Even Mr. Cassidy gave voice to a few oaths that would make a dock foreman blush.
They came back out a minute or two later, shaking their heads. Chaz was holding the burnt up shoe in one hand. With a furious growl, he threw it as far as he could into the woods.
“They got the scents good and mixed in there, so no hope of figuring out who it was that way. All this rain would have washed away any lingering scent out here, covering their trail. Whoever did this planned it pretty well,” Sean said, putting a hand on Chaz’s shoulder as he seethed silently, fists clenching and unclenching at his sides as he scanned the trees lining the path. “It doesn’t seem like Seth’s handiwork. He’s too much of a coward to pull something like this.”
“I don’t care who the hell it was,” Mr. Cassidy said, wiping one of his hands off on a rag as he stepped out of the cabin. “Somebody’s paying for that mess.”
“We’ll figure out who it was and make them pay for it,” Nick put in, watching Chaz with concern. I didn’t think he’d shift, but it was so close to the full moon, and his temper was already shot, so there was a chance he might.
A few other people seemed to be having the same thought, watching him closely, lending a supportive hand or a calming word here and there. Even Paula and the guy she was talking with had quieted down, presumably because they’d figured out that the last thing Chaz needed was more stress and discord in his space. After a little while, he took a deep breath and relaxed somewhat, closing his eyes. It was good to see the tension visibly easing from his shoulders.
“All right. Mr. Cassidy,” Chaz finally said, turning to the man, “I’m sorry for the mess. I don’t know who is responsible, but we’ll find them.”
“Damned right, you will. George and I will help. In the meantime, you and the young lady can stay in cabin twenty-seven. It’s the last one on the lot, and the only one that isn’t occupied right now. Sorry, son, but I’ll need a second deposit on it. You understand.”
Chaz gritted his teeth, but nodded assent.
“Good. George, can you clean up this mess and see about fixing that door? The rest of you, go on inside. You two, come with me, and I’ll get the paperwork and keys from up front.”
Chaz and I followed Mr. Cassidy, listening to him harrumph and curse every now and again under his breath. The other Weres headed off to their own cabins or trailed along as we headed up to the lodge. Chaz’s grip on my hand was a little tight, but I didn’t think now would be a good time to start complaining.
Before we reached the doors, Mr. Cassidy gestured for us to halt, waiting for the others to go in before speaking. The only thing breaking the silence was the whisper of leaves and muted chirp of a cricket somewhere nearby.
“Look, I don’t know what kind of trouble you kids brought with you from the city, but I don’t want it. I’d be more understanding if it were an accident, someone shifting outside the lunar cycle and not making it outside in time. But if this happens again, I want the whole lot of you out of here. I don’t let troublemakers into my range. You get me, son?”
Chaz nodded solemnly, looking drawn and troubled. “Yes, Mr. Cassidy, I understand.”
“Good,” he said. “I may not look like much, but I’m still alpha enough to kick somebody’s ass, and it will be kicked as soon as I find out who did this.”
That I could believe.
“As for you, missy—”
I started when he turned to me, giving him my wide-eyed attention.
“I don’t want to see innocent blood spilled on my turf either. I’d appreciate it if you’d limit yourself to the lodge or your cabin after sunset while you’re here.”
I frowned, pulling my hand out of Chaz’s so I could fold my arms. “I came out here to see the pack. I’ve been around when they’ve shifted before.”
“That may be, but it’s not just your safety on the line. I’ve got a reputation to uphold, and that isn’t going to happen if things get rowdy and you end up getting bit or scratched in a scuffle.”
“That’s not fair! Chaz can protect me. He’s done it before. Right?” I looked at him, pleading for assistance. He nodded