Chapter 17

I woke up to lightning flashing against the window and strong arms locked around my waist. What time was it? The room was dark and Dash was sound asleep. We shared another incredible moment. I'd had more sex this week than I did in the last five years. Things were getting complicated I wanted to know where we stood but I didn't want to mess things up by putting a label on it.

I decided to throw caution to the wind and enjoy the moments besides I had a mystery to figure out. Who my real mate was and how he managed to claim me without me knowing.

When I woke up again Dash wasn't beside me and the sun was shining through the window. I had to have my car towed and get home. I went downstairs and stopped mid-step when I heard voices. Male voices.

"Shifters are dying and it has nothing to do with vamps," Gunner said.

Any new deaths?" Dash asked.

"Not recently, but the pack's worried."

What was Gunner doing here so early in the morning?

"Time to look into the old folk's home," Dash said.

"You mean Zora?"

"I didn't say anything about Zora." The edge in Dash's voice made me hot. "I'm talking about the murder at the old folk's home and the old man. He mentioned the Pandora to Zora."

"You're getting real close to Zora, huh? When did she tell you that?"

Dash scowled. "Please we have bigger shit to take care of."

"I know I need to know your head's in the right place."

"I keep it in my pants, Gunner. Zora's involved in this. That girl that died should have been Zora."

I swallowed. I knew it but hearing it said out loud terrified me.

"She's in danger but I'll take care of her,' Gunner said.

"How?" Dash spat.

"I'll take her to the pack house. Anyone who comes for her will face me."

I backpedalled to Dash's room. I climbed on the bed and curled into a ball. I didn't want to live in the pack house neither did I want a target on my back. I didn't want to hide I needed to help find out what was going on. What's the Pandora and who is trying to hurt Mr Dean? I couldn't abandon him. When I got back to work I'd have to check the medicine they were giving him.

Dash walked through the door and stood on the edge of the bed.

He shoved his fists into his sweatpants. They hang low around his waist, exposing his Calvin Klein boxers.

"I know you heard everything, Zora."

I stared at him and blinked.

"I'm not going."

He threw his head back and scowled.

"We're trying to keep you safe."

"I don't want to run away from my problems Dash."

"Your problems want to kill you."

Fair enough I sat up and fluffed the pillow.

"Why didn't you tell Gunner I was here?" I asked softly.

He settled on the bed and rubbed my thigh.

"He can't know anything. His jealous ass might suspect but he shouldn't know."

"Why?"

Dash's features went hard. "I can't tell you."

***

Dash drove me home. Breakfast had been weird and the drive was quiet. The rain left the road muddy and bumpy. He parked in the driveway and rubbed my thigh.

"About the pack house," Dash started.

"I'm not comfortable with it. Don't you have a safe house I could use instead?"

He chuckled. "You could stay with me, but I doubt I'll be able to keep things professional."

I turned away to hide the pink shade my cheeks turned. I recalled my house keys were in my car. I sighed, I'd have to bust a window to get in another added expense.

"My house keys are in my car," I told Dash.

"You're a special breed Zora. I have my tool kit." He popped out of the car first.

"Zora?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you sure you didn't leave the front door open?"

"What do you mean-" The front door was wide open.

My feet pushed me forward against my better judgement and Dash's words.

"Zora get back here!"

I stepped through the doorframe. The door had been busted off its hinges. I ran to the living room and held the wall for support. My Mother's furniture, all our family pictures lay scattered on the floor, the ancient TV set had been kicked in.

Dash zoomed in and wrapped his arms around my waist. He pulled me from the living room and into the foyer.

"Who would do this?" Tears burned my eyes like a flame held right in front of them.

"Calm down, Zora. I need you to wait in the car."

What about my best room? My parents room? Their things? Dash released me but I ran upstairs. He growled and followed me. I gasped when I burst into my room.

"Shit," Dash said.

My mattress was on the ground. My clothes had been thrown all over the room. It didn't make any sense, who would vandalize my house?

"Guys we have a situation, Zora's house," Dash said into his phone.

I wandered into my bathroom and discovered another mess. I noticed a few footprints near the bathtub. Dash lingered on the door, his hot gaze on me.

"That's the thing. There's no scent here."

***

Minutes later the Alpha along with his group of betas arrived at my house. While Dash went downstairs to give them information I couldn't peel myself away from the hall. Keegan was behind this. He had to be. He must have thought I had something valuable. Gunner barked orders downstairs.

"Where is she?" He demanded.

I didn't want to see him. I wanted to be alone. I scurried into my parents bedroom and slammed my body against the door. I panted heavily but told myself I wouldn't ball my eyes out. Not with all these people here.

It was untouched until I noticed the pieces of wood scattered on the floor.

"Zora! We're getting out of here," Gunner yelled.

The pieces of wood got bigger as I traced them to the walk-in closet. That wasn't there before. I stood and followed the pieces to the closet. I hoped to find animals, termites, anything. It would have been better than what I found. A huge hole was carved in the shape of a giant-sized door in the wall. A black abyss stared at me from the other side.

"What the hell?"