Chapter Twenty-One
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“Anything you can find out about this guy or what Timothy Delahart was doing in the warehouse would be greatly appreciated,” Connor said to his dad.
“I’ll ask around.” His father nodded to the dried bloodstains on his shirt and pants. “Shouldn’t you change before you see EmmaLee? She seems like the type to fuss.”
Connor smiled. “Yes, it would be better. I’ll dash home before I see her. Speaking of leaving, I need to go.”
“All right, son.”
Connor jumped in his car and was home in a minute. His body had mostly healed on the drive home since he was able to shift when Ronan took the wheel. After a quick swipe of a wet cloth and a change of clothes, he looked presentable.
A minute later, he pulled in front of the guesthouse. The front room light was on, making it look cozy, and Connor’s wolf growled.
Hurry, his wolf said with an urgency he hadn’t heard before.
I know. I want her tonight too.
As Connor neared the front door, he vaguely sensed a shifter presence, and it didn’t belong to Jackson even though he’d just driven away.
Adrenaline pumping through his system, Connor charged toward the door, and when he twisted the knob, it was locked. Connor pounded. “EmmaLee open up.”
He fumbled in his pocket for the door key, but by the time he found the it and jammed it into the lock, EmmaLee opened up, seemingly unhurt.
“Connor!” She flew into his arms.
Fear sliced through him. “What happened?”
“Slater was here.”
His mind couldn’t comprehend the words. “What do you mean he was here?” He half walked, half carried her back into the house, searching for any evidence of him.
“Once he heard your SUV coming, he ran away.”
She wasn’t making any sense. “Ran? Ran where?”
EmmaLee was shaking so hard, he wasn’t sure she could answer. She lifted an arm and pointed toward the bedroom. “He took off running in there.”
“Stay here.”
He dashed down the hallway, but when he burst through the bedroom door, Coghill had gone. The only evidence he had been there was the open window. Connor shut it and locked it. “Motherfucker.”
As much as he wanted to go after him, he didn’t trust Coghill not to have come with others. If he left to find him, Slater and his men could take EmmaLee and Connor couldn’t chance that. He returned to the living room where he found his very pale mate leaning against the kitchen counter.
He gently clasped her shoulders and walked her over to the sofa. “Sit here while I get something to calm you.” And me.
After making sure the front door was locked and the rest of the windows were secured, Connor poured them two glasses of wine and carried them over to the living room. If there’d been a bottle of Jack, he would have downed that. He handed her a glass and sat next to her. “Tell me what happened,” he said.
“I forgot to look through the peephole because I thought it was you. Jackson had just spoken with you. He said you were at your dad’s house and were on your way here, so he left.”
“If I thought Coghill was coming after you, I never would have gone with Ronan in the first place. What happened after Jackson left?”
Her hands were still shaking, so Connor slipped the glass from her fingers.
“Jackson was gone no more than a minute when I heard a knock. I ran to open the door, and there was Slater.”
“Did you try to slam the door in his face?” Acid burned in his gut.
“I tried, but he stuck his foot between the door and the frame. He is a lot stronger than me and just pushed his way through. I am so sorry, but I really did try to get it shut so I could lock him out.”
He rubbed her arms. “It’s okay, babe; I’m just glad you weren’t hurt. Did he say what he wanted?” Connor had to work hard not to grind his teeth.
“The talon. When I said I didn’t have it, he ordered me outside. Before I could tell him I wouldn’t go with him, your car engine grumbled down the drive. That’s when he ran to the bedroom.”
“Damn, I was so careful driving back. I never saw a tail. The man is either the best at keeping a low profile or else he’s a witch who can make himself invisible!”
“What do we do now?” she asked, her voice trembling.
He clasped her to his chest and held on tight. “I think it’s time you switched places with Ronan.”
She leaned her head back. “I don’t understand.”
“I want you to stay in the safe house and have Ronan come here.”
She nodded and then sniffled. “I’d like that.”
He kissed her forehead. “I know it’s late, but I’d feel better if you pack up now.”
“You really think he’ll come back?” she asked. Poor EmmaLee. Her voice was strained, and her color had yet to improve.
“He wants the talon. Hell, he probably wants the boxes too.”
“He won’t get the talon. As for the boxes, there’s nothing of value in them,” she said.
“Coghill doesn’t know that. And who’s to say we didn’t miss something?”
Her respiration increased. “You’re right.”
Her dejected tone caused more acid to fester in his gut. “How about you pack, and I’ll ask Ronan to do the same.”
He stood, and when he helped her up, Connor drew her close and held her, never wanting to let her go. He kissed her forehead. “This will be over soon. I promise.”
She looked up at him. “How can you be so sure?”
“Because Coghill is up to something, and he seems to be escalating. I promise I won’t leave your side again.”
She wrapped her arms around him again and inhaled deeply. “Thank you.”
“Do you need me to help with the packing?” he asked.
She looked up, and a bit of the old EmmaLee emerged. “No, I’m good. Really.”
She stepped back and headed to the bedroom. While he waited, he called Ronan and explained the situation.
“Sure, I have no problem staying at the guesthouse. In fact, I’d welcome the asshole coming back. I lost him the first time, and I won’t make that mistake again.”
“Thanks. See you soon.”
*
EmmaLee planted her elbows on the front of Connor’s desk and balanced her chin on her palms. She’d moved into the office safe room a week ago and had barely left the premises. It was getting old.
He looked up from his computer and smiled. “Now what?”
Connor was being very patient with her. “I’m bored and a little tired.”
He leaned back in his chair. “We just came back from lunch. Do you want to take a nap?”
“If you’ll join me!”
Connor chuckled. “We have work to do, or rather I have work to do. I’m determined to find Slater.”
“Fine, so why don’t we set a trap for him?”
“You sound like Lexi when she had a stalker after her. You know I won’t use you as bait.”
“I figured as much, but I had to ask.”
Connor picked up his pencil and tapped it on the table, his tell for when he was thinking hard. “I have to admit I thought that after a week, he’d have made his move already.”
“What is he waiting for?” Of course, he didn’t know the answer any more than she did, but EmmaLee was tired and frustrated. She wanted him caught.
“I wish I knew.”
Voices sounded outside Connor’s door and then it burst open. A younger version of Connor filled the frame. He had dark circles under his eyes, and his mouth was pinched tight.
Connor jumped up from his seat. “Finn? What’s wrong?”
“I need your help.”
EmmaLee stood. “I can leave.”
Connor held out a hand. “No stay. You might be able to help.”
Help? What could she do? Connor dragged another chair over from the corner and placed it next to EmmaLee’s. “Sit down and tell me what happened.”
Finn sat and scrubbed a hand down his unshaven jaw. He looked over at her. “You must be EmmaLee. Sorry. I’m Finn, Connor’s brother.” They shook hands.
“I figured,” she said.
Connor had mentioned that Finn was having a hard time sleeping because of some strange dreams. The haggard look confirmed it.
“Tell me what’s gong on,” Connor said.
Finn glanced between them. “Most of the dreams have been the same—sensual and light.”
His face turned a light shade of pink as if he didn’t want to talk about his erotic dreams in front of her. EmmaLee looked at Connor, but he held out a hand, implying she needed to remain.
“I take it something changed?” Connor asked. EmmaLee admired how Connor could remain so calm when his brother was clearly distraught.
“Yes, last night was different. Kaleena said she was in trouble.”
“Kaleena is her name?” he asked.
“Yes. She told me she was in danger, and that she needed my help. Then I heard these gut-wrenching pleas that sounded like she was off in the distance.”
Connor studied his distraught brother. “What can I do?”
“I don’t know.” He clenched his fists. “I don’t know. I know this sounds crazy, but she said she lives on some realm called Tarradon, wherever that is, and that I have to find a portal to reach her.”
“Tarradon?” EmmaLee’s heart beat too fast.
“Yes, do you know of it?”
She explained what Jackson had told her.
“Well, shit.”
“Ophelia might be able to help,” Connor said.
“Ophelia?”
EmmaLee placed a hand on Finn’s arm. “Kaleena’s your mate, isn’t she?”
“EmmaLee?” Connor asked. “What do you know about mates?”
Oh, crap. Even though she was almost positive she and Connor were destined for each other, she figured he’d tell her when the time was right. “A lot. Remember, I had a good tutor—Vinea.”
“Who, by the way is a goddess, not a shifter.” He lowered his chin and looked up at her, but he almost seemed delighted that she was so knowledgeable.
“EmmaLee’s right,” Finn said. “While I’ve only touched Kaleena in my mind and smelled her scent the same way, I’m convinced she and I are mates and belong together—forever.”
Connor huffed out a breath. “You’re totally serious?”
“Yes, but I can’t prove anything.”
“Finn, have you spoken with Zane? He’s knowledgeable about realms and portals. Perhaps something Kaleena told you will resonate with him,” EmmaLee said.
“She has a point, Finn.”
“He was willing to discuss it when I spoke to him,” she added. “And Zane’s good with keeping a secret.”
Finn pressed his lips together. “Hell, I’ll talk to anyone. I’m so fucking scared for Kaleena. If she is some kind of witch I’m unfamiliar with, it might explain how she can talk to me mentally even though we haven’t mated.”
“Or she’s a goddess,” Connor said. “I’ll call Rye and see if he can set up a meeting with Zane.” He pressed a few buttons on his phone. “Hey.”
Connor explained how the plea from Finn’s dream woman had him rattled. “Could we bother Zane again? Oh, okay. We could do that too, thanks.” He placed the phone back in his pocket.
“What did he say?” Finn asked.
“Zane has the day off, and yes we can ask him. Turns out Rye spoke with James regarding your situation.”
“When did you speak with him?”
Connor huffed. “We’ve discussed your situation a few times. Your appearance, together with the lack of sleep has us both worried.”
“I’d be worried too,” he huffed.
“That’s why Rye contacted him.”
“Who’s James?” EmmaLee asked.
“He’s Naliana’s husband,” Finn said.
“Ah, yes,” EmmaLee said. “I remember now. Vinea mentioned him. How can he help?”
“James has helped many of our Clan. He seems to know a lot,” Connor said.
“Perhaps it’s because his wife is a goddess,” EmmaLee added.
“Yes. He has some powers of his own that no one, not even Rye or our dad, understand.”
What she wouldn’t give to pick his brain. “Do you think he would know anything about the origin of my talon?” Her pulse picked up speed.
“He might, but I doubt he’ll tell you.” Connor explained how he and Naliana worked. “If we are able to see him, take it with you. If the topic comes up, then you can show him.”
That was all she could ask for. “Perfect.”
“I’m up for any help,” Finn said. “I can’t go on like this. I know I’m not some surveillance expert and protector, but I need to so something for this woman or die trying.”
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” Connor stood. “EmmaLee, why don’t you get that talon, and I’ll call Zane to see if we can visit him?”
Happy to have a task, she rushed out. While she was sorry for the reason for the visit, she was looking forward to hearing what Zane had to say about Finn’s situation.