The Keeping(131)

Not for the first time, did Aldrich wonder why the old man was so interested in wolves. It went beyond a mere hobby, more like an obsession and lately he’d latched onto Taylor and the wolf picture he’d taken. Aldrich had spent more than a little time trying to determine his employer’s motivation. As yet, he’d been unsuccessful. Perhaps, something in Ms. Greene’s report would provide some illumination. He didn’t like not knowing what drove the people around him.

He set the woman on one of the low slung benches. There was no need to use the hidden room below. Once he had the outer door shut, he proceeded to gently slap her cheek.

“Come now, Ms. Greene. Enough of this. You need to wake up and hand over the information on Mr. Taylor.”

“Hmm?” Her eyes partially opened and she stared at him blearily before closing them again. “G’way...tired.”

“No, Ms. Greene, I will not go away. Not until you cooperate.” He grabbed her shoulders and forced her into a sitting position. Obviously realizing he wasn’t going away, she opened her eyes completely and frowned at him.

“Mr. Aldrich? What’s going on? Where am I?” Mel rubbed her eyes and looked around the room.

Satisfied that she’d stay upright, Aldrich let go of her shoulders and stepped back, assuming his usual pose of powerful arrogance.

“Where you are is of no concern. Why you are here should be obvious. You didn’t think you could defy Anthony Greyson and not suffer the consequences did you?”

“Consequences?”

“Yes. Consequences. It was decided that you represented too great a flight risk and measures needed to be taken to prevent any such action.”

“A flight risk? I’m not some criminal out on bail, you know.”

Aldrich kept his face bland while inwardly rolling his eyes. Even ill, the woman was feisty. Why couldn’t things ever be easy? His weekend away was being wasted arguing with a chit of a girl. “Yes. A flight risk. Your background shows that in the past you’ve frequently moved about the country. We can’t have you leaving without fulfilling your obligations to Mr. Greyson first.”

“I wasn’t planning on leaving. My friend is with me. We’re spending the week sightseeing and shopping.” She rubbed her head and furrowed her brow. “My friend, Lucy, she’ll be wondering where I am. I was supposed to be meeting her back at my apartment for lunch, but I don’t remember much after leaving your office.”

“I have no idea where your friend might be. She is not my concern; the report is. Now—”

Mel interrupted. “Wait! I did leave your office. I remember walking into the apartment building and someone called my name... It was Ryne; he’s here in Chicago!” She looked around as if expecting to see him lurking in the corner.

“Taylor is in town? Now that’s interesting news.” Aldrich pulled at his lower lip, puzzling over this latest bit of information. Maybe he could use it to his advantage. Mr. Greyson wanted information on Taylor, but would he be even more pleased to have the man himself? He’d have to consider that point.





Chapter 34





Kane paced the length of his office, running agitated hands through his hair. Ever since receiving Ryne’s call, he’d been on the phone informing other packs to expect an influx of refugees. That had been the easy part, now he had to decide who lived...and who died. His mind skittered away from that unpalatable point; for the moment he’d concentrate on those who would be sent out first. Of course, the pups would be spared, the expectant and nursing mothers too. Young families, strong males... Each group would need a leader, someone they could turn to during the difficult times ahead as they tried to assimilate into a new pack, but who did he choose?

A few had already stepped forward, volunteering to stay behind. Helen had been one of the first; she was the wife of the late Alpha and, as she’d said, her life was empty without her mate. Kane understood and agreed, but the others... John, his beta, said he’d remain, but Kane had refused. The man had a mate and a young son. Besides, John was a good leader; he could easily handle being in charge of a group.

The door slammed open behind him and he turned, ready to growl at the unannounced intruder. Instead, his growl turned to a greeting. Elise stood framed in the doorway, the sunlight streaming behind her, casting her in an angelic glow. That was how he saw her; his angel, his mate. She was the gentle softness, the comfort he turned to, understanding, giving...

“What the hell are you thinking, Kane? I won’t do it!” Her uncharacteristic venom shocked him and he stared at her in surprise.