of expertise is the study of ancient and lost languages. She’s worked with some of the greats in her field. She’s also what you might call a packette.”
I pulled over and parked across the road from Will’s. “Now I’m curious. What’s a ‘packette’?”
“Werewolf supporter, groupie, fan … someone who has discovered our existence and has committed to maintaining complete confidentiality. In turn we provide protection from those unhappy with her knowledge.”
“I guess at this point that title would apply to me?” This was good news; the added protection policy.
“You’re my mate. You are under my protection, making you far more valuable than any packette.”
“Oh,” I squeaked.
Afraid to look at him, I did it anyway. His eyes shimmered golden and his mouth formed a firm line. The myriad of emotions churning under his tight expression said more than any words.
As difficult as it was, he remained bound to his self-imposed, no touching without permission rule. The strain this boundary was causing him had become unbearable, evidenced by the twitch in his jaw, his ragged breathing, and the way his body instinctively leaned toward me.
A little moan sounded deep in my throat as I stretched to reach him. His eyes widened for a split second before his hands cupped my face. “You are everything,” he whispered. His mouth descended, pressing, at first tentative, than devouring mine.
This kiss was unlike any prior. It was full of promise, protection, and a hint of pain. The pain he’d felt staying away from me melted away as I gave myself over to the exquisite things his mouth was doing to mine. Our tongues danced in perfect rhythm, our mouths expressing the feelings I had been fighting. My, oh my — my wolf could kiss.
He stopped mid-kiss and tensed.
I gripped his shoulders. His stillness told me that we weren’t alone.
Chapter 2515
An instant later, I spotted the cloaked man. He hovered near Will’s garage.
Keeping my gaze locked on the hunched intruder, I nudged Zane. He shot me a quick glance, confirming he’d already honed in on our target.
“What now?” I whispered. It appeared we were in an old-fashioned stand-off.
Zane answered. “We wait. Let him make the first move.”
I sent my telepathy out and captured the creature’s thoughts. He, too, was terrified, and not just by our presence.
His mind was filled with splattered images. Mutants, blood, decaying corpses — the same pictures I’d gleaned during our first encounter. This time I saw a vision with no obvious connection to his other thoughts — a sterile medical facility lined with hospital beds. They were occupied. Young men lay in varying positions on the beds that lined both walls in the long, rectangular room. Some patients were asleep; others stared expectantly at a double door.
I know you’re in my thoughts. What do you want?
I gasped, stunned. Zane shot me a worried look.
“He’s speaking to me telepathically.” I raised my finger to my lips. Zane fixed his eyes on the intruder.
I’m trying to find out who you are and why you’re here, I offered.
You don’t have much time. Check the chimney, he instructed.
What about the wicker? In light of the situation, I realized how silly my question must sound and felt him laugh in my head. A nice laugh … not evil. Not condescending either. He thought my question was funny.
Not everyone has wicker items in their homes. I must go. They’re looking for me. Hurry! You are on the right path. I will find you again. Remember, the chimney.
Wait …!
“He’s gone.”
“And?” Zane pressed.
“We need to hurry. The coin is hidden in the chimney …”
Zane was out the door before I’d finished explaining. Not sure if I should follow, I waited. Someone needed to keep a watch out for the bad guys. I strained to press my powers outward, seeking anything supernatural.
Got it! He cut into my thoughts. Start the car.
A few minutes later, we were speeding back home to wait for Alcuin and Mack. I hoped they’d experienced the same success. Having help from our hairless, hunched, but humorous friend, had made our expedition a whole lot easier. I told Zane about the thing’s laughter and his desire to help us.
“I don’t know what he is, who he works for, and why he’s helping us. Not knowing bothers me. But I trust your judgment. You were the one bouncing around in his head.” Zane paced to the kitchen and refilled our coffee cups.
We were both growing uneasy. Alcuin should have returned. It was almost eleven. I wasn’t too worried about Mack.