“You can pick it up tomorrow.” Kane told her as they climbed into his vehicle. “I’m having my mechanic go over it and check all the fluid levels, belts, tires, and brakes. Once he gives the go ahead, we’ll come back and get it.”
Impulsively, Elise leaned over and kissed Kane on the cheek. “Thanks. I really appreciate you getting me that car.”
“I want you to be happy here.” He put his hand behind her head and drew her close for a deeper kiss, then started the engine and headed for home.
*****
That evening, the others disappeared as usual, so the newlyweds would have some time alone. Helen was going to a friend’s for a card party while John and Carrie were meeting with another couple to see a production put on by the local theatre group. Elise and Kane watched a movie together, Kane complaining because it was a ‘chick flick’ and Elise defending the story. When it was over, Kane stood and put the DVD back in its case, then set it on the table so they’d remember to return it in the morning.
Stretching and yawning, he looked at Elise expectantly. “I think I might make an early night of it. Want to join me?”
“Well, I’m really not that tired; I did have a nap this afternoon.”
Kane walked over and pulled her up out of the chair. “That’s not exactly what I meant.” He nibbled on her throat and ran his hands up and down her back.
“Oh! Well, in that case, you might be able to persuade me to head upstairs.”
“Persuade? In the old days, an Alpha simply chose his mate and carried her off.” Kane leered at her.
“Well, this isn’t the old days.” Elise replied smugly.
“Possibly not, but as you pointed out the other night, on some level the wolf mentality is always there.” With that, he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder, carrying her out of the room. Elise gave a shriek and tried to struggle, but not too hard. It was rather exciting to be carried off!
Kane had almost reached the stairs, when the phone rang. He hesitated and shook his head. “No, I’ll let the answering machine get it.” Shifting Elise in his grip, he reached over to turn the machine on before continuing on his way. Unfortunately, he wasn’t watching carefully and turned the phone onto speaker instead. Suddenly Marla’s panic-stricken voice could be heard.
“Kane? Elise? Oh God, let someone be there! I need help. It’s—” A scream filled the room, then the sound of wood cracking as if a door was being broken down. Footsteps and angry voices could be heard.
Momentarily, Kane stood with one foot on the bottom step, digging his fingers into Elise’s body before letting her slide from his arms. They both took a step towards the phone, only to freeze when Marla’s voice could be heard again. “Please, please, Ryne! Don’t hurt me! I—” The sound of flesh hitting flesh and Marla’s cry of pain had Kane leaping into action.
Kane grabbed the phone and growled down the receiver. “Marla? Marla! Don’t worry, I’m coming. Ryne if you can hear this, you keep your fucking hands off her or this time, I will kill you!” He turned to Elise, the look on his face causing her to step back in fear. “I’ve got to go to her! Elise, do you have a cell phone?” She nodded. “Good, keep listening on this line so we have an idea of what’s going on. Call John on your cell phone—here’s his number.” Kane shoved a hastily scribbled number into her hand. “He’s in town and can probably get there before I do.”
As he turned to go, Elise caught his arm to stop him from leaving. Quickly she kissed him. “Good luck and be careful. I’ll be waiting here.” With the briefest of nods, Kane ran out the door.
Chapter 17
Elise called John several times before she finally got a response. Apparently he’d been in the theatre and his cell phone was set on vibrate, so he hadn’t noticed it right away. Quickly, she explained the situation and he said he’d be at Marla’s as soon as possible.
Twisting her fingers, Elise listened to the sounds of the argument going on at Marla’s apartment. There’d been no more screams, just yelling and angry voices, but she couldn’t make out what was being said except once she was sure she’d heard Kane’s name. At that her stomach had clenched in fear. What if Ryne was trying to lure Kane over to Marla’s so he could attack him? After tense moments, a door slammed and glass broke, then all was silent. Tentatively, she called into the receiver. “Marla? Marla? Can you hear me? It’s Elise. Kane’s on his way. Marla?”
There was a scuttling sound and then Marla spoke, sniffling and obviously crying. “Elise? Is that you?”