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What the hell is going on at Whispering Pines?
Whatever it is, it can’t be good. And most disturbing of all is that there are humans involved. Controlling their captives. It’s unheard of. At least, I’ve never heard of it.
But what does that make the golden she-wolf – friend or foe?
Everything within me is telling me I can trust her. And that she needs help.
My eyes narrow as I recall shifting into my own wolf form and loping through the forest with her at my side. The thrill of running had sung in my blood, instincts taking over. This time, she hadn’t fled but held her ground, studying me with those uncanny eyes.
A clatter makes me look up. It’s the waitress, phone in hand. “All charged up for you, sugar.”
I grunt a thanks, powering it on impatiently. Before I can call back to base, the damn thing starts ringing.
Jagger. I punch the answer button. “Yeah?”
“Alpen’s on his way back,” his clipped tones inform me. “Got any updates to share?”
I hesitate, something holding me back from spilling everything. What happens if our team charges in and spooks them before we know where they all are? I only saw one. They spoke of others, but there’s no guarantee they’re in there. They’d spoken about transporting them from Leadmills. Should we be aiming our efforts in that direction? If Jagger brings all our people here, will we be abandoning anyone still left at the rogue hangout? One thing’s for sure: if I tell Jagger what’s on my mind, he’s going to come in guns blazing, and all hell will break loose.
Shit.
“Place seems hinky,” I settle on saying. “Definite signs of shifter activity. Need to get a closer look, but I can’t do it alone.”
There’s a pregnant pause before Jagger speaks again. “He’s a few hours out. Can it wait that long?”
I pause, considering. Nothing has happened in that place during the daylight hours. “Yeah,” I say.
“Where’s a good place for him to meet you? Same as last time?”
“No. Closer this time. There’s a bar in town. Biker hangout called the Greased Nipple. He’ll know the place.” As I say the words, my mind starts to work.
“Good.” There’s a slight delay; he’s speaking to someone in the background. Probably Edirn. “He’ll be there round midday.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
The line goes dead. I stare at the phone for a long moment, then pocket it and toss some bills on the table.
???
Barrett
My nerves are on edge as I wait for Edirn to arrive. Even though it’s barely noon, the bar is already smoky, bustling with drinkers.
I drum my fingers impatiently on the scarred wooden table, my gaze flicking around the dimly lit bar. The Greased Nipple is a dive, but it’s one of the few places I can reliably find Edirn. Seasoned drinkers line the bar, nursing their beers, while a rowdy group of bikers in leather cuts talks loudly in the corner.
I try to appear casual, but I can’t quite suppress the nervous energy buzzing through me. There’s too much at stake – the wolves trapped in that cursed sanctuary, and then her… I need Edirn’s steady presence to help me figure out the best way to get those shifters to safety.
My mind races, considering the options. We could try a frontal assault, but the place is sure to be well-guarded. A more stealthy approach might work, but we’d need to scout the layout thoroughly first.
Or you could just wait for Jagger, you fool.
My impatience ramps up. I can’t simply attack the place, even with Edirn. But there isn’t enough to go on yet to get Jagger involved. We need more info.
Just then, the door swings open, and Edirn strides in, his sharp gaze sweeping the room. Our eyes meet, and he gives a slight nod before making his way over to my table and sitting down.
“What have you got?” His voice is clipped.
I move closer, lowering my voice. “Like I told you yesterday, I’ve been watching the sanctuary. During the day, it looks like a regular operation. Conservation officers going about their business, taking care of the wolves. Ferrying visitors around the place. It’s something of a tourist destination. Which is how they seem to be getting away with what they’re doing. They’re operating in full view – nobody would question them about moving wolves in and out of the place, right?”
