by Strider, Jez
“Tell me we have something.” He said.
Nashoba spoke up first. “I interrogated a few of the villagers until they broke down into tears, but none of them seemed to know anything.” His callous tone made Kaden bristle and bare teeth, even as a human. The fact of the matter was Nash could do the unsavory tasks the others weren’t cut out for and do it without flinching.
“What about you guys?” He turned to Blake and Luke, intentionally leaving Levi for last.
Blake rose to his feet out of respect, Luke remained seated. “Sir, Old Finn said he saw a figure walking through the forest the night Mason disappeared. His sight isn’t what it used to be, but he said the figure appeared to be carrying something big and heavy.”
Nashoba cursed, Levi covered his mouth with his hand, and Kaden lowered his lids until his eyes were tiny slits. “Did he recognize anyone?” Kaden asked slowly.
“No, sir. His sense of smell is nearly as bad as his eyesight. He also, ehhh….” Blake paused, glancing at his brother, not wanting to offend the elder wolves.
“Drinks a lot of ‘shine.” Luke answered for his younger brother.
Kaden nodded a couple of times slowly as he thought. “At least we have something to go on. We need to find the boy fast or we may run out of time. Enemies aren’t going to keep him alive forever especially past the full moon. Too dangerous. Anything to add, Levi?”
“I asked around town, Elle is talking to some of the parents from school. She can’t up and tell them Mason is missing or the police will try to stir up a mess.” He said.
“Nothing else?”
“I tried to send them back home, Kaden. I swear. Marala refused.” Levi added.
Nashoba rose to his feet. “The chosen returns?”
“Don’t start, Nash.” Kaden sighed.
“She may be of inferior breed, but she is the Moon’s chosen. Is this the sign we’ve been waiting for?”
“Let me deal with my personal life. Rest and we’ll convene for a hunt starting at Old Finn’s in a few hours. We need to be at full strength if we find the kidnapper.”
Nash didn’t let up, even as the others stood at Kade’s words of dismissal. “The boy returns, too?”
Kaden rose up to his full height, threatening and opposing. “Your aspirations to replace me are becoming more difficult? How far would you go to take over the pack?” He eyed the pureblood with unhidden accusation.
“I only hope he will grow into a better man than you. Anything I say or do is for the good of the pack.” He turned his back on Kaden and walked out.
Blake and Luke sighed in unison before exiting.
“You don’t think Nash would…?” Levi’s sentence trailed off.
“I don’t know what to think.” He kicked over a chair. “And don’t hug my woman anymore.” Kaden flashed Levi a look of warning.
“Mara hugged me. I know better. She’s like a daughter to Elle and I.”
“Don’t touch her and make sure everyone else knows. I won’t be responsible for my actions when I’m the wolf.” Kaden walked unsteadily out of the hall and toward his home, on the brink of collapse.
Southern hospitality. This trip was already enjoyable. Taylor always liked new places, though. Pictures to take, things to learn, people to watch. Not in a stalker way. Unless he was paid well.
He rented a brilliant red sports car. The leather seats were crisp and new as he slid into the front seat. Then, he punched in the address from Kaden Dakota’s vehicle registration. His estimate for arriving at the store was off. Early season tourist traffic heading through the strip put him behind.
Eventually, after cursing his way through the stop and go throng of cars, he arrived at Dakota’s Trade Post. The rustic looking store sat about half a mile off the main tourist area. Taylor drove past the shop, didn’t see the Jeep, and turned around. Instead of passing by, this time he pulled into the lot and parked behind the building.
Silently, he scolded himself for splurging on the expensive ride that stood out like a sore thumb. No wonder he was a shady private investigator instead of something more respectable like a detective or agent. The photographer snapped a few photos of the building before walking to the front door and pushing on it. A tiny bell jingled and he rolled his eyes upwards with a frown.
“Hello.” The most beautiful woman he’d ever seen said. Once a new hottie caught his eye, the last was generally quickly forgotten. “Welcome to Dakota’s. Let me know if I can help you find anything.” She smiled with perfectly pouty lips. Her tanned skin glistened with a natural glow. He thought it was natural hue anyway. Taylor had never seen a spray tan or bronzer make anyone that color.
“Thank you. Interesting store. Not as commercial as the other shops.” He gave her his best smile, reserved for only the prettiest girls.
She twirled the tip of her single black braid with her finger as she studied him. “All the tourists say that. If they find their way here. People come from far away for our handmade crafts, mostly the weapons.”
Taylor picked up a large knife that Rambo himself would have appreciated. “You make these?” He grinned at the woman.
“Not quite.” She laughed and gave the cutest little snort on her inhale. Her hands immediately went up to cover her mouth and nose.
He laughed lightly. “Never hide that which is astonishingly adorable. So, who does make them? I’d be interested in doing an interview.” The camera around his neck was lifted to indicate he was a reporter.
“Most of it was made by the previous owner before he died. His son does some, but not as much. I have made a few of the dreamcatchers.” She lifted one off a hook behind her and offered it to him. “See?”
Taylor moved closer, leaning on the counter and looking into her amber eyes as he accepted the item she’d made. “Lovely.” He said in a low tone, not yet examining the craftsmanship, but still gazing at her.
She blushed, only a hint of rose reaching her high cheeks. “I work here full time now. Before school let out for the year, I was only here after morning classes.”
Underage. Taylor thought, having to force himself not to swear in frustration. He finally carefully ran his fingertips over the feathers and beads. “High school?” He asked casually.
“Graduated with honors a couple of weeks ago.”
“Impressive.” He glanced at her shirt, checking for a name badge. “What’s your name?”
“Brynnara.”
“I’m Taylor. Do you mind if I call you Brynn?”
She smiled. “Most of my friends do since it’s a stupid name.”
Taylor tugged his wallet out of his back pocket and handed her a fifty dollar bill. “I like it. It’s different. So, Brynn. Think you can get me an exclusive with the owner?”
Her smile faded a little. “He’s kind of… not sociable.”
“Your boss is an asshole. I get that. My editor sure is.” He let out a grunt of a sigh to go along with the lie.
“No, I’d never say that about Kaden. Never. Like I said, he’s not a people person.” She began making change for his purchase of the dreamcatcher.
“Keep it. You deserve it.” He winked.
“Are you sure? It doesn’t cost nearly that much. I’m not even that good at making them.”
“I’m sure yours are the best.” He glanced around the shop. “You eighteen yet, Brynn?”
“My birthday is coming up this summer. Dreading it, though.”
Taylor lifted his right eyebrow. “I thought girls looked forward to their eighteenth birthday. I still get excited for my normal ones. Who doesn’t love cake?”
Brynn hesitated. “It’s a family thing. Stressful traditions.”
“Like what? I could take you out to dinner instead.” He asked in a soft, nonthreatening tone.
She leaned forward on the counter, only inches from him and spoke in a whisper. “It’s like something I can’t miss, but we could go out to dinner before.” She grinned and gave a brief giggle. Cute, but not sounding like too much o
f an airhead.
“Hmm. I’ll take that deal.” He smiled. “I was wondering something else. I’ve heard a few rumors… about werewolves in these parts. Should I be worried?”
Without hesitation she shook her head back and forth. “That’s silly. You might see a black bear if you look hard enough.”
“Good to know. Can I get your number before I go, Brynn?”
She picked up one of the store business cards, wrote her name on the back, and handed it to Taylor. Brynnara Hanson.
“You’ll have to call the store. My brothers get pissed if I try to date guys they don’t approve of.”
“I’ll remember that. May I?” He reached out his hand like he wanted to shake hers. When she offered, he flipped it over and wrote his cell number on her palm. “Keep our plans a secret for now, so the brothers don’t get angry.”
Taylor left Brynn with her heart aflutter. He was good at what he did and he could honestly care less if she was eighteen or not.
Mara heard a loud slam in the living room as the front door swung open and hit the wall. Kaden was leaning against the frame with his eyes closed. Slowly, he opened them and forced himself upright.
“You’re exhausted.” She crossed the room and reached up to touch his cheek gently. His eyes shut briefly once more.
“I have unlimited endurance.”
“Yes, you’ve proven that several times. I want you to eat and then get some sleep.” She started to take his hand, but thought better of it. He followed her into the kitchen without the encouragement.
“I don’t want you to feel obligated to prepare meals.” He didn’t take a seat.
Marala retrieved the plate she’d finished for him only a few minutes before he’d crashed through the front door. “It’s a couple of sandwiches. Hardly, a feast. Besides, I’m used to it. Working as a waitress and being a mother gave me plenty of practice.”
Kaden scarfed down the first sandwich in no more than four bites. “I haven’t eaten since I left your house.”
“That was two days ago.”
He shrugged, crunching on a handful of chips then starting on the second sandwich. “Finding the boy was more important.”
She opened a two liter bottle of soda and poured him a large glass full. “Any luck?”
“Old Finn saw something. We think. He’s a drunk, but what else do we have to go on?”
“Kaden, you’ll find him.” She placed her hand on top of his and gave a small pat.
“Yeah.” He didn’t sound convinced.
“Come on.” This time she did hold his hand and pull him toward the bedroom. “I want you to sleep. I’ll make you a better meal for when you wake up.”
Apparently, too tired to argue, he let her lead him. “Just for a few hours.” He fell back onto the bed with all his clothing on.
“That food really did you in.” She turned to leave him alone.
“Marala?”
She paused, resting her hand on the doorway with her back to him. “Yes?”
“Lie with me. Nothing more. I need to hold you.”
Her eyes clenched tightly and her fingernails dug into the wooden frame. She should say no. Had to say no. But the way he spoke so softly. This was not the wolf speaking. This was a man troubled, regretful, and struggling with the duty he’d been born into. She lowered her hand and turned around. His eyes were closed, his breathing slow. Sleep had found him.
“Someday, I’ll forgive you.” She said faintly, walking toward the bed. Crawling into it, she pulled a blanket over them both and rested her head against his chest. His arm held her firmly even as he lightly snored, in short little growls.
Being in his arms equaled being home. They’d grown up together. He’d been her first friend, her first kiss, her first lover. That was what made the betrayal so painful, especially when she’d been carrying his child. But, despite his hotheaded nature, she knew he was a good guy. Maybe they could find their way back to their destiny.
Kaden shot out of bed when he heard the rallying howl of his pack mates. He’d forgotten about Mara, accustomed to sleeping alone, and she was slung off him to the side, bounced a few times on the mattress and barely missed being knocked to the floor. He stole a glance back, saw that she was on her feet, and darted out the door.
Jak had come out of his room at the sound of the howls.
“Stay here. Both of you.” Kaden said as he opened the front door and stepped outside. Not surprisingly, neither listened. Though, they did remain on the porch as he stalked toward the ruckus.
Nashoba was in wolf form, snapping at the heels of a human as Blake and Luke held the man up by each arm. Levi led the way.
“You!” Kaden yelled, closing the distance between him and the intruder.
“You know this guy?” Levi said. “We found him snooping around the property. Had a camera and this….” He handed Kaden a tiny item.
“Yeah, we’ve met. What is this? A dart?” Kade’s entire body shook as he tried to keep himself in check. The wolf did not need to be out right now.
Levi nodded. “Could have been used on Mason.”
“Impossible. This guy was in New York when I received the call.”
“Unless he had someone working for him.”
“True enough.” Kade agreed.
Taylor lifted his head and spit, blood splattering near Kaden’s feet. “I’m really pissed your boys bruised up my pretty face.”
“What are you doing here and what do you know about this?” Kaden showed Taylor the dart.
“I followed Brynnara. Left my car a good distance down the road and hiked. Found that dart on the trail.”
At the mention of their sister, Blake and Luke bared teeth and nearly shifted.
“Let him go and step back, boys.”
They shoved Taylor forward and he fell to his knees. The wolves had worked him over good. Busted lip and swollen, black eye. Kade knew the guy was hurting pretty bad.
“Why are you here?”
“I wanted to make sure my girlfriend, Marala, was okay.” He lifted his head and managed a half-hearted wink in her direction.
Most of the town’s residents had gathered to watch. Gasps and whispers drifted to Kade’s ears. “It’s a death sentence to speak of my mate in such a manner. Aside from the fact you’ve seen one of us as a wolf.” He cracked his knuckles, preparing to beat the man to death as a demonstration.
“No!”
Kaden turned around to see Mara running. She positioned herself in front of Taylor. “Don’t. This is not the way.”
More shocked voices. The gossip and disrespect was getting old. “It’s the law of the pack.” Kaden said.
“I’m not your mate.” She kept her voice steady and firm, not breaking eye contact with him. “You’re killing no one. I’ll clean him up and he can go on his way. Brynnara, help me.”
The girl didn’t move, afraid to defy Kaden. She looked to him for permission.
“Go ahead, Brynn. We need to keep him around for information.” He said, grabbing Mara by the arm and leaning in close to whisper in her ear. “Defy me again in public and you will regret it.”
Mara gulped, but held her head high as she led Taylor toward the house. Brynn lowered hers as she ran after them.
“Nashoba, stand guard. Make sure that human doesn’t try anything else stupid and keep Mara safe. The rest of you, with me, we’re going to Old Finn’s.”
Nash, still in wolf form, entered the house with the women and Jak. Kade knew the wolf would kill the human at the slightest provocation. He hoped it came to that. Then the blood would be on Nashoba’s hands, not his.
“Taylor, what are you thinking?” Mara asked, stealing a glance at Nashoba who was sitting a short distance away.
He smirked, but winced and gingerly touched his lip. “Hey, it got me here with two beautiful women, right?”
Brynn frowned. “I didn’t tell him anything when he came to the shop. I swear.”
“It’s okay. We know.” Marala said.
Mara used a cloth to wipe off the excess blood while Brynn held an icepack against Taylor’s eye. He turned slightly to look at the large wolf. “I had to find out if all this wolf talk was true. I’m curious by nature. I honestly wanted to make sure your ex wasn’t holding you against your will or something, too.”
Jak stood next to Nashoba and crossed his arms. A second guard. Though much smaller and nowhere near as violent.
“This is my home, Taylor. You have to leave.”
“Brynn wants me around, don’t you, baby?” He smiled at the girl, but she wouldn’t agree.
“Humans don’t live with us.” She finally responded.
“It has happened. Rarely. They didn’t receive the honor by sneaking onto our personal property and disrespecting the pack leader. That’s for sure.” Mara frowned. “Kade never forgive me for taking up for you.”
Taylor slowly got to his feet, holding an arm over his ribcage. “So my ego gets me in trouble sometimes. Let me make it up to you. Figure out this dart mystery.”
Nashoba gave a low growl. Pack business wasn’t shared with outsiders.
“Nothing you can do.”
“Sure there is. Who’s Mason? I heard the name when we were outside. That man talking to your ex seemed awfully anxious to accuse me.”
“Well, yeah. You had a weapon.”
Brynn placed the ice pack on the counter. “May I go now, please?”
“Sure. Thanks.” Mara said. Nashoba moved, letting the young woman leave.
“I like her.” Taylor said.
“She’ll be mated soon, so you’d best look elsewhere.”
“Does it make you jealous?” He grinned, forgetting about his injuries again and cursing at the pain.
Marala sighed. “Would you two leave us alone for a couple of minutes? On the porch is all I’m asking.”
Nashoba lifted his head at Jak in a nod and her son opened the door, letting them both out.