A Wolf's Deception

by Tl Reeve

  “I’m all ears.” Lonnie sat back in her chair and kicked her legs out, taking up a relaxed position. “How do you plan on doing this, and what does Claire have to do with your nephew?”

  “Shawn is a private investigator. In Chicago, he had an office. He used his skills as a tracker to help humans find missing loved ones, among other things. Claire’s niece has been missing for several years, as well as her son and daughter. I think my nephew can help Claire find Brienne.” She took another sip of her water then placed the cap on it. “I heard from a little birdie where Brienne might have gone.”

  “By little birdie, do you mean Tinks?” Kathy arched her brow.

  “The girl has trouble written all over her,” Lonnie snickered. “She’s always been one to put her neck on the line for the females. Fearless is her middle name.”

  “Yes, she is,” Fern agreed. “Tinks gave me a general idea where she could be, but I want him to speak with her. She might open up to him a little more.”

  “Really?” Lonnie leaned forward. “Claire has missed Brienne something awful since she disappeared.”

  Fern gave a solemn nod. “I know.”

  “So where did Tinks say she got off to?” Kathy asked.

  “Minnesota.”

  “What?” Surprise lit Lonnie’s words. “How did she get so far away?”

  “She could have been killed.” A small growl rumbled from Kathy.

  “Now, now. We all get the circumstances of why people left and why they stayed away. Terror is an ugly beast; we’ve all experienced it at one time or another in the last ten years. Brienne did what she thought was right at the time.”

  “True,” Lonnie acquiesced.

  Kathy grumbled, “Do we have anything else besides a hunch?”

  “No.” Fern grinned. “I want to send Shawn after her.”

  “Do you think he’s her mate?”

  “I believe so,” Fern said. “Before the pack went downhill, Brienne chased after Shawn like a lovesick puppy.”

  “Infatuation can mimic mating in certain instances.” Kathy shrugged.

  “Yes,” she replied. “But, they are…were different. I think, if what I saw all those years ago is right, she’ll willingly come home and rejoin her pack.”

  “And if not?” Lonnie questioned.

  “Maybe, he can at least bring Brienne home to see her aunt and uncle. I think Claire would love to have a small portion of her family back in her arms.” In fact, Fern knew her best friend would be over the moon at having her niece home.

  “Then I believe we have a match—”

  The bells over the front door jingled, and the scent of a familiar wolf filled the room. Ginger gave them a curious look. The little omega seemed a bit lost since her brother mated almost a year before. Her reluctance to show her true self had grown worse since the murders and bothered Fern. After seeing how her brother bloomed with the love of his mates, she’d have thought Ginger would desire the same. Instead, the girl hid even more.

  “Should I even ask why you’re here earlier than normal?” Ginger’s amber eyes filled with cautious curiosity.

  “Reading club, girl,” Fern held up her book. “You should join us sometime. Orion Davis is an amazing writer.”

  “Yes, he is,” Miss Lonnie agreed. “Did you know humans write about us? How curious, I say.”

  “Oh yes.” Fern nodded. “His descriptions are close to the truth. Makes you wonder if he comprehends something he shouldn’t.”

  Ginger snorted. “I’m sure he’s got a vivid imagination, Miss Fern.” She glanced away. “I see you’ve brought more treats for our customers.”

  “Banana bread and lemon bars.”

  “Well, I guess we’ll settle up with you at the end of the day.” Ginger nodded at the women before making a hasty retreat.

  “She needs a good kick in the rear to get her out of her head,” Kathy said.

  “Another project for another day.” Fern smoothed out a crease in the tablecloth. “Shall we get to the business at hand?” The ladies nodded.

  “I say he shows up wherever she is and drags her home.” Lonnie made a yanking motion with her hand. “Surprise the shit out of her.

  “I believe there are a few mates around here who’d do the same.” Fern laughed.

  “Your Henry, for starters,” Lonnie teased.

  “It is one of the many things I love about him.” A wistful sigh passed Fern’s lips.

  “I know what you’re thinking about,” Kathy added with a wink.

  Fern shook her head. “Look at us, carrying on like a bunch of new mates.”

  “Clucking hens, is more like it,” Ginger called out, as she passed them, headed for the storage area.

  “Hush, child. Your envy is showing,” Fern admonished.

  “Sorry, I thought I tucked it in today,” Ginger popped off. “My bad.”

  “One day, child,” she chuckled softly. “One day.”

  “Perhaps, but until then….” Ginger shrugged. “How come you don’t have your books open?”

  “What?”

  “You said you were talking about your book.” Ginger pointed to the paperback by Fern’s hand. “But, you don’t have it open.”

  “Oh, we’re gossiping, first.” Fern waved off her question. “Then we’ll discuss whether Emma-Lou got free from the evil Conroy’s clutches. I still say you should join us.”

  “Mm-hmm. I’ve seen what happens when you gossip.” Keep me out of it. I don’t want any part of your shenanigans.”

  “Yes, child,” Fern grinned over the lip of her bottled water. She watched the little omega walk out. “Put her on the list.”

  “Done,” Lonnie said.

  “Good,” Fern inclined her head. “So we’re all agreed. Shawn is going to bring Brienne home.”

  “Agreed,” they chorused.