AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Thanks. And if Lorenzo comes in again, tell him everything’s okay and I’m dealing with family business. I’ll try to get in touch with him. Not sure why he even cares, we just met. Talk to you later.”
I hung up and gave Naya the skinny. I left out the part about being half dog and decided she just needed to know about my mom’s kidnapping and to keep an eye out for anyone suspicious visiting my apartment.
“What about the cop?” she asked.
“Was he here?”
“Last night.”
I walked to the bar and got the information I’d scribbled on a napkin with his number. He had wanted to talk to me about my father, and that made me anxious.
She wrapped me up in a generous hug. “Find your mama. I’ll keep an eye on your place and if you need anything, call me.”
“Thanks,” I muttered against her perfumed neck.
“And if any of those strapping young men you’re hanging out with are single, slip them my number.”
I laughed so hard it morphed into my silly laugh. Sometimes you just need to let go when things fall apart in order to keep yourself together.
Naya went back home and I called Officer McNeal. He didn’t answer, so I began listening to my messages. Twelve were hang-up calls from Beckett, according to my caller ID. Lorenzo had left three brief messages, but I saw his number come up five more times. I was surprised he hadn’t assumed I was just brushing him off. But before he turned stalker on my ass, I figured maybe I should give him a call and let him know this wasn’t a good time for me.
What made me curious was wondering if Lorenzo was a Shifter, did he know I was one too?
“Church,” he answered.
“Hi, is this Lorenzo?”
There was a brief pause. “Is this who I think it is?”
“That depends on who you think it is.”
“Yeah,” he said with a dark laugh. “It’s who I think it is. I’m glad you decided to give me a call, Alexia.”
“Call me Lexi.”
“Why?”
“Look, I’m sorry you’ve been going through the trouble of calling. I’ve had some family stuff come up that I need to take care of, but I didn’t want you to think I was being rude and ignoring your calls. I’m not like that. If I don’t like you, I’ll tell you flat-out.”
Lorenzo laughed. “That I believe. Why don’t you invite me over and we’ll talk? Maybe I can help with your problem. I’m a good problem solver.”
I suddenly remembered the cameras that had been installed. As inplural. I sure didn’t see the one outside, so if there were any inside the apartment, I was going to have to get Austin to take them out. That was a little invasive, especially since I liked walking around in my underwear on Saturday nights while watching movies and making quesadillas.
“Alexia? Speak to me.”
“I’m… what did you ask?”
“You were about to tell me your address so I can help you with your problem.” Before I could reject his offer he said, “I think it’s time the both of us come clean. I’m a Shifter, Alexia, and I know you’re one too. I don’t know what pack you belong to, but whatever trouble you may be in, my people can help. I’m a Packmaster. I got strong connections, money… whatever you need.”
And that was an attractive offer. More help.
“Did you hear about a mother and daughter gone missing?”
“Yes.”
“That’s my mother. We found my sister, but my mom’s still missing.”
He covered the receiver and I heard muffled conversation. “Tell me where you are. I got thirty men I can put on this right away.”
