Mel stared at the floor, thinking for a moment before speaking. “Aldrich was really insistent that Greyson wanted to know where you took your pictures.” She looked up at Ryne. “He must want to find more werewolves!”
Ryne nodded grimly. “That’s what I’m thinking, too. And if we can’t stop him, my brother and his whole pack will self-destruct rather than let Greyson find them.”
Chapter 37
Kane drummed his fingers on his desk, checked his watch, then stared at the phone, willing it to ring. Why hadn’t Ryne called yet? Surely, if he’d taken care of the leak, it would be over and done with by now. A burning knot of fear settled in his gut. Something was wrong, he knew it. Had Ryne been unable to find the girl? Or had she already told others of her discovery? Possibly she’d arranged for Ryne to be captured? Kane sensed Ryne had an affection for the girl, even if he was unwilling to admit it. But did the girl return those feelings or was she merely playing him for a dupe? Had she lured him into a trap where he was, even now, fighting to escape and warn the others of impending doom?
His expression became stony as he firmed his resolve. He was Alpha. It was his job to ensure the safety of his pack; waiting would only heighten the danger. Picking up the phone, he punched in the needed numbers and waited impatiently for his Beta to answer.
“John? Ryne missed his check-in. We’re not waiting any longer. Contact the group leaders and have them gather those assigned to them ... No ... No exceptions. I want everyone on the dispersal lists packed and out of here within the hour ... Yeah ... We’ll hold on as long as possible back here. I won’t make the final decision lightly ... I’ll break the news to Elise and make sure she’s in front of the house waiting for the van ... Yeah, good luck to you, too.”
He hung up the phone and walked wearily to the door. His hand rested on the knob as he paused, contemplating what he’d say to his mate. She didn’t want to leave, but there was no way he was endangering her life and that of his unborn child by letting her stay, despite her pleas. But how do you begin to convince someone you love to leave you behind to face almost certain death? And how did you bid that person farewell, when you knew it would be forever?
For a moment he gave his emotions free rein. Surprisingly enough, it was anger that came to the fore. Anger at Melody Greene for her snooping; for searching out Ryne and asking questions. Anger at Ryne for not dealing with her swiftly and ruthlessly. He was angry that he’d never see his unborn child. And that he’d never hold Elise again or feel the incredible oneness that occurred when he slid his body into hers and they gently rocked together...
His breathing hitched as he imagined the loss of that deep connection. It was like a knife, cutting into his very soul. He wondered how his death would affect her. Would she know the moment he died? Feel an aching emptiness in her heart? If only there was a way to spare her that pain, he would take it; but as his life force seeped away, would he be strong enough to maintain a shield between their minds? He hoped so...
With a heavy heart, he exited the office and went in search of Elise.
*****
Greyson eased himself into his favourite chair and sighed. He seldom allowed himself the luxury of feeling tired, but his concern over Cassandra was slowly wearing away at him. The girl was beginning to ask questions and he wasn’t sure how he would answer them. For so long he’d shielded her from the truth; once she learned of it, would she accept it? Perhaps he should have told her years ago, but the danger had been too real; she’d been too young to be trusted not to tell someone.
Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew a key and unlocked the drawer in the table to his right. He eased it open and lifted out an envelope and a picture from within. The envelope was his Last Will and Testament and left everything to Cassandra. He’d written it himself using sufficient legal mumbo jumbo to make it legal and unbreakable. Only a few people knew this copy existed. Another sealed version was at Aldrich’s office, but even the lawyer didn’t know it’s true contents. Greyson had never told the lawyer about the girl, and if he had his way, her existence was going to be kept a secret as long as possible. His life and business associates would not be allowed to taint her as long as he was alive. He put the will back in the drawer and focused on the picture. His gnarled fingers trembled slightly as he traced the features of the woman in the photograph.
“Ah Luisa, you’d be proud of the girl. She looks just like you and has your fighting spirit, too.” He cleared his throat as emotion overcame him. “I wish you were here to see her, to guide her. You left her in my care and I’ve done my best, but now... I’m not sure what to do anymore.”