“We had a really good talk,” Scarlett says thoughtfully. “I got on great with her. But there was this moment when I mentioned Wolf’s Shadow—”
“You told her about Wolf’s Shadow?” I demand.
“Yeah. She went really quiet and pale. I assumed it was just her stomach acting up.”
“What else did you tell her?”
“Just that it must have been hard for you to leave her all those years ago, but you would have had a very good reason. Rex made it up to me, so I’m sure you can make it up to her as well.”
“Uh-huh,” I mutter, feeling numb.
“I’m really sorry if I said the wrong thing,” Scarlett says. “But honestly, Brad, I assumed she knew everything. She’s your mate, isn’t she?’
“No. I mean, yes. I mean—fuck!”
“Do you need some help?”
“I’ll call you back, okay? For now, just keep your eyes open. There’s no sign of a break in here. She might have gone for a walk.”
Fat chance!
“Okay, call me back if you need me.”
“Sure thing,” I say, hanging up.
Straight away, I call Alisha on the new number we just got for her. It goes straight to voicemail, and my guts twist as if they’re being wrung out by giant, extremely hard hands.
The strength goes out of me, and I stagger to the couch, sitting down and putting my head in my hands. My emotions rage through my body, my earlier exhaustion forgotten in the face of my fear.
I know exactly what conclusions she would have drawn from Scarlett’s words. Alisha must be so hurt and confused right now.
More than any thought of what this means for me, I’m concerned for the woman I love, and how betrayed and used she must feel right now.
I can’t believe I let this happen! I have to find her and explain!
Miserably, I admit to myself that if she decided to leave me, even after hearing the truth, I wouldn’t blame her.
I take a few deep breaths, trying to clear my thoughts and calm my body. Alisha is in so much danger right now—from the snake, her ex, and God knows what else in this town—and she’s walking around unprotected because of me.
The most important thing is that she doesn’t try to leave town.
I wake my phone again and tap on Luke’s number. He answers right away.
“Are you on patrols tonight?” I say in greeting.
“Good afternoon to you, too,” Luke says wryly.
“Don’t fuck me around. Alisha’s missing.”
“Whoa, actually missing?”
“Well,” I answer. “Not at home. I’m not sure yet.”
“Fair enough. Do you want us to keep an eye out?”
“Yes, please. Tighten the net on the edges of town, don’t let anyone leave. If you find her, keep her with you and hold her until I get there.”
“Do you mean arrest her?” Luke asks, sounding shocked.
