Mel’s eyes grew misty and distant, as if she were mentally reaching out, searching for her mate... “I...I think Ryne’s tired, like all the energy has been sucked out of him. I don’t think I’ve ever felt him this...weak, as if he’s drifting along, almost disconnected from his body.” She shivered and wrapped her arms around her stomach. “I wish we were with them.” Exhaling slowly, she stared up the wall, passed some forty sets of windows to where their mates were. “You know, most penthouses have their own private elevators or at least a special lock on the keypad that only allows certain people to gain access.”
“So basically, even if the guard goes on his merry way, there’s not much chance of us getting to Aldrich’s apartment.” Elise concluded.
“Uh-huh. There are too many werewolf rules and laws restricting our movement when we’re out in public like this. I hate to say it, but I think the best we can do is wait here.” Mel settled herself on the edge of a planter. “It’s small comfort, but at least we’re close at hand if something does happen.”
Elise sat down too and reached over to clasp Mel’s hand. She tried to speak positively. “I think if they’re really in trouble, our being closer will help. We can send them our support, let them know we love them and we’re waiting for them to come back to us.”
Blinking back tears, Mel nodded and the two sat in silence for a few minutes, willing their mates to be strong and well.
After a while, Elise frowned. “What’s that sound? At first I thought it was the traffic, but it isn’t. A helicopter perhaps?”
Mel cocked her head and listened. “You’re right.” She shaded her eyes and craned her neck, squinting upwards. “I don’t see anything... Wait. There it is!” She pointed at the dark belly of a chopper as it momentarily appeared over the edge of the building before circling around and out of sight.
“Is it trying to land on the roof?”
Mel surveyed the L-shaped building; the portion which they were near was lower, perhaps twenty storeys but the tower part rose a full forty. “It’s probably headed to the tower. A lot of buildings have landing pads on the roof, but from the way it’s moving I’d say the wind is giving the pilot a hard time.”
“Then why is he out in this weather?” Elise paused, then stared at Mel wide-eyed as something occurred to her. “That’s it! I bet Aldrich is going to escape us again using the chopper!”
*****
Bryan stepped cautiously into the penthouse from the stairwell, his senses on alert for possible danger. Behind him, he could hear Ryne and Kane’s laboured breathing, both still in wolf form and trying to recover from the jolt of electricity they’d absorbed. They appeared physically drained, and both were suffering muscles spasms, twitching horribly. He felt guilty leaving them behind unguarded, but their final instructions had been to go ahead without them and, truth be told, the pull to find Cassie was almost too strong to resist.
He listened for a minute longer, scenting the air and searching the surrounding space for signs of movement. There was no one in close proximity, though he could hear the distant hum of conversation and the clattering of dishes as if people were going about their day, completely unaware of the drama that was probably playing out in one of the other rooms. The scent of cleaning products was overpowering and he growled in frustration when he could detect no sign of Cassie.
With the tips of his fingers, he gently pushed open the door to his right, revealing a washer, dryer and sets of shelves holding detergent, and disinfectants. Apparently the stairs opened up into a service area. Several piles of laundry sat on the floor and an open bottle of bleach was near the sink. He stepped inside and capped the bottle. Little wonder his nostrils burned and he couldn’t smell the occupants of the penthouse.
Pulling the door shut, he began to walk cautiously down the hallway, peeking into the various rooms he passed, expecting an attack at any moment. When none came, he frowned. This made no sense. His own security plan for the pack involved several layers of defence. Surely Aldrich, with his supposedly impermeable fortress, didn’t rely solely on the two goons in the stairway?
The sound of voices coming his way caught his attention and he ducked into the closest doorway. It opened into a bedroom, which thankfully was unoccupied. Pushing the door partly closed with the toe of his shoe, he pressed himself against the wall. There was crack where the hinges met the door frame and he peeked into the hallway, curious to know who was coming.
The voices grew louder and shadows appeared on the wall. He tensed, ready to react.
“So then I told him, if he wanted ‘dessert’ he’d have to take me somewhere fancier than the bowling alley.” A woman appeared, possibly mid-twenties, red hair, average appearance. She was dressed in a blue and white uniform and carried an empty laundry basket.
The other woman was of a similar age and build. She laughed. “So where’s he taking you tonight?”
“I don’t know, but he told me to dress up.”
“Sounds like he really wants that dessert. Will you have something juicy to tell me tomorrow?”
“Maybe. He’s really cute and he has good manners.” The woman giggled then glanced towards the door where Bryan was hiding. Did the smile on her face falter slightly? Had she noticed him looking through the crack in the door? He drew back and held his breath. “I’ll finish gathering the bedding and you get the towels from the bathrooms.”
“Okay. I’ll meet you in the laundry room in about ten minutes. Once this load’s in the wash we can tackle the floors.”
Damn! They’d be heading back to the laundry area. Bryan clenched his fists, wondering how Kane and Ryne were doing. Hopefully they were feeling better by now, or at least would have moved to a hiding place before these two women returned with their loads of laundry. What would the ladies do when they saw the door to the stairs open? Did they know the outside had an electric charge and was part of Aldrich’s security or did they think of it as a fire escape that was never used? Would they sound the alarm?
The door he was hiding behind pushed open and a shaft of light illuminated the room. A woman stood quietly in the doorway. Bryan tensed, wondering what she’d do.
“Hey, I know you’re in here.” The woman’s voice conveyed a sense of curiosity rather than danger, but Bryan didn’t respond. After a moment, she spoke again. “It’s okay. I’ve worked here long enough to know to keep my mouth shut. I’m just going to come in and change the bedding; don’t jump me or anything, all right?” She paused again, then turned on the light and moved into the room.
Bryan stepped out from behind the door and the woman cocked her head at him. “You’re better looking than the last guy.”
“The last guy?” Bryan edged around the door, never taking his eyes off the woman.
“Yeah. The guy who stayed here last night. I think his name was Hugh. Big fellow, no manners, though.” The woman smiled at him. “You have good manners?”
“My mother would like to think so.”
The woman nodded. “So, why are you hiding in here?”
“I thought you just said you knew how to keep your mouth shut. Shouldn’t that include not asking questions?”
She shrugged.
“Let’s just say my friends and I are conducting a security check of the building, finding its weak spots.”
“Ah! So that’s why the warning lights were flashing a while ago. I figured it was just another test when they went off after a minute. Swanson does that every few weeks; we hardly notice them anymore.” She took a step closer looking him up and down. “You’re cute.”
“Er...thanks? Listen, I’d like to stay and talk, but I’m on a tight schedule. Um... If you see some other guys back near the stairs, they’re part of my team.”
“Sure.” She winked at him. “I won’t say anything if you make it worth my while.” The woman stepped even closer, her breasts brushing his chest while she walked her fingers up his arm.
Bryan cleared his throat and spoke firmly. “Sorry. No fraternizing wi
th the help; Mr. Aldrich’s orders.”
The woman huffed, but stepped back. “The old miser; he sucks the fun out of everything!” She immediately clamped her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide. “You won’t tell Mr. Aldrich I said that, will you?” She spoke between her fingers.
“Not this time.” Bryan forced himself to look stern. “Just go about your duties and I’ll forget all about it.”
Nodding the woman backed up until her legs bumped into the bed then turned and began stripping the sheets. Bryan took that as his chance to escape and ducked out of the room, almost slumping in relief. Talk about bluffing one’s way out of trouble!
Anxious to be away before the woman questioned his story, he quickly slipped down the hallway and around a corner. His heart was pounding from the close call and he took a second to lean against the wall to gather his wits about him. That’s when the scent hit him; the coppery smell of blood!
It was fresh and entwined with it was Cassie’s own unforgettable scent of exotic spices and flowers. Panic flared inside him. He’d sensed Cassie was afraid, but how had he missed this?
Uncaring if he was detected or not, he took off running. Adrenaline pumped through his system, his heart pounding so loudly he could hardly hear or... Was it his heart or was it the sound of a helicopter? Damn it! Understanding dawned. That was Aldrich’s second line of defence; a strategic retreat via chopper, not more guards. No wonder he hadn’t encountered anyone trying to stop him. Aldrich had a rooftop landing pad and was going to use a helicopter to escape. And he was probably taking Cassie with him, if she wasn’t already dead!
He put on a burst of speed. Cassie couldn’t be dead, it must be just an injury. That was where the blood was from. He’d sense it if she was...gone...wouldn’t he? That fact provided him with some small comfort but he clung to it like a lifeline. Of course, injured she’d be unable to resist when they tried to put her on the helicopter. And once airborne, there’d be no way to catch them. A chopper could set down anywhere.
The idea of never seeing Cassie again filled him with dread. Bryan ran down the hallway, rounded a corner, and suddenly found himself in a large room. The stark white walls and ultra-modern furnishing barely registered with his brain. The odour of death and blood did. It was heavy in the air and his vision blurred momentarily, pain squeezing his heart before he realized the scent was off; it was human blood, not Lycan.
A wave of relief passed over him but it was short lived. Cassie was still alive, but where? The sounds of the helicopter were even louder now. He glanced around, saw a set of French doors at the far end of the room, and headed towards them, only to skid to a halt.
A middle-aged woman lay on the ground near the doors, a red blood stain marring her prim white shirt. Bryan spared her a brief glance, but it was obvious she was dead from the way her unblinking eyes stared up at the ceiling. He had no idea who she was and didn’t have time to ponder the fact. Outside he could see a helicopter lowering onto the roof top, its side doors open ready to receive passengers.
Yanking the door open, he hurried outside and scanned the rooftop, trying to figure out what was going on.
The helicopter was situated on the far right of the roof, its whirling blades adding to the already windy atmosphere and stirring up bits of debris. A pilot was looking out towards the far side of the roof. Bryan swung his gaze that way as well. He could make out Aldrich, hurrying away from the landing pad, as quickly as the strong winds would allow. And there, farther to the left and near the edge of the roof, was Marla. But where was Cassie?
She had to be hiding somewhere, it was the only explanation for Aldrich to be running across the roof rather than escaping in the waiting chopper. Bryan tried to scent the air, but with the strong winds it did no use. He scanned the possible places Cassie could have taken shelter; the rooftop elevator access? An exhaust stack? No... Over there! There was a tiny bit of movement near a roof vent. It had to be her. But, damn, it was the farthest from him and the closest to Marla!
Vaulting over a cement flower box, he landed lightly and took off running. He kept himself as low as possible, but the roof top provided little in the way of cover. Momentarily, he considered shifting—as a wolf he’d move faster and be lower to the ground, but the pilot might see him transform—he couldn’t risk exposing his kind to humanity; his hands were tied by the laws of his people.
Thankfully the others seemed too intent on what they were doing to notice him. Yet, even as he approached, Cassie stood up from her hiding place, but... She was in her wolf form! Bryan’s fear spiked even higher. Cassie and her wolf weren’t one yet. How would they be able to work together to save themselves? Damn, she must have been terrified to have changed willingly...
Aldrich shouted something. Cassie’s wolf looked around wildly from Marla to Aldrich and back to Marla. It began backing up away from the approaching humans. Bryan opened his mouth to shout a warning; she was nearing the edge of the rooftop, a forty floor fall was only steps away!
*****
Marla’s heart was pounding and her vision was blurring even as she approached the Greyson girl. When Aldrich had taken off after the girl, she’d slipped around the other way. Now Cassandra was within her grasp. She could easily subdue her, even if the girl was in wolf form. A new shifter would be no match for her.
Yet even as she planned her next move, a strange prickling sensation was coming over her. It was as if her wolf were trying to transform without her permission. She swallowed hard and clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. No! She couldn’t do this. Not now! Didn’t the stupid beast have any sense?
Go away, she hissed inwardly, flicking a glance around the rooftop. Aldrich was giving instructions and she tried to listen. Something about circling around and capturing the Greyson girl... She forced herself to take one step and then another. They had to grab the girl quickly and get away. Kane and Ryne would be here any minute.
“No.” the creature insisted. Its power swelled, pushing outward. Marla felt herself starting to tremble with the force of her inner conflict.
She took another step. The Greyson girl. Aldrich would be pleased with her. And once the girl was declared unfit...
Not again. I won’t help you bring down another of our kind.
You have no say in the matter. Marla lifted her chin, her eyes almost shut to block the bits of dirt the wind was blowing about and took three quick steps before a blinding pain flashed in her head. She bent over cursing, holding her head. Why are you doing this to me? This is my chance to get on Aldrich’s good side. To ensure my place...
No. The wolf snarled at her. She could feel its anger at her plans and she let her own emotions escape as well.
Mentally, she screamed at the creature. I hate you. I’ve always hated you. You’re nothing but a stupid, ugly animal. I wish you’d never been a part of me.
“I know.” Its anger abated and it answered sadly. Marla froze transfixed, listening to it lament. “The day of our first transformation, I was so excited. I knew you were worried and tried to tell you not to be. I’d been with you for years, watching you grow, waiting for my time. I was anxious for us to finally meet and bond. I was so sure we’d be friends, that you’d be pleased to finally see me. We’d always be there for each other, helping and supporting.
Instead, you hated me. You didn’t like how I looked, how I thought... I tried to please you, I really did! I helped you even when it was wrong; even when you killed our Alpha! There was a break in the animal’s voice as if it were recalling something painful. You never changed, you were never happy with me or our life. I wanted a mate and pups; a place in the pack, nothing special just...a home, someplace where I belonged. But you never listened, never cared. In all my years, you’ve never once welcomed me or shown me any consideration.”
Too bad! Marla snarled. I didn’t want that life. I didn’t want to be scorned as a half-breed for the rest of my life. The others laughed at me behind my back, they only pretended to be my friends;
I know they did—my father told me. I was never good enough, my very existence was a stain on the family’s name. The only way to redeem myself was to choose a worthy mate and I refused to do that. I wasn’t giving in to him and the pack’s ways, no matter what. I was going to be whatever I wanted to be and you weren’t part of the plan. I don’t want you. I’ll never want you. Just go away!
The wolf paused and then began again, its voice growing steadily stronger. “I’m tired of being pushed aside. Tired of trying to be what I’m not. Tired of hiding, tired of living a half life...
“No!” Marla tried to yell the words out loud, but not a sound came out of her mouth. She shook her head violently. The wolf wouldn’t win! It couldn’t.
She forced herself to move. One step, then another. She was almost close enough to catch her prey. The edge of the building was just behind Cassandra, but it didn’t matter. Another step. She reached out a hand to grab the young wolf just when a spasm of pain stabbed her and she pitched forward onto her knees, falling to the ground beside the large roof top air vent.
*****
Cassie jerked backwards as Marla suddenly lunged for her. Her hind legs stepped over the edge onto thin air and she fell onto her stomach, her front legs scrambling for something to hold onto, her rear end dangling forty floors above the street below. She whimpered in fright as she tried to dig her front nails into the hard roof surface while her hindquarters tried unsuccessfully to find a foothold on the metal flashing that edged the roof.
Oh God, she never realized how much she hated heights. Her heart pounded and her skin prickled. She was slipping backwards and there was nothing she could do about it.