When it rains, it pours. Literally.

Miley woke up the next morning to rain splattering the window over the bed and a massive hangover throbbing behind her eyes.

She groaned and stared at her cell phone, wishing she hadn't answered it. She always would because one of those calls could be Alcide and she didn't want to miss it. Since the call came from the clinic and she was nursing a headache, it meant she was manipulated into taking one of the other part-time vet's place. He had a car wreck this morning on the way in thanks to slippery roads. Thankfully, he wasn't hurt badly, but the clinic needed her to come help out.

The tiny apartment had a coffee maker, and the scent of the roast greeted Miley as she came out of the bathroom. She grinned as Olivia silently handed her a cup before sipping her own. "Some night," Livy muttered. "I don't think I can keep up with Caroline and the gang."

"Me either, but I wouldn't miss it for the world. I can see how this helps out. Supporting each other makes it a little easier." Miley dropped into a chair. "Maybe a little less alcohol, though."

On the floor, in a sleeping bag, Annabeth groaned and rolled over. "Stop yelling, you two," she muttered then covered her head.

Miley and Livy laughed at their friend. "She's going to be feeling this one for a while," Livy whispered. "I'm surprised she's able to function."

"Me too. Must be a Southern thing," Miley agreed.

Livy motioned toward Miley wearing scrubs with the clinic logo on the pocket. "I thought you were off today."

"I was. Bernie had a wreck this morning. I'm filling in for him."

"I hope he's okay. Let me get cleaned up and I'll take you in." She gulped her brew and placed the cup on the table. "It'll be just a minute."

"I probably should get Alcide's car and use it." She murmured. "Anyway, I'll be upstairs. Thanks."

Miley climbed the stairs and stopped in the doorway of the living-room. She couldn't help but giggle at Fiona, Alabama, Cheyenne, and Jessyka sprawled out on the floor and couches. Shaking her head, she went into the kitchen to find Caroline eating a piece of toast as she read messages on her cell.

"Morning," Miley gave her a nod then dropped into a chair.

"You're up early," Caroline smiled and placed her phone on the table. "Can I get you something to eat?"

"I got called into work. Where's Summer? I saw the rest of them still passed out."

Caroline grinned. "She's probably in the shower. The first night is the worse. It's the rip-the-bandage-off stage of coping. We get the massive drunk out of the way, then we can do retail therapy, spa days, things like that. I've found this whole thing works better when we lean on each other. I was talking to Livy about it a few days ago. The team girls have to stick together, form our own posse as it were. It doesn't make it better as much as it makes it easier to cope."

"That makes sense. What are you doing up looking so put together?"

"Work," she frowned. "We've been working on isolating a compound that could be a stepping-stone to a breakthrough in human regeneration. Preliminary tests are promising. Maybe in another ten or fifteen years, they'll be able to assist in regenerating severed limbs."

Miley thought about Alcide's father and his amputated leg. Something like this could be a life changer for him. "That's awesome."

"It's still a long way off, but our portion of the research is coming to a close. That's why I was more of a mother hen than a party girl last night. I knew this morning was going to come too fast."

Livy walked into the kitchen and smiled. "Hey, guys."

"Morning. How'd you sleep?" Caroline motioned toward the coffee pot.

Livy shook her head. "Not too bad. Those blow-up beds are surprisingly comfortable."

"Annabeth still out?"

Livy's eyes sparkled. "Yep. While I was in the shower, she commandeered your bed, Miley. I expect they won't see her for a few hours. You ready?"

"Yeah, let me get my shoes on." Miley thrust her feet into her favorite pair of sneakers. She started to tie them when she felt something give. Raising her foot, she groaned. The entire bottom sole flapped in the air.

"Uh-oh. Bad day to have aerated shoes. It's coming down hard outside." Livy stood. "I'll go grab another pair for you."

"All I have here are my sandals and a pair of flip-flops. We'll have to run by Alcide's to get another pair of sneakers. I can't wear open-toed shoes at the clinic." Miley let out a huff. "Of all the days..."

"You look like the same size as me. Just borrow a pair of mine to get you through the day," Caroline smiled. "I have several pairs in my closet. Take your pick." She stood and grabbed her keys. "I hate to run, ladies, but science waits for none."

They said their goodbyes then Miley went into her friend's bedroom. It felt a little strange to invade her private space, so she quickly grabbed the first pair of sneakers she found then retreated to the kitchen. Summer was sitting at the table with her head in her hands groaning softly. Livy chuckled.

"Good morning, Summer."

"Not from my point of view," she muttered.

Livy placed a cup of coffee in front of her and winked at Miley. "You ready?"

She quickly slid the shoes on and tied them. Caroline's feet were a little longer than Miley's, but the shoes fit well enough. "Yep, let's go."

Loran Hoxha sat in his car, watching the door for a sign of Miley. He knew she was in the house, had been for the last few weeks, but she was too well guarded, and he didn't have enough muscle to get past the man who lived there.

He'd bided his time, waiting for an opportunity for her to be alone, but it never came. First, she had been with that corn-fed redneck Montgomery until he had disappeared one day and she moved to this house. Yesterday, one of his men had informed him that the big brute who lived here had strolled out of the house with a large duffle bag, got into a car with several other men and disappeared to the local Navy base. Shortly after, several women had arrived including Miley, and they hadn't left.

Rubbing his eyes, Loran felt the strain deep in his soul. His older brother was dead, and the money from their operation in Wyoming confiscated. Just to add insult to injury, the network of officials Tariq had in his pocket had been rounded up as well. Damn his brother for keeping such meticulous records! All of Tariq's manipulations, masking, money laundering and network of paid officials, hit men and assorted connections that he worked to put into place over the last decade were slowly being uncovered and shut down.

Maybe Tariq suspected Loran's plans, but there were many things his older brother would never have known about. True, his pockets weren't as deep as his brother's had been, but that was only a matter of time. Already, he had lined up enough business to get him well on the way to becoming king of his own kingdom. He would begin with dumping in Utah until he had enough money to move into his new passion - breeding race horses. He had a plan in mind on training them in a way that he could ensure he could influence the outcome. All it would take would be a cocktail of specific drugs, specialized training, a few well lubricated palms, and a veterinarian with his best interests at heart to keep an eye on his empire.

"And every king must have a queen," he muttered.

As if called from his mind, the door to the house opened, and Miley stepped out. She opened an umbrella and rushed to a truck parked on the roadside. Another woman hurried behind her and climbed into the driver's seat. The truck started then pulled away.

Finally.

Loran followed them through the rain-drenched streets until the truck stopped at the animal clinic where Miley worked. Pulling into the partially hidden alley nearby, he turned off his car and waited. Now that she was not being guarded, he could put his plan into place.

Loran's patience was paid off when he saw Miley walk out of the clinic several hours later, heading to the local diner she favored for lunch. She walked quickly, head down, umbrella almost sitting on her head. The rain played into his favor as the few people on the street were similarly hurrying, paying no attention to their surroundings. He grinned.

It was just too easy.