He hands me the paper and I scan the report, it details how when Aylesbury arrested The Don he was tipped off that Bryn and Bronwyn were instrumental in the capture of The Pack’s Guardians and that when they went to the caves to check out if that’s where their men were being held, they found The fallen, and their makers. When getting The Guardians out a fight ensued. The Pack confirmed The Lazarus had plans for world domination and were building an army. It went on to detail how The Pack Doctor had created a serum from extensive testing of The Fallen’s first victim, Raven. He managed to replicate a cure which was now being used to transform the five victims they had managed to rescue from the fire once the flames had started to die down. The Guild concluded by stating they have now taken over the investigation and will inform The Pack if any of the remains found belong to Pack members, so that they can administer burial rites.
As investigations go it wasn’t very thorough but I had a feeling that was because the powers that be were more involved than we thought and were going to cover up whatever story we came up with.
Jessica grabs the sheet off me as someone walks through the door. I turn to see Raven looking rather pale and drawn still, walking through the door with Gerry.
Limping over to me supported by Gerry she puts her arms around my neck and hugs me. “Thank you.” She said.
I hug her back but say nothing. When she pulls away I can see she has the same eyes as Bastian but a lot softer like she’d not had to battle as much through life as he had.
“A few more days and she’ll be back to normal.” Gerry comments. “The curse has left no lasting damage. What I’d like to know is how did Brae have a curse containing your blood when he was dead before you were employed by Bryn and Bronwyn?”
I shrugged “I assume it was from the annual blood tests The Guild made me sit through, I believe they are a lot more involved than we think, either that or it was made from my mothers blood.”
Looking back The Guild had stopped me from being homed, leading me to a life as a Hunter. They covered up my mother’s murder and turned a blind eye to what is going on both here and in Faerie. I wonder how I ever worked for them.
I stay and talk a short while longer, leaving when Raven shows signs that she is tired. I was pleased my blood had worked and brought Raven back, she seemed to like me and wanted to get together when she was feeling more up to it.
I decide to head back to the office and get caught up on some paperwork, even organize some of the cases I’d had to put on hold because of my part time Guild duties.
When I reach my building door I notice the sign had been taken down, probably to update the new tenant status. That apartment had been empty the entire time I’d lived here, it would definitely be strange knowing someone was there now.
I head into the office and pause. “Aylesbury, seriously you’re like a bad smell you just won’t go away.” He was sat at the spare desk legs propped up on the desk top, arms behind is head.
“Well now Red, is that anyway to speak to your new partner.”
I choke. “My what?”
“Partner! You know I’ve always liked the way we work together, now I figure the best place for me is right here. You do realize that you have quite a back log of requests?”
“Yes I do but if it wasn’t for irritating Senior Hunters sticking me on eighteen hour stakeouts, I wouldn’t have this problem now would I?”
“That’s okay Red, I’m here to help you.” He grins at me getting up as Bastian walks through the door. “In fact I’ll just take a little break and go and unpack some of the boxes in my new apartment.”
“You have got to be kidding me! I will not allow you to live here let alone work with me. Get your own apartment building and leave mine alone.” I shout to his retreating back.
He was that annoying laid back kind of stubborn, knowing him, he’d still be doing this in ten years and I’ll still be trying to get rid of him.
I ignore Bastian and go over to my desk, picking up a pile of paper.
“Roan has escaped, he took out two of The Strays getting away and he took The Fae with him. I thought you should know they might make a play for you again.”
I turn to face him leaning against the desk. “Is that why Aylesburys moved in?” I query.
“It was his idea, although after seeing the security tapes from the cells and watching Aylesbury take down my second in command I asked Gerry to use his special skills and confirm what I expected. He’s Lycan, full blooded but unable to shift which might be something to do with his heritage but we’ll never really know why he can’t.”
“I suppose that means he takes orders from you now and that’s why he’s suddenly decided to become my partner.”
“No, yet again all his idea. When I told him what he was he just shrugged and said my place is with Scarlet. He told me about your history together and I’m inclined to believe you’re his Pack and you always will be. Although it does make me feel better knowing he’s here. I was going to demand you move into The Manor.”
“Demand! I really don’t think you have the right.” I explode. “Do you really think I’d meekly come and live with you and become your…” He cuts me off by grabbing me and pulling me to him. His hands holding me still against his body.
“You really need to control your temper, every time you go off on one I want to drag you to the floor and make you mine.” He says, pushing me away again. He begins pacing. “I was trying to give you some space, I’ve told you before, keep pushing me and I’ll make you mine whether you’ve decided you want me or not.”
“And I’ve told you, you don’t know me yet!”
I’d barely finished shouting back at him and he was in front of me again, his body pressed flush to mine, his lips claiming mine in a searing kiss. His kiss aroused me the way no others could, and I know he could tell by the reaction he was having. He breaks away, leans into my ear and whispers. “You’re mine.” Before walking through the door leaving me stood there panting after him.
“Not yet I’m not!” I shout when I can speak again.
The End… for now.
Acknowledgments
This book would not have been possible without my Mum and Dad. Without you both I wouldn’t have a passion for reading, which has fuelled my imagination and belief in the things that some people think don’t exist.
An even bigger thank you to my Mum, Tina for her last minute help and read through, without which I wouldn’t have been ready to publish on time.
Words cannot express my gratitude to my beta readers Sherralee Hughes and Rachel Wilkinson.
A huge thank you to Jessica Allain at Enchanted Whispers Art, your art work is amazing and without you I wouldn’t have my wonderful cover.
To Jinx, although you’re no longer with us, you are now immortalised forever on these pages.
Finally, thank you to all the people who are reading this novel, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have writing it.
Thank you for reading!
I hope you have enjoyed reading this book, if you can spare a minute I would really appreciate a short review. Your reviews can help new readers discover independent authors like myself.
For updates on the second instalment of the Scarlet Dawson Series please visit my Facebook page, search @NicolaChadwickNovels
About The Author
Nicola lives in Derbyshire, England with her love Lee and cat, Honey. When she’s not at work or writing her own stories you can find her buying copious amounts of reading material to enjoy in the bath, but most of the time you’ll find her away with the Faeries or living in her own little fantasy world.
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Hunted (Scarlet Dawson Book 1) Page 22