by Jodi Vaughn
“That doesn’t mean he’s gone rogue. Zane is the most honorable and responsible person I’ve ever met.” She held up her hands.
“Apparently, he’s decided going rogue was more fun than staying a Guardian.” Granny pursed her lips. “I feel bad for the guy. You know the punishment for going rogue is death.”
“You’re wrong—you’re all wrong.” She held up her hands, pleading with them. She had to make them understand. Or it would cost Zane his life.
“If he’s not gone rogue, then what is it?” Damon cocked his head.
She pressed her lips together and sucked in a deep breath. Zane had trusted her, and she wasn’t going to betray his confidence. “I can’t say.”
“Then I can only assume by the evidence I’ve seen that he’s gone rogue.” A satisfied smirk settled on Damon’s lips.
Anger boiled up inside her and she curled her fingers into fists.
“He’s not rogue. Just because he can’t control his shift does not mean he’s gone rogue,” she spat out. “It’s not even his fault.”
“What?” Ava jerked her head toward her.
Skylar’s stomach sunk to the floor like a thousand-pound anchor. Holy shit. What had she done?
“What are you talking about?” Damon stepped closer, his face set in stone.
She licked her lips and shook her head. She’d said too much.
“Look, you are going to make it worse on Zane if you don’t say anything, Skylar,” Ava pleaded. “I know you care for him. Tell Damon so he can help.”
Skylar cut her eyes to the Were. “I don’t exactly trust you.”
“And why is that?”
“Not you in particular. Just not too trusting with Weres in my life.”
“And Zane? Does he fit that mold?” Damon asked.
“No.” She shook her head. “Zane I would trust with my life.”
“Then let me help him. If you don’t, then Barrett is going to assume he’s gone rogue and he will have to pay the price with his blood.”
“He’s not rogue. He’s been drugged or something and now he can’t control his shift.” She froze as soon as the words left her mouth. She’d betrayed him.
“What?” Ava gaped.
“That’s not possible.” Damon shook his head and stared at her as if she were lying.
“Look, I know it sounds impossible. But it’s the truth.” She looked at them. “I found him hiding in the shed out back, naked. Apparently, he shifted in an alley in town and was looking for someplace to hide.”
“But how can he not control his shift?” Granny shook her head. “I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
“I don’t know, but I’ve seen it happen. I’ve been in the room when it’s happened. He becomes full of rage and can’t stop it. It’s like he turns into a different person.”
“Are you sure he’s been drugged? Maybe it’s just his nature now.” Damon cocked his head.
“I’m sure. He said it happened after he got hurt at a drug bust.” She glared. “Zane is the best Were I’ve ever known. Don’t you dare question his loyalty to his Pack or doubt his integrity.”
“If he’s in trouble, then why hasn’t he contacted his Pack to help? We are his brothers.”
“Because he’s trying to find a cure on his own. He’s trying to fix the problem.” She held her breath, hoping he believed her.
Damon tugged his phone out of his jeans and hit some buttons before holding his device to his ear.
“It’s me. You and Lucien get weaponed up. Tonight we’re going to get Zane.”
***
“Please don’t do this. Please don’t hurt him.” Skylar launched herself at him, digging her fingers into his leather jacket. He snatched his arm away and glanced down. She’d scratched his damn leather.
“Stop it. It’s okay. Damon’s not going to hurt Zane.” Ava stepped in between them and put her hands on Skylar’s shoulders in an attempt to calm her down.
Damon frowned and headed for the door. But Skylar was persistent and threw herself in the doorway, blocking him from leaving.
He growled at the redhead, hoping she would get the hint and get the fuck out of his way, but she didn’t.
“Move.”
“No. You’re going to kill Zane, and I’m not going to let that happen.” She crossed her arms and planted herself at the front door.
“Fuck, can’t I get one day without the hysterics?” he mumbled to himself.
“Excuse me?” Ava cocked her brow.
He winced. “I wasn’t talking about you, babe. You know that.” Okay, maybe he was talking about her a little, like how she went ballistic when he had to stay overnight on a mission. But he sure as fuck wasn’t telling her that.
He turned back to the redhead. “Look, if what you are saying is true, then I’m not going to kill Zane. If he’s truly in trouble and not violating any of the Pack Law, then I’m sure Barrett will help.”
She looked at him like she thought he was lying through his teeth.
He didn’t have time for this shit. He grabbed her by the elbows and lifted her up. She screamed and thrashed as he moved her out of the way.
Gritting his teeth, he headed out the door into the yard. The sun beat down on him like a laser. He glanced at the horizon and the sun quickly dipping low in the sky. Evening couldn’t come fast enough.
“Damon, wait.” Ava ran after him and grabbed his arm.
“What?” He gave a long-suffering sigh.
“You’re not going to hurt Zane, are you?” She frowned as she looked into his eyes.
“Ava, I need you to trust me on this. If Zane is in trouble, I’m going to do all I can to help.” He pulled her into his arms. “I love you, baby, but you’ve got to start putting your trust in me.”
“I do trust you.” She batted her eyes and snuggled in closer. “Where do you think you’re going to find him?”
“I have a lead. At the hotel by the highway,” he lied.
“The nice one with the cute little courtyard?” She frowned. “That doesn’t look like a place where drug deals go down.”
“Exactly why it’s the perfect place. Apparently they have drug parties on the thirteenth floor. I’ll talk to you later tonight.” He kissed her hard before jumping on his Harley.
He hated to lie to his mate, but he wouldn’t put her in danger for anything.
***
Darkness had fallen and the temps were dropping to a comfortable, balmy night.
“Dude, how can you and Damon wear that leather in this heat?” Jaxon whispered from his position on his stomach in the woods by the apartment building.
“I heard that,” Damon whispered loudly from his position.
“It’s comforting.” Lucien grinned. Damon had called and updated them about what was going on with Zane and they told him about discovering the drug party at the abandoned place.
They’d quickly realized that this was the most likely place Zane would show up if he was searching for a cure. Lucien and Jaxon had met Damon here before dark and staked out their place on the side nearest the secret entrance. Jayden and Braxton arrived shortly after the others did after Barrett gave them an update. They were currently on the other side of the building, hiding in the brush.
The moon was veiled behind a cluster of clouds tonight, but Lucien could still see the rest of his Guardian team around the building.
“Can’t we get closer?” Damon shifted on his stomach and held up binoculars to get a better look.
“Fuck no, man. They’ve got guards at every corner window with automatic rifles. One rustle of a tree leaf and they’ll blow your head off,” Lucien hissed.
“I’ve not seen movement since we got here.” Damon scowled.
“Well, I put two teens on this building starting at four this afternoon, and they both said people have been trickling in since six o’clock. They probably got high, partied, and passed out.” Lucien cringed as he thought about the stinky mattresses and used condoms he’d seen on the floor
earlier that day.
“Settle in, boys. It’s going to be a waiting game.”
***
Skylar jumped as a motorcycle rumbled into the parking lot. She hurried to her apartment window and glanced out into the darkness. The biker pulled up under the security lights and took his helmet off. Her heart sunk when she realized it wasn’t Zane.
She stood frozen to that spot, her gaze searching for the tiniest hope that Zane was still coming back to her.
Since she’d told Damon the truth, she couldn’t shake the guilt she felt for betraying Zane’s trust. He would never forgive her. She knew that in her heart. But as much as she hurt right now, she’d rather have him alive and safe.
Knock, knock, knock.
She pulled herself away from the window and smiled at Sophia, who was coloring on the couch, as she headed for the door.
Opening the door, she smiled at her visitor. “Hey, Hector. Come on in.” She stepped out of the way to allow him entrance.
A happy but tired smile stretched across his face. “Hey, Skylar. How’s Sophia?”
Sophia came running around the corner at the sound of her father’s voice.
“Hey, baby girl.” Hector caught her before she could crash into him and lifted her high in the air. She giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight hug. “Were you good for Skylar?”
She nodded and he looked to Skylar for confirmation.
“She was very good. She even went to work with me today. She makes a pretty good worker.”
“Of course she does. She takes after her daddy, don’t cha, sweetheart?” He kissed both her cheeks.
“How are Maria and the baby?” She led him into the living room, where Sophia began gathering her coloring book and crayons.
“They’re doing well. They expect her to go home tomorrow.”
“That’s good.”
“My mom just got into town, so I’m going to drop Sophia off before going back to the hospital.” He grabbed the pink backpack and stuffed the coloring book and crayons inside. “How’s the house coming? Are we behind?”
“It’s going good, and we are behind. But the owner came by today and loves it. I think she’s going to be okay with coming in a little late. She seems very understanding.” Right before Ava left, she’d assured Skylar that she wanted her on the job and not a different contractor. She even said not to stress too much about the deadline.
“Wow, that’s great. I’ve been worried.” He ran his fingers through his hair.
“No need to worry. It’s all going to work out.” She smiled and wished she felt the same optimism about Zane.
“Ready to go, sweetheart?” Hector took Sophia’s hand in his. “What do you say to Skylar for letting you spend the night?”
“Thank you, Skylar.”
She bent down and hugged the little girl tightly. Her heart suddenly felt incredibly empty. With Zane gone and now Sophia, she felt a little lost.
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. Come back soon, okay?”
“Thanks, Skylar. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you,” Hector said.
“That’s what friends are for.” She smiled as they walked to the door.
“Nah, that’s what family is for.” He smiled and closed the door behind him.
The apartment was quiet. Too quiet. She’d gotten used to Zane and Sophia being around and now it just seemed wrong.
She was too wired up to go to bed, so she headed into the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator, she pulled out a beer. Popping the cap off, she took a long drink.
Knock, knock, knock.
Her heart sped up as hope rose within her chest.
Zane.
She ran to the front door and threw it open. Her joy turned to confusion as she saw Hershel on the other side.
“What are you doing here?” Her mind raced. “How did you find out where I live?”
“I know a lot more about you than you think, Skylar.” Hershel grinned.
“I’m not interested in talking to you.” She tried to slam the door in his face, but he stuck out his boot. He shoved the door open and stepped inside her apartment.
“Not so fast. It seems me and you got some catching up to do, little girl.”
She turned and sprinted for her bedroom, but he was faster and grabbed her and knocked her to the floor.
Her gaze landed on the front door.
Mrs. Nelson. If the old lady heard her scream, she would get help.
Skylar opened her mouth and screamed. Hershel drew back his fist and struck her across the cheek.
Pain exploded in her head as stars swam in front of her eyes. She cradled the side of her face.
“Keep your mouth shut, bitch,” Hershel hissed and punched her in the stomach.
She cried out as sharp pain raced through her abdomen. Curled into a fetal position, she tried to catch her breath.
Movement at the door attracted her attention. Mrs. Nelson’s door opened and she stepped out when she saw Skylar’s door standing open. Hershel turned to see what she was looking at. Curling his fingers into his palms he stalked toward the door.
“Run, Mrs. Nelson! Go get help!” she called out. Her vision blurred as she felt herself slip into unconsciousness.
***
Lucien’s body began to cramp from holding his position on the ground. It seemed like they’d been waiting forever, and no one had entered or left the building.
A rumble of a car grew closer. Damon motioned with his hand for everyone to hold their positions.
A black van rolled into the front yard and sat there for a few seconds before a male got out of the driver’s seat and walked around the back of the vehicle. He opened the back and ducked inside. Seconds later he was out of the van and carrying what appeared to be a female across his shoulders.
Lucien kept his gaze on the male as he went straight to the basement window of the building and opened the secret entrance. He fought back a growl as the guy stuffed the woman through first and then crawled in after her.
“Fuck. That’s Skylar,” Damon growled.
“Who?” Jaxon asked.
“Zane’s woman,” Damon muttered.
“Zane has a woman? Since when?” Lucien cut his eyes at Damon.
“I guess since he got here. I met Skylar today, and she had his scent all over her. She’s the one who told me what was up with Zane. Did I mention she’s a red wolf?”
“Holy fuck. I didn’t know there were any red females left.” Lucien studied the secret entrance.
“I think we are all surprised by that information,” Damon growled. “I don’t think she’s very fond of being associated with the red wolves. I think she’s tried to keep her distance from them.”
“Sounds like a smart woman.” Lucien cocked his head. “Well, if that’s Zane’s woman, then we need to bust up in there and get her the fuck out.”
“Wait, someone’s approaching,” Damon hissed.
They all went still as the large, shadowy figure went straight up to the front door and knocked. The guy turned and by the light of the moon, Lucien could see that it was Zane.
“Fuck, it’s him. We need to warn him that his woman is in there.” Lucien tensed every muscle in his body to keep from running straight up to the front door.
“Stop calling her his woman. She has a name. Skylar.” Damon shook his head.
“Fine. Whatever. We need to warn...”
“Shush, the door is opening,” Damon warned.
The front door opened only a few inches, enough for Zane to hand a piece of paper to whoever stood on the other side.
“Where the fuck did he get an invite?” Lucien glared at Damon.
“Not sure.”
A few seconds later, the door swung open all the way and Zane walked on in.
“Okay, well, he’s in. And we need to get in.” Lucien’s nerves were on fire with all this waiting around. He usually wasn’t this impatient, but this was Zane, and he was like a brother to him.
�
�Take the invitation up to the front door and knock,” Damon ordered. “As soon as you get in, take out the guard. Then let the rest of us in one by one so the guards on the top floor don’t get suspicious.”
“Ease out of the trees the way we came in and approach from the front,” Damon added.
“Got it.” Lucien stuck the invitation in his jacket pocket and backed his way out.
As soon as he was far away to avoid being seen by anyone in the house, he stood and made his way out to the street so he could approach the front door. He just hoped he wasn’t going to be too late.
***
Skylar slowly woke up to a throbbing pain in the side of her head. She blinked and tried to adjust her vision to the dimly lit room. The scent of piss and filth made her gag, and that only accentuated the pain in her head.
“Wake up, little girl.” Hershel’s voice made her tense.
She remembered him hitting her and then going after Mrs. Nelson. Everything else was a blank.
“What do you want from me? What did you do with Mrs. Nelson?” She sat up and braced herself with her palms. Something furry scurried across the back of her hand. She screamed and jerked her hand off the floor.
“So many questions.” Hershel chuckled. “Don’t worry about Mrs. Nelson.” He grinned maniacally. “You know she was actually very helpful in letting me know your schedule.”
“What?”
“It seems her grandson Luther owes me a lot of money. That old lady was more than willing to help me get to you if I didn’t kill Luther.”
He turned on a gas lantern, and the light illuminated the space. She glanced around at the squalor and covered her mouth with her hand. Dirty old mattresses were strewn on the floor, stained with urine and other body fluids. Condom wrappers littered the floor along with beer cans and drug paraphernalia.
She was in some kind of drug house.
“As for you, well, you know what I want with you, Skylar.” Hershel leaned toward the light. He smiled evilly at her with his yellowed teeth.
She sucked in rapid breaths, trying to figure out how the hell to get out. Panic rose and welled inside her chest as images of her childhood flashed through her mind.
The door burst open, and Zane came tumbling into the room. He dropped to his knees on the floor. Her heart swelled with relief when she saw him, but it was short-lived.
