“You can bet one thing,” Reno said. “Your babysitting days are over.”
I crossed in front of Jason’s chair and bent over. “Skye may dance for a living, but she has dignity. She’s a proud mother, and you’re nothing but a coward—afraid of being a man and taking care of your own. You’re not even worth the slap of my hand.”
I turned around, and you better believe I wanted to slap him. But if I started, I might never stop. What had Lola endured that would make her go willingly into the arms of a stranger and leave the only other person she knew as family?
We headed down to the car, and Reno helped her into the back.
“My name is Miss Naya, and I have someone who wants to keep you company.” I handed her the toy pony, and she hugged it against her chin.
“Bella!”
After stopping off for a slice of cheese pizza, Reno swung by my apartment. I searched everywhere outside the building for Misha, and my heart sank when I didn’t find her. The first thing I planned to do when I got to Austin’s was make a few phone calls to the shelters, just in case they’d picked her up. I went inside and packed a large bag, uncertain of how long I’d be staying with the Weston pack. Change was on the horizon. Usually life shifts in new directions with unfortunate events, more so than it does with positive ones.
When I reached my front door to leave, my blood ran cold.
“Oh my God,” I whispered, staring at the note pinned on the door.
Reno tapped on the horn outside. My trembling hand reached up and tugged the paper off the door.
Naya,
Now that I know who you are, it’s time that you know who I am.
Delgado
At the bottom was a phone number.
But above the letter, nailed to the door, was Misha’s pink collar.
Chapter 11
By the time we made it back to Austin’s house, everyone had returned from the movie. After Reno briefly explained Lola’s situation to the pack, Izzy scooped her up and ran her a bubble bath. Melody was excited to have a friend her age and pulled out all her clothes to find Lola something clean to wear. When I mentioned the living conditions of the apartment we’d found her in and how Jason had given her medicine to keep her sedated, Denver stormed out of the house. He slammed the front door so hard it put a crack in the frame.
“Bet I know where he’s going,” Jericho murmured with a nod of his head.
Lynn sent Wheeler to Home Depot to figure out how to repair the door. Wheeler silently went, not having said a word since my return. He must be blaming me for all this. If not for me, he wouldn’t be on the outs with his Packmaster, and here I was, being given the red carpet.
I skipped lunch and took a nap on the sofa, overcome with emotion. I didn’t tell anyone about the note or Misha’s collar. Reno had noticed I was visibly distraught but he probably assumed it had to do with Lola. Shifters didn’t keep pets, and they simply wouldn’t understand how devastated I was. Of course Skye and Lola were more important, but that didn’t lessen the love I felt for my little princess. After Jericho’s band had swung by on their way to a show, the house quieted.
When I woke up, my head was in someone’s lap.
“Sleep good?” a familiar voice asked.
I stared at the black television in front of the sofa, nestling my head against his lap. “I had nightmares.”
“I have a suggestion for what’ll take care of that.”
I furrowed my brow. It didn’t seem like Wheeler, so I sat up.
It wasn’t Wheeler.
“Ben. Do me a favor and never do that again.”
He smirked and combed his fingers through his short hair. “Do what? Put your head in my lap or sound like my brother?”
I scooted away from him and noticed the last spray of golden light sifting through the front windows.
Ben crossed one leg over the other, wearing a pair of knee-length shorts and a button-up shirt. “You were pretty reluctant until I started sweet-talking you. Just face the facts: I’m the irresistible brother.”
“You’re a grown man who shouldn’t be competitive with your twin. It shows your insecurity.”
Ben snorted. “I’m not insecure. Wheeler’s an ass, and everyone knows it. I pull more money into this house—no question about it. There’s no competition to be had. What I can’t figure out is why Austin chose him to be your bodyguard.”
“Maybe it’s because Wheeler is smarter and tougher,” I suggested in a smooth voice. Ben was undoubtedly attractive. Clean-cut, close shave, a charming smile, and just an easy way about him. Even his body language was open and friendly, from the way his left arm stretched over the back of the couch to the way he made eye contact.
Until his eyes slid south.
“That’s an impressive animal you’ve got,” he said. “Wolves are overrated. I’ve only gone out with two myself. Usually I’ll pair up with a grizzly or something along those lines. I’ve never been with a panther.”
“Well, good luck with your bucket list, because I won’t be filling it.”