Chapter Four

Savannah watched with piqued interest as the conversation wrapped up outdoors. As she sat thoroughly engrossed in the body movements Tom used to properly express his anger, a slight sound caught her ear. Frowning, she turned from the window, listening hard and scenting the air for any signs of a disturbance. The sound came again, muffled, but abrupt. Was someone coughing?

Slowly, Savannah got to her feet, forgetting about Tom and Jo and the fate of her mission as it unfolded outside. Someone else was here, someone that she hadn’t been briefed on. The question was, who?

She allowed her ears to guide her, leading her to the back end of the office near a door with a couple of locks on it. She sniffed hard, her chest rattling in a silent growl.

The front door suddenly swung open, bouncing roughly against the hinges. Savannah shrank back as Tom strode in, his glare accusatory and cold.

“What were you doing?” he growled.

Savannah shrugged, quickly feigning nonchalance as she walked back to her seat. “Just browsing around the office. It got boring in here by myself.”

She only barely met his gaze, the sheer intimidation of his glare sent shivers of alarm down her spine. She could already feel the confirmation of her failure on his lips as he opened them to speak. She’d failed before she’d even started.

“You got the job,” Tom said, voice bleak. “Congratulations.”

Savannah gasped, hands moving to her lips in surprise. “Really? Oh, wow! Thank you so much!” She stepped forward holding out her hand for him to shake.

Clearing his throat, Tom took her hand briefly before stepping away. It didn’t stop the tingling sensation that Savannah had felt when their fingers touched, but it was fleeting enough that she could just barely ignore it.

“Can you start tomorrow?” he asked, gruffly.

Savannah gave him a relieved grin. Lucas would have no reason to punish her now. “I can start today, if you’d like! I’d love to look around a bit more.” Her eyes wandered inconspicuously to the locked door at the rear of the room.

The sound of Jo and Nick’s conversation moved closer to the entrance. “Uh, yeah, sure. I’ll let Jo and Nick congratulate you, and then I’ll show you around.” He rounded the counter. “Just let me check on a few things back here, then I’ll be back to get you settled.”

“Thank you so much,” Savannah repeated, gaze intent on him as he worked on the locks of the door.

Nick and Jo entered the office as Tom slipped into the back room. She watched as he walked out of sight, eyes trained on the spot where he’d just been standing. As the door closed firmly behind him, a sudden scent passed her nose.

Savannah shook her head, trying to sort out the different scents. There had been raw meat of some kind, maybe some blood, and definitely bear. Did they have another bear back there? Or was it just the lingering scent of the two alphas that already lived here? Was that sound she’d heard a cough? Was it coming from that room? She couldn’t tell.

Her bear growled impatiently; it was more curious than she was. It was almost familiar, that scent that wafted to her, but she couldn’t quite place it. It made her bear restless to find out more.

“Are you okay?” Jo asked, snapping Savannah out of her thought-process.

“Oh, I’m fine,” Savannah replied, giving herself a mental shake. She needed to keep her instincts under control or else Jo would learn for sure what she was. Regardless of what the human knew, Savannah wasn’t okay with the idea of humans knowing about her. The very thought of a human knowing shifters existed at all made her nervous. Humans were such unpredictable creatures when faced with the unknown…

“So Tom’s told you, then?” Jo continued. “The good news?”

Savannah nodded. “Yes he did, though I don’t think he’s too happy about it.”

Jo smiled. “Don’t take it personally. He’s not exactly the most forthcoming person at first, but he’ll warm up to you, you’ll see.” Savannah tried to smile despite the nerves knotting in her stomach.

“You’re okay to start work, then?” Jo said.

“I am. Tom actually volunteered to show me the ropes a bit when he returns.”

“Oh?” Nick said. Savannah watched him share an inquisitive look with Jo.

Savannah nodded, her stomach churning with anxiety. What did that look mean? They seemed so friendly and kind, but she was sure they also had their fair share of secrets. Lucas wouldn’t have assigned her to this place if he didn’t believe so. Whatever they were, she was certain it couldn’t be good. But until she found out, she had to remain cautious. She couldn’t let her guard down for anything or anyone. That’s what she told herself despite the rippling sensation that drove through her core and radiated outward to the tips of her fingers when Tom returned from the back room.

“Ready for the grand tour?” he asked, his voice curt.

Savannah only managed a nod afraid her voice would betray the feelings she hid. She followed after him, catching a quiet chuckle from Nick as he discussed something intently with Jo. If she didn’t know any better she’d assume they were talking about… her. She tried not to think about it.

Walking outside, she let her eyes linger on Tom’s figure. He was tall and strong, the defined musculature making it easy for her to imagine just what kind of bear he was. He was definitely awe-inducing, unlike any bear she’d ever seen before.

She stifled a shudder, mentally reminding herself that Lucas had send her there on a mission, a mission that would aid in amending Dan’s death. Guilt stabbed her heart; her pack brother was dead at this pack’s hand and she’d been too distracted by some muscles to keep her eye on the objective. Yet, even as she recalled her assignment, something still felt off. Why?

She didn’t know.