Realizing he wouldn’t be eating in the near future unless he managed to track the girl down, he rose to his feet. Giving his body a shake, he continued on his way, sniffing the ground as he went. A bus drove past him and paused at the stop up ahead. He slowed his pace and watched the people disembark and hurry on their way. Then the vehicle roared to life again, spewing exhaust his way. His coughed and sneezed as the smelly fumes irritated his sensitive nose.
Snorting to clear his airways of the obnoxious odours, he approached the bus stop. Carefully, he sniffed the surrounding ground, then froze when a familiar scent tickled his nostrils. Exotic and spicy with floral undertones... That was it! He looked up sharply and gazed around. No one was watching him yet. He pulled his lips back in a wolfish grin. Gotta love the way everyone minds their own business around here, he thought to himself.
Nose to the ground, he set off at a brisk pace, eager to find the Greyson girl and make contact. She was a lone wolf but still young enough to be handled with ease. It was the wolves that had been on their own for years that could prove dangerous. A wolf’s psyche wasn’t programmed to live a solitary lifestyle. After awhile, they usually became unstable and then... Well, the options became more limited and less pleasant.
But Cassandra wasn’t that far gone; he was sure of it. She might be experiencing a bit of mental conflict but that would be the extent of it. And once he talked to her and she saw reason, they’d head back to his motel. He’d grab some food and then get cleaned up. The thought of a shower made him grin; the grit of the city had invaded his fur and he couldn’t wait to be rid of it.
His nails clicked on the sidewalk, the heat from the sun-baked cement penetrating the pads of his paws. He didn’t care; the joy of tracking filled him, pushing all other cares aside.
He sniffed the corner of a mailbox and could almost envision her brushing against it as she walked past. A little further down the road and he found a spot where she’d paused to cross the street, perhaps waiting for traffic. Her hand had been pressed against a lamp post, the sweat and oil from her palm was as distinctive as a neon sign to him.
Bryan began to scan ahead, wondering if he’d catch sight of her even though he knew it was unlikely. His wolf wanted the thrill of sighting its prey followed by a chase. Not this time boy, he told the beast. Chasing her down won’t enamour her to us. Besides we’re in a city, not the woods back home. We have to try to blend in. The beast whined but conceded.
Padding around a corner, he paused then picked up speed. Close, so close... There! She’d gone up this sidewalk. He trotted up to the house sniffing carefully. Yes, this had to be her home; her scent permeated the surrounding area. His wolf rumbled happily at the knowledge that she was nearby, his tail wagging. Circling around to the back of the building, he continued to sniff, analyzing the location. No pets, a motorcycle partially dismantled, fresh laundry, a male human... The hair on his neck rose as he considered this last bit of information.
Mrs. Mitchell, the elderly lady at the grocery store, had mentioned that a man by the name of Kellen lived here as well and this confirmed it. The knowledge didn’t sit well with him or his wolf. Anger wafted from the beast within him and he struggled to stay in control and keep the animal in check. He had no claim on the girl and couldn’t just attack the man she lived with, even though his presence was an unwanted complication.
Was the man inside at this moment? He cocked his ears and listened. The house was silent so it was hard to know. He’d have to shift back into human form and knock on the door. Stepping into a shadowed area behind the house, he transformed into a man again. Straightening his shirt, he was thankful once again that he didn’t need to worry about the inconvenience of carrying clothing with him, like some half-blooded Lycans did. Appearing naked at the girl’s door would definitely not make a good first impression. And should her boyfriend answer... He shook his head at the thought of the fireworks that could cause.
Walking along the side of the house, he scrutinized in the windows. Hmm... Curious. The first window revealed a very feminine bedroom with lace ruffled curtains while the next was a plain dark blue. He paused and tested the air outside this last window. Even more curious. Unless his nose was deceiving him—which he seriously doubted—they didn’t share a bedroom; her scent was too weak. That tidbit of knowledge pleased him no end.
Rounding the corner, he went to the door, glancing in the front window, which was located just to the right. Even with a set of blinds, it offered a perfect glimpse inside the living room. Through the partially closed slats, he noted the worn furniture, the older style TV and Cassandra. She was curled up on the sofa, sound asleep. Her hand cradled her cheek and her plump lips were softly parted. He stared at them for a moment and imagined how they’d feel against his own; soft and warm, moistly sliding... His tongue slipped out of its own volition and wet his lips. It was as if he could already taste her.
Curling his hands into fists, he forced his gaze to move on, noting her lashes were as dark as her hair and fanned out over her cheeks in a perfect arc. They scarcely hid the dark mauve shadows marring the skin below her eyes. He scowled. It would seem she was exhausted. Protective instincts rose within him and he wondered why she wasn’t getting the sleep she needed. His wolf pushed against its restraints, wanting to immediately enter the house and curl up around her, offering protection and warmth as she rested.
We’ll keep her safe. Once she knows she is ours her rest will be peaceful.
Bryan laughed softly. If only it were as simple as his wolf would like to believe. Something told him Cassandra wasn’t going to welcome him with open arms. And the fact that she belonged to him...er...the pack, that is, would be a shock let alone the news about moving to Canada.
He stood quietly watching her for a few more minutes, appreciating her beauty. His wolf rumbled its approval as well. At the store she’d appeared to be of average height and build, though the cashier’s apron she’d worn had hidden her body from view. Now, her tight yoga pants showed shapely thighs and delightfully curved hips.
Her top had ridden up and was twisted under her, baring part of her belly and pulling taut over luscious breasts. Cassandra Greyson was an enticing bundle and his palms tingled with a longing to stroke her. Somehow he knew her golden skin would be warm and supple to the touch. His lids grew heavy as he thought about how it would feel to have her naked body pressed against his, her softness complimenting his hardness, her limbs entangled with his. The stirring of his body had him shifting uncomfortably. Damn, his wolf’s lusty thoughts were invading his own. He cleared his throat and once again schooled his mind to the task before him.
He raised his hand intent on knocking, then hesitated just inches from the door. A frown marred his brow as he glanced upwards. The sky was starting to darken and she’d be surprised to find him at her door at this late hour. And he still had no idea how he’d break the Finding to her either. Besides, she was sleeping so soundly, it seemed a shame to wake her when really nothing could happen until tomorrow. Perhaps he should return in the morning. She might be more receptive after a good night’s sleep.
For a moment he weighed the pros and cons, before letting his hand fall to his side. He knew he was coming up with excuses and couldn’t understand why his human half was reluctant to actually make contact with her. Was it because his wolf was so keen on her, he felt the need to act contrary and assert his dominance over the beast?
Or because you are denying the truth that I already know?
Bryan frowned, displeased with the creature. His wolf was getting way too pushy as of late. They might be as one in most things, but when it came right down to it, his human half was ultimately in charge. Lifting his chin slightly, he stepped off the porch and away from the house, ignoring the animal’s protests. Tomorrow morning would be soon enough to talk to Cassandra. He’d head back to his room, get cleaned up and...
But what about the other one?
Kellen? Her live in?
The one in the
store. His wolf whined pathetically.
Damn! He’d almost forgotten the guy who’d been watching Cassandra. Bryan paused mid stride, looked around and lifting his head, tested the air. No one was about, but... Quickly, he decided to alter his plans. He’d grab a bite then come back and spend the night under a nearby shrub. If anyone approached, he’d be there to defend her. And if nothing happened, well, first thing in the morning, he’d approach her as planned.
His wolf rumbled happily and Bryan sourly realized the beast had gotten its own way. He sighed heavily and shook his head. We need to have a long talk about who’s in charge, he warned the animal.
Chapter 8
Hugh pulled the van into a parking space down the road from Anderson’s home. Eddie wanted him to find the man and bring him in so this was the logical place to start. It also provided another opportunity to check out the girl. He’d watched her at work earlier in the day; a pretty little thing, probably with a Latino background. She seemed ordinary enough, working an early shift at a grocery store, taking a bus to and from work. From what he’d observed she was good at her job; quick, friendly with the customers... The only strange thing was how she’d suddenly looked spooked and left work early.
There’d been nothing unusual that he could see. Just a line of customers anxious to pay for their groceries. Still, something must have happened since she hadn’t appeared ill. Hugh knew he wasn’t the brightest man on the planet, but he was good at his job and when something was off, he noticed. Something was off about Anderson’s woman; exactly what, remained to be discovered.
He glanced up and down the street. Typical suburbia, no one home during the day and when they did come home at night they all hid inside, watching TV or surfing the Net. It worked to his advantage; the fewer witnesses the better.
A hat on his head and a pair of sunglasses served as an easy disguise. Reaching into the glove compartment, he pulled out a picture of a dog. Claiming he was looking for a lost pooch would explain his presence should anyone ask.
Sliding out of the vehicle, he crossed the street while surreptitiously checking for observers again. He strolled down the street as though he had a purpose for being there; peering into yards as if conducting a search. When he reached Anderson’s, he tried to act like something had caught his eye and walked up the driveway.
Hugh approached the front door. He’d knock and ask if he could search the backyard. It would give him a chance to see if Anderson was home. Intent on knocking, a casual glance in the front window revealed Anderson’s woman dozing on the sofa. Her head tilted onto the back rest, her arms were folded and a frown marred her brow even in sleep. Definitely not a happy home maker; she looked ready to chew someone out. Anderson? Perhaps... Searching the interior he saw no sign of movement. The house seemed quiet. Instinct told him Anderson wasn’t home. He sighed. Now he’d have to go searching out the man’s other haunts.
He eased backwards off the step, keeping one eye on the woman inside. She didn’t stir and he quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Good. No awkward explanations needed as to why he was looking in her front window. For a moment he hesitated, wondering if he should circle around the house, go in the back way and ‘persuade her’ to reveal Anderson’s whereabouts. It sounded like fun, but...
A glance over his shoulder showed someone coming down the street. It was an elderly woman walking a dog. Damn. He’d better not chance it. Besides Eddie hadn’t sanctioned any action against the girl...yet.
Maintaining his cover, he continued down the block, moving away from the dog-walking woman and then back up the other side as if searching for his own pet. When he reached his van, he got back in and removed his hat. Okay, no Anderson, so now what? He checked the brief file he’d compiled on the man to see where he should next look.
Since Hugh had started at Dollar Niche, he’d made a point of checking out quite a few of the clients who owed larger amounts. Eddie never bothered, but Hugh firmly believed in knowing who he was up against. In Anderson’s case, his research revealed a simple gambler in over his head, nothing else.
Hugh drummed his fingers on the steering wheel for a moment, then gave a nod. Anderson had been referred to Dollar Niche by a fellow named Scott. Scott’s address was on file; he’d go there next. Starting the engine, he eased away from the curb. Anderson had a meeting to attend and Hugh intended that he’d keep the appointment.
*****
Kellen stood in the depressing hallway, his fists shoved into his coat pockets, and his shoulders hunched. It had to be at least two in the morning and the chill of the desert air had crept into the building making him shiver slightly. He hadn’t planned on being here, but Hugh—he shot a glance at the muscle bound man who stood a few feet away—had been insistent that he meet with ‘the boss.’ When Hugh insisted, Kellen suspected few declined. He rolled his shoulder, still able to feel the impression of Hugh’s fingers there.
He’d been at a poker game, just as he had been every day for the past three days, trying to win enough to pay off the huge debt he’d accumulated, when Hugh appeared. How the man had found him, he didn’t know, but Hugh claimed to be a representative of Dollar Niche and that Kellen Anderson’s presence was requested immediately at the office.
So here he was, waiting to talk to Eddie Perini about the considerable debt he’d run up. Dollar Niche was basically a loan sharking business that asked no questions and charged exorbitant interest rates. He hadn’t set out to borrow money from them, but when a winning streak suddenly cooled, he’d been desperate for funds so he could stay in the game. His new friend, Scott, had made a phone call to Dollar Niche and gotten him a small loan and that’s when the trouble had started. The game had continued to sour. He’d borrowed more, hoping to recoup his losses, but the downward slide wouldn’t stop.
Now the people who ran the business wanted to talk to him about the fifty thousand he owed. His first week’s payment was due and somehow they must have discovered he didn’t have enough to cover the amount. Well, it was just his first installment, he thought hopefully. They wouldn’t be too rough on him and from what he’d heard, Dollar Niche was one of the easier establishments to deal with. He thanked his lucky stars over that one.
Kellen eased his weight onto his other leg, wondering how long he’d have to wait. It was getting late and he’d already missed his shift at work—again. That wouldn’t go over well with Sandy or Mr. Bartlett. He hoped he could talk the man into giving him another chance. Sandy would kill him if he lost that job.
Trying to distract himself, he began reading the various flyers posted on the wall across from him. Free kittens, religious revivals, used furniture for sale; it was an eclectic mix. One in particular caught his attention. It was half hidden under another page that was advertising cleaning services, but something about the partially covered colour photograph niggled at him. He stepped away from the wall, intent on getting a closer look.
“Where are you going?” Hugh stood up straight and grumbled at him, thick arms crossed over his chest.
Kellen gave a lopsided grin and nodded his head towards the wall. “Just looking at the flyers posted over there. You never know when you might find something you need. My carpets need cleaning and this seems like a good deal.”
Hugh grunted and returned to leaning against the wall in a half dozing state.
Doing his best to ignore the man, Kellen lifted the cleaning ad out of the way and then inhaled sharply. He was staring a picture of Sandy! Blinking, he studied it carefully, thinking he must be mistaken, but he wasn’t. It was her—a few years younger possibly—but definitely her.
Careful to not attract Hugh’s attention, he scanned the page. Cassandra Greyson. Missing Heiress. Apparently she’d disappeared about three years ago and there was a hundred thousand dollar reward for information leading to her whereabouts. There was a number to contact, too.
He gulped. Sandy was an heiress? And whoever was looking for her was willing to pay one hundred grand for information about her
. Wow! She must be worth a fortune if they were offering that kind of money. But if she was rich, why was she hiding in the Las Vegas suburbs and working in a grocery store?
Kellen recalled how he’d found her standing at the edge of an alley looking confused and utterly lost. She’d been dishevelled and hungry. They’d had breakfast together and on a whim he’d offered his apartment as a temporary crash pad. Surprisingly enough, she’d accepted.
That night, she’d awoken screaming and once he’d calmed her down, she’d slowly told him a bit of her story. How she’d seen her uncle killed and another man murdered. How one of the killers might still be looking for her. He’d suggested going to the police and she’d been adamant that she couldn’t. Supposing she’d witnessed some illegal deal—maybe drugs or arms—and just wanted to start a new life away from a seedy past, he hadn’t pressed the issue.
Furrowing his brow, he realized that if she was indeed an heiress, it would explain why she hadn’t known how to complete even the simplest of daily tasks. That part had always puzzled him. She hadn’t been able to cook or clean, had no idea how to do laundry or use public transit. Now it all made sense. Sandy—Cassandra, he corrected himself—had likely been raised like a princess in an ivory tower. He chuckled to himself thinking of how the ‘princess’ had cleaned his toilet and washed his socks.
Raised voices broke into his thoughts and he turned towards the source, letting the cleaning ad fall down over Sandy’s picture. The noise was coming from the office at the end of the hallway. The door swung open banging loudly against the wall and a middle-aged man stumbled out, his face ashen.
“And you better have the money next week if you know what’s good for you. Dollar Niche is tired of carrying you along. Pay up or else.” An angry voice blared out of the office and the man nodded as he backed away. Turning, he cast a nervous glance at Hugh then gave Kellen a sympathetic nod before hurrying around the corner out of sight.