Betrayed: Days of the Rogue

by Nicky Charles

  As he began to pull his finger away, she gently nipped at him and he barely held back a growl. “Tease,” he muttered.

  “You started it,” she countered before turning her attention to her cooking. Her cheeks were stained pink; he wished circumstances were different and he was able to take the encounter to its natural conclusion. Getting to know her better would be an interesting experience. She was such a contradiction; shy one minute and bratty the next. Legend claimed the Fae were known for their impish behaviour and there were times when she certainly did justice to that claim.

  A chuckle escaped her as she flipped the pancakes, one landing partially on top of another, bits of uncooked batter spattering here and there. “I’m not much of a cook.”

  “Neither am I.”

  She cast a disbelieving look his way. “Liar. Those casseroles you leave in the oven are amazing.”

  “Confession time. They’re not mine.” He gave an apologetic shrug. “There’s a lady in town who makes them and sells them frozen. I just reheat.”

  “Cheater!” She tossed a dishcloth at him and he caught it neatly, chuckling at her look of mock outrage. God, she was fun to be with. Such a change from the paperwork and intensity of counselling.

  The meal continued on with idle banter. Rafe asked about her Fae background and she shared the little she knew. He wasn’t surprised; it was typical for most empaths nowadays. They tended to be genetic throwbacks. In fact, some speculated that within a hundred years they might become nearly extinct. It was shocking statistics like that which had forced the Fae monarchy to begin to actively seek out its subjects.

  “There’s really a Fae queen?” Eve propped her chin in her hand and looked at him wide eyed, seeming intrigued by the idea.

  “Apparently, though few know much about her. Our people tend to be secretive.”

  “But didn’t you say someone was trying to make a list of all the Fae? I wonder who I should contact about that.”

  Rafe took a bite of pancake to keep himself from answering. He could hardly announce that Lycan Link was using its vast resources to help to coordinate the initiative. She didn’t know the organization even existed. “I’m not really sure.”

  “Well, are you on the list?” Eve raised her brows and looked at him expectantly.

  “I…” Rafe hesitated, wishing he could explain, but he couldn’t. “No. I don’t think so, though I can’t say for sure. I’m only one quarter Fae.”

  “Mostly human.” She nodded.

  He got up to get more coffee not wanting to lie to her, but knowing he couldn’t announce he was mostly Lycan. She didn’t know they existed, and that was how it would have to remain. A change of topic seemed in order. “So what are your plans when you leave Grassy Hills?”

  “Leave?” Her eyes widened as if she hadn’t considered the idea.

  “You aren’t staying here permanently, are you?”

  “No.” She mopped up some syrup with a bite of pancake, a thoughtful expression on her face. “I came here to learn to control my empathic abilities. In Calgary, there were too many people around. I was being bombarded by their feelings, unable to keep a mental wall in place and still function normally.”

  “And now?”

  “It’s getting better. I can go into town and not feel I’m snooping through people’s minds. And the other day when I went with Caro, I was tired and had a bit of a headache, but I managed to keep the wall in place.” She beamed, obviously pleased with that success. “Of course, here it’s so much easier with you and Damien around. Which reminds me… Why can’t I ever sense Damien’s feelings? Not that I’m really trying to, of course, it’s just something I’ve noticed.”

  Rafe stiffened. Damn, he hadn’t anticipated that question. He fumbled to come up with a reasonable response. He couldn’t tell her the truth; that Fae could only read a Lycan in its wolf form. “Some people have a…er…natural ability to block us out.”

  She nodded. “I was thinking that might be the case or that he had some Fae genetics somewhere in his background.”

  “Or something,” he murmured into his coffee cup. Her question drove home the fact that it would be impossible to maintain a relationship with her. She’d question why all his friends and associates were able to block her out; not that she’d purposely try to read their emotions, but minor slip ups were a fact of life for a Fae. It would be different if they were to become a permanent couple; she’d be considered part of his ‘pack,’ but that wasn’t about to happen.

  Perhaps his summons to Lycan Link was the wakeup call he needed. It was too dangerous for Eve to stay here. Between Damien fixating on her, and the possibility that she might discover the truth about werewolves, the risk was too high. No, he needed to end this, to send Eve back to her life in Calgary or to find her another place to stay. Regret filled him at the thought, but he knew it was the only way.

  He set his plate in the sink, then propped his hands on the counter and stared outside. This would be easier to do with his back to her. “Do you think you could handle being in civilization full time?”

  “I hadn’t given it much thought, actually. Grassy Hills has sort of grown on me.” He could hear the smile in her voice. It made what he was about to say that much harder.

  “I had a message this morning. It’s from the clinic where I work. They need me there and I’m going to be closing the cabins.”

  “Closing them?” Her voice squeaked in surprise. “But tourist season is just about to start! And you’ve been working so hard to get them fixed up.”

  “I know it’s not the best timing, but there are several patients who really need me.” He turned, his emotions firmly under control, his face impassive.

  Eve was sitting up straight, one hand still holding a fork with a bite of pancake on it. Her mouth opened and closed as if unsure of what to say. “But…”

  “I need you to leave as soon as possible.”

  She gasped. “You can’t do that. I paid you for six months!”

  “I’ll refund you the amount.”

  “And my apartment is still sublet.”

  “I’m sure Aly or Caro can put you up until you find another place in Calgary. Or, if you don’t feel up to facing the crowds, there are lots of small towns in the province. You can easily find another cabin to rent.”

  She stared at him, a range of emotions flitting over her face; shock, hurt, anger… Finally, she firmed her chin and a sarcastic sneer appeared. “Were my pancakes that bad that you can’t wait to be rid of me?”

  He firmed his mouth at the childish comment. “Your pancakes are fine. This has nothing to do with—”

  “Well, then what?” Her fork clattered as she tossed it down on her plate. Standing up, she met his gaze. “Because not for one minute do I believe you have a sudden urge to head back to work.”

  “It doesn’t really matter what you believe though, does it?”

  She studied him carefully. “You’re lying. I don’t know why, but you’re lying.”

  “Trying to read my emotions? If you are, you’re doing a lousy job.”

  “No, I’m not using my empathic abilities. Your body language is telling me.”

  Barely, he kept himself from stiffening. He’d spent years learning to control his reactions so as not to reveal his real emotions to clients. She was bluffing. “Believe what you want. The fact still remains that I’m closing up the cabins and you need to leave.”

  She planted her hands on her hips. “How long do I have?”

  “I’m needed back as soon as possible. Can you be packed and out of your cabin by tonight?”

  “Fine.” She turned on her heel and stalked from the room.

  “I’ll follow you to the cabin and lock up once you leave.” He called after her, not willing to let her out of his sight until he knew she was safely on her way. He didn’t want Damien trying anything.

  Chapter 30

  Eve stood in her room at Rafe’s house and wrapped her arms around herself. Damn him! Wa
s the man purposely messing with her, blowing hot and then cold? In the middle of the night he’d seemed friendly enough and during breakfast… She blushed as she recalled how he’d gripped her wrist and pressed his finger to her lips. And then she’d sucked the pancake batter from it. He’d wanted her just then, as much as she’d wanted him. And the conversation had flowed between them, as if they were friends. What had suddenly changed his mind? She was positive he’d had no intention of closing the cabins until the moment he’d made the announcement.

  She replayed their conversation in her head, trying to recall what they’d been talking about. Hadn’t she mentioned Damien? Surely a simple question about the man wasn’t enough to make Rafe kick her out of her home! Yet, what other explanation could there be? There was something going on between the two men, but she didn’t have a clue as to what it could be.

  Well, she wouldn’t stay where she wasn’t welcome, that’s for sure. She grabbed her cell phone and called Aly. Then, tucking the phone between her ear and shoulder, she began to grab items of clothing and stuff them into a bag.

  “Hello?” The sound of a deep male voice had Eve freezing in place. Had she dialed the wrong number?

  “Um…is Aly there?”

  “Sure, just a sec… Aly, phone!” The male voice boomed in her ear and Eve winced at the volume. A moment later her friend came on the line. “Hello?”

  “Aly?”

  “Oh! Hey, Eve! How are you?”

  “I’m fine…well…no, not really.”

  “What’s the matter?”

  “A long story. I’ll give you the details later. Listen, can I stay with you?”

  “Er…” Aly paused and then answered in a whisper. “Now’s really not a good time. Greg—he’s the waiter I was talking to the other night when we were out together—he called me last night. One thing led to another and—”

  “And I should come and sit in your living room as a payback for the other night…but I won’t.”

  “Eve, I’m sorry. If you really need a place to stay, of course you can come.” Aly’s voice sounded contrite. She really did have a good heart.

  That’s okay.” Eve quickly interrupted her. “Caro has a spare room.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. Don’t worry about it. I’ll be fine.” Eve ended the call with a promise to get together soon and then shoved the phone in her purse. She wouldn’t call Caro, she’d just appear on her doorstep and if that didn’t work… Well, she’d worry about it then.

  Slinging her purse over one shoulder and her tote over the other, she was about to tell Rafe she was ready to go when a perverse mood struck her. Why was she waiting around for him to basically escort her from his property? If he wanted her gone, she’d do it on her own.

  On the verge of stepping out the door she paused, recalling the second wolf she’d seen last night. What if a whole pack was invading the area? Oh hell, she’d have to get Rafe to go with her after all! Angry at her forced dependence on him, she stomped towards his room.

  “Ra—” She paused upon hearing him talking. He was on the phone to someone. Not really meaning to, she caught part of the conversation.

  “Thanks, Annette. I knew I could count on you. It’s one of the reasons I love you.”

  Love? An icy waved washed over and settled like an iceberg in her stomach. She swallowed hard and continued to listen.

  “That’s right. I’ll be flying in tomorrow. I have a few minor things to tidy up here, nothing important.”

  Minor? Nothing important? Hurt battled with anger inside her and she turned, softly walking to the front door, not wanting him to know she’d been eavesdropping. She knew she cared about Rafe. She hadn’t realized how much she’d secretly hoped he reciprocated those feelings, until she heard him relegate her to the realms of something that needed to be ‘tidied up’!

  An actual pain occurred in her chest and she leaned against the wall, her hand pressed between her breasts. Rafe McRae loved some woman named Annette. Tears threatened to spill and she blinked rapidly to hold them back. She wouldn’t cry over the man; the two-timing bastard wasn’t worth it.

  Realizing she was leaning on the very wall he’d used when he’d made love—no, had sex—with her, she pushed off from the surface. Being in the foyer brought back too many memories. Eve pulled open the front door and ran to her car. At the moment, all she wanted was to get away.

  Rafe ended his call and then lightly tossed his cell phone in his hand as he contemplated Annette’s efficiency. She was going to pull all his records, have them ready for him to take to Lycan Link, plus she’d promised to have everything in place for Damien’s arrival. He’d decided that he wasn’t going to wait for Reno. The Enforcer’s intentions towards Damien were unclear, and he wasn’t going to chance losing another rogue to Lycan Link’s Trackers. He’d bring Damien in himself, even if it meant drugging the man.

  Pleased to have one matter taken care of, he pushed himself out of his chair. He’d find Eve and take her to her cabin—

  The sound of a car engine broke into his thoughts. Looking out the window, he cursed as he saw the rear end of Eve’s car disappear from view around the bend in the driveway. What the hell was the woman thinking of?

  He ran on to the porch only to look around, cursing long and loud when he realized that Damien hadn’t returned his truck. Rafe raked his fingers through his hair and tried to decide what to do. He could shift forms and chase her down the road, but wouldn’t that look great? If he cut across country, he could arrive at Eve’s cabin before she did. Of course, then he’d have to explain how he got there without a truck.

  No, he’d swing by Damien’s place first. It was hardly out of the way. He’d get the truck and then go to Eve’s. It would only put him about ten minutes behind her.

  His cell phone, still clutched in his hand, rang and he answered trying to hide his irritation at the delay. “McRae here.”

  “Mr. McRae? This is Constable Duffy from the Grassy Hills police department.”

  Rafe frowned wondering why the local police would be contacting him. “What can I do for you?”

  “I wanted to inform you that we’ve had several reports of wolf attacks in the area.”

  “Wolf attacks?” His stomach tightened.

  “That’s right. A few pets have been mauled. Some livestock’s been killed. We’ve had two eye witnesses who have actually seen the animal. They say it’s a big beast, black as sin.”

  Black as sin. Damien. What the hell was going on? He forced himself to keep his voice mildly interested. “Really? That’s unfortunate.”

  “No need to be concerned, though. It’s likely sick, or injured, and probably too weak to hunt its usual prey which is why it’s heading into town to look for food. We’ve contacted Wildlife Control and they have a team of experts on the way. We’re recommending all local residents avoid going out into the woods, and preferably stay indoors until the matter is taken care of.”

  “How long will that be?”

  “According to the individual I spoke with, there’s a special unit that acts quickly in cases like this. It’s usually all over within twenty-four hours. I’ll call you once they have the animal.”

  Rafe flicked his phone shut. At best, he had less than twelve hours to get Damien out of the area before Somerset’s Trackers arrived. Heading back inside, he rearranged his plans. Setting down his cell phone on the counter, he pulled out several vials of tranquillizer and strapped one to his ankle, one to his belt, and one to his arm. There wouldn’t be much time for diplomacy. If he ended up in a fight with Damien, he’d hopefully be able to reach one of them.

  Okay, what next? He’d swing by Damien’s and get the truck. If the man was home, he’d have to play it cool so as not to tip him off. First he’d check on Eve, make sure she was safe, even escort her to the main highway. Once she was on her way, he’d head back to Damien’s or start tracking the man. With any luck he’d be able to tranquillize him and truss him up so he couldn’t
escape. Then, he’d head for the clinic, hopefully being well out of the county before Rogue Retrieval landed in Grassy Hills.

  So much for escaping stress by living in a quiet backwoods town!

  Chapter 31

  Annette drummed her fingers on her desk considering what to do while waiting for her contact to get back to her. He hadn’t answered when she’d called, which meant she had no way of warning anyone that Dr. McRae had his mind set on bringing Damien in to the clinic. That tidbit of information should be worth extra money.

  Deciding she might as well get some work done while she waited, she began to search through the filing cabinets. Dr. McRae wanted copies of all the background information he’d compiled on the rogues that had died since Adrian Somerset took over Rogue Retrieval. It was an easy enough task to accomplish and soon she was neatly stacking the files on the table, feeling rather smug that everything was under control in her corner of the operation at least. There was nothing revealing in the files, she was sure of it. Just to be on the safe side, she opened one up and began to read the contents.

  Half an hour later, her hands were shaking. There was a pattern, a definite pattern in each autopsy report. She’d laid them out, side by side in order to be sure, but there was no denying the facts. The organ weights, the internal examination reports and even the toxicology results were identical for each dead rogue. Why hadn’t she noticed it before? Probably because she’d never had cause to read one right after the other, until now. And if the pattern was apparent to her, then surely someone else would also see it. The pathologist had simply copied and pasted a set of standard results into each report. How had such sloppy workmanship been allowed within the organization? Of course, it would lead to an investigation. Her thoughts raced as a plethora of repercussions came to mind.

  Pressing her hand to her stomach, she forced herself to breath calmly. There was a way out of this. There always was a way if you took the time to consider the problem from different angles. Before she had time to decide what those angles might be, the phone rang.