, Vivian wouldn’t be far behind me. “But you, Saoirse? What’s your deal?” I took a step toward them. I needed to keep them talking long enough to get close. Everything would be okay if I could just get the brooch.
“Oh, you’re not following?” Saoirse said, and I wanted to punch the smug look off her stupid face. “Donovan hasn’t been part of our pack in a good while. He’s Alpha in name only. What’s the point of it? It’s past time for a new Alpha.”
God. I still couldn’t believe I hadn’t seen this coming. The fact that she was Ian’s mate had really thrown me. Even Ciara had recommended I look Saoirse up.
I should’ve known better. “So you want the pack?”
She shrugged one shoulder. “For now.”
“And let me guess.” I turned to Vivian. “As soon as I’m gone and Saoirse has the pack, you’ll sweep up the mourning Donovan and be his shoulder to cry on.”
Vivian held out her hands. “You see? She’s not a total git.”
“No. I’m not a total git. But you sure as shit are.” The bitch had no clue. For some reason, that pissed me off even more. “What do you think she means by taking the pack from Donovan? You really think he’ll let it go while he still has breath in his lungs? And if he won’t hand over the pack bonds, then what’s the only way to get them?”
Vivian turned to Saoirse. Her face paled. “No. You’re not meaning to kill him, are you? You wouldn’t—”
Saoirse laughed, and the sound was like nails on a chalkboard. “You really are a fucking muppet, Vivian.”
I took a step forward. Saoirse was an idiot, too. “Even if you take over this pack, no one will ever forget that you needed fey help to do it. By killing John and Thomas, you’ve betrayed everyone here. It’s like you don’t even know what being in a pack means.” Saoirse growled at me and I shook my head as I took another step closer. “A pack is more than family. You choose to join one. But this pack… It’s nothing like a family. It is a mess, and it’s your fault. Nothing you’re doing is allowed for a reason. We have rules. Honor. If there’s an issue or a challenge, it’s brought in front of the pack at the full moon. This is backhanded, weaselly bullshit.”
Shattered Pack Page 20