“No one just disappears,” Quinn objected. “Someone must be hiding her.”
“We agree.” Erin looked back at Carissa as she asked, “Can you think of anyone who would shelter her or anywhere she would go? Somewhere safe and secluded?”
Carissa searched her memory. They had so few friends. Neither of their employees were in a position to help and… “There’s no one. Has Kyle been back to our house or checked the store? Is it possible she sneaked back in once everyone left?”
“That’s not a bad idea.” Erin nodded, speculation clouding her gaze. “Kyle might have already thought of it, but I’ll text him with the suggestion.”
Scooting closer to Quinn, Carissa let the heat of his body soothe her. She and Ava were facing the same basic threat, but Ava was alone and unaware of the support system available to her. It was almost impossible for Carissa to focus on the future and the decisions awaiting her while her sister’s situation was still so uncertain.
Compassion warmed Erin’s gaze and she reached down and squeezed Carissa’s hand. “We’ll find her.”
Carissa’s only response was a weak smile and Erin returned to her seat beside Ian.
“The other dictates are bullshit,” Jake muttered. “They’ve drawn a line in the sand and they’re forcing people to pick a side.”
“They want to know where our loyalties lie,” Holt agreed. “Can’t blame them for that, but this was an underhanded way of going about it.”
“Bureaucrats are always underhanded. Why do you sound surprised?” Payne’s voice was deep, his words formed with an accent Carissa didn’t recognize. Russian maybe. “When you figure out a plan of action, let me know. I am weary of talk.” He pushed to his feet then faced Carissa. “I am thrilled that we have finally found you. We need you far more than you realize.”
A shiver sped down her spine as his golden gaze drilled into hers. “I’ll do whatever I can.” It sounded hollow, useless. Like the obligatory “sorry for your loss” she’d been offered when her mother died. He accepted her statement with a nod then left the room. “What an unusual accent. Where is he from?”
Erin smiled and crossed her legs, appearing more relaxed. “He’s only been in the States for a couple of months, but most of his clan lives in Georgia.”
“Did he move down there or is he just visiting his relatives?” She wasn’t sure why, but the sullen lion-shifter definitely intrigued her.
“He hasn’t decided yet.”
“Where did he live before he came to the States?”
“Prague,” Holt told her, his tone a bit dismissive. “He’s not wrong to be impatient. We need to figure out our next move and get on with it.”
“This won’t be over until they’re both defined.” Ian stretched his arm out along the back of the couch as he gazed at Carissa. He rested his ankle on his opposite knee, his foot bobbing absently.
“And that can only happen once,” Erin stressed. “We cannot squander this opportunity.”
“I’m with Payne.” Holt stood and rubbed the back of his neck. “Call me when you figure out what you want to do next. Strategy is not my strong suit.” He walked down the hall and disappeared into the kitchen. Carissa heard a door open and close then his heavy footfalls on the stairs leading down to the tunnels. He must live in one of the network’s other houses.
“What sort of shifter is he?” It didn’t matter, but she wanted to know.
“Bear,” Ian said. “He’s one of eight still in existence.”
“Is Payne a lion?”
“Among other things.” Jake chuckled. “I was under the impression we need to find Ava before Osric gets his hands on her, and define them both before Nate succeeds in stealing Carissa from under our noses. Have our objectives changed?”
Erin’s frustration was starting to show. Her features tensed and her tone thinned. “Those are our objectives, but there are—”
“Then what are we waiting for?” Jake cut in. “If Quinn isn’t up to the task, I’ll—”
“I’m more than up to the task!” Quinn shot to his feet, hands fisted at his sides.
“She needs more time to—”
“We don’t have more time.” Jake cut Erin off again. “The entire network is in chaos and it doesn’t need to be.” He stood and turned his indignation on Carissa. “I’m sorry this is sudden and you feel overwhelmed, but this needs to be resolved as quickly as possible. Too many people are being risked needlessly.”
Carissa hadn’t thought about the danger others were enduring on her behalf, but Jake was right. If she let Quinn define her, the wolves would have no reason to pursue her and everyone who was working to protect her could turn their efforts toward finding Ava.
Erin stood and marched right up to Jake, facing off with the lethal-looking tiger with no hint of intimidation. “You’re right. Defining Carissa tonight would go a long way toward defusing the conflict. She would be safe from the wolves—for now. But do you honestly believe Nate wouldn’t retaliate? He’s been so understanding in the past. And what would be sacrificed for this momentary lull? We’re trying to reawaken the Omni Prime. Is it really worth throwing that possibility away so we can sleep better tonight?”
He didn’t back down, but his tone softened, became more respectful. “I understand the long-term goal, but we have to examine every option. If we define Carissa now, we would be able to focus all of our resources on finding Ava. And once Ava’s located, you would still be able to attempt the ritual with her.”
“The choice is Carissa’s.” Erin seemed to relent then she added, “But she has other options as well. We could attempt a seeker circle, access her connection to Ava and use it to locate Ava’s hiding place.”
Jake looked at Carissa and then back at Erin, his expression revealing nothing of his thoughts. “Has that ever been attempted with a latent female?”
“Most of this has never been attempted in our lifetime,” Erin reminded him. “Ian and I are both strong telepaths, and Carissa and Ava are twins. What do we have to lose by trying?”
Jake folded his arms over his chest and fell silent. Tension curled around them, drawing Carissa to the edge of the loveseat. What was this “seeker circle”? Erin had described Therian powers, mind links and psychic dreams, but the only ability Carissa had actually experienced so far was Erin’s healing touch. Unless she counted all the shapeshifting.
“As you said, the final choice is Carissa’s,” Jake finally gave in. “I won’t push the issue tonight. But if one more drop of tiger blood is spilled because of your hesitation, we’ll finish this conversation.” He started for the front door then stopped and looked at Carissa. “If the seeker circle doesn’t work, remember Quinn’s not the only one capable of defining you. Any of us would be honored to include you in our clan.”
Chapter Nine
Releasing his pent-up breath in a controlled stream, Quinn shifted his gaze from the door through which Jake had just departed to the woman at his side. Carissa fidgeted on the edge of her seat, obviously unnerved by Jake’s casual offer to define her. Just the thought of any other man sharing something so intimate with Carissa made Quinn restless and edgy. With each moment that passed, Carissa’s mind and body moved into closer sync with his. He couldn’t hear her thoughts yet, but he could sense her confusion and frustration. She was fighting hard to take it all in without losing control of her emotions. But who wouldn’t be overwhelmed by all these changes?
And she wasn’t alone in her anxiety. Visiting the sanctuary was always bittersweet for Quinn. This was Kyle’s stronghold. And it had once been as close to a home as Quinn had ever known. After his parents died, Quinn had been taken in by the cougar clan, basically adopted by Erin as a companion for her son. Quinn had grown up with Kyle and the other cougars had gradually accepted him. Until Quinn’s abilities began to manifest.
Now he was an outsider again, mistrusted and shunned.
But Carissa trusted him. She might not understand all the details of being a Therian, but
she had instinctively accepted him while she pushed other males away. There was no way he was going to screw that up.
“No one is defining you but me,” he whispered, reaching for her hand.
Rather than being comforted by his assurance, she slipped her hand out from under his and stood.
His heart lurched and he closed his hand into a fist. He would not let this happen again. He couldn’t survive another rejection. He’d stoically accepted his banishment and hardened his heart against the pain. This was different. This was more important than anything he’d faced before. He would never accept defeat. He’d fight for Carissa, court her in any way she needed until he earned her trust.
“The choice belongs to Carissa and only Carissa,” Erin stressed. “Despite the increased danger, I believe she needs more time to make an informed decision.”
“The last thing I want is to create tension between you and your allies,” Carissa told the older woman.
“They aren’t my allies.” Erin smiled, the expression faintly maternal. “We’re united by a common cause but I’m not their leader. If this rebellion belongs to anyone, it’s you and Ava.”
Carissa glanced at him, awareness still smoldering in her deep-blue eyes. All was not lost. She hadn’t rejected him. She was just intimidated and confused. He couldn’t blame her for her uncertainty. They had thrust a lifetime of knowledge on her in a few short days. She’d been kidnapped, shot, threatened and hunted. And the challenges had just begun.
She brushed a stray strand of hair off her forehead then squared her shoulders as she turned back to Erin. “Then why did Jake and Landon both say they answered to you?”
Despite the challenge in Carissa’s tone, Erin remained unruffled. “I know more about the Omni Prime than anyone else, but I’m just the messenger.” Carissa said nothing more, so Erin asked, “Do you want to try this now, or would you rather get some sleep and try first thing in the morning? I know you’re still recovering from your injury.”
“I’ll sleep better if I know Ava’s safe. Let’s do it now.”
Erin rose and motioned everyone toward the middle of the room.
Quinn pushed to his feet but hung back, gaze fixed on Ian. “This might go smoother if I’m not in the meld.” The thought of Ian in Carissa’s mind infuriated Quinn. Still, he couldn’t let his resentment hinder her chances of locating her sister. Finding Ava wasn’t just important to Carissa, it was vital to their cause.
“Nonsense.” Erin waved away his concern. “You can’t let the past compromise the future. Ian will navigate the pulse, but he’ll need as much energy as we can provide.”
Ian didn’t look happy about Erin’s decision either, but he didn’t object. His features tensed as he approached Carissa. “It’s been a long time since I participated in one of these and I seldom navigate.”
“You’re stronger than I am,” Erin insisted. “It’s like riding a bicycle. You’ll do fine.”
It was obvious Ian didn’t share her confidence as he reluctantly took his place in front of Carissa. Quinn moved up behind her and threaded his fingers through hers. He had to be near her, touching her, protecting her. He shouldn’t feel this possessive. He hadn’t even joined with her fully, but his cat tossed its head and prowled ever closer to the surface.
Erin stood at Carissa’s side and placed one hand on the shoulder of each man. Her face was expressionless, her posture relaxed.
Ian hesitated another moment then framed Carissa’s face with his hands. “Close your eyes.”
Carissa did.
Quinn molded himself to her back and buried his face in her soft hair. Her scent calmed his restless cat while Quinn slowly eased into her mind. Their connection was still a fragile thread rather than the solid cord that would one day bind them—if she accepted him as mate. He pushed the possibility away, refusing to be distracted by the future. He located the fiber and poured energy into her mind, strengthening and reassuring her. She sighed and squeezed his hands, pressing back against his chest.
Delving deeper, Quinn was enveloped by the blackness swirling through her consciousness. She was aware of him, recognized his familiar presence, yet she remained unsure. A steady pressure pushed against the involuntary shields protecting her mind, her being. She tried to relax, to cooperate with the meld, but trepidation coursed through her, making her wary.
“Relax,” Ian coaxed. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
“Come through me,” Erin advised. “Her instincts might accept me more easily.”
“Why?” Ian sounded annoyed.
“I’m not a threat to Quinn,” Erin explained. “She senses your hostility and instinctively protects her mate. It’s only natural.”
“Quinn is not her mate!”
“Not yet,” Quinn stressed with a challenging smile while hope made him feel almost giddy. If Erin sensed his connection with Carissa, it had to be more than wishful thinking.
Ian lowered his hands and stepped back. “If you’d kept your hands off her in the first place, she wouldn’t flinch every time I touch her.”
Quinn wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her snugly against his body. “She seems perfectly satisfied with my touch.”
“I might not be able to satisfy her until her system resets, but I would have kept her safe.” Ian’s eyes narrowed and his nostrils flared.
“She was in your house when she took the bullet,” Quinn snapped.
“And she was in yours when the wolves attacked!” Ian raked a hand through his hair, glaring at Quinn. “Guess that makes us even.”
“Even?” Quinn scoffed. “Not even close.” He forced his jaw to relax and then added, “Your irrational crusade ruined my life! I live like a hermit, thanks to you.” He’d bit his tongue and swallowed his pride for the last time. The tragedy had not been entirely his fault and he was tired of accepting the blame.
Carissa twisted out of his grasp and moved away. “Do we have to do this now?”
“Yes!” he and Ian shouted in unison.
Erin motioned Carissa to her side while a subtle flicker of amusement winked within her eyes. “Have it out, boys. It’s been a long time coming.”
Ian threw the first punch, but Quinn jerked to the side and the blow barely grazed his cheek. Fueled by four and a half years of bottled-up hostility, Quinn retaliated. His fist landed squarely on Ian’s nose. Blood burst from Ian’s nostrils and the females gasped.
Erin shoved the coffee table out of their way and drew Carissa farther away from the fight.
“We’re just going to stand here and let them beat the hell out of each other?” Carissa’s voice trembled, but Quinn kept his attention squarely focused on his antagonist.
They silently circled then Ian threw a wild right, which Quinn easily dodged. “You’ll have to do better than that, old man.” Ian landed a punch to Quinn’s gut. Quinn grunted then laughed. “No room to unfurl your wings.” He slammed his fist into Ian’s jaw, snapping his head back. “Puts you at a serious disadvantage.” He jabbed with his left, catching Ian on the chin. The raptor’s head jerked sharply to the side and he staggered back a step, momentarily off balance.
Shaking away the impact, Ian shuffled to his right and raised his fists in an attempt to guard his battered face.
“This wound has been festering for years,” Erin told Carissa. “It desperately needs to be lanced.”
Quinn lunged, jamming his shoulder into the taller man’s stomach. Ian flew backward and hit the wall. Hard. Pictures rattled and Ian shouted, “You’re a worthless coward! We don’t make war on women!”
“I was doing my job!” Quinn snarled.
“You were reckless and ambitious, so desperate to make a name for yourself that you leveled anyone who got in your way.” Ian shoved Quinn back but remained against the wall. “You were willing to do whatever it took to get your man and Jillian suffered for your ruthlessness.”
“If she hadn’t been high, my pulse wouldn’t have—”
“That is so fuc
king typical!” Ian advanced, a fresh burst of fury blazing in his eyes. “Men like you have been blaming their victims for centuries.”
“Men like me?” Quinn clenched his fists, his voice low and gravelly. “Don’t pretend you know me, raptor. Before I went after your worthless friend, we hadn’t spoken in three years.”
Ian stilled, his features frozen in an angry snarl. Had the criticism penetrated his anger? “I didn’t need to know you. I saw what you were capable of and knew the rumors about you were true.” His tone was far less assertive now. Despite Ian’s outward hostility, Quinn could sense the raptor thinking, his anger melting.
“Are the rumors about you true?” Quinn kept his tone even, nonconfrontational. “Were you Jillian’s lover? Did Russell share her with you?”
Ian’s only response was to flip him the bird.
“Rumors are often based on a kernel of truth, but they’re seldom dependable.”
“You didn’t know what would happen to Jillian?” Ian sounded begrudging even as the words slipped past his lips.
“I figured she would need her husband and I would follow her to my mark. That’s all.” He paused, hoping for some outward sign that Ian was accepting his explanation. Ian appeared to be listening, but his expression was unreadable. “The rest was beyond my control and I have regretted the outcome every day since it happened.”
Erin snatched a box of tissues off the end table and handed it to Ian. “The past is past,” Erin said as the silence lengthened. Ian cleaned his face as best he could and pressed a wad of tissues to his nose. “You both need to let it go,” she persisted.
It wasn’t easy to let go of four and a half years of bitterness, but Quinn knew he had to try. Carissa had to be accepted by the clans or Erin’s plans would topple like a house of cards. But it wasn’t just Carissa. He was tired of being angry, tired of resentment eating away at his sanity. He was ready for something different, something more.
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