The phone rang six times before her dad, Charlie Moore, picked up. It was just like him. He hated talking on the phone, and even despised having to do anything related to computers or technology.

“Hello?” His voice held a hint of uncertainty.

“Hi, Dad. It’s me.”

“Selene. Sweetie, is something wrong? You’re calling me from an unknown private number. I almost didn’t pick up.”

She stole a glance at Nick who maneuvered his pickup truck off the main highway onto a gravelly road.

“I’m fine. Don’t panic, but remember that trip I took out of town…?”

“Are you alright?” Of course, he would panic.

“Well, my car sort of broke down, and I’m kind of stranded out here.”

“Stranded out where, Sweetie?”

“Virginia. Up near the mountains,” she said, carefully.

“I thought you flew out to Florida on vacation. Honey, what’s going on?”

“Dad, calm down. I’m fine. There was a change of plans. Don’t worry. I’m safe and plan to take the next flight out in a few days.”

“But you have no car. Where are you now?”

“I’m being taken care off.” She picked at a piece of lint on her pants. “Besides I came here sort of on business. One of my clients needed my help.”

“Selene…”

“I know what you’re going to say, but I’m fine.”

“You’re breaking up. Honey, what did you say?”

Sure enough, some static blared through the phone. Selene glanced out of the window. Branches overhung the roadway as they drove through dense trees.

“I’m going to have to call you back. Okay? Dad?”

There was silence. When she looked down at the display on the screen, it flashed brightly with the words, call disconnected.

“Sorry about that.” Nick frowned. “We’ll drive back into town to get a better reception.”

“That’s okay. Dad would have worried about me one way or the other.”

“Any parent would.” He turned right onto another dirt road. “I take it that you’re his only child.”

“Yes. My parents are separated. My mother remarried and now I have three younger siblings. The divorce happened when I was just ten years old. My dad was so overprotective of me that he somehow convinced my mother and the judge to grant him full custody.” She handed the cell back to Nick. “He’s always been that way. It’s the reason why I’m still very much a single woman.” Her face grew warm when she made the slip up. “Oh…now I’m embarrassed. I didn’t mean to sound so pitiful. I do get out and enjoy life, so I’m not a total nun.”

He smiled. “Are you part nun then?”

She laughed.

“Don’t be embarrassed. Your dad sounds like the type of man no one should underestimate.”

“I sometimes wonder if he runs off my male friends on purpose. It doesn’t matter who they are or if I’m even romantically involved with them. I moved out at nineteen, but he’s found a way to keep tabs on me from across hundreds of miles.”

“Didn’t you say you came out here to help one of your clients?”

“Yeah. I’d been working with her for six months when she called me ready to leave her fiancé. The last ping from the phone she called me on was from a location in this town. I hope she’s okay.”

Selene had lost precious time while being held in a cell. Anything could have happened to her friend by now.

“What’s her name?”

She turned slowly, and studied him. “I’m not really allowed to give out that information.” It was a natural thing for her to say.

“Right. I get that.” He nodded.

“It’s nothing personal. Most of the woman I help are in danger of losing their lives or are physically abused. One slip up—even if it’s not intentional—can harm them or stall an escape.”

“Is her name Tamara, by any chance?”

This time she shifted around to face him. “How did you come across that information?”

“You’re closer to finding her than you know.”

* * *

Before shifting the gear in the park position, Nick took another look at Selene. Ever since he’d delivered the news that the woman she’d been looking for could very well be Devin’s new fiancé, she’d been sitting on the edge of her seat.

Selene glanced out of the passenger side window at the massive estate that belonged to the new Alpha.

Nick’s attention shifted to the home as well. He’d only been here three times before. As a young boy to deliver a package for his father, and twice recently to discuss pack matters with Devin. Consequently, one of those visits involved appointing him Second-in-Command.

Everything about the mansion screamed royalty. Cast iron gates and stone pillars surrounded the property. A birdbath and rose vine display served as the focal point in the middle of the driveway. Exotic hedges were immaculately trimmed and flawless. It all reminded him of the homes that he and Devin constructed for the rich and famous humans after leaving the pack.

In his five years of partnering with Devin, the man had repeatedly expressed his dislike of oversized homes. But now the Alpha had a mate to please, the Caedmon people to serve, and a family to be bred. Things had changed for Devin at the drop of a dime.

The effects of the changes seemed to trickle down. To anyone linked to Devin. To his immediate followers. And to Nick. What Nick wondered was if his life would be forever filled with danger and chaos or could he expect peace at some point in the form of something he could cherish and protect just like their leader.

“Is she here?” Selene asked, jolting him from his thoughts.

“I believe so. They planned to be here until their home was finished being built.” He turned off the engine, threw the keys in the glove compartment, and walked around the truck to help her out.

“I hope you don’t mind coming. I’ll see to it that you make the next train.”

“I don’t mind. I feel safer with you.”

“Devin has called a meeting with all the Elders and the entire Council. It might not be until tomorrow that everyone arrives. I could be caught up in pack matters for most of it, but you will be safe here.”

“I understand.”

Several servants greeted them, took their bags, and led them to the front door without hesitation.

Nick was surprised when Devin opened the door before they even reached the first step. They nodded in greeting as they always did. The Alpha’s gaze focused on Selene. Both understood that not much could be said until they were together privately.

“How was the drive?” Devin asked instead.

“Rough, as usual.” He followed Selene up the steps. “This is Selene. She’s the reason why I’ve kept my sanity after all this.”

“I can only imagine,” Devin remarked, and then offered his hand to Selene. “I’m Devin, and it’s a pleasure.”

“You’re the leader.”

“Yes.” Devin smiled. “Has Nick told you my life story?”

“No.” Selene shook her head. “Not yet.”

“Not yet?” Devin laughed loudly. “Don’t believe a word he says about me.”

Nick was glad the meeting was going well. His old friend seemed to have no worries about him bringing a guest into the home. “We’re a little early.”

“Yes. Very early.” Devin glanced behind him, as his mate, Tamara, slipped in beside him. He kissed her on the forehead. “I thought you were studying.”

“I was until I heard our guests arrive,” she said.

Nick remembered the first time he met Tamara. She was soft spoken, and had been very generous. Anyone who had met her once she became mated to their Alpha instantly liked her. She seemed to adore children, and volunteered regularly at the local elementary school. Devin and Tamara were perfect together. She brought out the best in his friend.

“This is my fiancé, Tamara,” Devin said. “She’s been helping with preparing the rooms all morning for the rest of the council members, and has been anxious for another woman her age to arrive.”

“I’m the only human in the house, for goodness sakes.” Tamara swatted a hand playfully at Devin’s shoulder. “It will be nice to have someone here like me for a change. Nice to meet you….I didn’t get your name.” She offered a hand to Selene, who had a bewildered expression on her face.

Nick swallowed.

“Your voice.” Selene said. “It’s really you.”

“Excuse me?” Tamara dropped her hand to her side after Selene failed to accept it. Her forehead creased as she studied Selene.

“Tamara? It’s me. Selene Moore. Your counselor.”

Tamara gasped, and suddenly her gaze rolled to the ceiling.

Nick was glad that Devin stood right behind Tamara, because she fainted dead away.