Brogan Taggart jerked awake with a gasp, sighed and rubbed his hands down his face. This was the third time he’d fallen asleep while at his desk this week. He was exhausted, worn out and frustrated. Add in the voice that seemed to be haunting him, and you had a great recipe for insomnia.

He wasn’t sure how much more of this he could take. It’d been six months since Jericho had been taken back to hell. Six months of them searching for a way to bring him back. He’d learned more about demons, hell and their network than he ever wanted to know, yet he was still no closer to finding a way back for him.

“You know you’re not much good to me like this, don’t you?”

Brogan sighed and nodded in agreement with his friend and boss. “I know Sheriff. I honestly think I’m going insane.”

West cocked one eyebrow and moved to sit down. “Now I know something is wrong. You called me Sheriff instead of by my first name.  What’s going on and don’t lie to me? I may be new to this whole shifting thing, but I’m still a cop and I’ll know.”

“That might be an understatement of the year. Your first shift was epic. I’m so glad you let me be there for it.”

West groaned good naturedly, “easy for you to laugh. It’s terrifying for someone like me. Before I came here I’d never really even talked to a shifter before, at least that I knew of, Deader could have told me.”

Brogan bit his lip to keep from laughing, West’s first experience shifting was something he wasn’t likely to forget any time soon. The man had been so freaked out, with all these misconceptions of what it was going to be like to coexist with a wolf inside.  Damn Hollywood movies for that. “You did good, though. Once you calmed down enough and let the change happen.”

West shrugged, “Still a bit terrifying if I’m honest, but I’m getting used to it.  And running with the pack is like nothing I’d ever imagined.” West laughed, “still getting used to the whole naked thing though.  And don’t think I haven’t forgotten why I came in here in the first place. Talk to me and stop trying to distract me.”

Brogan groaned and nodded, “Can’t blame me for trying.”

“Is this about Cadence and getting Jericho back?”

“Partly, yeah. We’re not having any luck so far.” Brogan trailed off and contemplated his next words before speaking again. “Can I ask you a question, that I beg you to keep to yourself? Last thing I need is Rook tormenting me on this.”

“You know I don’t keep things from him if I can help it. But if it’s something sensitive I won’t tell him unless it affects him.  How’s that?”

Brogan nodded quickly, “Yeah, of course.”

A couple minutes passed in silence as Brogan stared at the walls, floor and anywhere he could except for his friend a few feet away. You’re being an idiot. Just say it, West will understand and won’t make fun of you much for it. Of all people, he’s the most easygoing and accepting person you know. The internal pep talk helped a bit and he finally took a deep breath and turned his attention back to West who was staring at him with quiet amusement on his face.

“Finally, ready to tell me what’s on your mind? I’ve only been here a little over six months and I’ve never seen you act like this. It’s kind of entertaining and if I’m honest, petrifying.”

“I always thought as a shifter I’d know when I met my mate. It would be like instant holy hell there she is, kinda thing, you know.” Brogan glanced away in embarrassment, “Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure, I’ll try to answer.”

“What did it feel like when you met your Rook? I know it will be different because you weren’t a shifter, but…” He trailed off as he felt his face burn with a blush. He couldn’t believe he was asking this.

“Brogan Taggert, are you questioning if you’ve met your mate?”

A sing song voice called from the hallway making both men's eyes widened in horror. “Is that?” Brogan mouthed to West. He cringed as West nodded yes and both men turned to watch the door.

“Hello boys, oh stop that.” Barbara Wolfe scolded with a fake frown. “You’ll give a woman a complex looking like that when she walks in the door.”

West jumped to his feet and tried to smile, but even Brogan could see the fear that tinged the edges. “Hi, what a surprise to see you.”

Barbara laughed, “when are you going to forgive me for the drug store? But don’t worry my boy. I’m not here for you today.”

Brogan stood up and sputtered but couldn’t figure out what he needed to say, though the scenarios that were running through his mind as to why she’d be in the station scared him.

“Oh stop,” Barbara laughed, “Not for you either, but I couldn’t help but overhear your words and I had to stop.”

“No offense, but what are you doing here?” West asked, “You weren’t here five minutes ago when I came in here. Constance was the only one in the station.”

“I had business with Constance about her niece. But never mind that right now.” She stepped into the room and took a seat. “Sit down boys, no reason to stand for me.”

He seriously debated running from the room and hiding but he knew that would only make things worse in the end. He was a shifter he could handle this he thought as his wolf whimpered as he sat down in front of his alpha with a pained sigh.

“Now tell me. Why are you asking what he felt? Do you think you’ve met yours? Is that what this is about? I can tell you that in all my years I’ve never seen a shifter that didn’t instantly know they’d met their soul.”

“It’s not...no... it’s just…” Brogan groaned and leaned back in his chair. “I think I’m losing my mind. I’ve been spending a lot of time with Cadence trying to figure a way to bring Jericho back. It really bothers me that he was sent back to be tortured for helping us.”

West nodded, “We’ve been searching too, we agree, but what does this have to do with anything?”

“That’s just it I don’t know if it does or not. For the last couple months, I swear I’ve heard his voice calling to me.”

Barbara sat up straighter and frowned, “That’s odd. Have you told Cadence about this?”

“No, I mean I don’t know for sure it’s his voice. We only met him for a handful of hours one day before he was gone.”

“He did talk to you while you were in wolf form right? I remember Rook mentioning that later. He said he’d never met anyone that could do that that wasn’t pack before.”

“Yeah, that’s true West. I’d forgotten about that.” Brogan brightened a little bit. “Maybe he is communicating to me then.  I mean I guess he could have that power somehow right?”

Barbara and West shared a glance but neither said a word, Brogan frowned and stared at the two of them waiting for something he knew he might not like.

“But why you?” West asked hesitantly. “Why not Cadence who is better able to help him.”

“Unless you think he’s your mate?” Barbara interjected with enthusiasm.