by Eva Gordon
“Yes.”
Honestly, again. Too bad, I’ll be long gone. She pretended casual interest. “How soon?”
“Next week, you will go to Northern California.”
Gaby rarely performed assignments in the United States. Must be a terrorist or a mobster. She hoped. “California?”
“Yes. The target lives in Grass Valley, California.”
He took out a photo from a folder of a hipster-looking man who appeared in his thirties. “This is our target. Phil Renshaw, a computer programmer and hacker. Single father of two boys. He jogs the trails every morning at sunrise. Orion will make the kill. ”
The mountain lion had only been used once to kill a terrorist crossing over the Canadian border. Most of Gaby’s targets were evil, the scum of the earth. Her guts twisted. “You want a mountain lion to take out a single father?”
“The hacker is a whistleblower. His wife was an investigative reporter who got too close to the chimera lab. She was eliminated in a car accident a year ago. Sloppy since investigators found tampering with her brakes. Suspicious, Phil hacked into the lab two weeks ago. His termination must look accidental.”
“I doubt he still runs.”
“He doesn’t know we know.”
This gave her the initiative to leave finally, no matter the consequences. “His kids will be orphans.”
He scoffed. “You grew up without parents.”
No one knew better how devastating it was not to have a mother or a father to turn to. Her mood darkened. If Orion killed anyone, it would be Giles. She stood. “I better get to my cabin. See you later.”
Kane caught Gaby’s intriguing aroma as he knocked on the door. She opened it. He compelled the guards to stay outside her apartment. His wolf lurched out of his den and howled. “Wow!” She wore a black dress, modest, but still sexy as the material hugged her slim curves. Around her wrist was a beautiful silver bracelet with a green sea turtle that enhanced her green eyes. He entered and shut the door. “You look nice for our first date.”
“Let’s save the first date until after we get the hell out this place.”
Kane frowned. Her heart rate raced and he sensed high levels of stress hormones. “What’s wrong?” Had she found out something about him? Something that upset her to the point of not wanting anything to do with him?
“Just found out, next week, I’m supposed to fly to California with Orion our mountain lion and murder a young widower with two kids.”
“We’ll be long gone by then.”
Gaby blinked back tears. “Promise?”
“Trust me. You’ll never be forced to sic animals on anyone ever again.” He winked. “I’ll be the only beast doing your bidding.”
“Going to normal places like art museums and bike rides will be the only demands I’ll make,” she said.
He chuckled. “You’ve got it.”
“I bet a familiar site or scent will trigger your memories.”
“I hope so.”
“Come here, I want to show you something.”
He followed her into her bedroom and she took out a small backpack hanging under a snow coat.
Gaby unzipped the pack. “Take a peek.”
Kane looked inside. Cash, maps and throwaway phones. He took out the money and counted the hundreds and twenties. “Two thousand bucks.”
“Won’t get us far, but it’s a start. That is until we can find someone who might know you.”
“If, someone is looking for me.”
“On the other hand, you may not like being found by whoever created you.”
His heart tightened and he closed his eyes for a brief second. “I still think I’m part of a pack.” To be the only werewolf in existence saddened him.
He handed her the pack and she hid it behind the coat rack. “If so, we’ll find them.”
He smiled. “So who is on the menu?”
“Ha, ha.”
His smile slipped. “Did Giles find out who I am?”
“No, but there is an uber top secret man named Avery Kraig who is very interested in meeting you, and apparently me.”
His wolf’s hackles rose. Danger. Though he didn’t recognize the name, the mention of him sent a chill down his spine. “Kraig?”
“Do you recognize the name?”
“No, it’s not that. My wolf reacted as if this man is dangerous.”
“He must know your identity.”
“If he does, everything might come back.”
Something about Avery Kraig did not bode well. His wolf desired to kill him. Out of fear or hate? The frustration caused his head to ache. He rubbed his temple. “What do you know about him?”
“Nothing, except he is several rungs higher in the world of secret black budgets than Director Giles. He is the son of a black ops man named Alistair Kraig.” She tilted her head. “Could he be werewolf?”
“That’s not what my wolf sense tells me, but I’ll know soon enough.” He smiled. “As will you with your special werewolf detecting gift.”
She gazed at her watch. “We have twenty minutes to talk.”
“So what’s your plan, wolf charmer?”
“Tomorrow, during my animal rounds, compel your guard to bring you behind the predator loading zone. We can use the company vehicle until we rent another car.”
“Sounds like you’ve done your homework.”
“This time, I’m retiring from beast assassinations.”
He tilted his head and took her wrist to stare at the bracelet. “Who gave you this?”
“It belonged to my mother. She left it in a shoebox along with photos of her and me when I was a toddler. The box with the keepsake was the only thing I have of hers.”
“May I see it?”
“Why?”
“It has a high frequency microchip inside.” He smiled. “My wolf hearing picked it up.”
Gaby paled. “A tracking device?” She took it off and handed it to him.
He put the sea turtle next to his ear. “Yep.”
“That ass. When I ran away, the bracelet and pictures of my mom were the only things I took with me.” She blew out a harsh breath. “He must have inserted the chip when I wasn’t around.”
“You don’t always wear it, though.”
“No. Only on special occasions. I wore it today because of our escape plan. Now I know to leave it behind.”
“Actually, I’ll take out the chip.”
“You know how?”
He quirked his brow. Another skill he possessed. “I do. I just need a watch repair kit or small tools.”
“Hold on.” Gaby went into a cabinet and took out a toolkit. The box contained tools of various sizes. “I’m timing you.” She smiled.
Kane found a micro screwdriver and within seconds took out the RDS tracking chip. He examined it. “I recognize this technology.”
She blinked. “You do?”
Kane took out a magnifying glass then sniffed it. “This one was probably replaced a few months ago.”
Gaby growled like a she-wolf. “I was on a mission two months ago.”
He spotted a tennis ball next to the dog bed. “I have an idea.” He picked up the ball and poked it with a screwdriver, then inserted the chip.
“Is it still activated?”
“Yep. When we leave, I’ll throw the ball as far as I can in the opposite direction of our escape route.”
“Cool.”
“You better leave the bracelet near it for now.”
“I’ll put it back in my box with the tennis ball.” She rushed into her room and then returned. “Thank you.”
He winked. “Time to use your charm on the others.”
They left and took an elevator to the top floor of Director Giles’ private penthouse.
Wrap around glass gave them a view of the vast forest. A flash of running in the woods with a pack led by a white alpha female entered his mind. A brief memory of a past as real as the forest below. His chest tightened, longing to return to his bret
hren.
A butler met them. “This way, please.” He guided them to Giles and the man who must be Avery Kraig sitting at the bar. The man of average build appeared in his late thirties, military cut blond hair and grey eyes. He wore a tailored suit complete with high-grade silver cufflinks. The handsome man could pass for James Bond or a James Bond villain. Collected. Confident. Smug.
His wolf snarled. You and the woman should run. He answered the wolf. Give me a reason. At his wolf’s direction, Kane narrowed his gaze at the men. How many people do you smell, fool? Besides the butler, the cook in the kitchen, the guards at the door, Gaby and Giles, Kane smelled only six. Why couldn’t he smell Kraig? Despite the red flag, he kept his composure.
Director Giles smiled. “Avery Kraig, this is my top handler, canine specialist and adopted daughter, Gaby.”
Gaby smiled at him, though Kane picked up her disgust as being referred to as his adopted daughter. Interestingly, Giles didn’t mention her talent. She shook his hand. “Pleasure.”
“And such a lovely animal whisperer.” Avery smiled.
Giles turned. “This is our patient, who we call Kane.” He chuckled. “Better than John Doe.”
Avery offered his hand. “At last we meet.”
The man’s scent remained hidden. Avery had to know about his superior sense of smell. How and why had he masked his scent? His heartbeat and grip was human, yet, he met Kane’s eyes without blinking. No sign of human submission. Kane lifted a brow. “Are you sure I don’t know you?”
They stopped shaking hands and Avery smiled. “No, we never met, but let’s celebrate.”
The butler offered them a tray of champagne filled glasses. Each took one. Kane raised the glass. “What are we celebrating?”
Avery raised his glass. “To meeting a rare werewolf.”
Kane refused to play twenty questions. “Do you know who I am?”
“In fact, I do.” He drained his glass. “Umm.” He smacked his lips. “Not bad.”
“Don’t keep me in suspense. Who the fuck am I?” Kane bore fangs and glared at Avery, who finally lowered his gaze. He could squeeze the information out of him. Despite the man’s masked scent, he couldn’t hide the truth from him. He knew his identity.
Gaby put a hand on his arm. “Kane, I think he’ll tell you over dinner.”
Kane put his hand over hers. “Sorry, my amnesia pushes my patience to its limits.”
Director Giles nodded to the butler who guided them to the dining table. “Dinner will be served.”
The butler entered the kitchen. He and the cook returned with silver platters. Kane savored the sweet scent of lamb. For now, he felt placated. Avery seemed to relish torturing him with hints about his true identity.
The butler poured red wine.
Avery addressed Giles. “When I return home, I’ll send you a case of my father’s Pinot Noir.” Then he went on and on about the difference in soil at wineries between California and Chile. Then moved on to talking about a golf game coming up in Scotland he planned to attend.
Damn it. He clearly played mind games. Kane stared at Avery Kraig sitting across from him. “I don’t mind talking about mundane subjects, but I would really love to know my identity.”
Avery’s pupils grew and then returned to a pinpoint size. He appeared to know how to suppress the wolf’s mind control. Was it training or some drug?
Gaby took the napkin and wiped her lips. “I would love to know as well.”
Avery set his fork down. “Does the name Steele sound familiar?”
His inner wolf cocked his head. Wolves running in the forests. The white she-wolf. The castle. Kane’s head ached. “Who is he?”
“You. A werewolf.” He returned to slicing his lamb. “Actually, I prefer to talk about your identity in private.”
Gaby glanced at Giles who shrugged. She smiled. “Steele fits, but I prefer Kane.”
Kane smiled at her. “I do, too.” At this point, even if he remembered, he’d continue to claim amnesia. His wolf may not remember, but Avery radiated insincerity. This was not a man to trust but to kill. If only he knew why.
Gaby disliked Avery. A total prick. He told Kane his real name was Steele and then insisted on privacy to divulge more details. I’m sure Kane would be happy to postpone dinner to learn about his true identity. Instead, Avery took his time eating, and talking about everything from golf to the type of fish found in the local lakes. Kane’s alpha wolf mind control didn’t seem to work on Avery. Was he even human? Gaby did not sense a werewolf, and apparently, Kane didn’t either. She gritted her teeth. Making them wait for answers turned into torture. She too was dying to know. Perhaps, Kane was created in a secret lab and Avery came to retrieve him. He probably preferred to keep Giles and her in the dark regarding any details about Kane, other than his name.
“I’m done.” Kane pushed his clean plate away.
Slowly, Avery ate the chocolate mousse and feigned concern. “I’m sorry, Steele. Giles’ cook must not have known werewolves don’t eat chocolate.”
Gaby blurted. “Like all canines.”
“I can eat chocolate, but I’m not fond of the taste, nor the company.”
Avery ignored his jibe and sipped coffee.
“Next time, I’ll make sure you get something that agrees more with your palate,” said Director Giles.
“I would like a minute to speak to Gaby while you enjoy your dessert and coffee,” said Kane.
Gaby nodded.
Giles furrowed his brow, but complied and called his butler. “Mr. Leeds, take them to the billiard room.”
“Yes, sir.”
Gaby and Kane followed him down a long hallway. They entered the room and the butler closed the door. She released a long breath. “Sorry, Avery is such an ass.”
“Not only that, but he’s an ass who can’t be compelled and has no distinct human scent.”
“You can’t smell him?”
“Just his clothes.” He paced. “I smell the material.”
She furrowed her brow. “Deer hunters hide their scent from their prey. Could he be wearing some sort of masking cologne?”
He frowned. “Precisely.”
“Why would he do that?”
“To stalk werewolves, I imagine. Fortunately, I heard his heartbeat. He’d be easy to hear if he thought of surprising me.”
“I bet hiding his scent is a way to tease you, knowing it will confuse you.”
He rubbed his neck while pacing. “Yeah, a real slap in my face.”
“I know he isn’t werewolf.” Unless, he disguised his aura. Yet, why would he if he had no idea she was a wolf charmer?
“Yeah, I didn’t get a wolf vibe either.”
“Just like Avery used something to hide his scent, he must have used something to prevent being compelled, too.”
Kane frowned. “True. He didn’t always look me in the eye. He wasn’t entirely out of my influence. Whatever he took has a shelf life.”
Gaby glanced at the door and then whispered, “So the name Steele doesn’t ring a bell?”
“Yes and no. All I know is we need to leave, now.”
“You want to skip meeting him to learn more?”
“Yes. I sense danger.”
“Like the man who might have created you?”
“No, like a man who hunts werewolves.”
“So why not kill you right away?”
He scoffed. “I’m not easy to kill, but maybe he wants information from me before he cuts my head off and turns me into a wall mount.”
Gaby needed to get him out. “I have an idea. I’ll excuse myself and you can escort me back to my place.”
“I doubt they’ll allow it, but why don’t you go?” He half-growled. “Things might get messy.”
Code for he planned on a werewolf killing rampage. “Okay.”
Kane rubbed his brow. “Fuck, my head hurts.”
“Just now?”
“Since squeezing my brain to recall the name, Steele.”
As they turned to leave, Avery entered. “Thank you for waiting. This is just as good a spot to talk privately as any.”
Gaby’s pulse quickened. “Now?”
“Yes, my dear. In fact, why don’t you stay?”
“Gaby, better you go,” said Kane.
“Prince Steele, I prefer she remain.” Avery drawled. He took out a device that looked like a remote.
Gaby gaped. Prince? Was that his first name or his title?
Kane growled at Avery. His razor fangs emerged. Suddenly, he pressed his ears with his hands and howled in agony, before crashing to the ground. His screams ended. Unconscious.
She knelt by his side. “Kane!”
Avery pushed her aside and injected a drug into Kane’s neck.
She yelled. “No!”
Giles charged in. “Good. Are you sure he’s out?”
Avery smiled. “I gave him enough to knock him out for twelve hours.”
Gaby gave Giles an incredulous look. “What is going on?”
Avery smiled. “Once I treat him with truth serum, we’ll know if this memory loss is a game or not.”
Giles ordered the two guards. “Take him to the treatment room.”
Euphemism for torture room. “I’ll come with him.” She could only imagine the torment Kane would endure. “I might be needed.”
Giles barked, “Go back to your quarters.”
Chapter 7
The gray wolf ran as fast as possible through the snow as the hunters shot at him with high power rifles from the helicopter. Behind him, strewn bodies of other dead wolves painted the white snow red with blood. The wolf dodged bullet after bullet. His tongue lolled out from exhaustion. Up ahead, on a mountain ridge surrounded by a forest, stood a castle. Instinct drove him to it. If he reached the castle, he’d survive.
The helicopter landed and men bolted out.
On foot, they’d never catch up. The wolf stopped to catch his breath. His tracks would lead them to the castle. They did not just hunt him, but those in the castle as well.
