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“I’m so sorry I can’t help, sweetheart.” I can hear the pain in Mum’s voice. She’d love to race here right now, but it’s too risky.
“It’s okay, Mum. I’ll manage.” Another wave of dizzying heat passes over me. At this point, it could be a darkened hole in the ground, and I’d gladly crawl into it if it meant I could get some relief. I’m not looking for luxury, just a bed and some peace of mind.
“Are you sure you need to go at all?” The question is asked quietly. What she’s really asking is why not just accept my mate and enjoy this time together. I’d love to, but, unfortunately, that’s not an option. Chase doesn’t understand any of this, yet. He’s mentioned a private investigator business. He has plans. Much as I want to think they might now include me, I won’t be responsible for trapping him in something he might not want or appreciate once the haze of the mating frenzy passes.
“Maybe next year, Mum. But not this time.” Squinting and trying to recall the details of the drive, I’m pretty certain I’ll be able to find it once I’m nearby.
She hums, unconvinced but mollified that I’m not rejecting the idea completely. “I’m going to call Maude and let her know what to expect. Once I text you to confirm, ditch your phone.”
I remember the protocol. Nothing traceable.
Maude is her partner in crime, but she won’t be expecting anyone this early. Only fated mates would start their cycle this time of year, and if you’ve found your fated mate, you should have no need of the services of the Island. Gripping the steering wheel, I pray she’s around to help, because getting stuck somewhere unknown in the condition I’m in is a bad idea.
I need to hurry.
CHAPTER 32
CHASE
Clad in timber, with a big arch over the entrance to the car park welcoming visitors, Cooper and Ethan’s rustic Wolf Brewery stands toward the rear corner of the site.
There’s a large green area with picnic benches along one side. From what I’ve seen online, in the summer, they have bands playing, barbeques, food trucks, and all kinds of mini-festivals to drive traffic through the brewery and small bar on-site.
As part of my investigations, I was here before, checking to see if it really was a brewery, or whether it was just a front for something else. Turns out all they do here is good beer and great wings.
Normally, the car park is all but empty, with just the usual tour buses and a smattering of craft beer enthusiasts. Tonight, though, the car park is full, and the bar is so packed that, despite the chill in the air, people spill out onto the large deck outside.
My senses are on high alert, and as I move through the crowd, I reach out with my sixth sense to search for anything unusual; but, mainly for Natalie.
Unable to resist, I swung by her cabin, but she’s gone. No note. No text messages. She’s not at the station, and she’s not answering my calls. I don’t like it.
Observing from the edge of the car park, I scan the crowd. Today, the lawn has been transformed into an elaborate obstacle course, complete with rope swings, ridiculously high climbing walls, dunking tanks, stations with weights and all sorts of challenges designed to torture the entrants. Men and women line the edges, arms folded and checking out the other participants as they wait for their number to be called.
The atmosphere is charged with a heady mix of testosterone, aggression, and healthy competition. The place crackles with something that feels almost like magic, like the air before a lightning storm.
Somehow, it’s as clear as day to me that these aren’t just men. Being here is a recipe for disaster.
Whatever is inside me is fighting to get out and find Natalie, to take down anyone who goes near her. Since that hasn’t stopped me doing any of the dumb shit I’ve done since I arrived in Grey Ridge, I continue further into the crown. Usually measured and strategic, my new modus operandi is impulsive and reckless.
Tripp would be proud. Van, not so much.
When I don’t see Natalie in the audience outside, I head toward the bar, unsurprised when all heads turn in my direction the further I push inside. Growing up, if I lost my temper or was feeling out of control, people always gave me a wide berth. Once I joined the military, it continued to happen, even with some of the bravest and strongest men I’ve met. Over the years, I realised it was more than people avoiding the guy with the bad mood, and I’ve learned how to use it to my advantage.
Today, the mood I’m in isn’t just bad, it’s downright dangerous.
Ignoring the stares being levelled in my direction, I grab a beer from a passing server and grit my teeth. So many alpha males in one place is making the atmosphere stifling. I spot Max standing by the railings, watching the competitors with interest. He laughs easily with the small group waiting for their turn, and I grind my teeth, stuffing down the urge to go over there and rip his head off for daring to be in the same town as Natalie. She’s not with him, though, so that can wait for another time.
Spotting Leah chatting happily to a man I haven’t seen before, I make my way over. He takes one look at me and moves away.
“I don’t believe it. Chase Walker is at a social occasion.” Leah wraps her arms around me and goes up on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek. Her smile is tight as she looks over my shoulder. “Sorry I didn’t invite you. I didn’t think this would be your scene.”
That’s a lie. This is exactly the kind of thing I love, except for all the people. If I wasn’t on another mission, I’d be out there giving it my all on that course. She didn’t want me to see it because there are no humans here. The realisation hits me as I zone in on the aura of each person standing near me. I’m the odd one out.
Leaning close, I narrow my eyes at her and whisper. “I know.”
Leah’s face pales but, to her credit, she rallies. “About what?”
When I growl and bark at her, her hand flies to her chest and her gaze once again darts to something behind me. I’m assuming it’s Rex. Leah’s eyes glaze over as she stares into the distance, but I’m too preoccupied to care. I continue to look for silky dark hair, perfect for wrapping around my fist, and tanned, olive skin. She’s not here, but where else could she be?
