\[Elise’s POV\]
The next day, I stand with Marty on one side of me and William on the other. Both men take each other in as if they’re squaring each other up. I don’t know what the hell either is trying to achieve, but I immediately wish that the big lug and Denali would just let me go on this mission alone.
“Could the two of you grow up?” I huff when their glaring contest doesn’t end. “If you’re just going to sit there and size each other up, you can stay here.”
Letting out a huff of annoyance, I begin to move, making my way to the car that is waiting for us. Since the one we are looking for is a town over, we can’t go on foot, or rather, paw. Especially as since she is staying in a town filled with humans.
Since she didn’t want to risk being killed due to her disability, she chose to stay among the humans, where it was much safer. Given her ability to heal, she would be greatly sought after since that was a skill not many held.
This was the most Denali would tell me, which left me uneasy, but I didn’t push her for more details. Anyway, the only thing I was worried about was saving as many as I could.
When I reach the car, I reach out to pull open the front passenger door, but am stopped by a hand shooting out and grabbing the handle to pull it open for me.
Frowning, I turn and take in William’s face, which is way too close to me.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I ask, eyeing him.
“Chivalry isn’t dead.” He chuckles.
“I’m a modern woman.” I sigh, getting in. “I can do things myself.”
Finished speaking, I pull the door shut and wait as he and Marty climb into the backseat. Once they are in place, Warren, my past guard, and our driver begin to speed away.
The ride to our destination is a quiet one, with tension so thick you can almost cut it. Even though I really didn’t give a damn what was going through those damn men’s heads, I still didn’t want to have to be stuck with them when they were like this.
“We’re here.” Warren announces when we arrive. “I’ll…”
I don’t wait for him to finish speaking before I jump out of the car and give a stretch while Marty and William follow me.
“Were you that eager to get away from us?” Marty pouts, giving me the puppy dog eyes. “And here I thought you and I had something special.”
At his words, a low rumble escapes William, causing Marty’s face to light up.
Rolling my eyes, I pull out my phone and examine the address that is on the screen. She lived in a small apartment in the center of town, which was just within walking distance of where we were standing.
“This way,” I announce, beginning to move.
Once again, Marty and William take up their places on either side of me, which does much more damage than good. In the world of humans, they were almost godly in their looks. Naturally, wolves were superior when it came to our physical frames and our faces. And with these two flanking me, I was sure that the people who moved about thought maybe we were some type of celebrity. That much was a given as they stop to gawk.
“Both of you draw too much attention.” I sigh, wishing that I could just go forward alone. “Could you please try to blend in a bit more?”
“Blend in?” William repeats in amusement. “I’m pretty sure I’m doing that. Do I look like I’m trying to draw attention?”
I didn’t bother replying, as I was sure that he was simply fishing for a compliment.
“If anyone is being stared at, I’m sure it is you.” Marty chirps, joining the conversation. “I’m sure that none of these people have seen such a perfect specimen.”
Grimacing, I fight the urge to elbow him as we reach the address on my phone.
“You stay here.” I announce, stopping both men. “As a lone woman, I doubt she would feel comfortable having two men come into her apartment.”
Honestly, I didn’t think she would care too much since she was already alerted to our arrival, but I wanted to get away from both of them so that I stopped drawing attention. Even if I was in the business of turning over a new leaf, I had a lot of enemies, and there was no telling where they would be waiting. That was why I needed to lay low so I didn’t cause any more trouble.
“Are you sure?” William asks, worry flashing in his eyes. “Shouldn’t we come with you? What if there is someone waiting in there?”
“Then wouldn’t that mean that someone leaked our plans?” I counter. “And in case you forgot, I’m more than capable of handling myself.”
“Right,” Marty chuckles. “Because you did a fine job of doing that with me.”
Grumbling, I try to forget our fight a few days ago, where he handed my ass to me.
“Fuck off.” I growl, turning and storming inside.
Once I’m in, I begin to relax as I head to the elevator and get inside. Bracing myself, I wait until it opens on the fifth floor so I can exit and head down the hall.
When I reach the place I’m searching for, I ring the bell and then wait as the sound of many locks unlatching reaches me.
“Wait just a minute.” A child’s voice calls before the door opens, and I’m staring down at a curly top with golden locks. His large eyes take me in with curiosity while I begin to wonder if I was at the wrong place, but I know that I’m not when a woman with a hazy gaze slowly makes her way to me. “Come in,” the child says before she reaches. “Ma, I told you to stay in the living room, I’ve got this.”
“Tristan,” the woman who I can only assume is Maria, sighs. “You’re still a child. Mom is more than able to take care of herself.”
“But what if the bad people appear again?” The boy argues, “Then what…”
“They’re already taken care of.” Maria says, placing a hand on the boy's head. “I apologize for him.” She says now, fixing her unseeing gaze on me. “He’s been through a lot.”
Been through a lot; why did that statement leave me uneasy? Where exactly did Denali meet these two, and why were they actually in hiding?
‘I think she hid something from us.’ Anna murmurs as I continue to stare. ‘Maybe we should...’
‘Mind our own business.’ I counter.
Whatever it was that this woman and her son went through had nothing to do with me, and the only thing I needed to do was deliver her to Emerald Moon.
“Please come in and have a seat. Are you thirsty? Would you like some tea?”
“No,” I respond, remaining in place. “I’m fine, really. I think it is best that we don’t waste much time.”
There was no guarantee that we weren’t followed here, and the best thing to do was leave before anything happened.
“Don’t worry,” Maria murmurs, giving me a gentle smile. “Our location is shrouded by a strong mage, and only those who are meant to be here can find the place.”
“What?” I gasp, my eyes growing wide. “But what about the other tenants and their friends and family?”
At my question, she gives me a look of amusement that causes me to bristle ever so slightly.
“Please come in, and I’ll explain everything.”