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Arriving at the private airstrip in Portland after an all-night flight, Kaspar exited the plane and climbed straight into a hired car. Austri, his head security guard and driver, and Jóvin, his second in command, bowed as he approached. Jóvin climbed into the passenger side and Austri held the door for Kaspar.
“Welcome, Your Majesty,” Austri said.
“Austri. Thank you for being on time.”
Austri nodded and closed the door. Kaspar was traveling lighter than usual, with only two bodyguards for him and two for Gunnar, who would arrive the next day. He also traveled with his secretary and his valet, both who had gone a day before him to prepare everything for his arrival.
The cars Camilla had chosen to pick him up in once again proved her salary was well-earned. Where she found a Bentley in Portland, he didn’t know, but if anyone could, she could. He hoped the hotel would be just as appropriate. Kaspar watched the scenery fly by, pleasantly surprised by how beautiful Portland was. His driver maneuvered through the city traffic, expertly dodging cyclists, and pedestrians. The other drivers were a bit more of a challenge. With the rain, it was a bit chaotic.
Camilla met the party at the entrance to the Hotel Monaco and smiled as Kaspar climbed from the car. “Sire,” she said.
He nodded. “Camilla.”
“We have the top two floors of the hotel. You and His Highness will be on the top floor, we will be on the floor below.”
“Excellent,” he said, and followed her inside.
They took the elevator to the top floor, and Camilla opened the door to his suite. He stepped inside, happy with the size and décor. It was a lovely room, with a private bedroom, comfortable enough to stay for an extended period of time if he were forced to.
“Well done, Camilla.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
He didn’t miss her blush as she lowered her head. He knew his compliments were few and far between, but he’d assumed she didn’t need them. She’d been in his employ for close to fifty years, but with the delighted expression on her face... one he didn’t see very often... he realized he should probably tell her more often when she was doing a good job.
“Dinner is in an hour, if that is acceptable to you. I have hired a chef who comes highly recommended, and he will be at your disposal for as long as you need him.”
“Very good.”
“Jens will be here with your bags momentarily,” she continued. “Is there anything you need, currently?”
“No, Camilla, thank you.”
“I’ll leave you now,” she said.
Kaspar nodded and headed straight to the shower, confident his people would take care of everything. Jens would unpack and then assist Kaspar with his clothing when he was finished.
As the water washed over his body, Kaspar felt deep sadness cover him. The pain was so heart-wrenching, he couldn’t stifle a gasp. He realized quickly something was wrong with his mate. She must be here somewhere, but he was at a loss as to where. He’d searched for his kind... there’d been no trace.
It took a few minutes, but the sadness passed, and Kaspar stepped out of the shower. He wouldn’t have much time to rest before he began his search. Kade Gunnach had offered one of his human security men and Kaspar accepted his assistance, however, reluctantly.
Interacting with humans was not something he’d ever thought to do, but it was becoming more and more evident that if he didn’t rely on this Dalton Moore’s assistance, he’d get nowhere in America.
Stepping out of the bathroom and into the bedroom, he found clothing laid out for him. Jeans and a T-shirt. Not his normal choices, but when in Rome... He dressed quickly and ran his fingers through his damp hair before heading into the living room.
He grabbed his phone from the bureau and found a text from Camilla informing him that Dalton Moore awaited him in one of the rooms downstairs. He left the suite, and with a slight nod to Austri standing sentry outside his room, he led the way to the elevator and waited while the security guard took care of the rest.
Kaspar felt panic race through him, and it took him a second to realize it wasn’t his own. He was going to have to find his mate quickly, because he didn’t know how much more of this he could take.
As only he could do as a mate, he did his best to calm them both, and followed Austri down the hall and to the room they’d set up for meetings. It was much like his own, perhaps a little smaller. A tall, dark-haired man was speaking with Camilla, and Kaspar didn’t miss her blush, frowning at the exchange.
When Camilla caught Kaspar’s eye, she stepped away from the man and gave Kaspar a slight curtsy. “Your Majesty, this is Dalton Moore, and here is his information.” She handed him a folder and stepped away, taking her place near the door.
Moore held his hand out and Kaspar shook it before he motioned to the sofa. “Have a seat.”
“Why do I feel like this is some kind of an interrogation?” Moore said in a thick southern American accent.
Kaspar continued to read his credentials without looking at him. “Because it is.”
