damn, it was cold, made colder still by the wind rushing against the fear-induced sweat that had broken out over my body.
The warmth inside the building was like a balm to my frazzled nerves. We followed the easy hum of conversation to the bar where Chaz was in heated discussion about something with a few of the guys. They looked up when we stopped in the doorway to the dining hall, surprise etching Chaz’s face when he saw our expressions.
“Shia? What happened? Are you okay?”
Kimberly hesitantly touched my arm to indicate she wanted to speak. I nodded assent. She turned to address Daisy, who’d stopped rubbing down the bar mid-motion, and the Weres in the room. “Someone’s gone rogue.”
A long pause followed those words. I didn’t like the dangerous light that came into the Weres’ eyes. Clearing my throat, I spoke up, hating that my voice was so unsteady. “Our cabin was trashed. Some of the furniture was busted, and there are scratches on the furniture that look like they came from claws.”
Chaz stood up, pacing over to join us with that easy, liquid grace that said he was pissed and on the verge of shifting. Great. “I’ll bet it was Seth. That little shit finally went off the deep end.”
“Excuse me, but before you start tearing up more of our property, you better go speak to my father-in-law,” said Daisy from behind the bar. She drew herself up straight, looking almost as nervous as I felt when she met Chaz’s eyes. “If what she said is true, someone better pay for the damage.”
Chaz stared at her a long moment before giving a slow nod, though the anger didn’t fade from his manner or expression. “I will talk to him. We’ll make sure it’s handled.”
She nodded in return, still looking uneasy. I didn’t blame her. At last, she bent back to the task of wiping down the bar, putting a little more elbow grease into it than was strictly necessary, making it a point to keep her eyes off his. Smart move on her part. Continuing to stare at him could’ve been construed as a challenge.
Chaz took my hand and led the way toward the back, looking for Mr. Cassidy. I had to admire the way the others simply fell into step behind him, following in silent support of their pack leader. I silently prayed that they’d all make it through the night without shifting in anger. Yes, I had come here to see them shift, but not when they were pissed off. That could lead to bites and scratches and, while your chances of contracting the lycanthropy infection from either one weren’t astronomical, they weren’t small either.
“Mr. Cassidy! Hello?” Chaz bellowed out as we reached the empty front desk.
The old man peered through the hallway opposite the dining hall, bushy brows arched high as he and George approached. “No need to shout, sonny, I’m right here. What’s wrong?”
Chaz glanced down at me, frowning in a mix of worry and preoccupation. “Someone broke into our cabin and destroyed some of our things. It may have been one of mine, and if it was, I’ll see he or she pays for any damages. Is there another cabin we can stay in for now?”
“Blazes and tarnation, boy! When did this happen?”
I noted with mild interest that everyone, including Chaz, fell into step behind Mr. Cassidy. He didn’t move as swiftly and smoothly as the others, but there was determination in his pace, and irritation was strong on his features.
When we got back outside, I huddled against Chaz for warmth. He wrapped an arm around me, but didn’t slow down. Nobody said anything until we got to the cabin. I waited outside and rubbed my arms while Mr. Cassidy, Chaz, and a couple of the guys stepped inside, taking note of the damage. The space was too small for many people to fit comfortably, and I’d already seen as much of the place as I wanted. I studied the trees, careful not to look at the other Weres standing around with me as they muttered quietly to each other. I overheard Paula, who had followed us out here for who knew what reason, and another one saying something about “vamp-bait” to each other—and had to grit my teeth to ignore it. Never a good idea to stare at a riled-up Were, even if they were acting like assholes. Chaz was cursing loudly enough that I could hear him from where I was standing.