by Jodi Vaughn
There was a loud knock on the door. Both males turned and scowled.
“Who is it?” Barrett’s hard tone echoed in the room.
“Jaxon.”
“Fuck.” Barrett sent Ryker a warning look before getting up from his desk. Opening the door, he scowled at his Guardian.
“Do you need something, Jaxon?”
“I need to know what’s going on with Lucien.” He pushed past Barrett and into the office.
“Jaxon…” Barrett narrowed his eyes on his Guardian and curled his fists into hands.
“Look boss, I know. I’m interrupting. But I can’t let this go anymore.” The blond werewolf turned his astute blue eyes on him. Jaxon was much like Jayden in appearance, but they were starkly different in personality. Jayden had grown more serious, more intense, while Jaxon was left to revel in his bachelorhood and easygoing manner.
His easygoing manner was not on display today.
“Barrett, please.” Jaxon held out his hands to his sides. “My gut is telling me something is wrong, very, very wrong. I want to help.”
Ryker spoke up. “I think it’s time we start letting everyone know what’s going on.”
Barrett shot him a glare. Fucking Ryker and his big mouth. Ryker shrugged his shoulders and popped a piece of gum in his mouth.
Barrett looked back at Jaxon. His gut told him not to say anything. To wait. He didn’t need his Guardians to go all vigilante and go off halfcocked.
“Barrett, you have to give me something.”
“I don’t have to give you anything, Jaxon. Not now.” He narrowed his eyes at the Guardian. “I’m your Pack Master. You seem to forget. And my patience for your lack of respect is quickly running out.”
Jaxon looked at the floor, took a deep breath, and then looked back at Barrett. Conflicting emotions flashed through his blue eyes as he seemed to struggle with what to say next.
“I understand you are worried about your friend.” Barrett kept his voice calm but stern. He needed his men to see he was still in charge. Once Guardians lost respect for their leader the whole Pack would fall.
He couldn’t— no, he wouldn’t— let that happen.
“He’s more than a friend. He’s a brother to me.” Jaxon looked away and cringed. “Although I’m sure he doesn’t feel that way himself. He’s always kept to himself, kept himself apart from us.” He looked back at Barrett. “But family is family. No matter what.”
“Good. That’s what I wanted when I accepted the position of Pack Master here in Arkansas. I wanted my Guardians to be a brotherhood, to be willing to lay down their life for each other.” He nodded, something hard settling in his chest.
“I know you aren't going to tell me much, if anything. I just came in here hoping to let you know, I realize Lucien is in some kind of trouble.”
“Why would you say that?” Barrett narrowed his eyes. Had Lucien contacted him? Had Ryker opened his big mouth?
Jaxon shook his head and scrubbed his hand down his face. “I know it sounds crazy. But since he left, I keep getting this bad feeling. That’s he’s in some trouble.” He looked up at Barrett. “He’s not on a riding trip, is he?”
“He’s not.” It was the only information he could give him.
“Barrett…” Ryker pleaded.
“I’ll tell you what. When there is something to report on Lucien, I’ll let you know.” Barrett walked over to his door and opened it wide. “For now, I need you to remember my position. We clear, Jaxon?”
“Yeah, we are.” Jaxon stiffened and stormed out of the office.
Barrett locked the door behind him.
“Barrett…”
“I don’t want to hear it, Ryker. The less he knows, the better.” He walked around the desk and sat, shooting the werewolf a glare that spoke volumes.
“I agree. But there comes a point when you are going to have to let the others know what’s going on.” Ryker shoved his hands in his pocket.
“I’m not putting any more Guardians in danger. Lucien has this under control. Tonight he’ll be able to find out who’s behind all this. Until then, we wait.” He’d been putting out feelers to any and all contacts to see if anything came up. So far, nothing.
“I need you to go follow Jaxon.”
“Why?” Ryker frowned.
“Because he’s about to do something stupid and try to find out where Lucien is.”
“How do you know that?”
“Call it instinct.” He shook his head. He needed a few more hours until Lucien could get the information from the witch. Everything hinged on that meeting.
Right now, Lucien was their only hope.
***
“I think they are all so lovely. It’s hard to pick a favorite.” Haley looked up from the table filled with bridal bouquets ranging from pastel to vibrant colors. She should be excited about shopping, but today she couldn’t get in the mood. A twinge of guilt stung her gut as she dug in her purse and checked the time. “I’m worried about staying another day. I did promise Jayden I’d be on my way home today.” She looked at the older woman who was more a mother to her than her own biological one.
After she’d been kidnapped by rogue wolves, Haley’s parents thought she’d been raped and therefore ruined in their eyes. They’d transferred her from LSU to the University of Arkansas. It was there she’d met Jayden when he was protecting her from a stalker.
“I know, dear, but you know what they say. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Granny picked up a white bouquet with lilies and baby’s breath and sniffed. She wrinkled her nose and set the bouquet down. “Besides, you want to have as much stuff done while we’re here as possible so once you get back home you can concentrate on Jayden.”
It sounded good to her.
“So, when you talked to Jayden, did you mention we saw Lucien?” There was a different tone in Granny’s voice. One that seemed cheerful enough but held an edge of barely concealed curiosity.
“I did.” She looked at Granny under her eyelashes. “He sounded surprised. He thought he was riding the Pig Trail. I guess he decided to make his trip longer and come visit New Orleans.”
“Oh.” Granny’s tone almost sounded normal. Granny never sounded normal.
She picked up a pink bouquet and frowned. Her gut told her the old woman had another reason for staying another day in New Orleans. Something she wasn’t telling her.
Something that had nothing to do with the wedding.
***
Jaxon headed for his room in the barracks. He knew better than to expect Barrett to reveal anything to him. Barrett would take a secret to the grave.
He ducked in his room and locked the door. He opened the closet and pulled out a saddlebag and slung it on the bed. He tossed in some T-shirts, a pair of jeans, and some underwear before opening the drawer of his nightstand.
He reached for his .9 mm, loaded a full mag, and slid the action back, throwing a silver bullet into the chamber. While a normal bullet wouldn’t hurt another werewolf, a silver bullet would send a werewolf into a world of hurt before he finally died.
He tucked the gun in the back of his jeans and pulled his T-shirt over to conceal the weapon. He tossed in two more full magazines into the saddlebag for good measure.
His moto was Always come prepared.
Barrett was wound tighter than Dick’s hatband. His Pack Master never got himself worked up over anything. He ran a tight group, enforced the law, and was more than fair.
Now, Barrett was on the edge. Completely unlike the ruler he’d come to respect.
Barrett was hiding something. And it involved Lucien.
***
Lucien walked up the uneven path to the old yellow house of Mrs. Willis and glanced around the neighborhood. The house next door had graffiti painted along the side, and its shutters were hanging on by sheer desperation. A beat-up car was up on blocks in the front yard like a lawn decoration, and a couch was perched on the front porch. He cringed as he imagined the numerous bugs and r
ats that had made their nests in the furniture.
He looked back at the front door of Mrs. Willis’s house. Despite its age, the home had a cozy feel to it. It stood out among the rest of the run-down houses on the street. Mrs. Willis’s house seemed to emit hope among the otherwise desperate neighborhood.
He’d discovered a note on the side table from Catty when he woke up. He didn’t want to leave for Mississippi before talking to her. Not after last night.
An image of their bodies moving together as they made love throughout the night flashed in his mind. His body tightened as he remembered how she had called out his name, lost in her pleasure, locked in his arms.
He’d hoped to have her again that morning, but she’d been gone when he woke up.
He frowned and stepped up to the door and knocked.
A staccato of taps on the floor followed the door opening. Mrs. Willis stood there, eyes unfocused and wearing a green muumuu.
“Catty, is that you?” Mrs. Willis called out.
“No, ma’am, I’m Lucien. I’m a friend of Catty’s.” He glanced over the old woman’s shoulder into the house. “She said she was coming over here this morning. I wanted to talk to her before I went out of town. But I see she’s not made it here.”
“Oh! It’s so nice to meet one of Catty’s friends.” She reached out and patted his arm. “I worry she doesn’t have anyone to look after her. She doesn’t have family here, you see.”
“Yes, ma’am. I know.”
“Well, look at my manners. Come on in, honey. Any friend of Catty’s is welcome in this house. I’m sure she’s on her way.” She smiled and opened the door wide to allow him access.
“Thank you.” He stepped inside. The house was old with tall ceilings and hardwood floors. The antique furniture was well worn, and photos covered the wall. It was like he’d stepped back in time.
“Would you like some tea? Or coffee perhaps?”
“Coffee would be nice.” He hadn’t gotten his caffeine infusion for the day. He’d gotten dressed and headed over here as soon as he read Catty’s note.
“Who’s this?” A slender young brunette sauntered into the living room. She wore black shorts that had her ass hanging out and a T-shirt with a plunging neckline. Even with her makeup on, she looked barely legal.
“Hi, I’m Lucien. I’m a friend of Catty’s.” He held out his hand. She took his hand in hers and held on a second too long as her lips curled up into a slow smile.
“Catty’s lucky. I wish I had friends like you.” She stepped into his personal space. Her breast brushed against his arm.
“This is my granddaughter, Shelly. Shelly, can you bring us some coffee?” Mrs. Willis cleared her throat, clearly not impressed with her granddaughter’s flirty tone.
The old woman might be blind, but she could still see.
“Sure.” Shelly’s tone was less than eager, and she took her time walking out of the room.
“Please sit, Lucien. Sometimes Catty stops and picks me up some sweet treats at the coffee shop.” Mrs. Willis made her way to the rocking chair and sat.
He waited until she was seated before he took a seat on the couch.
“So tell me, how well do you know Catty?” She rested the handle of her cane on the arm of her rocking chair and laced her fingers together and placed them in her lap.
He knew her pretty damn well, he wanted to say. But Mrs. Willis probably wouldn’t appreciate his language.
“I actually met her this week. I know her brother, Zane.”
“Ah, and what does her brother think about your interest in his sister?” The corners of Mrs. Willis’s mouth tipped up.
He cleared his throat and shifted in his seat. Mrs. Willis let out a laugh.
“Don’t worry, Lucien. I’m glad she has you. I may not see a person’s appearance, but I can see their heart. You don’t need eyes for that.”
“I guess you don’t.” He smiled at the old woman. “Catty speaks very highly of you, Mrs. Willis. Thank you for being so kind to her while she’s been in New Orleans. I know it’s meant a lot.”
“That girl has helped me more than I could ever thank her for.” Her face lit up with emotion. The maternal affection she felt for Catty made him homesick for his own mother.
“Catty is like that. Incredibly generous.”
“Yes, that’s what worries me.” Mrs. Willis thanked her granddaughter as Shelly handed her a mug of hot coffee.
“Thank you,” Lucien murmured as Shelly passed him a cup. She smiled and sat next to him on the small couch.
“Shelly, dear, are there any tea cakes left in the pantry? I’m sure Lucien would love some with his coffee.”
“I don’t know. I didn’t see any.” Shelly kept her gaze fixed on him and continued to ignore her grandmother.
“I’ll go check.” Mrs. Willis stood up.
“No, Mrs. Willis, don’t bother yourself. The coffee is perfect. I don’t eat anything sweet first thing in the morning.”
“I bet I have something sweet you would love to eat.” Shelly murmured and leaned into him.
He glared at the girl’s sexual innuendo.
She leaned in closer and rested her hand on his thigh.
He grabbed her hand and looked into her eyes.
“No, thank you. I’ve already had my appetite satisfied.” He shot her a glare.
She arched her brow, knowing what he was insinuating.
“Mrs. Willis, when do you expect Catty? I hate to impose on your hospitality.” Even though the woman couldn’t see him, he turned and gave her his full attention and ignored Shelly. Maybe she would get the hint he was not interested.
“It’s no imposition at all, Lucien.” A smiled brightened her features. “It’s been a while since this house has had a man grace its presence.”
“How long has it been since your husband passed?” he asked quietly.
Shelly sighed and got up, already bored with the topic of conversation. She sashayed into the kitchen.
“About twenty years. We moved into this house right after we were married.” She tapped her cane gently on the floor. “She’s a grand old house. Or used to be, anyway.”
“Still is.”
“You’re sweet, Lucien. I can see why Catty likes you.” She shook her head slowly. “With losing my eyesight, I can’t keep her up like I used to. Maybe it was God’s way of not letting me see the state the neighborhood has fallen into.” She rested her cane at her knee and felt for the side table before resting her cup on the surface. “Catty is a sweet girl. Always coming by and checking on me. She even brings flowers to hang on my front porch. I can’t see them, but I can smell them when I step outside. She’s always thinking of others.”
“She’s a regular Mother Teresa,” Shelly muttered as leaned against the doorway leading into the living room.
Lucien’s irritation flared.
“Shelly, I’m sure I don’t understand your meaning.” Mrs. Willis frowned.
“Oh, I’m sure Shelly was complimenting me.” Catty appeared in the doorway holding two Styrofoam cups of coffee, a bag of sweet treats, and a face full of irritation.
Chapter Twenty-Four
“Catty, I didn’t hear you come in. Look who’s here. Your friend Lucien.” Mrs. Willis’s cheerful tone should have eased the tension in the room.
“Lucien, what are you doing here?” A slow blush crossed Catty’s face.
“I thought I would surprise you.” He stood and walked over to her.
The tension in the room was heavy, and all he wanted was to rip her clothes off and have her once more.
“Ah, now I see.” Shelly flashed a bitchy smile. “Catty, I have to say I didn’t think you’d hook up with someone so hot. Seems a bit out of your league.”
Catty flinched as if she’d been hit.
Lucien shot Shelly a glare.
“Shelly!” Mrs. Willis’s sharp tone echoed in the room. “That’s uncalled for. And you owe Catty an apology.”
“I’m prett
y lucky that Catty even gives me the time of day. I place a lot of value on our relationship.” He kept his gaze on the woman who’d bared her soul and her body to him last night.
“Is that so?” Shelly narrowed her eyes at him. Clearly the girl was jealous of Catty.
Catty shifted her weight and cleared her throat.
“I brought some chocolate croissants. I know how much you like them.” She looked at Mrs. Willis.
“You’re such a sweet girl.” Mrs. Willis smiled. “Come sit down and we’ll share some good coffee and some good conversation. Shelly, can you bring Catty a cup of coffee?”
Shelly narrowed her eyes.
“I brought my own.” She headed over and set the bag of treats down on the coffee table.
“Come sit, dear. I was just having a nice conversation with Lucien.” Mrs. Willis accepted the croissant Catty handed her. She placed the pastry on a small napkin Catty produced from the bag.
Catty turned to Lucien. “What were you guys talking about?”
“Ah, just about how close you too are.” Mrs. Willis pipped in before taking a bite of the croissant.
Lucien lifted his brow and looked at the older woman. Not exactly the conversation he remembered.
“Really?” Catty blushed.
“Yes, Lucien is quite the… catch.” Shelly slid up to him and raised up on her tiptoes to place a kiss on his cheek. “I’ve gotta run. See you around, Lucien.” Shelly strutted to the front door.
Catty shot daggers at him with her eyes.
“You know, Mrs. Willis. I forgot about an appointment I had made this morning.” She stood and gathered her bag off the floor. “I’ve got to run before I’m late.”
“Oh, I was looking forward to talking more with your friend Lucien.”
“Oh, he can stay. I’m sure he has no place to be.” She gave him a death stare before hurrying to the door.
“I’ll see you in a few days, Mrs. Willis.” Catty called out over her shoulder before the door slammed shut.
Shit. He was clearly in trouble.
“Well, Lucien. Don’t just stand there. Go after your girl.” Mrs. Willis smiled before taking a bite out of her croissant.