Frank’s phone rang and he excused himself to take the call. Everyone waited, listening unashamedly when it became obvious it was an estate agent calling him back. A few seconds later he ended the call, looking far too pleased for it not to have been good news. “Got an address.” He waved his phone as a text came through. “White paid above the asking price on the proviso it would all go through before today. That was his only stipulation.”
“Why didn’t this place come up when we checked earlier,” Arlington demanded. He focused on Miller. “I thought you knew everything there was to know about White.”
“So did we.” Miller looked as surprised as the rest of them.
“He bought it through… Newton Holdings. Newton is his mother’s maiden name.”
“Nice touch.” Michael rolled his eyes.
“Yep,” Frank agreed. “The estate agent only remembered his name because he gave her the wrong business card at first and got all in a piss about it.” He faced Arlington. “I’d like to take this one. I know it’s about a two-hour drive, but we’ve searched all our other options in the city.”
Arlington nodded. “Take Stewart and Bridgford with you. And at least two of the Clapham Common pack. More if they’re willing.”
“Yes, sir.”
Michael still held the photo they’d taken from Blake’s fridge. “What about Blake’s place? Weird they had places so close by, but that was par for the course with this case.” White’s new cottage was bigger, had more land and seemed like the obvious choice, but… “It’s just down the road from where Frank’s heading. We can take a look and then meet up with them if they need us. I think it’s worth checking out.”
“Why not check it out if White’s place is a bust?”
“Because by then, White could have already changed.”
Arlington hummed, clearly thinking it over, and Michael could tell from his expression that he wasn’t happy about any of this. “Fine, but make sure you have backup too.”
“What about the council members?” Michael said, “Shouldn’t they be on their way by now?”
“They’re setting off in the next half hour. I’ll call and see if they can meet you and Frank at Abingdon instead.” Arlington seemed marginally happier at the thought of having more alphas as their backup. Which was more than could be said for the Met and City police who were helping them. Even Miller looked a little green at the idea.
Michael nudged him. “Trust me. We want them on our side if there’s any trouble tonight.”
Miller grunted in reply. Michael couldn’t decide if that was in agreement or not, so he let it go.
“Keep me updated.” Arlington headed back into his office.
Frank gestured to his desk. “Shall we?” He reached for his phone. After dialling Sam’s number, he frowned, then started talking. “Sam’s beta,” he mouthed. After finishing the call, he turned to Michael. “Sam, Isaac, Harry, and Aaron are on their full moon run. That was Nick.” He waved his phone. “He’s going to go get them and fill them in. I’ve texted him the addresses. He said Sam and the others’ll meet us there.”
“Right, let’s get ready and go.”
Thirty minutes later, with everyone wearing body armour and the SCTF members fully armed with both their Glocks and high-powered Tasers, they set off for just outside of Abingdon.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Aaron loped through the park, chasing after Harry. The damp grass felt cool under the pads of his paws, the slight breeze ruffling his fur. Even with everything going on in his life, this form allowed him to escape for a little while. His wolf was grey, with darker paws, ears, and muzzle. Harry always teased him that his hair’d end up that colour soon enough.
Stopping to sniff the air, he got a whiff of Harry’s scent again and chased after it until he caught up to him by the tree line. Playing a game of tag, they nipped each other’s heels, swerving in and out of the trees until Sam’s huge silver wolf appeared, stopping them in their tracks.
Fuck.
Aaron’s heart stuttered, then set off at a gallop. Had they found Wilson or Smith? Both?
Sam had avoided them up until now, preferring to run on his own with Isaac. They’d sensed his presence now and again, but he’d left them to their own devices once they’d shifted. The fact that he’d sought them out could only mean one thing.
With a low growl, Sam turned and ran towards where their clothes were stashed. Aaron immediately followed him, Harry hot on his heels.
Isaac was waiting for them when they reached the bench at the edge of the park—dressed, car keys in hand. “We need to hurry. The SCTF are already on their way to a house in Abingdon where they think Smith and possibly Wilson are holed up.”
Sam changed back, rolling his shoulders as he straightened. He made it look so easy, when Aaron knew that the pain for that split second of transition was excruciating. Bracing himself, he focused on his human form, pictured it as clearly as he could, and let his body do the rest.
It hurt. It always hurt, but after almost eleven years of shifting into his wolf form, the pain was part of him. The three of them dressed as Isaac filled in more of the details.
