Chapter 52

Kane stood looking out the window. Storm clouds gathered in the east, moving fast in his direction. The puffy, dark masses were outlined with gray and rolled starkly against the starless nighttime sky as twilight burned away the sunset.

He picked up the glass of bourbon he’d been sipping and took a long swig. Given the precarious nature of his position, he seldom drank, but tonight he needed one. Maybe two. Picking up Joslyn’s picture, the one he kept in his desk drawer, the one he’d taken of her during happier times, he studied her beautiful face. Based on Bianca’s birthdate Jossy had been pregnant around the time he’d snapped the candid shot.

If she were alive, she’d hate me for this. Kane sat the picture on the window ledge and picked up his cellphone. He swiped several times with his thumb and put the device to his ear. Thunder boomed, shaking the glass in the window. Lightning zig-zagged across the sky. His emotions matched the storm.

“Masterson.”

“I’m calling in your debt. Get Bianca to the old Connor farm.” Kane paused. I’m giving my daughter the gift of moonlight and all the power that comes with it. “My man will take care of it from there. You’re keeping her safe, remember that.” Kane took another drink.

“You swear to me she’ll be bitten and nothing more?”

“I swear it.”

Randal sighed. “How soon do you want her there?”

“As soon as possible. Everything will be in place. Get her to go in the old barn, use any means at your disposal.”

Kane hung up and poured himself a second glass of liquor. This was going to be a long night. He settled back into a comfortable chair with Jossy’s picture and his drink, watching the storm.

* * * *

Bianca smiled; Law looked peaceful as he slept. She smoothed some of his blond hair off his forehead. He turned toward her and snuggled deeper into his pillow. I love this man so much. Thunder rumbled outside, but Law didn’t stir. Her cellphone rattled on the bedside table as the device vibrated notification of an incoming call. Instinctually, she grabbed the sheet, wrapping the blue cotton around her naked torso as she answered.

“Hello,” she whispered as she slipped into the bathroom and closed the door. Law needed his rest. Dusk had come and gone while they’d made love, and now the house sat dark. A chill had stolen the heat of the day away, and goose bumps pebbled her skin.

“Bianca?” Randal’s voice held a strange cadence. Lightning sparked across the sky outside the window, causing the shadows to dance in the dim room.

“What’s up?” Bianca asked. “Are you okay?”

“Kloe needs you.” His voice sounded muffled.

“Sure, tomorrow—”

“Tonight,” Randal interrupted. “They’re holding her, some damn werewolves.”

“What are you talking about? There’s no such—”

“We don’t have time for bullshit.” He cut her off again. “We need to go now. They said they wouldn’t let her go unless you promise to come alone.”

“Who are they, and what the hell do they want?” Bianca started to pull on clothes. “I’m getting ready now. Where is she?” She had let her friend down a lot lately, but she wouldn’t do it this time.

“I’ll take you. They want you alone.”

“Who?” Bianca demanded a bit more sharply than she’d intended.

“I’ve never asked you for anything—not one thing. I just need you to do this for me, for Kloe. They want to send a message back to Foster.”

This werewolf crap made me push her away, but I’m not letting it kill her. “When?” Bianca sat on the edge of the tub, balancing her phone on her shoulder as she put on her socks. “Is she okay? How did you both find out? Oh God, you two aren’t werewolves, are you?”

“No. I’ve always known. Kloe has—had no idea. There’s a break in the fence past the gate on the east side. I don’t want Foster to know you’re leaving, so you can’t walk right out. I’ll be waiting on the road.” Randal hung up.

Bianca hurried and smoothed her crazy hair. Without a shower, the whole pack would smell Law all over her. She put on her shoes. The storm intensified. She didn’t have a raincoat, and with the wind nothing else would keep her dry, but she put on a sweatshirt because it was better than nothing.

Cold wetness hit her with such force she squealed as she rushed across the yard. Bianca tried to shield her face with her arm, but rain still blinded her. When she reached the common house, everyone was sitting down to eat. Chessa frowned but waved. I can only imagine how bad I look.

Joy came over, grabbing a dishtowel and handing it to Bianca. “Come in, and I’ll get you a real towel.” Her head tilted to the side. “You’re so pale. What’s going on? Is Law okay?” Joy put her hand on Bianca’s wet arm.

“He’s sleeping. I… Could you watch out for Chessa for a while?”

Joy rolled her eyes. “That doesn’t sound ominous at all.”

“I’m serious. I need to help a friend, and if I’m not back by morning, I need to know someone is making sure she has breakfast and getting to school. Trax too.”

“I’m not going to promise anything until you tell me more.” Joy stepped forward, and they went deeper in the dark mudroom, out of earshot. “I want to help you.”

“My friend Kloe has been taken by someone—werewolves. Her husband said they want me alone. They have some kind of message for Law. I’ll do whatever it takes for them to let her go. I’m sneaking out because there’s no way whoever is guarding the gate is going to just let me walk out without telling Law.”

“That’s a terrible plan. You can’t just show up and expect them to honor what they’ve promised.” Scowling, Joy crossed her arms over her chest.

“I can’t not go. Kloe’s husband is waiting for me by the road.”

Joy peeked in the kitchen. “Okay, but I’m not letting you show up alone. I’ll go with you. Mom and Law will look out for the kids—no need to ask. You need a wolf, and I volunteer.”

“No.” Bianca turned to go.

Joy grabbed Bianca’s arm. “I’m coming. Law would kill me if I let you go alone.” Joy’s grim determination etched on her face as her brow furrowed.

There was no point arguing. “Let’s hurry.”

Bianca opened the door. The rain came down hard, making it almost impossible to see across the yard. With so much wind, an umbrella would’ve been useless. Taking a deep breath, Bianca rushed out of the mudroom into the storm. Cold water hit her with shocking intensity, and she cringed against the deluge. Fear and instinct urged her to go back to the house, but the bond of friendship compelled her forward. Lightning illuminated the path for a second and then darkness returned.

“This would be easier in my wolf,” Joy shouted over the rumble of thunder as she ran beside Bianca.

Lightning split a tree on the state land bordering Law’s territory. Fire lit the trail enough for Bianca to see the break in the fence. She grabbed Joy’s arm. A pool of water congregated in the low-lying area. Bianca sloshed through the flooding and nudged the loose boards on the fence. She tripped, falling in the mud. Dirty water splashed her face. It doesn’t matter. Kloe matters.

Blinking rain out of her eyes, she looked up the hill. A car sat on the road, and the headlights flashed twice. Joy made her way out with more grace than Bianca had managed. The lights flickered again. I hope that’s you, Randal. Bianca slipped on the wet grass as she climbed the hill between Law’s property and the road. As the passenger door opened, Bianca saw Randal in the glow from the dome light.