Betrayed: Days of the Rogue

by Nicky Charles

  “You have information?” It was her contact.

  “Yes. Dr. McRae informed me he intends to bring Damien Masterson in tomorrow.”

  “Really?” There was a pause. “That will work in with our plans. Perhaps we can even kill two birds with one stone.”

  “Two?”

  “McRae might get caught in the crossfire. My most recent report has it that he’s now associating with our latest target. It would seem he’s chosen sides and it was the wrong one.” A soft chuckle accompanied the statement.

  “Dr. McRae?” Annette raised her eyebrows. “He’s never been a target.”

  “He’s a quarter Fae, so he qualifies.”

  “But—” Annette pressed her lips together tightly. She had a certain fondness for the doctor, and had always considered him more Lycan than anything else. This group wouldn’t care about her personal opinion, though.

  “He’s been asking questions about the dead rogues. That makes him a liability.”

  “I suppose.” She responded slowly. The Fae were a plague on the earth so she had no compunction about their fate, and rogues…well, some could be saved and some couldn’t, but in the end they were disposable. This, however, didn’t sit well with her.

  “I hope you’re not having second thoughts about our agreement.”

  Something about his tone of voice made her pause before answering. “No, of course not.”

  “Good. I’d hate to have to terminate our association. Things like that can be so…messy.”

  Annette swallowed, not liking the turn the conversation was taking. What did the man have on her? She’d overdosed Dr. McRae’s last case with a benzodiazepine, but surely no one could prove it; she’d personally edited all the existing records related to the case. Her gaze lighted on the autopsy reports spread out on the table. That couldn’t be considered her fault, could it? She filed the reports, the contents had never been her responsibility. Just in case, she decided against mentioning her discovery.

  “I know more about you than you might think,” the man warned softly, making her wonder if he’d known the direction her thoughts were taking. “Tread carefully.”

  The line went dead.

  Slowly, Annette set the phone down. Things were not going as she’d planned, not at all. It had all started with that last rogue. He should have died in the field, but somehow he’d survived. When he claimed to be recalling bits and pieces of what had happened, her contact had told her she had to act quickly to shut him up. With little time for research, she’d grabbed onto an idea she’d read in novel and given him an overdose of the first benzodiazepine she’d found by adding it to his can of soda. Unfortunately, rather than slipping into a coma as she’d planned, he’d had an adverse reaction and turned violent, attacking Doctor McRae!

  The following days had been fraught with tension as she’d waited for someone to realize what she’d done. Thankfully, everyone had been focussed on the doctor’s injuries, and she’d been able to intercept the blood sent for toxicology testing, switching vials of blood. She’d even finished off the rogue with a few more overdoses and no one had been any the wiser. It was a shame the doctor had been injured; she rather liked the man and felt badly about how that part of her plan had turned out. Perhaps that should have been her first clue that time was almost up for this scam. But of course, she’d had to try one more time.

  Now, her contact was making vague threats against her, and the damning autopsy reports… Annette shook her head and sighed. All good things come to an end. She wondered how her other buyer would respond to the news that she was going out of business. Picking up the phone she called Dee.

  Chapter 32

  Reno shoved a few more papers haphazardly into the filing cabinet and pushed the drawer shut with more force than necessary. The captain would have a fit when he saw the mess the office was in, but it was the man’s own damned fault for leaving so much paperwork behind.

  A quick glance at his watch revealed that it wasn’t even close to noon. He felt antsy, cooped up. Everything was about to blow wide open and he should to be in the thick of things, not pushing papers around in a shoebox-sized office. With a chopper, he could be in Grassy Hills in no time. His gut told him being here was wrong, and he’d always listened to his gut; why wasn’t he doing so now?

  Hell, he knew the reason. He was trying to be a ‘good’ leader. Following the rules, toeing the line, setting an example. The captain had taken him aside, told him if he planned on taking over the Kolding’s Pass pack, he needed to be less of a loose canon. Klaus was getting older and wanted him there on a more full time basis. The Alpha was ready to retire and Reno knew he had to be ready to step up to the plate. Shit, he wanted to step up to the plate, but inside he had this niggling doubt that he wasn’t really suited for the job. He’d been in charge of his unit of Enforcers, but a whole pack? Even Brandi didn’t know the wedge of self-doubt that plagued him. So here he was, supposedly in ‘training’ as the captain had put it, and it sucked. Big time.

  Reno scanned the room, wondering what else he could do to keep himself busy and sat down at the desk, lining up the stapler, the pen holder and tape dispenser. A tap on the door thankfully distracted him from rearranging the desk top again.

  “Enter.” He barely kept from rolling his eyes when Adrian Somerset poked his head in. The man was under the illusion that they were friends now, though how he’d come to that, based on their last meeting, Reno had no idea.

  “Sorry to bother you, but I thought I owed you this.”

  “Owed me what?” Reno eased back in his chair, prepared for a long and pointless conversation.

  “A heads up about Masterson.”

  “Damien? What about him?” He slowly leaned forward, forcing himself to keep his hands relaxed.

  “There’s been a report of a wolf sighting in Alberta, Canada. The description matches your former partner perfectly.”

  “And…? There’ve been sightings before, especially in a wilderness area like that.” He kept his eyes lowered and pulled open the desk drawer, idly searching through the contents, not wanting to give any indication that his anxiety level had just skyrocketed.

  “This one comes with a set of complaints from the locals. Savaged pets and farm animals, people afraid to leave their homes.” Somerset sighed. “It’s a classic case of a rogue completely out of control.”

  Reno looked up, keeping his expression bland. He knew what was coming but asked anyway. “And you’re telling me this because…?”

  “I’m sending my Trackers to bring him in.” The man at least had enough grace to look regretful. “I’m sorry to have to tell you this. I know he was your friend.”

  Reno gave a brief nod, his jaw firmly clenched. “I appreciate the information.” Somerset looked at him for a moment, apparently unsure if he should stay or go, but then shook his head and walked out.

  Slowly, Reno stood, walked over and pushed the door shut sealing out the faint sounds of the hallway. He ran his hands through his hair and then moved to stare out the window. So it had come to this. Reports of a wolf out of control, Somerset’s Trackers on their way to apprehend Damien. Damn.

  He recalled the first time he’d seen Damien. Young and cocky, with a chip the size of Texas on his shoulder. Right away, Reno knew he had what it took to become a top notch Enforcer. Mind you, they’d locked horns often enough and he’d had to beat some sense into the boy, but eventually… Eventually they’d become partners and then friends and finally, within the soulless walls of Lycan Link, they’d forged their own bond. Packmates, brothers… Call it what you will, they’d had something special between them. Hell, they’d even joked about starting their own pack one day. Pooling their resources and leaving Lycan Link behind; Alpha and Beta. Those had been the dreams forged late at night with an empty bottle of whiskey between them. And then he’d met Brandi and Damien had found Beth. Damn life had been good then.

  Reno cleared his throat and scrubbed his face. No point in getting maudlin.
This was how it had to be, right?

  Idly, he watched a group of newly recruited Enforcers in the compound below. They were running in a square formation, dressed in regulation sweats. Their feet moved in perfect synchronization. Even their breathing seemed to be in tune with each other. A sergeant jogged along beside them, barking orders. Like fucking mindless robots, doing Lycan Link’s bidding at the drop of a hat.

  Reno’s stomach twisted again and a sour taste rose in his mouth. Was that what he was becoming? Doing as he was told, not thinking for himself, spending his days behind a damned desk while his former partner—his brother—was out there facing who knew what alone?

  A snarl ripped from him and he pulled out his phone. “Brandi? Meet me at hanger five. I’m commandeering a chopper … What’s that? … We’re heading to Grassy Hills.”

  Her enthusiastic whistle nearly burst his ear drum, and he grinned as he shoved the phone in his pocket.

  Not caring if there were meetings scheduled for the afternoon, he grabbed his jacket and left the office. As he walked down the hall towards the elevator, a familiar voice hailed him. It was the captain.

  “Reno! I just got in and was heading to the office to see how you were handling things.”

  “Captain.” Reno paused to let the man catch up to him. “I wasn’t expecting to see you so soon. How did your investigation go?”

  “Fine. It was a dicey case. The Alpha cut it close, but given that there was a last minute reprieve it was determined that he followed protocol for The Keeping as outlined.” The captain shook his head. “I wouldn’t want to have been in his shoes at the time though.”

  “The pack was Kane Sinclair’s wasn’t it?” They’d reached the elevator and Reno jabbed the button to summon the next car.

  “That’s right. He’s a good man. High Council is impressed with his performance so far and rumours have it he might be on the list to eventually take a seat.”

  Reno grunted. A seat on High Council was a plum job given to only the most capable and learned of Alphas. Sinclair was young to be considered for the short list, but it would likely be years before his name rose to the top.

  The captain shoved his hands in his pocket and gave Reno an assessing look. “I only got back half an hour ago and haven’t even checked in yet. How’s our plan going? Any problems?”

  “Actually, I—”

  The captain held up a hand while glancing about. “Not here. Meet me in the office in ten minutes. You can apprise me of what’s been going on.”

  Reno shook his head. “Can’t do that. I’m heading to Grassy Hills. Damien is there.”

  “That wasn’t part of the plan.” The captain frowned.

  “Too bad. I’m going anyway.”

  “Reno, what did I tell you about leadership? Setting an example? Following protocols? What kind of an Alpha are you going to be?” Fielding’s brows lowered, a hint of warning in his voice.

  The elevator chimed and the door slid open. “Guess I’ll be the kind that doesn’t give a rat’s ass about that crap. I’ll do what my gut tells me is right for my family, and for my pack.” Reno stepped inside the elevator and jabbed the button for the ground floor.

  Captain Fielding grabbed the door, preventing it from closing. He looked Reno up and down and then gave a brief nod. “About time you realized it, boy. Now go kick some ass.” And with that he stepped back.

  As the door slid shut, Reno could hear the older man chuckling.

  Chapter 33

  Eve spent minimal time gathering her possessions from the cabin she’d called home for the past few months. Not having much money, she hadn’t done any personal decorating, so really all that was needed was to collect her clothes and art supplies. Some things were still at Rafe’s place, but she was too upset with him to go back and get anything. Perhaps she could convince Caro to drive to Grassy Hills and collect her stuff. It likely wouldn’t take much effort given how Caro drooled over the man. Of course, Rafe might not be there; he’d said he was closing the cabins…unless it was simply a ruse to get rid of her. Once she was out of the way, he could move that woman, Annette, right in.

  The idea heightened her anger while at the same time causing her stomach to churn. She compressed her lips and told herself she really didn’t care that Rafe was replacing her so quickly. All his talk of building mind bridges had been a pack of lies. He’d wanted her and made up some elaborate story about the Fae, but the minute someone better appeared on the horizon, she was out on her ear.

  By keeping up her mental tirade, Eve was able to complete her tasks quickly and without tears. In fact, she was just stuffing a few last minute items in a bag when she heard the unmistakeable sounds of Rafe’s beat up old truck pulling into the yard.

  A quick peek out the window revealed that it was indeed him and she cursed. If she’d been a bit faster she could have avoided the man altogether. She wondered why he was even here, but then decided he might want to lock the place up. Damn, couldn’t he even wait until the dust settled from her leaving?

  Hefting her bag, Eve stepped out on the porch just as Rafe was climbing the steps. From the set of his shoulders and the look on his face, she could tell he wasn’t in the best of moods. Well, too bad for him. She wasn’t feeling exactly like Miss Mary Sunshine herself.

  “Why are you here?” She spoke with purposeful rudeness ensuring he knew exactly how pissed off she was.

  His gaze was hot and angry as it flicked over her. “Checking on you. It seems dangerously impulsive actions are habitual with you.”

  “Dangerously impulsive?” She snorted in derision.

  “I told you I’d escort you here.”

  “Well, maybe I’m tired of having to do whatever you say, of having my every move watched.” She folded her arms and lifted her chin, ignoring the way his face was darkening.

  “It’s for your own damned good. In case you’ve forgotten, there’s a wolf around here.” He stepped forward, invading her personal space but she refused to back down, despite the fact that her every instinct was screaming a warning to shut up before she regretted it.

  “I’m overwhelmed by your concern, but as you can see I’m perfectly fine. Now get out of my way.” She moved to brush past him and he shot his arm out, grabbing the railing and effectively barring her path.

  “No.”

  “No?” She rolled her eyes. “Less than an hour ago you were telling me I had to clear out.” She pushed at his arm, but it was like a steel bar, not budging even an inch.

  He hesitated, seeming to choose his words carefully. “Circumstances have…changed.”

  “Changed?” She shook her head. “Too late. If Annette turned you down, that’s not my fault. You had your chance and blew it.”

  “Annette?” He looked perplexed and she took advantage of the moment, ducking under his arm and storming towards the car. He followed her.

  “Yes. Annette. I heard you say you love her.” She opened the trunk and placed her bag inside then slammed the lid down. When she turned, Rafe was directly in her path.

  “You were eavesdropping on my private phone call?” His eyes darkened.

  “It’s a damned good thing I did. It confirmed what a bastard you are!” She shoved past him, but he snagged her by the arm and pulled her back, the force of the motion bringing her chest into direct contact with his. He held her there easily no matter how much she pushed to be free.

  “What else did you hear?” A flush was now coloured his cheeks.

  “Scared I’ve discovered more of your secrets?”

  He stiffened and then with a speed she found hard to believe, he gripped her hair, pulling her head back until she was looking right up at him. His eyes seemed to bore into hers. “What. Did. You. Hear.” He spoke between clenched teeth, his voice deep and angry.

  Eve froze, suddenly very afraid. She’d never seen this side of him before. Swallowing hard, her mind raced as she wondered what dark secret he thought she might have overheard. “Just…just about Annette. That y
ou love her. That I’m ‘nothing important.’” Her throat tightened as she said those last words, tears stinging the corners of her eyes. Even though she was angry with him, it still hurt to think he’d relegated her to the ‘nothing important’ category.

  Some of what she was feeling must have shown on her face for he slowly relaxed his grip on her hair. The darkness left his expression and he looked regretful.

  “Eve, I’m sorry. I…” Rafe studied her face, the hand that had gripped her hair now cradling her head. Then he leaned down and gently brushed his lips over hers.

  It was a tender, barely there kiss, his breath ghosting over her skin as he exhaled.

  For one moment she savoured the sensation, the light tingle of awareness that sprang to life and hinted at greater pleasures to come if she allowed this to continue. But…

  She pushed against his chest and this time he allowed her to step away. Then she slapped his face as hard as she could. “Don’t you ever grab me like that again.”

  They stood there glaring at each other, the outline of her handprint on his face. His lips were firmly compressed, his nostrils flaring.

  She waited, insanely hoping he’d say something. Yell at her. Apologize. Take back his ‘eviction notice.’ Deny what she’d overheard. Offer some lame explanation for saying he loved Annette. It was pathetic, of course. Anything he said right now would likely be a lie, but some spark in her heart was hoping he’d at least try.

  The moment stretched between them, the cool spring breeze blowing her hair in front of her eyes. She pushed it away impatiently, not caring that the sun was beating warmly on her back or that a robin was singing in a nearby tree. She was too emotionally wrought to accept the comfort that nature was offering. Why didn’t he say something? Or at least use his empathic abilities to make her understand? It was hard to believe that he was actually a cold hearted bastard, but all the evidence pointed that way.