“Tony?”
Tony held out my cell phone, as if expecting my request, and I took it quickly. I watched Chris Usher with narrowed eyes while I dialed.
Dana answered on the first ring. “Julie! I’m glad it’s you. Listen, Carson’s been mostly okay, but he’s pretty whiny right now and I think he’s hungry.”
“Okay. I’ll be there in—” Shit, I wasn’t even sure where we were. Tony flashed all his fingers at me twice and I finished my sentence. “Twenty minutes. Try giving him some more rice cereal.”
“Okay, see you then!” Before Dana hung up, I heard Carson fuss in the background and I quickly pressed my arms against my breasts. The absolute last thing I needed right now was big wet milk spots on my shirt, dammit. I tightened my lips and thought about something else. Unfortunately, the first “something else” that crossed my mind was the look of Mike Hollis’s crushed face, covered in blood. I fought to banish the image, locking my gaze on Tony’s face as if he were a lifeline. His eyebrows drew together; his eyes looked like honey. His mouth was relaxed, lips soft, and I wondered how he’d taste, sweet and warm against me.
Oh shit.
Well, at least I wasn’t thinking about Carson anymore.
I swung my feet over the edge of the bed, and after that seemed just fine, stood up.
“Let’s go get him,” I said with a nod at Tony. To Chris, I announced, “I appreciate your help with the Salamanders, but you won’t need to take my son anywhere.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chris and Yuko made no move to either stop us or accompany us, so I offered some awkward thanks, and Tony and I left the room. As soon as we stepped into the hall, Tony caught my arm.
A shiver crept up my spine and I flushed, hoping he wouldn’t notice under the florescent lights.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” he said, in a voice pitched so low I strained to hear him. Totally reasonable to take a half step closer until we stood close enough I felt his body heat. “I don’t trust them.” His eyebrows rose and I knew he meant the whole council. “Eliza and Newt are negotiating right now, asking that the four of us accompany Carson. James wants Carson in their ‘care’ right away and says ‘our assistance’ is not needed.”
“When did they get here? I’m fuzzy about the end, there.”
“Eliza called the council to ask about medical options and learned the Special Ops were driving into town right at that moment. We met them at the hotel and Eliza promptly started butting heads with James—I think they have a history.” Tony nodded at the door next to the room we’d been in. Ah, he spoke quietly so not even the other Weres could overhear; I cursed myself for being slow on the uptake.
I started to brush past Tony, but he grabbed my arm and drew me to a halt. His hand stayed tight, but not uncomfortable, on my forearm and he didn’t let go even after I looked up at him.
“It’s dangerous, being a Were,” he said.
“I know. I could die from the bite.” I gave the correct response and began to move on.
“No. That’s not what I mean.”
I paused, my curiosity piqued.
“Being born a Were. It’s not…simple. You can lose…your humanity, for lack of a better word. We can become hyperaware of what separates us. Isolated. Too focused on our power and our little world.”
“Yeah. I’ve noticed.”
Tony frowned.
“Carson needs me. Now. Should we tell them we’re going?” I asked.
Tony considered for a moment, then gave a wicked grin that made my stomach lurch again. He walked over to the door and knocked three times, decisively.
The door opened inward to reveal a smartly-dressed woman in her thirties, shoulder-length reddish brown hair held out of her eyes by the sunglasses perched on her head.
“Up and moving already, huh?” she said, squinting at the two of us.
In response to something said within the room, she stood back and made a sweeping gesture with one hand. I strengthened my spine and walked in, determined to make a good impression on this James guy. Tony followed closely, providing me with absurd comfort.
Two more Weres—at least, I assumed they were Weres—occupied the room. One guy, gray hair shot with black, sallow cheeks pitted with old acne marks, and sporting silver wire-framed glasses, leaned against the wall. He straightened as we entered and gave me an assessing look. I took him in with a glance, my attention more occupied by the other Were.
This had to be James: a middle-aged black man, with a shaved head and an immaculately groomed goatee as if to compensate. He reclined in the leather desk chair, the picture of ease and command.
“Julie Hall,” he said. “James Robinson, in charge of this mission.” He nodded at me and I gave a quick bob of my head in return.
“Glad to see you’re feeling better. I’ve just been discussing with Eliza, here, when to take Carson into protective custody.” He paused and gave a genial smile. “Of course, you’re welcome to join your son as our guest.”
He said it like he granted a favor by allowing me to accompany my own baby, as if he could conceptualize taking Carson without me. A wave of anger filled me, causing my heart to beat faster and blood to rise to my cheeks.
“And as I was saying, James,” Eliza interjected before I could do something damaging. “Carson and Julie will not enter your custody without me. I represent Carson’s pack and we have the right to be included in any decisions regarding his welfare.”
Eliza looked outwardly unperturbed, but because I knew her so well, I saw the lines at the corner of her mouth that meant she seethed with fury.
“Carson’s pack.” James leaned farther back in his chair and bounced a bit, as if in thought. An act, of course. “I wasn’t aware we were in Greybull.” He smiled at me, showing all his teeth. “Julie, have you formalized Carson’s place in the Greybull pack?”
Eliza’s jaw clenched so tight my own ached in sympathy.
I attempted nonchalance. “Well, James, since the Greybull pack is part of Carson’s birthright, I don’t believe any other acknowledgement of his status is needed.”
“You argue he’s not a rogue Were subject to council disciplinary action?”
What? Crap, he was playing hardball.
“I hardly think a six-month-old baby could be considered a rogue Werewolf.” I smiled and shook my head slightly, like I thought he misunderstood.
“Hmm. If Carson is part of the Greybull pack, I assume you plan to move to Wyoming? Especially, since you no longer have a home here in Oregon?”
Holy crap. Eliza looked shocked, caught between rage and hope. Her brown eyes stared at me in mute appeal, as if James had articulated her own desires. I fought down a surge of anger at her.
Tony took a step forward to stand by my side.
“Or what?” Tony said.
Prickles erupted violently as energy spewed from Tony and I clenched my fists to keep from rubbing my arms in reaction. All the Weres in the room—except James—stood up straight and the air nearly crackled with power.
“I wasn’t talking to you, wolf,” James said, a twist of disdain coloring his voice.
“If you’re making a threat, make it.” Tony’s words rang loud in the room.
“Tony.” Eliza warned.
“No threat, wolf. It’s simple logic. If Carson is part of the Greybull pack, then the pack has input on decisions regarding his care. And if he’s part of their pack, then he needs to live in Greybull. If he’s not part of the Greybull pack, then he’s a rogue Were and falls under direct council jurisdiction. The council will make all decisions regarding his welfare.”
Anger surged through me at James’s complete dismissal of me, Carson’s mother. A mere human. I sucked in a slow breath of air while I tried not to yell.
Tony turned to me, his gaze asking a question I couldn’t interpret. I gave a tight smile to reassure him, then reached out to touch him lightly on the arm. A jolt of coiled energy jumped between us, causing me to startle and snatch away
my hand, fingers tingling. I swallowed hard.
James cleared his throat and I felt myself blush. Dammit.
“Julie?” James prompted, as if I might have forgotten why we were all in the room.
“You know.” Newt spoke for the first time, a lazy drawl in his voice. I’d nearly forgotten he was there. He stood past Eliza, near the far wall, dressed in someone’s loaner t-shirt with a bandage wrapped around his upper arm, just visible below the sleeve. He shrugged with his good shoulder and gave me the shadow of a wink in reassurance. “I know this is Were business and not mine, but I’d say any discussion of who’s living where could wait until after we’re sure everyone will continue living. Meaning, after we deal with the Eclipsers.”
“You’re right,” said James, without looking in Newt’s direction. “It is none of your business.”
“I don’t know why everyone’s making such a fuss,” I said, lightly. “Of course we’re moving to Greybull, just as soon as we get everything cleared up.” Hand by my side, I crossed my fingers like a ten year old, as if that would make the lie acceptable. Although I didn’t specify the “everything” to clear up. Surely I’d be able to argue that, if need be?
Eliza looked down quickly, but I saw her broad smile. Damn her, I knew she thought it was for our own good, but for a brief moment I hated her. Even though she was my friend. I hated not having choices. Like a cat backed into a corner.
“Fine, then. Glad to have that settled. Eliza, you may accompany Julie and Carson. Bring the baby back to us here by six o’clock.”
Tony tensed next to me. I tried to send him a psychic message: Don’t do anything stupid.
“Salamander.” With a start, I realized James addressed Newt. “Go with Chris and Stacy to liaise with the other Were team at the Medford fire. Unless you’re hurt too badly?”
Newt answered hotly, “I’m fine, thanks for your concern.” He stalked out of the room, pausing only to squeeze my shoulder on the way past. The female Were who must be Stacy followed him out.
“See you by six, Julie. All of you,” said James in dismissal.
Newt waited for us in the hall, which didn’t seem nearly as dim now that our agitated Salamander paced the flowered carpet like a living flame. He grabbed my arm and leaned down to look in my face.
“Are you okay? I don’t like these people.” Newt did not lower his voice, seeming not to care whether the Weres heard him.
“I’m fine. I need to go get Carson. He’s hungry.” Urgency spiked with fear flashed over me as I uttered the words.
“Everything will be okay, Julie. The council’s only trying to protect Carson,” said Eliza, though she spoiled her confident statement by muttering, “Just wish they’d sent someone else to do it.”
“Let’s go. I need to go now.” I looked up at Newt. “Be careful. Don’t let the Weres push you around.”
He laughed, though his usual carefree tone was colored with something else I couldn’t interpret. “No worries, Jules. Besides the other Salamanders will be here in less than an hour. I’ll call you later, okay?”
I nodded, not sure what else to say.
****
Eliza drove and I fidgeted in the front seat, checking my watch. I talked to Dana only a short time ago, but somehow I was convinced something would happen—we’d reach Carson too late, not because he was hungry, but because the Eclipsers would find him first. Tony followed us in Sheila’s car.
As soon as we pulled up in front of Dana’s house, I sprang out of the car and ran halfway to the front step before anyone else opened their car door. I knocked, but then opened the door and yelled, “It’s me!” My nerves shot ice cold as my voice rang in the house, but then I heard Dana call, “We’re in the back.” My whole body flushed with relief as I stumbled through the house to get to my baby.
Carson didn’t look any worse for wear: he sat on Dana’s lap with her long necklace grasped firmly in his chubby fist. Dana’s baby Ella balanced on her other knee and drooled on a teether. When Carson saw me, he pumped his arms up and down in excitement and I swooped him up. Almost immediately, he made little hungry noises and I sat down to nurse him. The connection soothed me and I fell into a level of relaxation I hadn’t felt all day. I stroked his little cheek and he gave me a milky grin, wadding both of his fists in my shirt.
“Oh my God! Julie, what happened to you?” Dana said.
I froze and attempted a smile. “What do you mean?”
“Your neck! What happened?”
One hand flew to my neck and I winced as I touched the tender area. I hadn’t spared a minute to look at myself. Now, I wondered if I had a deep ring of bruises. The smile stuck on my face and I didn’t know what to say. I swallowed, feeling the aching pull and tightness in my throat.
Another knock sounded on the front door.
“That’s probably Eliza,” I said. With a narrow look, Dana hoisted Ella onto her hip and went to answer the door. She returned with both Eliza and Tony in tow.
“Dana Saxton, nice to meet you,” Dana said to Tony, as they entered the family room.
I glanced down quickly and adjusted my shirt. Not that I was embarrassed about feeding Carson in front of people. Usually.
“Julie was just about to tell me what happened to her,” Dana said. Her gaze darted to Tony and back to me; clearly, she wondered if he’d been the one to choke me. She edged slightly farther away from him.
“Uh…” I looked at Tony and Eliza for help.
“You were at the insurance company?” Dana asked.
I stared at her for a minute, before I remembered our cover story for the day’s excursion. “Oh! Yes, it was fine, really. Lots of forms to fill out.”
“And…” She frowned at me.
“And…I fell? Um. Or…” I stared at her for a long moment after I stumbled to a halt. Finally, I shrugged. “The truth is so strange you wouldn’t believe it, Dana, and I can’t tell you. Long story. But…the person who did this won’t bother me again.”
Dana shook her head. “Listen, Julie, I don’t know what you’ve gotten yourself into, but I think you need help.”
“Thanks, but I’m okay.”
“Do you need me to call the police?”
“No! No police. I promise we don’t need the police.”
“Are you safe?” Dana looked at Tony again.
“Yes, I am. The guy who did this to me is gone. Won’t hurt me anymore.”
Dead. In the woods. With his head bashed in. By me.
Carson started to fall asleep and I cradled him to me. “I think Carson’s ready for another nap.”
“Should we get him in the car before he falls asleep here?” asked Eliza.
“Yes, definitely. Then we can all get out of Dana’s hair.” I fiddled with my shirt for a minute, then stood up with Carson nestled against my shoulder. Picking up his things, I thanked Dana again and attempted to make small talk while heading toward the door as quickly as possible. When she watched us pull out of her driveway, I still saw the frown of anxiety on her face.
Chapter Twenty-Three
I surveyed the wrapper from my sub sandwich and gave a long sigh. I crumpled the empty chip bag, took the last sip of my soda, and leaned back in my chair. Tony had finished his sub, too, and Eliza took her final bites.
“Next time we’re hunting Salamanders all day, let’s remember to take a lunch break,” I said.
Eliza smiled at me, and I got up from Sheila’s kitchen table and walked to the base of the stairs just to make sure Carson wasn’t making any noise. Still sleeping soundly.
When I rejoined the others, Eliza cleared the garbage from the table. I paced around the kitchen to release my jittery energy.
“Anyone heard from Newt?” I asked, though I knew the answer. I looked at the clock. “The other Salamanders ought to be here by now. They’re probably getting the fires under control.”
“Do you want me to turn on the radio?” Eliza offered.
“No. No, I don’t.” I ran my fingers
over the countertop, not sure what I did want.
“Are we going to talk about it?” Tony asked.
Eliza watched me.
“About what?” I stalled for time.
“About the Council Special Ops ordering us to bring them Carson by six o’clock.”
I looked at the clock again, even though the time hadn’t changed. Four forty-five.
“What’s to talk about?” Eliza’s voice sounded strangely flat.
The words burst out of me. “There’s nothing to talk about because I won’t bring Carson to them. Not even if they ‘allow’ me and Eliza to accompany him. No way. I don’t trust Chris Usher and I don’t trust James whatever-his-name-is.”
Tony nodded approval.
“Robinson,” said Eliza. When I turned to her, she clarified, “James Robinson.”
“Whatever. I don’t trust him and I’m not sure you do, either.”
“He’s extremely competent. He will protect Carson.”
“No, he won’t. Because I’m not turning my baby over to the council. Who knows what they’ll decide to do? I will not have him used as a pawn in some Werewolf power struggle.”
Eliza opened her mouth, closed it, and rubbed her forehead. Finally, she said, “I’m not sure you two realize the full ramifications of what you’re saying.”
“Really?” Tony asked. “I’m fairly sure I understand the situation.”
“You’ll be labeled rogue, you know. A rogue wolf, Tony. You and Carson. You might be strong, but can you fight off the full might of the council when they come for you?”
“Have to catch me, first.”
“Dammit, Tony!” Eliza shouted. “You want to atone for your sins? To make up for running out on Dave? You turned your back on the pack and now you’re Carson’s savior? Tony against the council? You’re the only one who cares about his welfare? You think I’m not looking out for his best interests? You think I can’t protect him better than you?”
Tony leapt to his feet and I thought he would punch Eliza in the face. The room roiled with energy.
“Stop it!” I yelled. I pushed my way between the two of them. “Just stop it.”
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