Santa Soldier Bear - Meg Ripley Page 0,18
by their Alpha, which would have to come from us first. It helps us build our registry of shifters in the area, plus it keeps out any prying eyes. Normally, it’s a pretty good source for leads.”
“The lack of information isn’t comforting,” Amar replied. “If someone were missing this child, I would think they’d have something to say about it. Unless, of course, something had happened to them.”
“I certainly hope that last part isn’t something we’ll have to worry about,” Jude said quietly.
“Agreed,” Amar said with a nod. “Our first line of business is to track down the parents, no matter what their status is. We’ll start by getting in touch with the three clans who could be tied to this incident and see if we can arrange peaceful meetings with them. In the meantime, let’s keep our eyes and ears open for any other hints that might point us in the right direction, whether it’s something online or in person.” He hesitated, tapping his fingers on the desk. “If the parents can’t be located or if we find they’re dead, we’ll cross that path when we come to it. You’re all dismissed.”
Roman made his way out of the conference room, though a few others held back to talk with Amar. He felt the urge to act building in his muscles once again, feeling as though he needed to do something to make this situation better. Unfortunately, he didn’t know what that was. He also didn’t know how he was going to deal with the problem of Melody.
“How’s she doing?” he asked as she stepped out of the conference room behind him.
When she looked up at him, he was unsure if the kindness in her eyes was actually for him, or if it was from looking at the baby. “As well as can be expected. She’s young enough that she might not know a major difference, especially if she’s used to being dropped off with a sitter regularly. As long as someone’s taking care of her, she should be content. Lucas was a lot like that. He still is, actually. He sees everyone here as one big family. Even though I’m technically the one who watches him, he’s still just as happy as a peach as long as it’s one of us. He’s with Mali right now, and I’m sure it doesn’t bother him a bit.”
“The Force members sure are a tight-knit group,” Roman observed, “even those who don’t actually live here.” Why did he feel a little envious of that? He had his own clan up in Sheridan. It wasn’t a family he’d been born into, much like what the Force had going on there in L.A., but they were good to him.
“We really are,” she agreed. “I didn’t have a big family growing up, so it’s great to always have someone to lean on.”
He felt yet another crack form in his heart. This woman was utterly perfect. Even if she suddenly agreed to go to Wyoming with him, he’d be moving her to the middle of the wilderness where she didn’t know a soul. She was strong, and while he had no doubt she’d be able to handle it, she still wouldn’t be happy. “The Army was kind of like that,” he said for lack of anything else. “I was closer to some than others, but you always had your brothers at your back.”
“Yes, and that sense of camaraderie is thick around here,” she said with a smile. She looked down as Ruby stretched and wiggled in her arms, turning her head toward Melody’s chest and making tiny noises of distress. “Looks like it’s time for another bottle.”
He watched her head toward the kitchen, on the verge of asking if she needed any help or what he should do, but he knew there was nothing. This was Melody’s life. This was her way of being, and she didn’t need him to get involved. It was better if he stayed out of the picture as much as possible. The real question was how long he’d be able to do that for.
6
Emersyn let out an exasperated sigh as she rushed around the exam room at headquarters, packing up a few supplies she needed for the day. She’d swept her dark hair back into a braid, but tiny strands were already pulling free. “I’m never going to get out of here on time.”
“The clinic will be there when you get there,” Melody reminded her calmly as she lifted Ruby into her