by Eva Gordon
“Where to?” asked the driver.
Rachel looked at her phone and her email confirming her reservation. “Hotel Annapurna.”
“Very good. I take you, ma’am.”
Splurging on the pricey hotels for a few days was money well spent. Time for R& R. Rachel glanced out the window at the bustling chaos of narrow roads, exotic markets, mischievous monkeys and temples. This vacation would be her Zen moment. No work. No stalkers. No nearly dying from Ebola and the Boko Haram. And Lev? Her chest pinched and she winced. Best she remembered him as a hero. He sacrificed his life and saved thousands. This vacation would store his memory in its place. Secure in her heart, but in the past.
At the hotel, she checked in. She texted Maggie to let her know she arrived safely and had not been followed by the Toothbrush Bandit. Insomnia on the flights bothered her, but no needle pokes her skin or pain resulting from her stalker creating a Rachel Becker voodoo doll. The thought that some mad geneticist stole a sample of her DNA was far more ridiculous than a nut using it to exact a voodoo curse. Why would anyone want to harm her, spiritually or not? The only people she pissed off were the Boko Haram terrorists. Fortunately, they were dead. More likely, the intruder who first broke in to her and Maggie’s home had been angered someone called to complain about his pet wolf, and just wanted to put a good scare into her. Maybe Madam Montfort had known the wolf’s owner and made up the werewolf story to scare her into leaving? Okay, let it go. I’m just being uber-paranoid. She inhaled slowly, held it to the count of ten, and then released.
The rest of the day she’d rest and then tomorrow spend a leisurely day at Nepal’s famous Garden of Dreams across from the royal palace. The next day she’d shop for winter clothing before her journey to the lodge in the foothills of the Himalayas. But before leaving Kathmandu, she’d visit a Buddhist temple and meditate in honor of Lev’s spirit. For someone she’d only known so little, it felt as though she’d known him a lifetime.
Lev called Rylee. “I made it to Kathmandu.”
“You might want to follow her before approaching. The main thing is she is safe from would-be abductors.”
He laughed. “I might stick out like a sore thumb as you say, but will do my best.”
“I talked to the king and the LIA staff. We’ve decided it’s best you tell Rachel about our society as long as she agrees to the non-disclosure terms.” She paused. “Mark her.”
“And if she doesn’t agree?”
“Rachel has no choice. If you can’t use your charms to convince her, use mind control, and if that doesn’t work, follow our standard orders.”
No way in hell would he kill Rachel. If she blurted out the existence of werewolves over social media, who would believe her? She would just be another crazy person on the internet, like people claiming to have an alien or Bigfoot in the freezer. Computer generated photos were easily faked. Even if she went before cameras, he’d protect her from every pack. “I don’t think telling Dr. Becker we silenced his daughter would go well, do you?”
“As much as he loves his daughter, he knows the law.”
Did she not understand the primal law of keeping your children safe above everything else? “Mind control will suffice.” Little did Rylee know, if he so wished it, he could use mind control on her and the entire LIA.
“I trust you, Lev.”
“Is Howard well enough to talk to her once I convince her?”
“Getting there. How do you plan on approaching her?”
“I might text her first and explain I survived the explosion.”
“That’s a start. We don’t want to send her into shock. It’s one thing to see you in New Orleans, but another to run into her in the middle of the Himalayan Mountains.”
“True.”
“Lev?”
“Yes.”
“You cannot claim her. Once she agrees to the non-disclosure contract, she will be your human, but she has the right to refuse a mating with you. Howard wants her brought in safe, nothing more.”
His wolf had chosen her, but being around humans more than a pack most of his life had taught him greater control over his wolf. “I would never force a human to be mine.”
“Like your father, you are a lycan of honor.”
Rylee really understood how to punch him in the gut without laying a fist on him. “Yes, ma’am.”
Lev looked out from his hotel at the crowded streets. Rachel’s scent lingered at the airport, but he’d lost her trail in the city. Not surprising with the exotic aromas, people and animals streaming throughout. Fortunately, Natalya had sent him the name of Rachel’s hotel and he booked a room. Her aroma remained in the lobby. Not sure she was still there, but it was a start.
Lev hastily washed up and went downstairs.
“Yes, sir,” said the desk clerk.
“I’m looking for Dr. Rachel Becker. Can I have her room number?” He gazed deep into the man’s eyes. He had no time for explaining his relationship to Rachel.
“Dr. Rachel Becker checked out yesterday.”
“To where?”
“I helped her book a lodge in the Sherpa capital of Namche, Yeti Lodge. Good view of Mt. Everest.”
“Good. I’ll be going.”
“Would you like me to find you a place to stay, sir? Even in the winter, it gets booked.”
“No.”
“Funny, you are the second man looking for her.”
Lev stiffened. “Describe him.” His eyes burned into the little man.
He lowered his eyes. “Older gentlemen, distinct grey trimmed beard. He inquired about her. Something about offering her a job in a hospital.”
Perhaps, she decided to work here. “Local man?”
“No. I think American.”
Lev inhaled. No werewolf scent lingered so that was good. “Was he alone?”
“No. Two men accompanied him.” He raised a brow. “They looked more like hired security than doctors to me.”
Not what he’d describe as medical staff recruiters. More like operatives. “How long ago?”
“This morning. A few hours before you checked in.”
“I’m checking out and I need to hire a helicopter.”
“Depends on the clouds. Storm is due.”
“I’ll pay for the fuel as well as the usual fare.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Do you know if the other men hired a helicopter?”
“Not sure. They left in a hurry.”
If the men trailing her took a bus, he’d have a slight advantage, but if not he’d have no choice but to warn Rachel.
Following the concierge’s directions, he arrived at the tarmac and boarded a medical helicopter heading to pick up two Brits suffering from elevation illness. The crew had been more than happy since Lev paid the entire cost of the fuel. All other helicopters remained grounded until the clouds cleared. As the helicopter took off, he texted Rachel.
“Rachel, it’s me, Lev. Sorry, I never came back. Long story. Will explain soon. Three men are looking for you. An older bearded man, English and two goons. Hide! Do not go with them.”
He waited. No response. Damn. Her phone must not have much reception in the high mountain remote area. He almost pocketed his mobile, when it vibrated. A text. From Rachel!
“Lev, is that really you?”
Of course, she was shocked. “Yes.”
“YOU’RE ALIVE AND NEVER TOLD ME!”
Lev smiled. Is she really shouting at me? “Will explain.”
“What do you mean three men are looking for me?”
“Back in your hotel, three men came in asking for you.”
“Really?”
“Are you in the lodge?”
“On a group hike.”
Good mobile reception. For that he was grateful. Should she be hiking right away in this altitude? “How is your breathing?”
“Acclimation flat hike.”
“Stay away from your lodge until I get there.”
“How do you know
where I am?”
“I’m your stalker.”
“You took my toothbrush?”
“No. Others did.”
“Seriously. U R in Nepal?”
“Yes. Coming to Namche by helicopter.”
“R U kidding?”
“No. Stay with your group. Do not stray alone.”
“Okay. Must catch up. Text me.”
“Meet you on the hike. Goodbye and stay safe, Lyutik Zolotistyy.”
He added Goldilocks in Russian. Before she could respond on how he didn’t know what trail she was on, he closed the conversation. It would be a pleasure to find and follow her pleasurable aroma. Big bear will find you Goldilocks. He smiled. You know nothing about your stalker.
The Sherpa tour guide stood with five hikers, waiting for her to catch up. The trail looped not far from their lodge. An easy flat walk to get used to the elevation, which nonetheless left her winded.
Rachel slugged through the fresh snow in her new boots and caught up. “Sorry.”
“Do not stay behind. No texting. Watch mountains and sky. Big storm coming.”
She gazed at the snow-capped Mount Everest range. The challenging climb that claimed many lives. Relieved, she was only a sightseer and not a climber, she smiled. “No problem.” Normally, she would have been embarrassed to have held them up to text, but she felt giddily happy. Not from the low oxygen mountain air. Lev was alive. And here. She’d give him a big hug. Then punch him in the nose for making her think he was dead.
Okay, maybe she suffered hallucinations from the altitude? Not likely. No way did she have brain edema, not at this slow pace. His texts proved it. In a few days, she’d go on a higher climb. Although, if she was being pursued, who knows what would happen next? Can’t be the Toothbrush Bandit or rather Bandits.
Rachel vaguely paid attention to what the guide said. Her happiness on learning Lev lived conflicted with resentment and anger. Was it even Lev who texted her? If so, he had to be special ops. This entire situation was crazy. Who would come halfway around the globe to find her? Why was she so important that nefarious people were after her?
The trail loop ended, and they headed back to the lodge. The guide recommended they enjoy today’s open market. Rachel remained in the back, behind the last hiker. If Lev was right, returning to her room might put her in grave danger. Perhaps, this had something to do with the people her father worked with. And Maggie’s close call with death.
A few in the group took photographs of the magnificent peaks as the guide talked about the mountains. Rachel took out her small camera. Instead of aiming for the mountains, she turned back to the lodge.
Shit. An older man with a beard as described by Lev, and two men walked into the lodge. Maybe they were just winter trekking. Nonetheless, not risking it. She texted Lev. “Men you described at lodge.”
No response. Great. What was she supposed to do? It was winter and near impossible to find other lodging. Many of the hotels closed during non-season winter months. If they were after her, they’d learn she was on this trail. Alone, she’d stand out. The crowded market was her best bet until Lev texted back.
For once, she wished her paranoia was her imagination, but the coincidence of the description of these men, too damn real. Danger alarms blared in her brain. This crazy business had to do with her father. Whatever he’d been involved with, she was now a victim of it. They’d use her to get to him. The reason they took a sample of DNA. To verify Howard’s paternity. Kidnapping her for leverage about information he guarded. Geez thanks, Daddy.
Rachel scurried behind a house toward the lodge and peeked around the corner to spy on the men.
The men walked out and the bearded one called someone on his mobile. He pointed to the trail she’d just finished and gestured his men to go there. The bearded man lit a cigarette and paced in front of the lodge.
A van pulled up and parked. A man wearing a fur lined coat stepped out. Tall and about thirty-years old, built similar to Lev. He took the older guy’s cigarette and smashed it beneath his boot. So he hates smoking, who doesn’t? Hard enough to breathe up here without the added tax on one’s lungs.
The bearded man bowed his head to the mobster hit man lookalike. Even from a distance, Rachel saw his cruel dark gaze of disdain for the humbled gentleman. He sniffed the air and smiled as if relishing the clean mountain air free of cigarette. However, the man continued to flare his nostrils as if trying to pinpoint a scent. Odd. Primal. Again, reminding her of Lev. The man glanced in her direction.
Shit. Rachel shivered. She wore a hood and dark glasses. He couldn’t know it was her. Or not. He headed her way. A rush of adrenaline pushed her to run. Time to heed Madam Montfort and Lev’s warning. Someone was after her, hit man or abductor for some criminal gang. The reason didn’t matter.
From her vantage, the tall stalker would be easy to spot. Yet, he seemed to have vanished.
Rachel slowed and stared at her mobile screen. No more texts. Lev said he’d meet her on the trail. Maybe he’d been delayed by bad weather. She turned and headed through the meandering lanes to the open market, blending into the throng of shoppers. Despite the winter chill, tourists crowded the market. If the new stalker tried to grab her, she’d make a big scene.
Feeling somewhat safe from the stalkers, she tried to enjoy herself. She turned to look at a couple yaks. She’d been warned not to approach them. These beasts of burden were not open to being petted and known to be ill-tempered. The majority of the yaks remained in their own parking area.
Rachel perused the handicrafts, while keeping an eye for the stalker, who perhaps might be only a tourist. Although, not the usual tourist toting cameras and buying trinkets, but who knew? She decided to try Thukpa, hot soup with noodles. Later, she’d call the lodge and find out if people had asked about her. So far no one followed her. Maybe she should worry about Lev. Madam Montfort claimed he was a wolf man. Lev could be a good-looking psycho. He admitted to stalking her, too. Was that the reason her father had become upset when Lev paid an unexpected visit? Those men could have been following him, not her. His heroic efforts to stop a mad bomber might have been fueled by his insanity.
The sound of agitated yaks drew her attention and she turned.
People ran in all directions, screaming and shouting.
Huh?
Her eyes widened. Yak stampede!
Rachel dropped the soup and dashed away from the maddened beasts as they slammed into people and vendor tables, ignoring men trying to round them up. She headed toward the lodge. During the chaos, she might have time to grab her suitcase and get out.
Rachel skidded to a stop. Shit.
The old bearded man with his men stood in front of the lodge.
She ran toward the trail loop.
A few hikers were ahead. Safety in numbers. Or at least witnesses if she joined them. Once the yaks were rounded up, she’d head back to the market.
Suddenly, a big man grabbed her from behind and lifted her in the air and muffled her mouth. “Scream and I’ll cut your throat.”
He dragged her into the wilderness. Like a predator hauling away his prey.
After he gained more distance from the popular hiking trail, the big man dropped Rachel. She stumbled, catching her footing for a moment, before he shoved her forward. “Move.”
“Wait, why are we going up not down?”
“Our helicopter will return once the clouds clear.”
Our? “Aren’t you staying in town?”
“We are camping.”
Okay, that’s hardcore. He only wore a light coat. The kind worn on evening outing in a temperate climate. She was bundled in winter gear, but not for overnight freezing conditions. “Seriously.” If he doesn’t kill me outright, hypothermia will.
“Don’t worry, little one, we will not harm you if you cooperate.”
Little one? Seriously? “You have me mistaken for someone else.”
“Rachel Becker, correct?”
She stiffened.
“Dr. Rachel Becker.”
“Titles are of no importance.”
“And you are?”
“Not important. At least not as important as you.”
“Me important, why?”
“No more talking,” he snapped in what sounded more like a growl. He hauled her over his shoulder and ran like a marathon runner up a ridge that would have exhausted just about any athlete. He must have been here for a while to acclimate to the atmosphere.
What the fuck! He dashed above the typical casual tourist hiking area. Up toward and into the elite rock climber’s territory. Snow covered. Without ropes. Not good. The wind howled and snow whipped around her face and the visibility grew to zero.
Without being out of breath or even a wheeze, he arrived at the top, at least several miles above Namche. Halfway up Everest? A few men stood in front of a cavern. Not the men she had seen back at the lodge, but like her abductor bigger and not wearing heavy winter gear.
The man set her down. Being carried upside down, the elevation proved too much. Dizzy, she glanced around, but her vision blurred and then...
Chapter 9
Lev sniffed. The fresh mountain air mixed with a feral scent. Werewolf. He growled. A werewolf hunting Rachel, likely already had her. Not just one. His hackles rose. He picked up the scent of five weres. A foreign pack. Who the hell were they? And why had they sent so many weres to abduct one human woman? If their intel was as good as he suspected, they would rightly suspect Team Greywolf would search for her. The other three men at the hotel were human. Humans aligned with an unknown group of lycans. Had they landed by helicopter? He hadn’t caught their stench until now. They must have been dropped off in the mountains. He arrived minutes before the entire village had become chaotic mess due to a yak stampede. A lycan must have scared the beasts of burden to break away from their enclosure and run amok. A distraction to nab Rachel.
He honed in on her scent. Behind the homes along the trail. He dashed up the path. They headed higher. His kind could scale Mt. Everest if need be, and kill Rachel in the progress. If they caught his scent, they would most certainly climb higher.
