by Jodi Vaughn
Killian raced through the town of Natchez, not caring if a cop was going to pull him over or not.
Ever since he left Memphis, he’d been flying down the highway like the devil himself was after him.
Lilliana.
He had to get to her.
When he finally pulled into the driveway of Monmouth, he felt the tension in his shoulders loosen. He parked in the back where the kitchen was. He needed to see her, to make sure she was okay.
“You’re lucky you didn’t get pulled over, Killian.” Brutus pulled up beside him and killed the engine. “Driving like that is not how you keep a low profile.”
“Not now, Brutus.” He hurried up the steps to the back door. He opened the door and stepped into the kitchen.
He froze when he didn’t see Lilliana. He glanced at his watch.
“Killian, we missed you at breakfast.” Mrs. Spell stepped into the room holding a cup of tea.
Breakfast. That meant she was here and safe.
He blew out a breath.
“Sorry I missed breakfast. I bet it was wonderful.” He gave the older woman an easy smile.
“You would be wrong. It was awful.” She narrowed her eyes.
“It was?”
“Yes. It was. Because Lilliana up and quit on me.” She slammed her tea cup down on the counter.
“What?” Dread swelled in his gut.
“I woke up to nothing more than a written notice scribbled on a notepad.” Mrs. Spell shook her head. “She didn’t even have the decency to use stationary. That girl. She certainly has let me down.”
He grabbed the older woman by the arms and looked down at her. “Are you saying Lilliana isn’t here?”
She shrugged out of his hold and gave him an odd look. “That’s what I’m saying. She quit. Leaving me high and dry with no breakfast for the guests.” She pressed her gray hair into place. “Why, I had to bake some biscuits out of a can and scramble eggs again.” She shook her head. “The guests are starting to complain.”
Brutus walked into the room and stopped. “What’s going on?”
“Lilliana isn’t here.”
“Think she ran?” Brutus cocked his head.
Killian leveled his gaze at the Were. “No. I think she was kidnapped.”
Mrs. Spell gasped and pressed a hand to her chest. “Kidnapped? Whatever for? Besides, if she were taken, wouldn’t her kidnappers ask for a ransom? Besides, she left a note saying she was quitting.”
Ignoring the woman, Killian looked around on the counter. “Where’s the note she left?”
“Right here.” Mrs. Spell opened a drawer and pulled out a slip of paper.
He quickly read the contents and then handed it back to her. “Where’s the pad she used.”
Mrs. Spell frowned and walked over to the refrigerator. She pulled the notepad off and handed it to him. “Why do you want that? It’s blank.”
“Do you have a pencil?”
“Yes.” She rummaged in a drawer and pulled out a pencil. He took it and lightly rubbed the side of the pencil lead against the paper.
The letters NB came out.
He held it up.
Mrs. Spell frowned. “NB? What’s that? Some kind of ingredient?”
“No, it’s a clue.” He looked at Brutus. “I think I know where she’s at.”
“Let’s go,” Brutus murmured.
They headed for the back door. Mrs. Spell grabbed his arm.
He turned and faced the woman.
“Do you really think something has happened to Lilliana?” Worry creased her face.
“I think when this is over, you will need to give Lilliana an apology and a big raise.” He headed out the door for his bike.
Chapter 39
Lilliana managed to bake seven cakes in two hours. With the large industrial ovens and numerous cake pans, getting the batter mixed and poured wasn’t that big of a deal. It helped that she didn’t have to add the fruit and other secret ingredients that made her cakes so special.
She quickly set the cakes on the cooling racks and turned her attention to mixing up the icing. She opened the cabinets only to find cans upon cans of store-bought frosting.
“Not only am I aiding criminals and their activity, but now I’m forced to used store-bought icing,” She muttered to herself.
A tapping on the glass made her jump. She spun around and looked over at the group of red Weres cooking crystal meth.
Three of them had stopped their work and had walked over to the glass to look at her.
Chills ran up her spine. She’d heard about how a group of red Weres had kidnapped a female from the Arkansas Pack. They had wanted to keep her hostage and use her to increase their numbers in the state. She had been rescued before that could happen, and she was now the mate of the new Pack Master of Arkansas, Damon Trahan.
Her name was Ava, and she had been lucky.
But luck was something Lilliana had never possessed.
She glanced back. One of the red Weres had pressed his face up to the glass and was licking it while glaring at her with a mixture of lust and hatred.
She forced her gaze back to the counter. She had a lot of layers to attach with frosting. She would just focus on her work and block the terror and fear out of her mind.
Killian parked off the street near the Natchez Bakery. He killed the engine and slid off the bike. He waited impatiently for Brutus to do the same.
“What’s the plan?” Brutus cracked his knuckles and looked around. Despite it being almost noon, there were very few people walking down the street. Even fewer parked in front of the bakery.
“The plan is to bust in there and get Lilliana out. Then I kill them all.”
“So, you’re saying you have no plan,” Brutus said calmly. “You forget Killian, you have to think like a Guardian. And not an Assassin. You need a plan.”
Killian jerked his head in the Were’s direction. “Killing is what I do. It’s who I am.”
“Right. But you’re also more.”
Killian froze. He wasn’t sure what to make of Brutus’s words. He opened his mouth to speak, but Brutus held up a gloved hand.
“Since I’m the smart one out of the group, I’ll come up with the plan.” He looked back at the bakery. “They know what you look like, but not me. I’ll go in the front. I’ll ask for a Hummingbird Cake and keep them busy. That should give you time to go in through the back door. If she’s here, she won’t be out in the open. I’m willing to bet that they are cooking the drugs right in the bakery.”
“If they were doing that, then everyone could smell it. I mean crystal meth smells horrible.”
“Not unless it was in a different part of the building.” Brutus shook his head.
“I’ve been in there at night. I searched the whole building. I didn’t find anything…” He met Brutus’s gaze.
“What?”
“I didn’t find anything except a key that didn’t fit any of the doors.”
“Then it fits a lock you haven’t found yet.” Brutus’s eyes narrowed.
Killian looked back at the building. His gaze drifted to the storm drain in the front of the building. “What if they are cooking it underground. They could vent the smell through the sewage system. I bet humans couldn’t even pick up on the smell.”
“But we can.” Brutus nodded. “Wait here and let me check it out before you go around back.” He jogged over toward the bakery. He stopped when he reached the storm drain and pretended to tie his motorcycle boot. He glanced over his shoulder at Killian and gave a single nod.
Relief flooded through Killian. Now he knew where the drugs were being made and that Lilliana was more than likely being held underground.
Now all he had to do was find her.
Chapter 40
Brutus stepped inside the Natchez Bakery and stopped. The place was nearly empty except for one little old lady who was waiting impatiently at the counter.
There was no one waiting on her.
He stepp
ed up beside her.
She turned and narrowed her yes. “Now listen here, young man. Don’t you think about cutting in line.”
“I wouldn’t think of it.” Brutus grunted.
“You say that, but when someone comes out here, they will go straight to you and completely ignore me.” She pointed her finger at him.
“I can wait my turn,” he assured her.
“I’m sick and tired of coming in here and not getting what I want.”
He turned and looked down into her old eyes and wrinkled face. “So why do you keep coming here?”
She pressed her lips into a thin line. “Because I keep hearing how they are selling out of those Hummingbird Cakes. And by golly, I’m getting me one today. I’m not getting any younger you know.”
“You don’t want one of those cakes.” He faced the counter.
“Why not?”
“Because they aren’t worth the money. A Twinkie Cake is way better.” He leaned over the counter and caught the eye of a tall, thin man in the back. The man nodded and held up a finger before finishing a conversation with someone in the shadows.
“Lady, I think you might want to leave.” He felt for the Sig Sauer in his holster. “There may be some trouble.”
“There’s going to be trouble alright. I’m going to sue this place for ageism.”
“Age what?” He frowned and looked at her.
“Ageism. It’s when they discriminate because they won’t sell to me because of my age.” She lifted her chin. “I raised eight children, been married multiple times, and have volunteered every week at church bingo. I deserve this cake.” She slapped her hand on the counter. “I’m not leaving this bakery until I get a Hummingbird Cake.”
“Fine. But it will probably kill you.” He sighed and focused his attention on the tall man walking out of the back.
“What in the world are you talking about?” the woman asked.
“Can I help you?” The tall man stepped behind the counter and looked from the old woman back to him.
Brutus looked in the back and saw a flash of black. He knew Killian had made it inside. All he had to do was keep the man occupied until Killian could get Lilliana out of the building.
“I want a Hummingbird Cake.” They spoke in unison.
Brutus looked at the woman and glared. She shot daggers with her eyes right back.
“I’m afraid we don’t have that product today. You see another buyer bought all we had.” The man looked at Brutus.
“You’re lying,” the old woman shouted. She pointed at the tall cake behind the glass case. “There’s one right there.”
“And that one is already sold as well.” The old man stated. He looked back at Brutus. “But if the gentleman would like to place an order for tomorrow, I’m sure I can accommodate.”
“Why you little dried up, sniveling, beak-nosed weasel,” the woman shouted. “I’m in front of him. I’m next in line to place an order. Not him.” She shoved her thumb in Brutus’s direction.
“I’m sorry, ma'am. But he was here first.” The man glared.
“You are a liar,” Brutus stated.
“Excuse me.” The man’s lips thinned, and he leaned over the counter.
Brutus knew from the man’s scent he was human. He also knew that the man should be intimidated by him, but he clearly wasn’t. If he had Lilliana, did he know what she was?
And did he suspect Brutus was a wolf too?
“I said you are a liar. The old woman was here before me. She was waiting when I walked inside.” He crossed his arms over his chest.
“Is that so?” He cocked his head. “Well, maybe I don’t want to sell her a cake or you a cake for that matter either.”
“See.” The old woman shoved her finger at the owner. “I told you he hates old women. That’s against the law, you know.” She glared.
“You know what else is against the law? Disturbing the peace. I’m calling the cops.” He lifted his chin in the air.
“You do that, asshole. Go ahead. I’m sure the good police department of Natchez will be interested to know of your other business dealings. The illegal ones.” Brutus sneered.
The man’s eyes widened and then he glanced at the doorway he’d walked out of. He motioned with his head.
Three large, hired men armed with assault rifles walked out.
He stepped in front of the woman and narrowed his eyes. “Let the old lady go, and we will settle this.”
“I’m not going anywhere until I get me a Hummingbird Cake.”
Brutus sighed and looked over his shoulder. “Are you blind or just crazy? They have guns. Really, really big guns.”
“Honey, do you think that makes me scared?” She dug around in her purse and pulled out a .44 Magnum. She waved it around with her finger on the trigger.
Everyone took a step back.
“Easy lady.” The owner visibly paled. He looked to Brutus for help. “Can you get your grandma under control?”
“Grandma? Do I look like I’m his grandma?” She waved the gun in the air.
All three men plus the owner’s gaze were trained on the old lady. One of the men slowly lifted the gun.
Brutus pulled his 9 mm and aimed it at the male. “Easy, buddy. You want to make sure you can walk out of this right? No use going out in a body bag.”
“I’m not afraid to die.” The guy met his gaze, and a sadistic smile crossed his face. His teeth were yellowed from drug use, and his eyes were glazed.
Fuck. He knew the guy was high on meth.
And methheads were unpredictable.
Chapter 41
Killian waited until Brutus headed inside the Natchez Bakery before he went around to the back of the building. He stopped short when he saw two large men guarding the back door.
This was new.
He knew then that Lilliana was inside. Otherwise, why would they have men posted at the door?
They turned and glared as he approached.
“You’re not allowed back here.” The guy with the muscles and no neck stepped toward him.
“I was wondering if you could help me. I’m looking for a girl.”
“Look, asshole. You need to leave. Before you get your ass handed to you.” The second guy stepped up and curled his fingers into meaty fists.
“Now see. That right there is not very nice.” Killian lost the smile and growled.
“I’ll show you not nice.” The guy reached his arm back and threw a punch. Killian dodged it and threw his body against the man. They landed on the ground with a loud thud.
He plowed his fist into the man’s jaw and looked up just in time to see the second guy pull a gun out of the back of his jeans. He aimed it at Killian.
But Killian was faster. He leapt to his feet. The gun went off.
He tackled the second guy to the ground and grabbed a nearby brick and hit him in the face. The guy’s eyes rolled back in his head, and a trickle of blood ran down out of his nose.
Killian got to his feet, his blood pumping furiously through his veins.
He didn’t have much time left. Everybody inside the building would have heard the gunshot, and they would be rushing outside to see what the problem was.
He picked up the two guns, unloaded them, and threw them in the dumpster near the door.
He opened the back door and hurried inside to find Lilliana.
Chapter 42
Lilliana froze at the faint noise. She looked up at the ceiling. A human wouldn’t have been able to hear the sound but because of her excellent hearing, she knew exactly what it was.
A gunshot.
“Killian,” she whispered to herself. Was he here? Had he tracked her back to the bakery?
She looked over at the glass room. The red Weres had stopped working and were all looking at her with unveiled lust in their eyes.
Danger hung heavy in the air.
She knew that all hell was about to break loose.
She needed to prepare.
One o
f the red Weres grabbed a metal scale he’d been using to weigh the crystal meth. He held it high in the air and brought it down hard on the glass wall.
She jumped.
The glass held.
But she knew it wouldn’t hold forever.
The other red Weres, realizing what he was doing, looked around for something else to help break the glass encasement they were in.
Fear swelled inside her chest.
If they got out, she knew what they’d do to her. Horrible, unspeakable things. And when they were done, they’d kill her.
Leaving her body for Killian to discover.
She swallowed back her fear and looked around the kitchen for something to use to defend herself. She knew if she shifted into wolf, the reds would too, and they’d overpower her once they got out of their glass prison.
She tugged open drawers, rifling through the array of mixing spoons.
No knife could be found.
“Shit.” She shoved her hair back away from her face. Of course. They wouldn’t leave a weapon for her. She might use it on her captors.
The Weres banged on the glass harder. She jumped and looked around. A tiny crack in the glass had started to develop.
She didn’t have much time.
She ran up the stairs and banged on the floor. She screamed, hoping for a miracle that she could be heard.
The sound of glass shattering on the concrete floor like icicles falling to their death washed over her.
Her time was officially up.
Chapter 43
Killian heard the sound. It sounded so far away, and he knew human ears couldn’t even hear it.
But he did.
It was the scream of a female.
“Lilliana,” he breathed out her name. He raced inside and into the kitchen. The room was empty, and he looked around frantically. He opened the pantry, looking for a secret door.
Nothing.
He lifted his head back and growled.
He felt it. A tiny tremor against his foot.
He looked down at the floor.
He felt another tremor against his foot.