Enticing Their Mate

by Vella Day

  She saluted, the lines on her brow softening. “Message received.”

  As they neared the location, Riley scoped out the area. If they had to break the women out of the clinic he wanted to understand the topography of the land.

  “It’s the building on the left,” he said.

  “What are all these cars doing here?” Sarah found a spot between a truck and a van and parked. “I thought this was supposed to be some super secret place.”

  That was what he’d like to know. “Let’s go find out.”

  As he slipped out of the car and came over to her side, he rotated around to make sure Trax could pick up the area on the camera. Riley pulled open her door, and without thinking, helped her out. Fuck. That one touch nearly caused him to shift.

  “You okay,” she asked.

  He didn’t need to explain how every time he was near her, his animal tried to take over. “Yes. I’m worried that’s all.” Just then, a woman exited the clinic with a young boy.

  “About?”

  “Everything.” That was the truth. “One, I’m not happy Statler failed to mention this was a real clinic servicing the locals, and two, why didn’t Statler check out the clinic himself? I know it gives us a chance to scope it out, but he should have said something.”

  “Assuming he knew. The man’s arrogant and thinks all chores are beneath him.”

  “There are some things that need the personal touch.”

  Once inside, Riley stepped up to the receptionist who was seated behind a glass partition. “I’m here with Sarah Osmond. We have an appointment with Dr. Elkhart.”

  She typed something in her computer. “I don’t see your time scheduled.”

  He hadn’t called ahead to make one because he hadn’t expected a receptionist. He’d assumed Elkhart was expecting them. After all, a large sum of money was involved. “Tell him Mr. Statler sent us.”

  The receptionist looked up at him with a blank expression, the name apparently not ringing a bell. Riley gave her his fiercest look.

  “I’ll…I’ll ask him.” She pushed back her chair and rushed down the corridor.

  Sarah grabbed his arm and leaned close. Too close. “What’s going on?”

  “I wish I knew.”

  Just as he was about to suggest they sit, the nurse opened the door. “Sarah Osmond and Mr.—?”

  “Bishop.”

  “Mr. Bishop. Come this way.”

  She led them down a long corridor lined with numbered rooms. If the women were put in there, it might be more difficult to help them escape. When they arrived at the end of the hall, the receptionist opened a door that required a combination keypad. “The doctor’s office is the last door on your right.”

  When they stepped inside the hallway, the door clicked behind them, and Sarah grabbed his hand, causing inappropriate sparks of desire to course through him. Damn. Riley had to draw on his military training to calm down.

  “It’s creepy in here,” she said.

  The low ceiling, no windows, and lights spaced far apart gave off a tomblike atmosphere. Not to mention the hallway sloped downward. “We’re heading underground.”

  He didn’t like this. He might have considered turning around had Ford and Tyson not mentioned that Statler had an escape route from his last location. Riley wouldn’t be surprised if Elkhart did, too.

  They arrived at the last door. “Ready?” he asked.

  She straightened her shoulders. “Yes.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Riley knocked, and the door latch electronically opened. Twisting the handle, he pushed on it and held it open the door for her.

  The overhead fluorescent lights were so bright Sarah had to squint.

  “Ms. Osmond, how nice to see you again.” Dr. Elkhart came toward her with a smile and his hand held out.

  Yuk. She highly doubted he was delighted to see the inspection committee. Not wanting to piss him off, though, she shook his hand. “This is Riley Bishop. He’s security for Mr. Statler. Would you like to show us around?”

  “Certainly. Come this way.” He led them through a door at the back of the room that opened up to a much larger space. “As you can see, I have ten beds set up for the women.”

  The arrangement was similar to what had been in Statler’s clinic. “Did Mr. Statler explain that we need to heal these women as quickly as possible?”

  His smile came out fatherly, but his eyes remained cold. “Yes, and they will be. As you can see, each bed has an IV stand ready to give them antibiotics and any needed fluids. I’ve installed a small gym in another room to provide some form of exercise for those who are ready.”

  “A walk outside would do wonders for them.”

  He tilted his head, acting as if she was being highly naïve. “I’m sure it would. If you wish to take pictures to show your boss, be my guest.”

  Sarah glanced at Riley who nodded. She hadn’t figured out the doctor’s game, but it wouldn’t hurt to have the layout documented. As much as she wanted to send the photos to Jay, if Elkhart confiscated her phone, it might put him in danger.

  As she checked out the beds and equipment, Riley wandered about. Hopefully, he was looking for another exit.

  “How are we to bring the women in here? Though the front door?” Riley asked.

  “No, Mr. Bishop. There’s a back entrance. Come I’ll show you, assuming Ms. Osmond is satisfied with the conditions.”

  Satisfied was a strong word, but she nodded, wanting to get out of there. She and Riley followed him out the back of the clinic. This time, Riley didn’t seem to mind that she kept a few steps behind him. For a second, she wondered if she was walking to her death, but then decided that unless they were met with five shifters at the end, Riley could take out the doctor.

  Elkhart leaned over an eye scanner and the door clicked. He faced them. “As you can see, security is tight. I won’t need to keep the women chained as they have no place to go.”

  Whoopee. The freedom might give some of the women hope that they’d soon be freed. Their disappointment would be massive unless the Pack could save them. Sarah pushed that terrible thought out of her head since she believed in the General and his men.

  “I haven’t communicated with Mr. Statler,” Riley said, “but when were you expecting the women?”

  “I need to take care of a few details tonight, but tomorrow after dark would be ideal.”

  “We’ll let you know when we’re on our way.”

  “Good. I’ll open this door as soon as you arrive.” Elkhart nodded. “If you parked in front, your car is around the corner to the left.”

  “Thank you,” she said, instantly trying to figure out how hard it would be for Riley and Connolly to snatch the doctor and free the women. They could then go back after Statler, assuming they could find him. The buyers, however, would never be caught.

  With a hand on her waist, Riley led her out up the steep incline. When the door closed, he spun them around. “He’s got another eye scanner on this end. Fucker. Let’s get back and try to figure out what to do.” He held out his hand for her keys. “I’ll drive.” With the tense way he said it, she thought it wise not to argue.

  On the way back, Riley seemed off in his own world. “What are you thinking?” she asked.

  “Angry thoughts.”

  She almost smiled. So was she. Sarah was about to discuss taking out Elkhart tomorrow when Riley’s cell rang. He retrieved his phone, swiped a finger across the screen, and answered. “What’s up?” He glanced over at her. “How many men? Shit. Jay’s with you?” He tapped his fingers on the wheel. “I’m bringing Sarah back to the motel now. Later.”

  She waited a beat, and when he didn’t say anything she grunted.

  “What was that grunt about?” he asked.

  “You can’t guess? You always keep me in the dark.”

  He glanced over at her. “It’s better for you.”

  “I’m a trained operative. I can handle myself.”

  “You’re a
human—and a woman. I won’t put you at risk.”

  She put herself at risk every day. “Who called?”

  He held up a hand. “Connolly. Statler brought in eight new guards to make sure Elkhart doesn’t pull a fast one and try to sell the women behind his back.”

  Anger coiled in her stomach. “Well, shit. I was hoping you and Jay could take him down.”

  “I was hoping so, too, though Statler isn’t dumb. He’ll have a ton of backup plans if we do.”

  It was one of Statler’s backup plans that had allowed him to escape in the first place. “You’ll think of something.”

  “Let’s hope. You up for some dinner?”

  It wasn’t yet six. “Shouldn’t we go back to the warehouse and report to Statler? Or show Connolly the pictures?”

  “Statler’s not there. Trust me, if he had been, Connolly would have said so. I think it’s safe to send Jay the photos. He’ll share them with the men.”

  “Okay.” She had his email, so she forwarded them to him.

  “What’s your pleasure?” he asked.

  Her pleasure? She was so focused on the pictures she’d forgotten what he was referring to. Her real pleasure would be to find some stress relieving activity that involved both men. “Regarding what?”

  He chuckled. “Food.”

  “Oh. I say whatever place you come to first.”

  Ten minutes later he pulled into the parking lot of a rather rundown restaurant. A few of the siding pieces were in need of repair and the windows could use a good washing, but the outside didn’t necessarily reflect the food quality.

  He helped her out. “I doubt we’ll run into any of Statler’s men out here.”

  “Even if we do, we’ve not given them any reason to doubt our loyalty.”

  “True.”

  They stepped inside and found they were the only patrons. At least their conversation couldn’t be overheard. The waitress, who looked a lot like her grandmother, motioned them to seat themselves then came over. They ordered coffee then looked over the menu.

  Riley leaned back in his seat and studied her. “Are you planning on taking a break once this assignment is finished?” While he sounded calm, there was something else in his voice. Hope, perhaps, or was it fear?

  “I don’t know. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking of late.” She didn’t want to lead him on. Honesty was her only option. “I used to think that what I was doing was important. Now, I’m not so sure.”

  “If we save these girls, you will have done a great service to them. We never would have found Statler and the women without your help.”

  “It doesn’t make up for what I’ve made them endure.”

  He leaned forward on his elbows. “Statler would have found someone less caring than you to do the experiments on the women.”

  “Maybe.”

  He sat back and looked off to the side. “I’ve inflicted a lot of pain, both in the military and as an FBI agent, so I, too, wonder if I’ve helped or hurt.” He faced her. “I’ve been thinking about what you said. I’m considering leaving the Bureau.”

  She sucked in a breath. He’d said it was all he knew. “What would you do?”

  “What Jay does. Work for the General, assuming he’ll have me.”

  “Would that be much different? You’d still be on assignment, probably working undercover.

  The waitress came back. “Have you decided?”

  “Give us a minute will you?” he asked.

  She smiled. “Take your time.”

  “To answer your question,” he said, “I don’t know. Jay’s a lot happier. He knows he can trust the General.”

  “I always assumed I could trust Bill Hampton, but sometimes I wonder if the Bureau cares who gets hurt in the process of bringing down the criminals.”

  “That’s one of the reasons I want to leave.”

  The waitress delivered their drinks, and they each ordered a hamburger and fries. Sarah had the sense there was more to Riley’s discontentment. Oh, shit. Did he think that if he quit the Bureau she would consider doing the same and stay with them?

  Riley was everything she wanted in a man—as was Jay. Both were caring, smart, protective, and on the right side of the law, but she’d only known them a short period of time. Still, there was a strong connection binding all three of them. Maybe she was just afraid to be in touch with her own desires. Her whole life had been about emotional distance, and it was possible she wasn’t sure she’d like who she was if she opened herself up. To be truthful, the whole idea of her being a mate scared her. Tell him. “I’d quit the Bureau, but I’m afraid.”

  “Of?”

  “Commitment, maybe.”

  His brows pinched. “To the Bureau?”

  This probably wasn’t the time or place to bring it up, but she needed to get this off her chest. Sarah leaned closer. “That’s a part of it.” She sipped her drink then glanced around to make sure no one else had come in without her knowledge. “I know I’m your mate, as well as Jay’s, but I’m not ready to make that kind of…well, commitment, just yet.”

  His eyes darkened and the muscles on his neck bulged. His pained reaction made her want to snatch back those words, but she believed in honesty.

  “I get it.”

  She doubted it. “After this is all over, maybe we can see where things are heading.”

  Riley glanced to the side. “We live in Florida. No telling where our next assignment will be.”

  Did that mean he didn’t want to try? She thought it wise not to have this conversation with all that was going on. Perhaps when this showdown was over, they’d feel differently.

  * * *

  By eight p.m. the next day, Sarah could barely keep her eyes open. She’d gone into work at six like usual and had worked extra hard to make sure the women were ready for the move later that evening. She told them about the improved conditions at the clinic, hoping they’d respond with renewed energy. Some were happy while others acted fearful; nothing she could say would make their anxieties disappear.

  Last night, Riley and Jay had told her that Connolly had managed to secure two large vans to transport the women to the clinic since one or two of the women would need to be carried in on their mattresses. After the job wrapped up, she’d have to thank Connolly for being so considerate.

  Needing to find Riley or Connolly to ask them about their departure time, Sarah stepped into the hallway from one of the women’s room after finishing her final check. Amy exited the other room where the women were being held and barely glanced at Sarah as she headed toward the front of the building. Russ rushed out of the corridor that lead to Statler’s office and Sarah’s stomach churned. From the glances they shared, they seemed to be up to something.

  Connelly came in through the front door, along with Riley and Skip, and motioned her near. Amy and Russ joined them. Sarah kept her gaze on Connolly, not wanting to see Amy’s glare.

  “I just spoke with Mr. Statler,” Connolly said. “The new hires are on their way to the clinic to make certain nothing goes wrong. I’ll ride with Amy and Russ in one van, and I want Skip, Riley, and Sarah to take the other one.” He handed her and Amy a list of which women would be transported in each van.

  Sarah studied the list and was disappointed that Nancy would be in Amy’s van. The doors to one of the women’s room clicked open and Austin, one of the guards who worked the late shift along with Clay, led two of the women out. Across the hall, Dirk and a guard she didn’t recognize, escorted three women. With their gazes cast downward, Sarah’s heart broke. They probably believed this was the end.

  Connolly held open the front door, and as they passed, the women glanced at her with pleading eyes. Sarah wanted to punch something, but she drew on her training and kept her face unreadable.

  After two more trips, all but Nancy had been escorted to the vans.

  Connolly handed Riley the keys. “It’ll take a moment to bring out the sick woman. You go on ahead. We don’t need a cluster at the clini
c.”

  When they reached the van, Riley opened the side door and motioned she sit in the back with the women. “Keep an eye on them,” he said.

  She couldn’t tell if his command was for Skip’s sake or whether he believed they might attempt to escape. Without a word, she climbed in and tried not to think about the women’s fate. She’d asked Riley and Jay last night how they planned to free the women, but they said they didn’t have any idea. Given all of the glances they shared, she didn’t believe them. She’d fallen asleep while they were still discussing options. In the end, she decided it was probably better if she didn’t know their plan.

  For most of the ride, neither man said anything and the women remained quiet, probably trying to come to grips with this change.

  Sarah was lulled into a zone when Riley slammed on the brakes nearly catapulting her into the back of the front seat.

  “What the hell?” he shouted. Riley slapped a hand on the wheel, and Sarah’s heart nearly jumped out of her chest.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Needing to see what had caused Riley to slam on the brakes, Sarah leaned forward and spotted a van that had pulled out in front of them, blocking the road. What the hell? Had the vehicle broken down?

  “Go around him,” Skip snarled.

  Before Riley had the chance to put the van in drive, five men jumped out of the van and surrounded their vehicle before wrenching open the doors. Oh, no! With blood pounding hard in her brain, these marauders dragged both Riley and Skip out of the car, adrenaline nearly paralyzing her. Sarah opened her arms wide to protect the women seated behind her.

  “What’s going on?” one of the women cried.

  “It’ll be okay,” Sarah said in her most confident tone, though she didn’t believe a word of it.

  Seconds later, several of the men had shifted. Fur flew, growls and squeals rent the air, and gravel scattered. As she reached to lock the side door, someone yanked it opened.

  “Get out,” a man in a ski cap shouted.

  “No,” Sarah blurted. These women had come too far to be taken and possibly killed.