He sighed. “Nobody ever knew a 'song maiden' existed before. How are they going to use her gifts? We just don't know what she is capable of or what she has done in the past.” He stood up and started to pace nervously. “What about our pack? What if he is telling the truth and she killed a wolf? I've let a murderer into our village. The safety of our people comes first! We really don't know what she wants or what kind of plans she has.”
Miriah thought for a few minutes then took another drink of her coffee before staring into the caramel colored depths. “She is a part of our pack also, Jeff. What's more, she's a part of your son's life. She's his mate and I think that gives her the right to be heard. In the past months since she came to our village, she has taken nothing from anyone, instead giving of herself in everything she does. She works at the bakery and we have to practically beg her to take a salary, which she then uses to buy toys and candy for the pups. I dare you to find one person in this entire pack who thinks ill of her.“ She stood and moved over to him placing a hand on his shoulder. Gently, she rubbed the knotted muscle before leaning in and kissing it tenderly. “Do you know that Carson told me she didn't want the pack to pay for her surgery? She could have taken that for herself, could have had the one thing she wanted the most and she didn't because she didn't want to cause a burden on our village. Dr. Findricks is doing the procedure through a non-profit organization and even then, she almost wouldn't accept it. Does that sound like someone who 'wants something'? Do you really think she has some sort of 'plans'? I hesitate to even mention about her voice. If she is as strong and as powerful as Gretchen thinks she is, how come she hasn't used that power to get rid of Simon. If she is capable of killing one wolf, what's to stop her killing another? I'm sorry, but I don't trust Simon Winstead and until I have irrefutable proof, I choose to believe the future mother of our grandchildren.”
He sighed and scrubbed his hand over the five o'clock shadow of his chin. “You're right, of course. We owe it to her and Cayson to at least see what she has to say.”
“Who has to say what about what? Are you talking about Zandria?”
They turned and Miriah went to her son and hugged him gently. “Have you had dinner yet?” She asked softly. “I can fix you something real quick. I have some left-over chicken from supper last night and some spaghetti from lunch. It wouldn't take but just a minute to heat it up for you.”
He growled and took a step back, his emerald eyes narrowed and his face was closed and flushed an angry red. “No, Mother,” he shook his head, “I'm not very hungry at the moment; at least not hungry for food.” He waved a piece of paper at them. “Care to tell me who Simon is and why his appearance has caused my mate to leave?”
“She's gone?” Jeff placed the cup on the table and stood up. “When?”
“I saw her less than an hour ago. She claimed she had a headache and wanted to lay down. Like a fool I left. I should have known something was up when her door was locked. I felt something was wrong and went to see about her just now. Her cottage is empty and I found a note,” he threw himself into the chair and put his head in his hands. “I have to find her. I can't live without her. This last week has been...” He sighed and shook his head. “I won't live without her, and I won't stop until I find her.”
Miriah looked at the two men in her life. “We'll find her.” She smiled wanly at him. “We'll get your mate back.” She looked at Jeff, her eyes narrowing in a no nonsense manner. “Won't we, Alpha?"
SIX
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“Hello, I'm Larry Rogers. I believe you know my mate, Veronica. These are our three daughters, Willow, Valarie and little Alexandria.” He shook the pack alpha's hand warmly. “Thank you for seeing us.”
“Nice to meet you, Larry. I'm Simon Winstead. Please have a seat.” He motioned to the chair and took one next to it. Veronica and her three girls squeezed into the small sofa that sat against the wall. The man's cold eyes glanced at them before settling back on Larry's face. “Adam told me a bit about what happened in your old pack. I'm not sure I really understand what he was saying. If you would, please explain?” His eyebrow arched slightly.
“Well, Alpha Winstead, that's the thing - we aren't really sure ourselves. The best that we can get is that Zandria was playing in the field when something happened and three boys disappeared. Tammy, a little girl that was there, said the boys were teasing her because she was born human and one of them tripped her. She screamed at him and...” He began to twist his hands in his lap, licking his lips. “This is the part we don't really understand. She screamed and Tammy said the three boys just vanished into thin air.” He let a nervous little laugh escape. “We searched for the boys for days but there was not a trace of them found. It's silly, of course, to think an eight year old child could make people disappear just by yelling at them, but the entire circumstance made it difficult to stay there. I called Veronica's father and asked him to speak to you about us, and here we are.”
Simon's eyes fell again on Zandria as he rubbed his chin. She bit her lip, hugged her stuffed bunny tighter to her chest and pressed against Veronica's side. Finally, he turned back to Larry and nodded. “I don't believe in such utter garbage. Children disappear but not because someone yelled at them – well not mysteriously. I'm sure they are hiding and think this whole thing is some great joke.” He gave them a smile that failed to reach his eyes. “As Adam's family, you are welcome here, of course. There's a house four doors down from his that should be sufficient for your family. It's only three bedrooms but I think it would be comfortable.” He stood up and shook Larry's hand again. “Welcome to Leeco Pack.”
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Zandria blinked her eyes and yawned. Putting her hand up against the back of her neck, she grimaced and rubbed the kink, trying to loosen it. Sleeping with her head on the table was not a good idea after all.
“Hey there, did you enjoy your nap?”
She nodded and stretched. “Yes, thank you. I didn't realize how tired I was.”
The woman reached into the small refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of water, opening it and setting it on the rv's bench style table. Zandria smiled gratefully and took a drink of it. “Thank you again, Mrs. Lawrence.”
“Honey, I told you call me Carol. By the way, Hank says we are almost at the turn off for Pigeon Forge.” She smiled at the girl and patted her hand gently. “You sure you don't need to stay with us a few days until you can get in touch with your family?”
Zandria shook her head. “No, ma’am, but thank you very much for all you've done. I'm sure my uncle will be home soon and he'll come get me.”
“Well okay then, honey. I just worry about a sweet little girl like you all alone in this big bad world. You remind me so much of my granddaughter, Michelle. She is about your age.” Carol pulled a picture off the wall and rubbed it with her hip before handing it over. The RV was absolutely immaculate and Zandria seriously doubted even one speck of dust had rested on the frame. Still, she took the picture and looked at it.
“That's our boy, Joe, his wife Angie, beside her is our eldest grandson Charles, Betsy Lou and that smallest one is Michelle. That was taken at the lake three... no, four years ago. It was Hank's birthday bar-b-que.”
The family posed together, happy and carefree. Joe had his arm around his wife's waist and she leaned against his shoulder, one hand placed casually on his chest. Charles stood beside his mother, arms crossed over his chest and a nonchalant look on his face as if he didn't much care to have his photo taken. Betsy and Michelle were carbon copies of their mother complete with round faces, big hazel eyes, long light brown hair and huge happy smiles. Zandria felt a pang of sorrow; she hadn’t seen her own family in so long and missed them terribly. Before she became all emotional, she handed the photograph back. “It's a beautiful family.”
Carol nodded with a huge smile then replaced it on the wall before sitting down across from her. “This uncle
you called, are you sure he'll be able to come get you? I worry about you being out here all alone.”
“Yes, ma'am, I'm sure. Uncle Mark will come get me as soon as he gets the message.”
The rv turned sharply and slowed to a stop. Zandria looked out the window and turned back. “This is my exit. Thank you and Mr. Lawrence so much for taking me this far.” She picked her backpack up and slid it on her back, wiggling it until it settled comfortably between her shoulder blades. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a twenty and placed it on the table.
Carol picked the bill up and stuffed it back in Zandria's hand. “Oh no, it's our Christian duty to serve when we can, Valarie. You may need that money before your uncle gets here.”
Zandria gave the woman a hug, followed by another to her husband, Hank. “Thank you both again for the ride. I really appreciate it.” She went to the door and turned the handle before slipping out.
They watched her go. “Didn't she tell us her uncle's name was Mike?” Hank asked as they watched her cross the parking lot towards the truck stop.
She nodded and slid her arm around her husband's waist. “Yes she did. I don't know what she's running from but I just pray she makes it where she’s going.” She hugged him then with a sigh turned back towards the little kitchen. “You want some coffee before we go or can you wait?”
Hank squeezed his wife again and kissed her shoulder. “I can wait, the campground is just a few miles from here. And just so you know, I saw you slip that money in her backpack while she slept. You're a softly, Carol.” He grinned at her and nuzzled against her cheek. “One of the many things I love about you.”
She shrugged. “Child has enough on her plate without having to worry about where her next meal is coming from.” She patted his hand tenderly. “Come on, let's go. Joe called and said he's already there and has the site next to theirs reserved for us.”
He nodded and kissed her on the cheek. Climbing into the pilot seat again, he put the rig in gear and moved out of the parking lot. Carol watched the girl out the window until she couldn't see her any longer. “Good luck, Valarie or whoever you really are,” she mumbled then joined her husband in the front of the vehicle, buckling herself in the co-pilot seat and settling in.
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The knock on the door of room 228 echoed down the hallway of Rocky Bluff's best hotel. Unlike the fancier hotels in larger cities like Roanoke, Sammy's Sleep Inn was a little worn and dated, but at least clean. Cayson shuffled his feet against the burgundy carpet and stuck his hands in his back pockets. Inside, his wolf was growling and pacing the confines of his invisible cage. Normally, Cay let the beast have more freedom, but today he kept a tight hold on him because Simon Winstead had answers to a lot of questions concerning Zandria; answers that he needed. He had to find his mate and if that meant playing nicely with a wolf that his father didn't like or trust, then he would be nice - for now.
The door opened and Simon moved back out of the way. “Come in, Alpha Hennison.” He intoned smoothly with a wave into the room. Cayson's beast growled and he again pushed him down. Father was right, this man couldn't be trusted. Opening his emotional shields just a bit, he probed the man and then pulled back in revulsion. He longed to run take a shower, physically and mentally. This man wasn't just untrustworthy, he was completely vile.
Jeff walked through the door followed by his son and son-in-law. He stopped when the door closed and motioned to the others. “This is Chase Blackston, my beta, and Cayson Hennison, my son. Chase and Cay, this is Alpha Simon Winstead of Leeco Pack, Mississippi.” The three shook hands and Jeff relaxed marginally when Cayson showed no sign of the fury that had almost consumed him since discovering his mate was missing. He did, however, notice a pinched look around his eyes. Cay was on edge and that, in turn, put Jeff on guard.
“Pleased to meet you. Come in and make yourself comfortable.” Simon waved to the little sitting room. Taking a seat he motioned towards the table. “I have taken the liberty of getting some drinks; help yourselves.”
Chase picked up a diet soda and popped the top, taking a long drink as Jeff did the same. Cayson, however, sat quietly and watched them.
“You said you had some news about my search?” Simon's eyebrow rose quizzically.
Jeff glanced over at Cayson who sat in the chair, no emotion showing on his face. To the casual observer, he looked unaffected by the company they were in. Jeff knew better and made a mental note to discuss his thoughts after they left. Knowing the amount of control that it took for his son to sit passively by, Jeff again scoffed at the assumption that Cayson was weak. The amount of strength he was exhibiting was monumental. Any other man or wolf facing someone who was so obviously a threat to his mate wouldn't show such poise. Returning his gaze to Simon Jeff slowly nodded. “Yes we do. But before we tell you what we know, I want to know exactly what she supposedly did. Not that I doubt your word, Simon, but there are quite a few questions that I would like answered.”
The other alpha's eyes narrowed. “I'll answer best I can. You understand I'm not exactly comfortable in this situation. Normally, I'm the one demanding answers, not giving into others' demands.”
Jeff pursed his lips and nodded slowly. “I understand very well that alphas don't like to be questioned. However, we also protect our people. If you have information that may impact the safety and well being of my pack, I need to know about it. Now, you said this girl, Alexandria, killed one of your wolves?” Beside him, Cayson's knuckles tightened marginally.
Simon sat back in the chair and steepled his fingers and glared at the other alpha a moment. “Very well, I'll tell you what I know about her and this entire messy situation. About ten years ago, one of the older members of my pack, Adam Benson, came to me and told me his daughter and family was being kicked out of their pack. I knew Veronica from when she was a member of Leeco before moving to be with her mate, Larry Rogers, so I agreed to talk to them. A couple of days later, they showed up in my lands and proceeded to tell me how they had been kicked from their pack. It involved an incident with their youngest daughter who was about eight years old at the time. She had been bullied by a group of pups and they disappeared shortly after. An eye witness swore that she had just screamed at them and they vanished. It was garbage, of course, but when the boys weren't found after several days, the family was asked to leave. I took them in and the whole incident was forgotten until last year.”
“What happened then?” Chase asked taking another drink from the soda can.
Simon's eyes darkened slightly and he drew a deep breath, bracing himself for the rest of the story. “Alexandria was always a bit of an odd fish. She rarely spoke, had no friends and stayed to herself. I thought it was because of her eyesight. You see, when she first came to Leeco, her sight was failing and within a few years it was all but completely gone. I felt sorry for her and encouraged the other female pups her age to try and befriend her.”
“And?” Jeff nudged gently.
“On August sixth, three of them, Diana, Laura and Shelby talked her into going out with them to the Tupelo, for shopping. Diana called me frantic saying that there had been some sort of an accident in which Laura had gotten hurt. By the time I got there, she was dead, my only daughter was gone.” He took several calming breaths then his face hardened again, the fleeting moment of pain quickly covered. “After talking to Diana and Shelby, they said Alexandria pushed Laura out in front of a car.”
Chase's head snapped up. “She did what? I'm sorry but I find that very hard to believe.”
The calm veneer slipped momentarily. “I, myself, talked to the girls. They were upset but adamant that she pushed my baby in the path of an oncoming car. When I talked to Zandria, she denied it. She gave some cock and bull story about Laura stumbling into traffic. It's all a lie of course.”
Cayson's eyes had started to glow as he listened to the accounting. Quietly, he asked the question that they were all thinking. “What happened
to Zandria then?” He barely contained his beast that was shredding his inner mind. He wrestled his wolf into control and took several cleansing breaths.
Simon fidgeted nervously a moment and cleared his throat. “Ah, well she didn't want to talk about it at first, but after some persuasion she finally gave us her side of the story. Then one day, she just disappeared. One moment she was in lockup, the next the still locked room was empty.” Simon finished, spreading his hands, “I suspect one of her family members let her go. They, of course, deny it. They never admitted anything.”
Jeff nodded and looked at his son out of the corner of his eyes, checking to see how he was handling the situation. He almost didn't let Cayson come with them, but Zandria was his mate and he deserved to know. He looked calm and collected; even more so than he, himself was feeling.
Chase sat the empty can on the table and asked, “What about her family? Where are they now?”
“We have interviewed them but they seemed to have no clue where their daughter is. I don't believe them of course, nobody can just disappear out of a locked room without help.” Simon's tone had taken on a harshness that was mirrored by the lines around his eyes and mouth. “I will have justice. Laura will have justice.”
Jeff grumbled. “I see and I understand why you feel that way, but you didn't answer the question, where's the rest of her family now?"
Simon's eyes hardened even more. "I fail to see where that is any of your business, Alpha Hennison. My pack is my business."
Jeff's eyes narrowed. "Zandria's been in our pack for several months, making her my business.”
Simon stood up, outrage radiating from every pore. “Why didn't you tell me this yesterday? Take me to her, right now. Of all the stupid asinine things, I was right there and you couldn't even tell me?” He started towards the door.
Cayson stood and intercepted him. Looking the alpha straight in the eyes, he spoke. “First off, she was in the village but she unexpectedly left last night. Second, I don't know what all happened and all I've heard is your side of things. When we find her, we will hear her side as well before we decide what to do. Lastly, I would like to remind you that you may be an alpha, but you are in our territory. A little politeness goes a long way when dealing with others.” Cayson took a step forward and it was all Simon could do to stop from backing away – an action that would be interpreted as acknowledging Cayson as the more dominate one. Jeff saw it and hid the grin that threatened to split his face. “Son.” He spoke softly.
Broken Melody (Luna's Children) Page 6
