“Hannah!” he yelled again as he wandered through the ground floor.
Finally, he checked the bathroom, expecting her to be there, like before but it was empty. He stood in the bathroom, the calm and cool exterior quickly fading: panic began seeping in. He called her phone – it went straight to voicemail. He growled low in his throat and began to walk through the house again searching for something, anything.
Once he’d searched the house twice over, he went into the kitchen to began to look for clues. He found a note saying she was going to the store. He tried to reassure himself, kept telling himself she was at the store and she was fine. But the funny feeling intensified, he knew there was probably more to it. He took several calming breathes in through his nose and out through his mouth. Then he went to get a beer to calm his nerves. He drank a beer and then another one as he watched a stupid reality show about hunting and gathering. He waited for her and slowly as darkness fell, his panic began to pick up again. He drummed his fingers on the chair impatiently, giving up watching TV entirely, instead, he now was watching the door, trying to will it to open. He looked over at the clock every few minutes and slowly fifteen minutes went by, then thirty, followed by an hour.
When nine o’clock hit he began to search the house again this time for clues. The house was pretty much how he’d left it this morning, but he noticed the bedroom was not. He wasn’t sure how he’d missed it before, but a suitcase was missing, as were some of her clothes. He sat on the bed frozen in fear as to what had happened to her. He tried calling her again, but like before it went to voicemail.
He closed his eyes and took several calming breaths. He needed to think clearly through the haze of fear that engulfed him. As he sat trying to calm down, he smelled something odd. A wet, woodsy, dog type smell. A scent he’d only smelled in the mansion the few times he had been there. He realized with an icy cold feeling that someone had been in his house. Someone who was from the werewolf mansion. Someone who probably took Hannah.
*
Cas paced the length of the bedroom in fury. He was trying to concoct a plan to find Hannah, but so far, he hadn’t come up with one. He wasn’t sure what to do since he’d never been in this type of situation. The only thing he was sure of, was he wanted Hannah back and he wanted her now. He had, had to restrain himself so he wouldn’t destroy most of the house in a fit of rage. He was so unbelievably angry that he had even talked to the werewolf pack. He should have listened to his gut and not gone near them. He kept dwelling on that simple fact: that if he hadn’t of listened to Hannah, she wouldn’t be in this predicament now. He shouldn’t have even asked her about it and instead, concentrated on the fact that Ashley was giving him moon eyes. He growled low in the back of his throat, his anger threatening to come over him again. He took several deep breaths to try and calm himself, but all he could smell was that scent. He closed his eyes and envisioned Hannah so he could try to calm down. He pictured her and the baby smiling at him and as if by magic, his anger had evaporated and he had a clear mind to try and figure out a way to find them.
After much contemplation he decided to take the upfront route and just confront Brian and Ashley about the situation. He knew they probably would deny it, or, at the very least, tell him he was crazy, but he wanted to try before thinking of something else. Perhaps, it was a misunderstanding and they felt Hannah was threatening to the pack or something. Or maybe they didn’t like interspecies relationships. Cas didn’t know and didn’t care. He just wanted the mother of his future child back and was willing to do whatever was necessary. That included going into a crazy pack of werewolves to confront the leader. Cas made up his mind. He went to grab his jacket, keys and phone before leaving the house, his mind on only one thing: Hannah.
Cas arrived in front of the mansion in record time. He had sped the entire way there, his mind reeling with possible scenarios. Regardless, by the time he was outside the mansion, he was ready for a fight. He stalked up to the front door and, without knocking, burst into the building and looked around as if waiting to see if Hannah would just pop out of a room.
“Cas.” Ashley said, feigning surprise. “What are you doing here?” she asked.
Not amused by her antics, he looked at her with narrow eyes.
“I need to talk to Brian.” He said trying desperately to keep his anger inside. He didn’t want her to know just yet that he was angry. He wanted to see if he could get some information from her before he lashed out. Try as he might, however, rage still seeped into his tone and the statement came out more like a bark.
Ashley cocked her head, “Oh…I’m not sure where he is.” She said.
“You don’t…” Cas trailed off eyeing her through angry eyes but she simply shrugged with a small smile appearing on her face. “Would you like anything? Coffee? Tea? Something stronger perhaps?” she asked, the smile widening towards him.
Cas scowled, “I’d really just like to speak to your brother.” He said looking towards the main area of the mansion.
Her smile faded quickly and turned into a scowl. “Fine. I’ll take you to him.” She said, anger lacing her voice.
Cas raised an eyebrow, “I thought you said you didn’t know where he was.”
She huffed in response. “Maybe I wanted to get you all by your lonesome.”
He scoffed, disgusted by her reply. “That’s not such a good idea, Ashley.” He said disinterestedly.
She whipped around, her face mere inches from his own. He took a step back surprised by the sudden move. “Why not? Why is it so hard to believe that I might want us to be alone? Maybe, I don’t know, I like you!” she said heatedly.
“I’m with someone.” He didn’t really wanting to have this discussion when he could be talking to her brother about his beloved’s possible kidnapping. His gaze traveled back into the main area, hoping to get a glimpse or a clue of something.
“Yes, the human.” She said disdainfully.
Cas’s eyes shot down to her, surprised by her tone. Except, when he thought about the situation more, and the jealous emotion in Ashley’s eyes, the entire scenario made sense. Did Ashley make this whole plan just to get with him? Did Ashley want Hannah out of the way to be with him instead? Was Hannah’s humanity that much of an issue with the pack? Or did Ashley just desire him? Cas’s head exploded with questions: Why? What? How? Who? Why!? He didn’t understand anything and it was fueling his rage. Hannah had only been polite to the werewolves. She’d had conversation with them. She was nice and wholesome. He didn’t understand why they’d take her. He needed to know.
“Please take me to your brother.” Cas said, without taking his eyes off the the main part of the mansion.
Ashley rolled her eyes dramatically but led him through the mansion, much as she’d done before. They finally came to the usual room Brian was in, to find two men and a woman talking amongst themselves. Ashley turned around to look at Cas with a falsely apologetic look on her face. “I guess Brian’s not here.” Ashley said, trying to look sad.
Cas smirked, “I guess I’ll wait then.” He said, before going over to sit in the usual seat Brian occupied.
Everyone looked at him with surprise and disdain before slowly going back to whispering amongst themselves.
“Can I ask what this impromptu visit pertains to?” Ashley asked, after some time.
“A personal matter.” Cas said vaguely.
“A personal matter?” Ashley asked, titling her head.
Cas nodded, his anger boiling just below the surface. He would love more than anything to reach across and rip out her throat. But for the time being, he needed her and the knowledge she possessed.
“What kind of personal matter?” she asked, annoyed that she kept having to pull the information from him instead of him volunteering it.
“A personal one.” Cas said, knowing he was getting under her nerves. He threw her a smirk and settled further into the chair. The three other occupants watched the exchange in shock.
“Int
eresting.” Ashley said, moving closer.
Cas smirked, his face was guarded enough that he knew she wouldn’t see the anger. Only people who really knew him would see what lay just below the surface; Hannah would see the anger below.
“Not so much.” Cas disagreed.
Ashley frowned. “You know, we’re a pack we share everything! So I really think--“
“Hannah’s gone missing and I need help finding her.” Cas finally said cutting Ashley off.
Ashley reeled back, looking over his chair and at the other three werewolves in the room. Then, without warning Brian came into the parlor.
“Well, this is a pleasant surprise.” Brian said, rubbing his hands together. “I’m glad you’ve decided to join us.” Brian added, looking around the room in glee.
“I haven’t. My girlfriend seems to have gone missing though. I wanted to know if you knew anything about it.” Cas said, bravely standing up and going toe-to-toe with the pack leader.
“Know of it…why would we?” Brian asked innocently.
“I just wanted to know if there was a reason…Or perhaps there is a threat in the area? Anything useful would be helpful. She’s pregnant. I don’t want her to get hurt.” Cas said, watching Brian carefully.
Brian looked over at Ashley and the three others. “I’m not aware of a threat nor do I know anything. Do any of you?”
Everyone shook their heads.
Brian looked back at Cas and gave him a bright smile. “Sorry. No. Would you like to stay for dinner? Ashley cooked.”
“No thanks. I should start alerting the police.” Cas said allowing worry to infiltrate his voice. He could tell they were lying.
“Oh. I see.” Brian said apologetically. “Well I wish you luck and if you—“ Brian paused his face lighting up with an idea. “You know…could she have…well, run off?” Brian asked, tilting his head much like his sister does.
“Run off?” Cas asked disbelievingly.
“Yes, I mean. You’re a werewolf, she’s a human. Perhaps she got scared? Perhaps she didn’t want to commit? I don’t know why people leave, but maybe she did and alerting the police would be a waste. Obviously, if she left, she doesn’t want to be found.” Brian said watching Cas.
Cas stared at Brian in disbelief and anger. “Run off…I don’t think she’d just…run off.” He said slowly, as if he was speaking to a child.
Brian shrugged, “You never know. It’s always a possibility. I mean, it must be hard being with a werewolf, especially, if she was pregnant. Your child would be an abomination.”
Before anyone could blink, Cas’s anger had slipped and he rushed towards Brian pinning him against the wall with his hand around his throat. Everyone rushed forward but the closer they got, the more Cas’s grip tightened.
“I will kill you if you ever say that ever again.” Cas whispered, his voice unable to go louder because of all his pent up anger.
Brian choked loudly and Genevieve let out a cry.
“Don’t call my child an abomination. Hannah didn’t leave me. She’s…somewhere out there.” Cas said loosening his grip and stepping away from Brian.
“My apologies.” Brian rasped, rubbing his throat.
Cas sighed and looked away. “I’m just a little on edge.”
“Understandably.” Brian said looking over at his sister.
“Perhaps it would be best if you did go home.” Brian added.
Cas shook his head, a plan already forming in his mind. “Actually I’d like to stay, if possible. Could I still join you for dinner?” Cas asked looking at Brian, then Ashley. “I apologize for my behavior, but I really don’t want to be alone right now.”
Brian and Ashley exchanged looks.
“Of course.” Brian said, as they left the room to go eat dinner. Cas smiled to himself, the plan already in motion.
“So does this mean you are joining our pack?” Ashley asked, as he followed them. She bit her lip to keep a smile from forming on her face. Brian glanced at his sister and rolled his eyes at her expression.
“I suppose I don’t have much choice.” Cas said quietly, his mind wandering back to Hannah. He figured joining them was the only way to get her back, but that didn’t mean he was happy about it.
“Great!” Ashley said, throwing a grin at him.
Cas gave her a restrained smile back as everyone began to gather at the table. He kept his eyes alert and he stretched his senses out, hoping for a clue. All he could concentrate on was his mission. He swore to himself he would get her back if it was the last thing he did.
*
Several days had passed since Hannah had gone missing. Cas was yearning for her terribly. If he was unsure about his feelings for her before, he knew it wasn’t the case now. He craved to feel her beside him at night and he wished that he could just comfort her and tell her that he loved her. At night, he either couldn’t sleep or he had nightmares about what was happening to her. He just wanted to make sure she was OK and that the baby was fine. As time progressed, it was becoming more and more difficult to pretend to care about the pack and Ashley. Ashley continuously threw herself at him and frankly he was disgusted and tired of her antics. He wanted to ask her dozens of questions in regards to Hannah, but he always had to hold himself back, afraid they would see his ultimate goal.
Eventually Ashley asked him if he’d like to have dinner. He took note that it wasn’t even a week since Hannah had been kidnapped. He accepted fighting disgust, but ultimately he knew that she would know the most information and therefore would be of much use. He hesitantly invited her to eat at his house, instead of going out like she had suggested. He wanted to gain as much information he could and the best place to do that, would be at his house, just the two of them.
Cas had ordered some food, not really wanting to cook for her. He set the table and lit some candles. He tided the house a little and then turned on some music to make the atmosphere more alluring. At that exact moment, Ashley arrived.
“Good evening.” He purred while letting her in.
She smiled seductively at him.
“You’ve a nice house.” Ashley said, smiling over at him.
Cas nodded. “Thanks. I like it.” He said, taking her coat and putting it on a chair. He led her further into the dining room and over to the table.
“I got Chinese, I hope you don’t mine.” Cas said smiling at her.
Ashley giggled and smiled back. “Not at all! I love Chinese!” she gushed sitting down.
Cas sat across from her, repeating Hannah’s name over and over in his head.
“So how’s everything going?” Ashley asked, tentatively, helping herself to some food.
“It’s alright.” He said dismissively.
“And without…Hannah? How are you coping?” she asked, with a sympathetic expression on her face.
He sighed and looked away, reminding himself to keep his anger in check. “It’s…hard but I’m dealing.” He said vaguely.
“I’m sorry.”
“Thanks.”
They began to eat their meals, conversation wasn’t really flowing.
“How’s work?” she asked.
“It’s good.” He said, then reminded himself he should really be trying for Hannah’s sake. If Ashley didn’t have fun, she was less likely to let something slip. He poured some wine for them and then smiled charmingly at her.
“So where do you work?” he asked.
“Oh! I work at the supermarket.” She said.
“Do you like it?”
“Oh yes! My friend works there with me, so we get to spend a lot of time with each other.” Ashley said.
“Cool. What else do you do?” Cas asked, needing the conversation to continue for his sake at least.
Ashley grinned and began to tell him everything that had to do with her life. He was beyond bored but if she kept talking, maybe she wouldn’t notice.
“…you think?” Ashley asked, bringing Cas back to the present.
“What?” he ask
ed snapping his head up to look at her. He had been day dreaming about a holiday Hannah and he had taken a few months ago.
“I asked you what you thought about the pack so far.” She repeated, annoyed that he hadn’t been paying attention to her.
“Oh! Uh…yeah.” He paused, sipping on his wine. “Sorry, I just found myself... well, you look great tonight.” Cas paused to try to smile sincerely, apologetically. Then, he lifted his glass of wine, saying “Let’s talk more about you.” he was leaning closer towards her.
She giggled, “Oh! Well what do you wanna talk about?” she asked flustered.
“Your hopes, dreams, everything that you want. Your future, your past. Anything you’re willing to give.” He hoped his lies sounded better coming out of his mouth than his ears.
“My future…my past…God…I—I don’t really know what I want out of life honestly. I mean, I wanna get married and have kids, of course. I want to come to terms with what I am. I want to be…I guess I wanna be normal.” She said quietly, not wanting to look at him. “I mean don’t get me wrong I love what I am, but sometimes it would be nice to live a normal existence, you know? Maybe a life where I can be chosen first or not have to form plots against…” she trailed off not wanting to say too much. She looked up hesitantly at him and he smiled back, encouraging her to say more.
“Please tell me more.” He said, staring at her with heartfelt eyes.
She blushed, “ I mean I like my life! It’s so fun and full of so many different experiences, but I just want to have a normal job and life. I want a man who wants me for me and not what my brother could offer or just sees me as a good breeder. I just want more.” She mumbled.
“You could have that you know.”
She shrugged, “Not with Brian I can’t. Brian always has an agenda. He always has a plan or plot against someone. I mean, when I met you and brought you up he was so…interested in what you could bring to the table. He just collects people he doesn’t actually look deeper into the person and see them as a person instead of a thing.” She blurted out. Then she covered her mouth and widened her eyes. “I didn’t mean that! I mean, that he should get to know people more instead of what he does and just ignores…I mean, he uses people and I just should stop talking.” She said embarrassed at her own revelations. She cursed under her breath and shook her head in anger and tried again, “I didn’t mean that. My brother is a wonderful person. Sometimes he just doesn’t see the world around him and instead focuses on what you can do. Like with you! You’re a doctor and he thinks you can help us.” Ashley pleased she salvaged the situation.
Seduced by Doctor Wolf (BBW Paranormal Werewolf Romance) Page 5
