“Smells,” he said scrunching up his nose.
Jessica took a deep breath in. Smells like fresh air to her. Was the smell of the city that much different? She shook it off and continued walking. Madison stayed close behind also, she made no sound just followed. The closer they got to the door the closer the children came. By the time they were walking in the door, the twins were clinging to her legs. There’s a tall bar separating the waiting area and the office. A cheerful young woman popped up from behind the bar. She was breathing deeply like she’s trying to find the source of an odor. Jessica knows that face well as it mirrored her own when she would try to find out which twin had the dirty diaper. Thankfully the twins are potty-trained and haven’t had an accident in months.
“Good morning,” the woman greeted as she came closer to the bar. “My name is Chloe. How can I help you?”
“Hello Chloe. Is Alexander working today?” Jessica asked. Chloe cocked her head to the side as if she didn’t understand her or she is wondering why Jessica wanted to know.
“He is out on the mountain right now.” Chloe said after a moment. “Would you like to leave him a message? He should be back in a few hours.”
“No message, I just needed to speak to him.” Jessica was about to turn and leave when she decided to take a chance and leave her number. “On second thought, here’s my number.” Jessica slid her number across the counter. “Will you make sure he gets it?”
“Sure.”
“Thanks,” Jessica said turning towards the door.
On the way out, the twins stayed glued to her legs. Michael kept looking back at the office. Jessica had a feeling that Chloe is watching them. When she opened the door for the twins to get in she glanced back at the office and sure enough Chloe is standing at the window watching them. Are Chloe and Alexander together? Jessica is starting to regret leaving her cell phone number. She doesn’t want to come between Alexander and any relationship he may have. All she wants is information for her children. She isn’t going to demand child support or anything. This is just a whole new ball game for her. Jessica doesn’t like the unknown.
Driving back to the cabin Jessica noticed Michael acting a little strange. He’s trying to stretch around in his seat to look behind him. At first, Jessica didn’t pay it no mind, but after he did it seven times she became curious.
“What’s wrong Michael?”
“That lady smelled.” Michael wrinkled his nose.
“I didn’t notice anything,” and she hadn’t. Chloe didn’t seem to be wearing a strong perfume.
“She smell like me.” Michael said looking worried.
“What do you mean?” Jessica asked but Michael just shrugged and grabbed a toy off the seat.
Nothing else was said as the kids played with their toys the rest of the way to the cabin.
Chapter 6
Alexander
Pulling around the bend he could tell there isn’t anyone at the cabin. There isn’t a car out front but he decided to go knock on the door anyway. Of course, no one answered. He debated on waiting for her to get back but without knowing where she had gone it may be a while before she is back. There’s plenty of other things he can do be doing instead of waiting around here. He would take this time to go to the main cabin on the neighboring mountain. If he got an early start hopefully he can get the whole place searched again. There must be more information than what they found. There had to be a reason they were here. The alpha had told Sebastian that the O’Neil pack is wasting the mountain’s resources. What resources was he talking about? What in the world are they shipping out? Alexander hopes he can find the answers today.
Alexander didn’t want to pull straight up to the cabin. He isn’t sure that it’s empty. There could have been more to the pack than just the four that had already been taken care of. So instead he pulled over just down the road and walked the rest of the way, taking care to notice any scent changes or noises that shouldn’t be there. When he reached the cabin, it was completely deserted. That means no one has been here since they were here yesterday.
When Alexander entered the cabin, he stayed quiet for a moment so he could hear if any noises were coming from inside the cabin. Concluding he’s alone, Alexander closed the front door. He did a quick run through to check all the rooms before he began his search. Coming up empty, he went back into the living room to start. Looking for anything eye catching or out of place, he went through the living room. He didn’t have to go through everything since they did a quick run through yesterday.
He went over to the bookshelves that lined the right wall of the living room. Nothing seemed noteworthy, but if there’s a chance there is something here then Alexander is determined to find it. He began flipping through the books, setting them on the couch when they came up empty then grabbing another. He didn’t expect to find anything but maybe a piece of paper will fall out of a book.
In the center of the middle shelf is a wolf scene figurine. Alexander went to slide it to the left but it would budge an inch. It didn’t appear to be part of the shelves themselves and he didn’t see anything holding it down. Reaching around to get a better grip he felt a thick cable. Looking around the bookshelf he didn’t see any cables going anywhere. There isn’t a light on the shelf so that couldn’t be what it’s for. Alexander grabbed the cable and gently pulled to see where it would lead. More slack came as he pulled until finally the cable went tight.
“What the hell?” He pulled all the contents off the shelves.
The cable ran into a small hole at the back of the shelf behind the figurine. Alexander knocked on the back of the shelf and then knocked on the back of the set of shelves next to it. There’s definitely a difference, the one with the cable is hollow behind it. Alexander removed all the books hoping that pulling on the right one would magically open a hidden door. No luck, all the books were off all three shelves and nothing happened. The only thing left is the figurine. He tried moving the figurine in all directions but it didn’t move. On the verge of giving up Alexander placed his arm on the figurine and rested his head on his arm. A small click sounded by his ear. When he looked up, the figurine slowly sank into the shelf. Alexander helped it along by pushing down on the figurine. Next thing he knows the shelf he’s standing in front of started to move backwards a few inches like a door cracking open. He pushed on the shelf and it easily gave into his weight.
Alexander stood there for a moment taking in the room behind the shelf. It didn’t appear to be a large room, more like a walk-in closet. Stepping in, his attention is drawn to six monitors lining on two walls. A small shelf-like desk also lined the walls under the monitors. Different computer components are laying on the desk along with an external hard drive. Alexander turns on the first one. The front entrance popped up on the screen in black and white. This could be good if they’re recording, he thought. He will bring some of it back to see what he can find out.
After Alexander unhooked everything, he brought what he needed out into the living room. He wants to put everything back the way it was when he arrived. No need to announce his snooping. He moved the bookcase back in line and placed the books back in their spots. In case he needed to make a quick escape later, Alexander took everything back to his car and put it in the trunk. He thought for a moment about bringing his car closer but it needs to be out of sight. To make up some time he pulled his clothes off so he could shift without ripping them. Once shifted to his wolf, Alexander picked his clothes up in his mouth and ran back to the main cabin. He came up beside the cabin, shifted back and got dressed.
When Alexander walked in the front door he looked over at the bookcase to make sure everything looked the way it had. Once satisfied he started down the hall. He wants to make sure every room has been thoroughly searched. They had already been through a few rooms so he isn’t going to waste his time on those. The two rooms that were left didn’t yield anything more than a few sets of clothes.
Alexander hasn’t been down to the basement, it�
��s where the rogues held Abby captive. Walking down the stairs he could smell blood, probably old but it’s still strong enough to smell. When he stepped onto the lower level platform, he knew he didn’t want to be in here. There’s dried blood on the floor, some large pools and some smaller. Either way, someone didn’t have a good day. The room is small with a toilet, sink, and a shower on the left. In the back of the room sat a twin-size bed with broken chains on the leg posts. Alexander wonders how long those men had been doing this. He didn’t feel bad for one second about killing one.
Turning around he went back upstairs. Deciding that all the rooms had been checked good, he still wants to walk the perimeter. Walking out the front door, he locked it behind him then turned to the right. A worn path in the grass led to a small greenhouse behind the cabin. The master lock on the door isn’t even locked so Alexander went right in. He isn’t sure what he was expecting. With a lock on the door even if it wasn’t locked he thought something of some type of value would be inside. Instead there was a large tub bigger than a bathtub filled with dirt and nothing else. Not even taking a step inside Alexander walks out and continues around the cabin. He didn’t see anything else worth looking at. Since he still had plenty of time in the day left, he headed back to his car. He wants to stop by cabin three on his way back to Sebastian’s place.
Chapter 7
Jessica
Jessica and the twins have been outside playing for a couple of hours. The twins love being outside, especially Michael. It’s getting close to lunchtime. Jessica hasn’t been to the store yet. She doesn’t want to drag the twins out but Michael needs a new car seat and they need a few groceries.
“How about we go to town?” Jessica suggested. “We can grab something to eat while we are there.”
“Yeah!” Michael shouted at the mention of lunch.
“Alright, let’s go in and wash up so we can go.” Jessica opened the glass door.
Michael came rushing in with Madison close behind. Jessica noticed that Madison is running a little faster or maybe Michael isn’t going full speed. She shrugged it off and followed them in. Once everyone was cleaned up Jessica locked up and they headed out. Jessica made a mental checklist of what they need as she drove in the opposite direction of the resort. Hopefully her phone doesn’t lose signal or they may get lost.
To Jessica’s surprise their shopping trip only lasted two hours. She had come across a small shop with children’s stuff in the window. The twins even picked out a few things for themselves, of course. They grabbed some food from a local hamburger joint and headed back to the cabin. The outing had been good, no one screamed nor cried, Madison didn’t get sick, and Michael didn’t shift. When they get back the twins can take a nap, and maybe Jessica can get a little rest too. She’s a little concerned about getting back and taking the groceries in. She doesn’t need Michael running off again. When you have twins they never seem to run in the same direction. Pulling onto the cabin’s driveway Jessica got an idea.
“Can you two help me bring in all this stuff?” She looked back at the twins knowing they wouldn’t be able to resist. “It would help me out a lot.”
“Yeah!” They both shouted with excitement.
They were always looking for ways to help. This way she will know where they are. The twins were jumping with excitement by the time Jessica parked the car and popped the trunk. Luckily, she had a bunch of light bags they will be able to carry, along with all the toys they had picked out. One by one they carried everything in. Madison and Michael did a great job trying not to drop anything. Jessica’s plan worked out great. Neither of the twins strayed from their task. After everything was inside the twins helped get everything out of the bags while Jessica put everything away.
“Alright, go take your shoes off and put them by the door.” She told the twins. It’s time to get them to lay down for a nap. Madison is already rubbing her eyes.
“Okay you two; it’s time for a small nap.” She said when they came back into the kitchen.
“No nap,” Michael said and ran off down the hall.
“Michael, I said its nap time. You will take a nap or you won’t be able to play with your new toys.” Jessica ordered although she knew Michael was about to throw a fit anyway.
“Mommy, I sick.” Madison said not looking too good.
“Dang it, hurry up and go to the bathroom. I’m coming.” Madison took off for the bathroom.
Jessica dried her hands and went down the hall to the bathroom. As she went down the hall she could hear Michael throwing a fit in the room he’s sharing with Madison. Rolling her eyes, she kept going. Walking into the bathroom she seen Madison bent over the toilet. Jessica pulled Madison hair back and put it in a loose ponytail to keep her hair out of the way. Getting a rag wet for Madison, Jessica thought she heard the back door open.
“Madison stay here. I need to go check on your brother.” Jessica left the bathroom and went down the hall.
Glancing in the twin’s room, she noticed Michael isn’t in there. Oh Lord, where did he go? Jessica ran down the hall into the living room. The sliding glass door is open just enough for a small child to get through. Running to the door, Jessica heard the popping of Michael shifting. His wolf is running into the woods.
“Damn it!” Jessica ran to the bathroom and grabbed Madison up.
Running out the back door with Madison on her hip, Jessica called out for Michael. She couldn’t see him anymore; he is too far into the woods. She continued calling but she didn’t hear any response. Jessica is starting to panic. She isn’t as fast carrying Madison but Jessica couldn’t leave her behind this time. After going deeper into the woods, Jessica stopped and called out for Michael again. A howl came from the distance. It’s too loud to be her pup. This didn’t sit well with her. Her son is out there and so is a larger wolf. Jessica is in full panic mode. Tears began falling as she started picturing all that could go wrong. With the worst timing ever, Madison got sick. Oh, this can’t be happening. At least not all of it ended up running down Jessica’s shirt. She didn’t have time for this. They need to find Michael.
“It’s okay.” She told Madison when she started to cry. “Hold on tight, sweetie.” Jessica told Madison as she maneuvered Madison around to a piggy back position.
She will be able to go faster this way, and if Madison gets sick again at least it won’t be under her nose. Jessica frantically called out for Michael, sporadically stopping to listen. She couldn’t lose him, not like this. Suddenly Madison started tapping on Jessica’s shoulder and pointing to the right.
“There,” Madison said pointing.
Jessica knew to trust the twin thing her children had going on, so she turned to the right in the direction that Madison pointed to. Jessica stopped dead in her tracks when she heard another howl. Another sound could be heard but Jessica couldn’t identify the sound, only that it’s Michael.
“Oh no!” Jessica said, she slowly put Madison down.
Madison needs to be on the ground in case Jessica orders her to run. How far off can they be? Jessica walked forward, trying to listen out for any sound. There isn’t any more whining. Everything is quiet, Jessica knows this couldn’t be a good thing. Madison pulled at Jessica’s shirt and pointed once again. This time in front of them off to the right. Jessica started walking slowly in that direction. Nothing could be heard other than a slight breeze coming through the trees. Jessica picked up her speed, as long as, Madison could keep up. Their speed didn’t last long. They came to an abrupt stop when Jessica saw a large brown wolf with a pup in its mouth. Jessica knew that’s Michael being carried by his neck. Her heart jumped into her throat. This wolf before her had her son completely in its mouth. She pulled Madison behind her.
“Oh, dear God, please don’t hurt him.” Jessica started to cry. What is she going to do? Now not only is Michael in danger but all three of them were.
The big brown wolf slowly came forward not letting go of Michael. Jessica held her ground and didn’t step aw
ay. Even though she is terrified and tears were falling, she didn’t want to show fear.
“Please put him down.” Jessica begged.
She didn’t know whether this wolf is a real wolf or a shifter. Hell, she didn’t even know if it could understand her. The wolf continued to walk slowly towards her. It didn’t seem to be growling so Jessica stood still. Once the wolf was directly in front of her, it slowly put Michael down on the ground in front of her. The wolf backed up, never breaking eye contact with her. Once the wolf was a few yards away Jessica bent down to pick Michael up. She made sure to keep eye contact. She needs to be able to react in case it tried anything funny. The wolf sat on its hind end and Jessica could easily tell it’s a male.
“Madison, climb on my back. Let’s go for another piggy back ride.” Jessica sounded more confident than she really was.
“Scared,” Madison whispered.
“It’s okay. Mommy won’t let anything happen.” Jessica hopes she isn’t lying.
The wolf laid on the ground and put his head down. Madison climbed up on Jessica’s back shaking like a leaf. Cradling Michael in her arms, she stood up. The wolf didn’t move he just looked at her tilting his head. Jessica didn’t want to assume anything about the wolf and she started backing up. She wishes the wolf would go away but clearly, he isn’t moving. Moving slowly, she backed straight up trying to put some distance between them and the wolf. The wolf let out a bark just as she backed into a tree.
“Mommy,” Madison warned.
“Sorry, sweetie.”
Did the wolf try to warn her? Jessica decided it may be safe for her to pay more attention. She started walking backwards again, this time looking back more often. The wolf still didn’t move. It’s a relief and yet a little nerve wracking. Why won’t he just go away? Once the wolf was no longer in sight she turned around and began walking again.
Five minutes into their walk back Jessica stopped to look around. She knew she turned somewhere, she just couldn’t remember where. Turning around in a complete circle, she took in her surroundings. Everything looked the same to her. She jumped when she heard a bark nearby. Jessica turned and looked behind her. About 20 yards back off to the right stood the brown wolf. She took a couple steps to the left so she had a better view of him.
Missing Mate (O'Neil Pack Series) Page 4
