The Keeping(122)

An unexpected flash of anger sparked inside her. Mel was surprised to feel the sickness being pushed aside. It was almost as if some beast was within her, ready to snarl at this person who dared threaten her. Speaking with much greater conviction than she felt—or at least than she thought she felt—she threw back her shoulders and raised her chin. “Back off. I’ll give it to you when I’m good and ready and not a minute sooner.” With that she whirled around and stalked out of the office, catching a vague impression of Aldrich’s shocked face before slamming the door shut.

*****

The noise of the terminal washed over Ryne as he strode across the concourse, his long legs covering the distance to the exit in considerably less time than his fellow passengers. Of course, the fact that his face was set in a deadly scowl also helped matters along, as the swirling mass of humanity took one look at him and quickly stepped out of his way. The small tote slung over his shoulder, held the few essentials he’d tossed in it before making a hasty departure from Stump River.

After speaking with Kane, he’d had Daniel searching the airlines for a last minute flight to Chicago, then drove like a maniac to Toronto only to arrive too late for the Friday flight. Thankfully, there had been a seat available on Saturday and he was now where he needed to be, which was in Chicago on Melody’s trail.

As much as he hated abandoning his new pack members, he needed to deal with this situation quickly or there could very well be no pack to worry about. Bryan and Daniel were capable of carrying out their duty in his absence. His instructions had been specific for each of the possible scenarios that might evolve. At best, he’d be home in forty-eight hours happily helping the Loberos get settled. If the worst case scenario came to pass... Well, the evening news would tell that tale; sensational stories of murder and mass suicide always made the headlines.

The bright sun made him squint as he stepped outside and settled into the long line of people waiting to catch a taxi-cab. He could push his way to the front—a warning growl and a hard stare would keep anyone from protesting—but he was trying to keep as low a profile as possible. And so he joined the line with barely suppressed impatience and spent the time reviewing his plans while arguing with his inner wolf over their wisdom.

Despite what he’d told Kane, he had doubts about his ability to deal with Melody dispassionately. Inexplicably, his wolf had started to bond with her, ignoring all reason. Melody was human. There was no reason for his wolf to respond to her; it never had to any of the other human females he’d bedded. Why did it have to become difficult now, when he needed to be at his most ruthless?

“Hey, do you want that cab or not? We don’t have all day here!”

A disgruntled voice broke into his reverie and Ryne realized he was finally at the front of the line. Climbing in the back of the waiting vehicle, he gave the driver the address Kane had texted to him and then sat brooding over what he might have to do. He didn’t know Chicago all that well and it would make things much more difficult. There were people everywhere and he imagined most were just waiting to be witnesses and report any strange goings-on, hoping for a few minutes of fame on the local news.

Somehow he’d have to lure Melody out of her apartment to a remote location. If he questioned her in her home, she might become suspicious. Actually, given how they’d parted, she might not want to talk to him at all. He grimaced, thinking of that last unpleasant conversation. Had he known he would still need her cooperation, he might not have been so harsh.

The cab pulled up in front of an apartment building and Ryne stepped out onto the sidewalk. He paid the driver then surveyed Melody’s home. To say it was rundown was being too generous and the neighbourhood... A grimace of distaste passed over his face as the smell of exhaust and garbage bins wafted past. How could she stand to live in such as seedy environment?

He walked up the steps and entered the building. Of course, there was no security at the entrance. A quick glance toward the yellowing ‘out of order’ sign on the elevator told him it hadn’t been working for quite some time. Taking the stairs, he easily climbed the five flights, not feeling in the least winded when he reached his destination. With studied casualness, he strolled down the hallway, scanning the numbers on the doors until he came to Melody’s. Sounds drifted around him; blaring televisions mixed with arguing voices and crying children. Her apartment however, was silent.

Ryne tested the door knob only to find it locked. He considered his options then decided to just force his way in—at this stage, subtlety wasn’t a consideration anymore. A glance up and down the hall revealed no prying eyes, so he grabbed the knob and rammed the door jam with his shoulder. Not surprisingly, the wood quickly gave way and he entered her home.