Page 62 of Lycan’s Hunt

“Are you sure that is wise? Your aura is all over the place,” Damian is quick to reply while Aubrey leans back her hand moving from the door handle.

“Right now, yes, I can’t shift in the car,” I tell him and he looks at me doubtful because I could quite easily, but in here I know I would seriously hurt her if I did. My Lycan side is aware of that, and I don’t want that instinct taking over. Damian nods, climbing out of the car.

I speak before he can shut the door. He leans down peering in at me.

“Lock the place down, and shut down all phone lines in and out, clear out unnecessary staff, and if anyone asks why just tell them I am grieving the loss of my fiancée.”

His eyes dart to Aubrey in the back.

“You want me to clear out all the staff?”

“Soren…”

“Just do it, I don’t want anyone to know she is here or that we have Bianca. Enough rumors are going around.” Damian nods and moves to shut the garage doors.

Aubrey watches Damian before nervously glancing back at me.

“Where is he taking Bianca?”

“Dungeons for questioning, I need to know what Rhett is planning.” I tell her, keeping my eyes ahead.

“That is what I need to speak to the council about, though who I have no clue since I’m not sure which is corrupt,” she says.

“What do you mean?”

Aubrey’s eyes dart to mine. “I don’t want to upset you, maybe I should just tell Damian?”

“No, you are done lying to me, tell me,” I growl at her.

“I have no intention of lying to you, Soren. I’m afraid of hurting you further.”

I tilt my head considering her words wondering what she means. At this point I don’t think much will surprise me because everything has gone to shit already. Aubrey sighs and fiddles with her fingers nervously. “Bianca… she said your wife’s death wasn’t a random rogue attack. That the Vampire King was involved. Rhett killed his own father after he went to your wife to report him for human trafficking. He is working for the Vampire King.”

My heart clenches painfully. I’ve long suspected someone was behind the rogue attack, that isn’t new to me, but hearing it confirmed sends a wave of anger through me.

“Go on,” I urge, keeping my voice steady.

As Aubrey recounts Bianca’s revelations, pieces of a long-hidden puzzle begin to fall into place, and I find myself staring vacantly out the window.

“I’m sorry, Soren,” Aubrey finally tells me and I clench my teeth.

“We’ll get more answers out of Bianca, but for now…”

“For now, what?” she questions and I hear the subtle uptick to her heart rate; she is scared, scared I will kill her, or perhaps hand her over to authorities.

“For now we go inside, Max has missed you.” I tell her, climbing out of the car.

Aubrey doesn’t climb out like she is waiting for direct permission and I move to open her door. I know the place has been cleared of all staff except those Damian has hand picked to remain, so I lead Aubrey inside.

Upon entering the foyer, I’m greeted by an overwhelming silence. The vast splendor of our mansion now feels eerily hollow, punctuated only by distant sounds: footsteps echoing from somewhere above us. Aubrey hesitates for a moment at my elbow. I nudge her forward to keep her moving. We are halfway down the hallway leading to the staircase when movement catches from the corner of my eye.

I turn to see the billiard room’s doors open and out rushes Max. His eyes widen when he spots us and I hear my mother’s voice filter to me as she tries to stop him. As she rushes out I shake my head letting her know it’s fine as I move to scoop him up. “Your home,” he squeals as I soak up his scent.

“Yes, buddy. I’m home,” I say, my lips thinning into the best semblance of a smile I can muster.

He buries his face in the crook of my neck, wrapping his tiny arms around me in a tight hug. Every muscle in my body relaxes.

Aubrey watches from a distance, her face softening as she observes us. Max lifts his head and spots her. His legs immediately start kicking, wanting to be placed down so he can go to her.