Chapter 24

"Heading to work today?" Kaleb asked, leaning on the doorframe of my bedroom.

I looked up pulled a pillow to my chest and smiled. His hair hung loose and damp. He'd just gotten out of the show.

"Yeah, I think I've used up my sick days."

He smirked.

"I have to go, but I want to talk."

"About what?" I crossed my legs and gave him my attention.

Kaleb stepped into the room and shoved his hands in his jeans.

"About you and me. Zora, I-" His phone rang, interrupting him.

"What now? How the hell did that happen? He alive at least?"

My eyes widened. Kaleb walked out of my room and I stumbled after him.

"I'm on my way, Russel." He ended the call.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"Uh, nothing. I'm sure you're tired that couch was uncomfortable."

"Stop." I yanked his meaty arm and stepped in front of him. "What happened?"

Kaleb sighed heavily. "It's pack business, but Dash was attacked. He's bashed up but he's alive."

My heart slammed forward. "What happened? Where was he?"

"Out of town following a lead. I don't know much. I have to go."

He walked passed me and left. Was the reason Dash didn't respond because he was getting his ass handed to him? As Kaleb climbed into his truck I searched for the keys of my truck and discovered them in the kitchen. I'd have to thank whoever was responsible for taking care of my home and care later.

He must have been taken to the pack house since Kaleb said it was pack business. I didn't know he was out of town. I clutched my chest as I drove. Please be okay, Dash.

A bunch of cars were parked outside the mansion. None of them were Dash's. I raced inside and smacked into someone's back.

"Ouff." I smoothed my shirt.

The man in an army green shirt turned around and smirked. "Well, isn't it Zora Fisher?"

I gave him a pressed smile. "Hi, Russel. Where's Dash?"

Russel shoved his fists into his pocket and leaned forward. "You're not a pack member technically."

"You've known me your whole life! Your Grandmother loves me."

Russel bobbed his head from side to side. His Grandmother lived at the old folk's home.

"I guess… he's upstairs with the healer. He'll be fine. Dash's always getting into fights."

"So that's all it was? A fight?"

Russel's grey eyes narrowed on me but before he could respond a hand landed on his shoulder and Gunner appeared in front of me.

"What the hell are you doing here?" He barked.

I stepped back, a little shaken. "I came to see Dash."

"This is the pack house, Zora. It's no place for worthless humans."

"Worthless?" I whispered.

"Come on, man-" Russel started but Gunner cut him off.

"Hey! I'm the Alpha. I make the damn rules."

"I'm not worthless," I snapped.

"You rank below an omega in this house. You have to right to be here."

A set of different tone giggles filled the foyer. I didn't have to see them to know it was Rachel and her crew. I lifted my chin, determined not to let Gunner phase me… not again.

"I didn't come for you I came for Dash."

Gunner's face twisted into mock and disdain. "Let me make this clear Zora. I want you nowhere near pack business, that means this house."

"Keep your damn pack house." I turned on my heels. "It smells like a wet dog anyway."

Gasps erupted but I was already in my truck. I didn't turn around but I felt Gunner's eyes burning holes in the back of my head. I thought he grew up. I thought he had moved passed the years of pain but a tiger never changes its stripes.

***

"Gunner's such a dick! I can't believe I allowed him… to put his filthy hands on me." I slammed my hands on the wheel and my car jolted in response.

I cringed. "Sorry baby."

"It's not my car's fault I thought Gunner changed. I don't ever want to see him again."

My car jolted and my heart slammed forward. No, not again. Don't die on me now, I pleased. Then something flashed in the rare view mirror. It happened again.

"Oh, Gunner better not have sent his wolves on me." I slammed on the accelerator.

A man manifested out of nowhere. It was too late for me to hit the brakes. My car collided with him. I gasped and my heart threatened to leap out of my chest.

"Get out of the car, girl," the man with glowing red eyes demanded.

I rubbed my aching chest. "Keegan?"

"Out now."

I unbuckled my belt. It was dumb of me to confront a vampire but this wouldn't end until I did.

"Fine, I'm coming out."

"You don't have your wolves to protect you now."

"I don't need protection. All you want is your money right?"

Keegan lifted his chin. "All along."

"Fine. We can make an arrangement but I need something in return."

"Hell no! I'm done doing deals with the Fisher family. Your old man died without paying me."

It's not like he wanted to!

Keegan growled and his eyes grew brighter. He bore his razor-sharp fangs and hissed. I swallowed. I should have stayed in the car. A vampire wasn't one for reasoning with.