“All right, then.” Grant stood up. “Follow me.”
***
Grant led Liam out of his office and to the private elevators. Nick had excused himself, saying that he had other business to attend, but said he would meet with them later on.
The New York Alpha paused as his palm hovered over the sensor that controlled the elevator. “I’m going to show you something, but you must swear an oath to never reveal what you see to anyone.”
“Of course,” Liam agreed.
“Do you swear on your father’s grave?” Grant said.
“Now that’s a serious oath.” Liam’s brow wrinkled.
“Then you know what I’m about to show you is important,” Grant crossed his arms.
“Fine,” Liam relented. “I swear on my father’s grave.”
“Good.” Grant pressed his hand on the sensor and tapped the button for the 33rd floor.
“Where are we going?” Liam asked.
The other man didn’t answer back, and the elevator car descended quickly.
“Grant, before-”
“We’re here,” the other Alpha announced. “Follow me.”
Liam let Grant leave the car first, then followed him out into the small hallway. It was no more than six by ten feet, with a set of metal doors on one end. Grant looked into a small window, and then beeps, followed the soft whir of electronic parts emanated from the door. A retina scanner, Liam guessed as the metal doors slid open.
“What is this place?” Liam looked around in wonder. It looked very much like one of his laboratories at Amata Ventures, his medical startup company back in Silicon Valley. However, he didn’t recognize most of the equipment, and the ones that he did, he knew must have cost Fenrir Corporation a fortune.
“This,” Grant motioned to the high tech lab. “is our secret weapon against the mages. We’ve been conducting research, trying to learn everything we can about magic and the mages.”
“Research on magic?” Liam asked incredulously. “But how are you doing it? The Witch Assembly would never let Lycans near anything magical.”
“Well, the Witch Assembly might not approve, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get our hands on some magical help.” Grant led them up a set of stairs to an inner lab on a raised platform. “We’ve been working with a coven, Vivianne Chatraine’s to be precise, to learn what we can about mages and how to stop them. I believe you’ve met my head scientist, Dr. Jade Cross. Let’s go see what they’re doing today.”
As the door to the inner lab opened, music blasted at full volume, the soothing sounds of Vivaldi’s Spring filling the room. In the middle of the lab, two figures were bent over a table with various bottles and herbs strewn about.
“I told you I wasn’t good at this,” one voice female said.
“Well, I still need to see how these potions worked. Now all I need to do is take this beaker and--”
Grant then coughed to catch the women’s attention.
“Who the fudge—Alpha!” Jade stood up straight, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. “And…uh…Alpha.” She turned to Liam, her eyes wide with surprise. “Music, stop,” she said and Vivaldi’s strings immediately ceased. “Ah, the voice assistant works perfectly, Lara.” She grinned at the witch. Grant coughed again and she blushed. “Uh, so, Alphas, what brings you here?”
Beside her, Lara had gone very still. “Yeah, what are you doing here?” she huffed, her eyes trained on Liam.
“Sorry to disturb your work, Dr. Cross,” Grant apologized.
“Yes, well, we were doing some work with herbs and po—” She clamped her mouth shut, then looked at Liam with a frown.
“Yes, right,” Grant began. “There’s something you need to know. There’s been another attack, you see…”
Grant began to explain to Dr. Cross what he was doing there, but Liam didn’t hear a word he said. As soon as he realized who the other person in the lab was, Liam’s eyes zeroed in on Lara Chatraine. What was she doing here? The redheaded witch was seemingly transfixed by something on the far wall, opposite where he was standing, avoiding his gaze.
“…Liam here will give you more details, Dr. Cross,” Grant finished. “Liam…Liam?”
The San Francisco Alpha shook his head. “Er, yes. I mean, there’s been an incident.” Liam walked over to Jade and repeated to Dr. Cross what he had already relayed to Grant earlier. He also took out the pictures from the crime scene and placed them on the table.
A soft gasp came from behind him. The scent of strawberries and champagne was unmistakable as Lara pushed forward, her eyes landing on the gruesome photos. Her pretty face twisted in sadness, and her mouth was gaping open as her green eyes flitted across the photos.
“Yes, it could be the work of mages,” Jade said as she picked up the picture of the symbols carved onto one of the bodies. “What do you think, Lara?”
The young witch nodded. “Those symbols…runes…I recognize some of them.”
“Lara Chatraine has been helping us with our research,” Grant explained. “In exchange, we share all our data with her coven.”
Liam looked over to Lara, and she stared back at him with luminous green eyes. Had he never noticed how beautiful they were before?
Mine.
Liam startled. His wolf. The animal inside him was present all the time, of course, but it was usually quiet. The wolf only warned him when there was danger, but never made declarations before. His? Theirs?
“What would you need to know to determine what happened, Dr. Cross?” Grant’s voice interrupted his reverie.
“Well, I would have to examine the crime scene, and possibly the bodies,” she said matter-of-factly. “All of the bodies. And take some samples.”
“I have some sway with the San Francisco Police Department, but I can’t convince them to ship three bodies to New York, I’m afraid,” Liam said.
Jade thought for a moment. “Then I’ll need to go to San Francisco. Maybe Lara should come along, too; she might be able to sense something.”
“No!” Lara protested.
Something in her voice, her objection to being in his territory, made Liam’s wolf gnash and claw at him.
“Sounds like an excellent idea,” Liam blurted. “I grant you both permission to come to San Francisco. We should leave today.” That calmed the wolf down somewhat.
“Alpha,” Lara began, deliberately turning her body away from Liam and towards Grant. “I don’t think my mother would approve. This isn’t in our agreement.”
“Well, ask her then,” Grant began. “But I agree. You should leave at once and examine the crime scene and the bodies before the SFPD conducts any further investigations.”
“I agree, too.” Jade nodded.
“But-”
“I would really appreciate any help you can give,” Liam pushed at the pile of photos, the one of Jillian slipping out and falling to the floor. “We want to give our people the justice they deserve and prevent this from happening to anyone else.”
Lara bent down and picked it up, her eyes going wide. “Did she..?”
“No, she survived,” he said. “But the justice would be for her, too. For her parents.”
The witch straightened her shoulders and cleared her throat. “I’ll speak to my mother.”
“Thank you,” Liam said warmly. He took the photo from her hand, their fingers brushing together briefly. A small jolt of electricity shot through him, and he almost dropped the photo.
“Good,” Grant turned to Jade. “The jet will be ready when you are.”
“We can take mine,” Liam offered. “It’s not as luxurious as yours, but the ride isn’t too long.”
“Whichever works for you. I can send mine to bring them back, if you want. My admin, Jared, will work it out with your office.” Grant motioned to the door indicating that they should leave.
“I’ll see you later then, Dr. Cross.” He nodded to the witch. “Lara.” He turned and followed Grant out.
***
She let out a sigh, thinking about those poor Lycans and their orphaned daughter. Seeing the little girl, looking so innocent, brought out her natural protective instincts.
Deep down inside, all witches were nurturers and caregivers. The power Mother Nature gave them also came with a responsibility and a need to care for others. As a blessed witch with extra powers, the need was stronger than most, and her every instinct screamed at her to make sure the child was all right. She felt guilty, too, because she had been rude to Liam when she saw him. She was embarrassed and surprised at his presence. What was he doing here? Overall, she had been unnerved by the Lycan invading her space.
But when she saw the photos and heard what happened, her heart broke, especially when she saw the brief flash of grief in his face. It must be hard being Alpha, having people depend on you to be strong, and she wanted to reach out to him and soothe his pain away.
“Are you going to call Vivianne?” Jade asked, her voice hopeful. “If we leave tonight, we could maybe examine the bodies by tomorrow morning.”
Lara shook her head mentally. Only Jade Cross would be excited about examining dead bodies. “I suppose.” Fishing her phone out of her pocket, she dialed her mother’s number.
“Lara, what is it?” Vivianne Chatraine’s voice was full of concern. The blood bond between them was strong, and Vivianne knew when something was bothering her daughter.
“I’m fine, mother,” Lara replied. “I’m here with Jade on speakerphone. The Alpha had a request for us.” She relayed the events to Vivianne, keeping her fingers crossed and hoping that she would object to her going to San Francisco or at least tell her she didn’t need to be there.
“I’m afraid there aren’t any witch covens near San Francisco to help you, Jade,” Vivianne said. “I believe that the nearest one is outside Los Angeles. Lara, you will have to go with her. You should go anyway, to help protect Jade in case the mages are nearby.”
“I don’t think I’ll be in any danger, Vivianne,” Jade protested. “But yes, I would feel better if Lara went with me. She might be able to see or sense something I can’t.”
“It’s settled, then,” the older witch declared.
“Mom, before, I need to speak with you for a moment. I’ll take you off speaker phone.”
Jade nodded at Lara and turned back to her computer, checking up on their data, and Lara went to her workstation for some privacy.
“OK, Mother.” Lara settled into a chair. She had been thinking of calling her mother since her talk with Jade the other day. Liam’s visit today and her upcoming trip to San Francisco just cemented a decision she’d been struggling with. She took a deep breath. “I just wanted to let you know, I’ve been thinking that it’s time.”
“Time for what, darling?”
“Time for me to find a partner. A husband, I mean.”
There was a short silence on the other end of the phone. “Lara, I don’t know what to say. I mean, of course, if that’s what you want—”
“Yes, it is,” she said curtly. “I mean, it’s time, right? And if I get married within the year, maybe you’ll have a grandchild by next spring.”
“Darling, don’t do it for me. Or the coven.”
“I just want what you and Dad have, Mother,” she interjected. “Your covens matched you guys up, right?”
“Yes, but it wasn’t an arranged marriage, you know that, right?”
“I do, and I’m not asking for that. I just wanted you to know I’m ready to meet eligible and suitable men—er, warlocks,” she emphasized.
“All right darling, I’m sure you know your own mind. I have a few potential candidates in mind you might want to consider.”
She bit her lip. “Great.”
“But I suppose that can all wait after you come back from San Francisco. Just think about it and let me know if you’re still sure after your trip.”
“I’m very sure, Mother,” she replied, trying to sound confident. “Please, contact any candidates you think are suitable.”
“It just seems like a hasty decision,” Vivianne said. “I’m happy that you want to finally find someone, but you don’t have to do this now. Not if you’re afraid, especially with what happened to Jonathan-”
“I’m not, Mother, I swear,” Lara cut her off. The name brought back memories, painful ones. She hadn’t even uttered his name in years, yet she could feel the vice tightening around her heart.
“Very well, darling,” her mother sighed. “I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Bye, Mother,” she said before she hung up. I guess I’m going to San Francisco.
Chapter Five
Lara had gone straight home to her studio apartment on 3rd Avenue and packed up enough clothes for a two-day trip. She was hoping it would be less, but it didn’t hurt to be prepared. As she closed her suitcase, she spied something green in her closet. She realized it was a dress she had bought some time ago, a green, vintage-style dress she found in a thrift shop in Chelsea. The dress was quite modest and came down to her knees, with a square neckline and capped sleeves. But the color - an emerald, deep green - was amazing with her coloring. She hesitated for a moment and then grabbed the dress off the hanger and stuffed it into her suitcase.
She changed into some travel clothes, and soon a car picked up her and Jade (who actually lived a block away from her) and drove them to the private airstrip just outside New York City.
“Oh my,” she gasped as they pulled up to the luxurious private jet waiting on the tarmac. “I’ve never been on a private jet before,” she whispered to Jade. “I’ve only flown coach.”
Jade shrugged. “It’s not too bad. There’s just more room to walk around, and less people.”
The driver opened the door, helping them out of the car. They walked towards the stairs, where Liam was already waiting for them, and standing beside him was another familiar figure.
“Oh, Liam,” Alynna Westbrooke laughed as she swatted his arm playfully. “You’re terrible, you know that!”
Liam flashed the pretty, green-eyed brunette a warm smile, one that sent a stab of jealousy through Lara. “I swear, Alynna, it’s true!”
“Doesn’t mean you’re still not terrible!” Alynna flashed her own smile. “Oh, Jade! Lara! You’re here. Sorry, we were just reminiscing on old times.”
“Yes, I’m sure you were,” Lara replied coolly. “What are you doing here?” Alynna Westbrooke was already married to her True Mate, and with a kid to boot, and yet here she was flirting with another man. The nerve!
Alynna raised a brow. “I missed Liam,” she replied.
“Missed him?” Lara tried her best to keep her voice even.
Alynna gave her a syrupy sweet smile. “Missed him at the office, I mean. He was going to sign some papers for me, so I thought I’d run after him.” She turned to Liam. “Since you guys were running a little late, we were just talking about old times. Liam here is a terrible person, watch out for him.” She winked at the Alpha, which only made him smile.
“Well, we should be on our way. Say hi to Alex and Mika for me, Alynna,” Lara flipped her hair and stomped over to the stairs leading up to the jet. She grabbed the railing, but missed a step, sending her flying back. She closed her eyes, bracing herself for the fall, but instead found herself cradled in a pair of strong arms.
“Careful now,” Liam’s low baritone whispered in her ear. “Those steps have been known to kill people.” His arms were wrapped around her middle in a tight embrace. Her heartbeat sped up as that delicious citrusy scent of his wrapped itself around her.
His voice sent shivers down her spine. “Put me down, please.”
“As you wish,” he said, releasing her to her feet.
“Uhm, thanks.” She scrambled up the
stairs, willing the blush on her face to go away. The steward waiting for her inside the jet greeted her by name.
“Ms. Chatraine? My name is Gage, I’ll be your steward for the flight. Champagne?” He offered her a tray with three flutes of the bubbly liquid.
“Thanks!” She grabbed two of the glasses and made her way to the chair at the back. Placing her purse down on the floor beside her, she sat back and gulped down both glasses.
Jade followed soon after, taking the seat across from her, placing her own glass of champagne on the table between them. “Are you OK?”
“Me?” Her voice was high-pitched. “I’m fine.”
Jade crossed her arms. “You didn’t seem fine.”
“I said I’m-” She paused, glancing outside the window as Alynna hugged Liam. Taking Jade’s champagne flute, she downed the liquid in one swallow. “Fine. Dandy.”
The Lycan narrowed her eyes at her and opened her mouth to speak, but Gage interrupted them.
“Ladies, the Captain says we’re cleared to take off in ten minutes. I can’t serve you any more drinks or food for the moment, but I’ll have dinner ready right after we take off.”
The girls thanked him, and as they buckled their seat belts, Liam entered the plane and took the seat across diagonally from Lara.
Ugh, I get to see his stupid head the whole flight, she thought. And his stupid, handsome face.
“Ladies,” Liam greeted as he buckled his own seatbelt. “Hope you’re both comfortable. We should be there in about five hours. I have work to do, but please make yourself at home.”
Stupid, handsome, rich face.
***
For about the hundredth time, Liam tried to look away from Lara’s gorgeous, sleeping face. And for the hundredth time, he failed. Minutes after they took off, she reclined her chair, leaned back and promptly fell asleep, leaving him to admire her creamy porcelain skin, delicate features and long waves of golden red hair tumbling down her shoulders. It was a good thing Jade was facing the other way, or she would have noticed how he couldn’t keep his eyes away from the witch.
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