Char nodded in relief. Iris and Marisol flanked Wolf’s sister, hugging her tight as they settled into the limo.
“You said over the phone you pulled Wolf out of the desert, after witnessing him get shot up. Do you know any more?” Cain asked.
“I do, but it might be best if I wait till we reach Coso’s place. This is going to take some explaining.”
Bastian glanced at the Outsiders in the limo. He wasn’t prepared to talk about Shifter business in open company, not to mention the other bizarre shit he witnessed last night. Everyone was quiet as they headed out of town. No doubt they were tired after the redeye flight.
Coso met the limo as they pulled up to his adobe ranch house.
“Coso, this is Char, Wolf’s sister.”
“Thank you for everything.” Char reached out and shook Coso’s hand.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, although I wish it was under better circumstances. I expect your brother to rouse soon. He’s a stubborn one. He kept waking as my healer was removing the bullets.” Coso placed a comforting hand on Char’s shoulder, as he led everyone out of the Nevada heat.
“He is stubborn,” Char gave a wavering laugh.
“Something to drink?” Coso offered, once inside.
“Yes, please.” Bastian could use a drink, or several. “Can I talk around everyone?” he whispered to Cain.
“Yeah. Iris, Marisol and Abuela aren’t run of the mill Outsiders. Thanks.” Cain took the beer Coso extended.
Bastian looked to Coso, to confirm that he was comfortable talking around Outsiders. Coso nodded and took a seat at the end of the island. Bastian was glad everyone was here, because he didn’t think he could explain this craziness twice.
“As I told you over the phone, I saw Wolf get shot in the desert. What I didn’t say was that I think it happened because of a woman.”
“Wolf was looking for Ella. He tracked her to the Palazzo,” Char said as she popped the cap off her beer.
I knew it.
“That’s the girl Drake had with him last night at our card game,” Coso interjected.
“Oh god. You’ve seen Ella? Where is she?” Char looked from Bastian to Coso.
“She’s probably at the Palazzo.”
“Then we need to go get her,” Char insisted.
“It’s not that easy,” Coso interjected.
“The Palazzo is Drake’s stronghold. Under normal circumstances the jackal would fiercely protect his castle. But I have a feeling Drake would happily call in the whole of his clan to keep your friend,” Bastian related.
“Do you think he’s holding Ella for ransom? Wolf and I believe she came to Vegas to get money, fast, for her sister’s hospital bills,” Char frowned.
“If she got caught cheating Drake’s casino, it would explain why he’s holding her,” Coso added.
“You know that’s not why the jackals are keeping Ella,” Iris said to Bastian as she took the barstool next to him.
The pregnant brunette’s assertion surprised Bastian. His eyes widened as Iris continued to stare at him.
“What’s up, babe?” Cain pulled Iris’ feet into his lap.
“Nothing specific, just that Wolf’s girlfriend is gifted,” she replied thoughtfully. “But Bastian knows more about it than I do.”
Bastian’s jaw nearly hit the floor.
“Gifted how?” Coso asked, looking eager and intrigued.
“Aw fuck,” Trip laughed. “Poor bastard.”
Cain’s grin broadened as he gave Trip a conspiratorial look. Bastian really wanted to be let in on the joke.
“Mi Rey, what are you saying?” Marisol sauntered up to Trip. She ran her hand over his chest and Trip jumped, from the static she stirred up.
Iris and Cain snorted simultaneously.
“Hey! Easy there, Sparky.” Trip grinned as he tugged Marisol into his arms.
“I don’t think I understand. What do you mean by gifted?” Char asked.
“Yes please, enlighten us.” Coso sat on the edge of his seat.
“I can’t believe Wolf didn’t tell his family about us. I don’t know if I should be touched or offended,” Iris said to Marisol. “You’re better at demonstrations, if you don’t mind.”
“Si.” Marisol nodded and extended her hand.
“Do the snow globe,” Trip insisted, sounding as giddy as a kid on Christmas.
“Okay.” Marisol gave Trip a broad smile.
“Good thing you’re sitting,” Cain commented to Bastian.
Marisol opened her palm and they all watched as a blue ball of lightning emerged from her fingertips. Bastian’s mouth dropped open as he stared in awe at the orb.
“What the fuck?” Char stammered, expressing the same sentiment Bastian was feeling.