Feral：Devils Point Wolves #4(14)

How far exactly had she fallen? Not just literally considering this had happened because she'd been obsessed with a plant that she thought might save her ass from unemployment.

Maybe it was time to accept defeat and reconsider a career change. This was ridiculous.

"Since you’re breathing and not crying should I assume you're okay?"

A voice she didn't recognize came from the trail above her. Seriously? Busting her ass and failing miserably wasn't enough? Now she had to have an audience?

"Yeah, that's her. The woman Brody was supposed to keep an eye on."

Crap. Busted...

Prue remained still waiting for the two men to approach. One was one of the men from the beach although she couldn't remember his name for the life of her and the other she didn't recognize at all.

"Care to explain why you're snooping around my island in the dark, and in the middle of the night?" The unfamiliar man glared down at her.

"Research," she whispered, unsure of her voice still.

"Isn't that what you were supposed to finish up this afternoon?" This time the man from the beach questioned her.

A hot blush crept up her neck and face. "I—uh—got distracted and lost track of time. Since I have to leave in the morning I came out tonight for one last look around.

"And what did you find?"

She bit her lip and then answered. "Nothing." Wasn't that obvious at this point? She was flat on her ass with a scraped knee and various other aches and pains.

"Uh huh." The man she didn't know scooped her up under her arms and gently placed her on her feet.

"The important part is you're out here roaming the island in the middle of the night, unescorted. I believe my brother mentioned this is private property, yes?"

Prue suddenly felt like a child being scolded by a parent and it didn't sit well with her.

"Yes, but I don't think--"

He raised his hand and silenced her. "Please don't think, Ms. Davis, it's unbecoming. You know this is private property and you know that you were required to have an escort during your research. And yet, here you are alone with no one by your side to keep you safe."

She blinked, kind of stunned at this stranger's snide tone. Part of her wanted to give him a piece of her mind and the other wanted to crawl into a shell.

"I didn't catch your name, although I assume you are Diego's brother since you mentioned him. Either way, I really don't understand the big deal of me finding a plant or two. I had no intention of invading anyone's privacy and I certainly respect the wilderness and plan to leave it just as I found it."

To her irritation, he simply cocked an eyebrow at her while cocking his head towards the shrubbery she'd crashed into.

"Damien," he said.

She must have looked as confused as she felt.

"My name. And yes, Diego is my brother. And while I appreciate your obvious dedication to your work, I'm afraid I am going to have to ask you to leave." He turned to the man from the beach. "Creed, you'll make sure Ms. Davis is escorted off the island."

"What about Brody?" Creed asked.

Damien frowned. "I think we've indulged Mr. Fox long enough. I've tolerated him because of Diego, but I think enough is enough. Ms. Davis has to go."

Before she could form a decent response, Damien had disappeared into the darkness and only she and Creed still stood in the clearing.

"What the hell was that all about?" she asked.

"Damien can be prickly. Especially when it comes to his mate."

"Mate?" She scrunched up her face. Why in the world would anyone refer to their girlfriend or wife as a mate?

"Wife. Whatever." Creed looked down at her. "Do you need some help? My jeep is just at the end of this trail if you're up to walking."

"I do not need help walking." Nor did she need these overbearing pains in the asses telling her what to do every two seconds. They were worse than the stuffy know it alls at the university.

Creed held up his hands. "No sweat, Professor. I'm just doing my job."

"Why does everyone keep calling me a Professor? I'm not, okay? And by job what exactly do you mean? How am I a part of your job?"

"You heard the boss man. I'm escorting you out of here." He indicated the path in front of him. "After you."

"What about Brody? Will we see him before I'm thrown off the island in the middle of the night? I didn't exactly tell him I was leaving."

"I figured as much. Or at least I hoped that was the case. You were a test for him and while he kind of failed, I think there might still be hope for him."

She stopped walking and turned back to Creed. "I have no idea what any of that means. Why would I be a test for anyone?"