“Ray, wait,” Zack yelled.
Ignoring him, Ray raced up the steps and into the house. For a moment, he froze, trying to get a feel for the place. Then, he heard a groan coming from the living room. Disregarding everything he’d learned as a police officer, he rushed into the room. “Oh, my God.” He hurried over and knelt next to Kati’s body. Carefully, he felt for the pulse in her neck and breathed a sigh of relief when felt the strong, steady beat. “What the hell happened here?” he whispered.
“What the devil happened here?” asked Synia.
Ray moved back to allow Latan and Synia to kneel beside their mate. “You shouldn’t move her too much. Somebody should call for an ambulance.” He got to his feet. “Where the hell is Rennia?” Moving quickly, he searched the other rooms of the house and found nothing. Returning to the living room, he frowned. “Has anyone called for an ambulance?”
“Be patient, bro,” said Zack. “We’re waiting on Aurelia.”
“Damn it,” Ray cursed. “Don’t screw around. She’s got multiple injuries that include at least one compound fracture and a pretty good-size puncture wound from that wood. She’s lost a lot of blood. She’ll most likely need surgery to make things right. The longer you wait, the less chance she has for a full recovery. And we need to find out where Rennia is.”
Zack stood and walked over to lay his hand on Ray’s arm. “Not to worry, Ray. I promise. Aurelia can take care of this.”
“How—” Ray turned when Aurelia rushed through the door.
Zack hugged his mate close. “I’m so glad you didn’t come with Kati. See what you can do for her, love.”
“I’ll fix her up. Where’s Rennia? Is she hurt as well?” Zack shook his head lightly, and Aurelia bit her lip. “One thing at a time. I’ll see what I can do and maybe Kati can tell us what happened.”
Ray watched as the young woman went to kneel on the floor beside Kati’s head. She nodded at Synia and Kinnith, and then placed both her hands on Kati’s cheeks. “You need to move back, guys. Trust me. I won’t let anything happen to your mate. Just keep watch and don’t let anyone disturb me before I’m done.”
Synia nodded. “Do what you can, Aurelia. We can’t lose her.”
Ray turned when Remus walked through the front door. “I checked the perimeters of the property after I dropped Aurelia off. I can’t pick up any scents that don’t belong. Did you sense anything when you first arrived?”
“No, nothing,” Zack said. “But we haven’t really searched the property yet. We found Kati this way and nobody wanted to leave her alone.”
“And Rennia?” asked Remus.
Zack sighed. “No sign of her. We’re hoping Kati can tell us what happened.”
Ray turned to watch Aurelia. She had moved to rest on her knees behind Kati’s head. Both hands still cupped the sides of his sister’s face. Aurelia’s eyes were closed, her head thrown back, and she appeared to be praying. His breath caught when an orange glow began to form around her head and shoulders. As he watched, the glow traveled slowly down her arms and into her fingers. When the light reached the skin of Kati’s face she gasped for breath and then opened her eyes. She looked to be in some kind of trance, but didn’t appear to be in any pain.
“Holy shit!” Ray had started to move closer when Remus’s arm stopped his progress.
“You can’t interrupt her,” Remus whispered. “She needs to finish.”
Ray nodded and went back to watching the miracle before him. If anyone had described this he would have called them a liar or delusional. Her visible wounds began to close slowly, the jagged edges knitting together like nothing had ever happened. After several minutes, Aurelia took a deep breath and then fell backward where Zack waited to catch her in his arms. He pressed a kiss against her forehead and laid her gently on the couch.
Zack looked up at Remus. “She’ll be out for a couple of hours at least.”
Ray moved closer as Remus, Kinnith, and Synia knelt beside Kati. Now, his sister was conscious.
“They took her, Remus.” Kati sobbed. “They took Rennia. I couldn’t stop them.”
Ray growled. “Who took her?”
Remus shot him a look and then turned his attention back to Kati. “Tell us what happened, girl.”
She struggled to sit up, leaning back against Kinnith’s body. “Three men broke into the house. Two of them went for Rennia while one came after me.”
“Did Rennia shift to fight them?” asked Remus.
Kati shook her head. “There wasn’t time. They tackled her to the ground, and one of them pulled out a syringe and shot her with something. It looked like it knocked her out almost immediately.”
“How is that possible?” asked Ray. “I thought her animal side could overcome anything that was thrown at her.”
Zack snorted. “Don’t be an ass, Ray. The shifters are just as vulnerable as humans, just in different ways. And it depends on what was in the syringe.”
Remus got to his feet. “What happened after they injected Rennia?”
“They carried her out the door while I was fighting with the third guy. I nearly got the best of him twice, but I lost the advantage when the coffee table broke. The piece of wood that went through my arm took all the fight out of me.”
Zack ran his hand across her head, smoothing her hair back from her face. “You should be okay now, maybe just a little tired. We’ve learned that Aurelia’s power doesn’t let go until the patient is out of danger. She wouldn’t have passed out if there was more healing to be done.”
“What are we gonna do about Rennia?” asked Ray. “We have to find her.”
“We’re going to find her,” said Remus. “But we’re going to need some help. I’ve already searched outside and these guys, whoever or whatever they are, didn’t leave any scent to track. It’s going to be more difficult to find them. How long have they been gone?”
Kati glanced at the clock. “It’s been almost two hours.”
“Damn!” Zack cursed. “They could be anywhere by now.”
“I don’t think so,” said Remus. “If what they gave her left her unconscious, they’re limited to where they can take her and feel safe. They’re going to have to stay close until she’s conscious.”
“You can’t track them unless you can smell them?” Ray ran his fingers through his hair.
“No, that’s not what I said.” Remus walked to the front door and peered out. “We can scent Rennia and track her that way. We just can’t scent the assholes that took her.”
Ray moved toward the door. “Then let’s track them the old-fashioned way. They had to leave here on foot, or by car. Let’s check the yard to see what we can find. I can’t just sit here. The longer we wait the further away they can get.”
Remus pulled out his phone. “I’m gonna call Koril and have him get as many pack as possible covering the mountain. If she’s still here, we’ll find her.”
Ray stared at the floor for a moment, and then stepped through the door. “You can wait for your men if you want, but I can’t. I’m gonna see what I can find.” With a defiant look at Remus, he walked across the porch, studying the ground around the steps. “Come on, baby. Give me some clues to follow.”
* * * *
Rennia started to open her eyes and then froze when she took a deep breath. Where am I? I can smell mildew and wet dirt. She struggled to remember what had happened. Experimentally, she tried to move her arms and almost growled when she realized she was tied up and lying on some kind of cot. Relaxing completely, she called on her wolf.
Her heart rate nearly doubled when she couldn’t feel the familiar presence of her beasts inside her. She stiffened when she heard the sound of footsteps crossing the room.
“I know you’re awake so there’s no reason to keep pretending. If you’re trying to shift you can forget it.”
Rennia opened her eyes and glared at the tall, handsome man standing over her. The smug smile on his face made her want to scratch his eyes out. “What ha
ve you done to me?”
He shrugged. “I haven’t done anything to you, not personally. You were given an injection of the doc’s potion. It won’t do any permanent damage, but it’ll keep you from getting furry on me while I transport you to the doc’s lab.”
“Who is this doctor you speak of?”
“Oh, sorry, princess. I hadn’t realized I was being so impolite. My name’s Quentin, and I happen to know you’re Rennia Wind River. As for the doc, he’ll introduce himself if he thinks you’ve got a right to know. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to notify the boss that our mission was a success and see what he wants me to do with you.” He winked saucily at her and then moved swiftly up the wooden steps in the corner. She could hear the creaking groan of the wood beams as he made his way across the floor above her prison bed.
The light at the top of the stairs seemed bright enough, but it didn’t push much further than a few feet beyond the bottom of the stairwell. Rennia swallowed against her dry throat as she took in the musty mildew smell of the basement. I’ve got to get out of here. Think, Rennia. How can you get loose? Carefully, she studied the room, looking for anything that might help her to escape.
The cement floor was littered with small cracks. Along one wall was a series of shelves with what appeared to be cans of food. One shadowy corner was piled high with boxes, while another held an old hot water tank literally covered with cobwebs. Directly above her, mounted on a beam, was a bare bulb fixture with a string pull switch. There was only one way out of the basement, and there were at least two men upstairs.
She could hear their voices, but couldn’t make out their words. She’d heard the stories about the crazy doctor that was obsessed with her Aunt Maddie. She knew that Dr. Kaugh had developed some serum that could prevent shifters from changing forms. Her own mother was nearly put to sleep by a veterinarian when she was taken to a shelter as a feral cat because she couldn’t change back to her human body. He said he gave me the doc’s potion. That can’t be right because Dr. Kaugh is still in prison. I’ve heard Uncle Remus talking about him on several occasions. The National Council has him under constant guard. So, who is this doc who’s claiming ownership of the serum they gave me? Or is it some new drug we haven’t heard about yet. She turned when she heard footsteps coming down the stairs.
Quentin walked over to stand next to the cot and smiled down at Rennia. “Looks like plans have to change, princess.”
She narrowed her eyes. “What plans have to change?”
“The boss was going to come here to check on you, but apparently your pack is causing problems. They’re going all out in an effort to find you, so he wants us to move you as soon as possible.”
Rennia frowned. With the pack involved I might stand a better chance of getting away.
Quentin chuckled. “I can see the wheels in your mind working overtime.” He sighed and moved closer, bringing his hand from behind his back. She caught her breath when she glimpsed the syringe he held between two fingers. “I’m afraid we can’t take any chances, little lady. This is one trip you’re gonna nap through.”
She struggled when he grabbed her arm, but without her beasts she was no match for the six foot blond giant. She felt the needle slide into the fleshy part of her arm right before a numbing coldness swept through her veins. Her vision blurred, her tongue becoming heavy as she heard Quentin laugh.
“Pretty nice ride, huh? Before you know it, you’ll be in your new, permanent home.”
Rennia fought against the blackness closing in around her. Ray, my mate, help me!
Chapter 13
Alpha Remus looked up as Vanard walked through the front door. Vanard had been the head elder of Wind River Pack for over fifty years. Remus nodded at the elderly man and waited for him to speak first.
“I got a call from Koril filling me in. Have there been any new developments?”
The alpha shook his head. “Nobody can pick up any scents that aren’t supposed to be here. I’ve had Latan and Ethan’s boys combing the area around this house while we wait for everyone to arrive. It’s like she was picked up by some phantom bird and carted off by air.”
“So, what are you going to do now?” asked Vanard.
“Organize everyone into teams with specific areas they’re to concentrate on. There’s no way for them to get off this mountain without leaving some kind of trace. We found those kids in the caves, so I know we can find Rennia.”
“Remus!” Zack raced into the house with Ray hot on his heels.
“What is it? Did you find something?”
“Not me, but Ray did.” Zack nodded at Rennia’s human mate. “Go ahead, tell him.”
Ray took a deep breath. “Just west of here, about a half mile, there are tire tracks leading back to the main road.”
“So what?” Vanard scoffed. “There are cars through here all the time. What makes these so special? It’s not like you can scent anything.”
Remus’s eyes widened when Ray growled softly.
“I don’t need to smell anything to know a surveillance hideout. The car, probably a van by the length of space between the tire treads, was parked off the road in a muddy, leafy area. There are two sets of footprints that are fairly deep in front of the vehicle, indicating the men stood in one position for a prolonged amount of time. They could have easily been watching this house with binoculars.”
“Zack,” Remus said. “What was your impression?”
“I didn’t scent any humans or shifters, but the scent of the car was new to me. It didn’t smell like it belonged here on the mountain. I think Ray’s on to something.”
“How can we track it?” asked Remus.
“The tire tracks show the van pulled on to the highway heading east. They left muddy prints for a quarter of a mile before the mud wore off.” Ray rubbed his hand over his face. “I don’t know what all is east of your little sanctuary here, but you should. Are there any places that would be good to hide a kidnapped woman?”
“What the hell is he doing here?” Vanard growled.
Remus turned to see what had upset the elder and watched Zander walk through the door, followed closely by two other men.
“Always a pleasure to see you, too, Vanard.” Zander turned his attention to Remus. “Got your message and got on the plane as soon as I could. We weren’t very far away.” He motioned to his companions. “These are my associates and friends, Colton Raleigh and Ayden Landers. You won’t find many that can track as well as they can.”
Remus sniffed the air. “Grizzly and polar? Interesting pair.”
Colton chuckled. “Works for us.”
Zander glanced around the room. “I don’t recognize everyone. Is this all your pack? I’m scenting wolves, bears, coyotes, and some kind of bird.”
“Yeah, my pack has expanded in all directions. He nodded toward the corner. “You know my boys, Victor and Kanor.”
“Of course. Actually, the only new faces I see are this human.” He pointed at Ray. “And the guy by the back door.
“This human, as you so charmingly called him, is Ray Mathews. He’s unofficially Rennia’s mate.”
Zander sniffed toward Ray. “She hasn’t claimed him yet.”
Ray narrowed his eyes. “Not that it’s any of your business, but no, she hasn’t.”
The bear shifter held up his hands. “No offense, buddy. The claiming bite changes the scent of both parties. I’m just getting a clear picture of what we’re searching for.”
Remus motioned the other young man over. “This is Zediah Wind River. His human mother was mated to Mali, but we lost him in an accident over a year ago.”
Zander sniffed again. “Wolf. You take after your dad.”
“Yeah, and my sister is human like Mom.”
“I’m sorry about your father,” said Zander.
Colton and Ayden moved closer and sniffed the air around Zediah. Suddenly, their fangs pushed through their gums.
Remus frowned. “What the hell is wrong with the
two of you?”
Ayden growled. “There’s something about his scent. It’s pulling at me.”
Colton nodded. “Maybe his sister could be our mate.”
Remus groaned. “One crisis at a time, please. Let’s get this search party going.” He moved to stand near the door. “Quiet!” He shouted. He waited until everyone was silent. “This is what we’re going to do.” He looked over at this head of security. “Koril, take Kinnith, Synia, and Zack and search the caves.” He turned his gaze to his son. “Victor, take Kanor, Eric, and David and follow the riverbank north.”
Latan moved forward. “Don’t think you’re going to leave us out of this search, Remus. Rennia’s our daughter, and we’ve got to be out there looking.”
“Okay, brother. You and Ethan take Macon and Zediah and follow the riverbank south.”
“I got here just in time to hear about the vehicle Ray thinks was parked watching this house.” Zander nodded at Colton and Ayden. “My associates have some specialized tracking abilities. I’d like to check out the area and see if they can track this vehicle after it hit the street.”
“Okay,” said Remus. “If you think there’s a possibility.”
“I’m going with you,” said Ray.
Zander nodded. “That’s fine as long as you can keep up.”
“No worries, Zander,” Remus said. “Ray’s a New York City cop. He’ll keep up just fine.”
“What about your other females?” asked Colton. “Are they safe?”
Remus nodded. “They’ve got Zebron, Zyne, Tehran, Taynor, and Lanicor watching over them, as well as the sheriff is doing hourly drive-bys.”
Zack snorted. “Besides, most of our women can fight just as well at the men.”
“Some of us are still ladylike.”
Remus turned and frowned when he saw the young woman standing inside the door. “Lyssa, you were told to stay at the house with the other females. What are you doing here?”
She smiled and held up a large shopping bag. “I thought everyone might be hungry, so I made up a bunch of sandwiches.”
Remus scowled. “I expect you to follow orders when they’re given, young lady. You’re going to cause us to waste time while one of the men has to escort you back.”
Do You Take This Cat [Wind River Pack 4] (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 15
