Three Hours (Seven Series Book 5) (17 page)

“Oh my God,” I whispered, staring at the note pinned on the door.

Reno tapped on the horn outside. My trembling hand reached up and tugged the paper off the door.

Naya,

Now that I know who you are, it’s time that you know who I am.

Delgado

At the bottom was a phone number.

But above the letter, nailed to the door, was Misha’s pink collar.

By the time we made it back to Austin’s house, everyone had returned from the movie.
After Reno briefly explained Lola’s situation to the pack, Izzy scooped her up and ran her a bubble bath. Melody was excited to have a friend her age and pulled out all her clothes to find Lola something clean to wear. When I mentioned the living conditions of the apartment we’d found her in and how Jason had given her medicine to keep her sedated, Denver stormed out of the house. He slammed the front door so hard it put a crack in the frame.

“Bet I know where he’s going,” Jericho murmured with a nod of his head.

Lynn sent Wheeler to Home Depot to figure out how to repair the door. Wheeler silently went, not having said a word since my return. He must be blaming me for all this. If not for me, he wouldn’t be on the outs with his Packmaster, and here I was, being given the red carpet.

I skipped lunch and took a nap on the sofa, overcome with emotion. I didn’t tell anyone about the note or Misha’s collar. Reno had noticed I was visibly distraught but he probably assumed it had to do with Lola. Shifters didn’t keep pets, and they simply wouldn’t understand how devastated I was.
Of course
Skye and Lola were more important, but that didn’t lessen the love I felt for my little princess. After Jericho’s band had swung by on their way to a show, the house quieted.

When I woke up, my head was in someone’s lap.

“Sleep good?” a familiar voice asked.

I stared at the black television in front of the sofa, nestling my head against his lap. “I had nightmares.”

“I have a suggestion for what’ll take care of that.”

I furrowed my brow. It didn’t seem like Wheeler, so I sat up.

It wasn’t Wheeler.

“Ben. Do me a favor and never do that again.”

He smirked and combed his fingers through his short hair. “Do what? Put your head in my lap or sound like my brother?”

I scooted away from him and noticed the last spray of golden light sifting through the front windows.

Ben crossed one leg over the other, wearing a pair of knee-length shorts and a button-up shirt. “You were pretty reluctant until I started sweet-talking you. Just face the facts: I’m the irresistible brother.”

“You’re a grown man who shouldn’t be competitive with your twin. It shows your insecurity.”

Ben snorted. “I’m not insecure. Wheeler’s an ass, and everyone knows it. I pull more money into this house—no question about it. There’s no competition to be had. What I can’t figure out is why Austin chose
him
to be your bodyguard.”

“Maybe it’s because Wheeler is smarter and tougher,” I suggested in a smooth voice. Ben was undoubtedly attractive. Clean-cut, close shave, a charming smile, and just an easy way about him. Even his body language was open and friendly, from the way his left arm stretched over the back of the couch to the way he made eye contact.

Until his eyes slid south.

“That’s an impressive animal you’ve got,” he said. “Wolves are overrated. I’ve only gone out with two myself. Usually I’ll pair up with a grizzly or something along those lines. I’ve never been with a panther.”

“Well, good luck with your bucket list, because I won’t be filling it.”

I stood up and he gently took my hand.

“You’re a beautiful woman, Naya. Don’t get mixed up with a man like Wheeler.”

“Darling, I don’t get mixed up with anyone. I’m not a cocktail drink. I choose my men, and right now, I’m not choosing anyone.”

He swung my arm a little and smiled. “It’s a shame we haven’t gotten to know each other better. There’s always too much going on when we have the parties or get-togethers to really talk. You should swing by the house more often. I know you’re a busy woman, but I hope you find a reason to visit.”

Ben gave my hand a light squeeze and stood up, brushing my arm in a friendly way before heading outside.

Deciding I needed privacy, I returned to my room. Lexi had offered me one of the upstairs rooms, but I felt like an intruder and had convinced her I’d be happier in their attached heat house.

After closing the door, I sat down on the sofa and dialed the number from the note left in my apartment.

“I’ve been expecting your call,” a voice replied. The rich timbre of it made me shudder.

“I presume this is Delgado,” I said. “Let’s talk business, shall we?”

“Let’s. I’m sorry to inform you that we are no longer in need of your services at the club. However, I just so happen to have another position that is opening up.”

“And?”

“I ran across a valuable piece of information that suggested you might be of the feline persuasion.”

“And who would have passed along a rumor such as that? Did he happen to be carrying a strobe light?”

“Watch the insults. If you take me for a fool—”

“No,” I quickly said. “You’re obviously a resourceful man. But I’m an inquisitive woman and find it intriguing that you didn’t approach me yourself and ask. Henchmen seem so… last century.”

“Seems a waste of breath to quibble about such an irrelevant topic.”

“So tell me about this position.”

“Now it is you who intrigues me. Have you ever fought in the panther pits? I’m not talking about the amateur fighting rings that go on in the back woods. I’m referring to the well-organized fights that take place indoors. There are admission fees and steep bets on the table. Victors are generously rewarded.”

“It’s illegal.”

“No one seems to comprehend that we are the ones in control now.”

“We? Rumor has it you’re a human.”

Delgado moaned a little. “What I am matters little when I fill pockets with gold coins. Shifter history is tainted in blood. These fights give strong men and women a chance to reclaim their honor. How long do you wish to hide in the shadows, ashamed of someone finding out you’re a panther? I can give you more than just money. You’ll walk among warriors, revered in the most prestigious social circles with the roar of the crowd chanting your name.”

“I get that on stage every night.”

“Maybe so, but does your panther? What I mentioned is what I can offer your animal. What can I offer you? Riches beyond your wildest dreams. To never worry if you’ll have money in three or six hundred years, because this will pay more than the meager wages of an exotic dancer.”

I leaned forward and drew in a deep breath. “Did you make the same offer to Skye before shoving her into a van?”

“Do you think I would make such an offer to a cougar? They’re the opening act for the big show. I could have taken you forcibly if I wanted.”

“No, instead you took my cat.” Anger fueled my veins, but I kept my voice calm.

“Yes. Precious little thing. Come willingly and fight for me, and I will treat you like a queen. I’ve seen you dance, Naya. You’re quite the specimen.”

The way he talked reminded me of the stories I’d heard about the way immortals spoke of their Shifter slaves. And here he was, just a
human
.

“Will you exchange Skye for me?”

“No.”

“And why not?”

He sighed. “Don’t waste my time with questions.”

“Then let me speak with her,” I said coolly. “If I can talk to her and know she’s all right, then I’ll agree and come willingly. I’ll fight for you under the terms of your offer. Treat me well, Delgado, for I
am
a queen. A happy panther is a loyal panther.”

It sounded as if he were sucking on his teeth. “If you need evidence that your friend is still alive, then I can agree to that. And once you speak with her, you’ll come willingly?”

“Yes,” I breathed. “She’s a good friend who has a little girl to take care of. Perhaps we can work out another arrangement once I’m your guest.”

“Then it’s a deal. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a few hours. I need to take care of a few things before I’m able to get to her location. Keep this phone on, and I’ll call you back this evening.”

“Very well.”

I hung up in a panic. I had absolutely no intention of going with this man, but if anyone could trace a call, it would be Reno. He had knowledge of modern technology, not to mention connections with some of the savviest men in the Breed world. I called his cell and asked him to hurry down to my room. I didn’t want to raise suspicion by looking for him myself.

“What’s going on?” he said, cracking the door and poking his head in.

“Come inside and shut the door,” I said in a low voice.

His eyes were alert and brimming with concern. Reno locked it behind him and took a few steps in my direction. “Why did you ask me to bring this?” He held up his laptop.

“I need you to trace a call.”

***

“If the human police can do it, we can do it better,” Reno said before taking Delgado’s number and doing his thing.

His primary concern was if Delgado switched phones. He knew how to trace his call history, but we needed him to be with Skye in order to rescue her. Worst-case scenario—I’d go willingly with Delgado. Reno said we’d cross that bridge and set it on fire once we got the call, but it was too early for him to come up with a strategy. Delgado didn’t know who the hell he was dealing with. I could be just as manipulative, only in a more subtle way.

All the babies were engrossed in a movie about unicorns while I helped in the kitchen. Cooking kept my mind focused, and I baked a giant dish of my famous chicken spaghetti. Once everything had come off the stove, Austin called the pack in to eat.

“Smells delicious,” Lynn said, setting my dish on the table. “You’ll have to give me this recipe.”

But I wasn’t hungry. I sat at the end of the table and made sure Lola was doing okay. They had found another small chair and put it at the kids’ table, facing the wall. Melody showed her how to play music on her tiny keyboard, and no one complained about the volume. Packs seemed to love everything about having children in their house, even the noise.

Ben walked around me and briefly touched my shoulders. “Can I get you something else to drink?”

“I’m fine.”

I couldn’t help but notice how Wheeler clenched his jaw, and I wondered if those two were in the midst of a family quarrel.

“Just let me know,” Ben said in a low voice against my ear before walking off.

“I’ve missed your spaghetti!” Lexi spooned a generous helping onto her plate. “Seems like forever since I’ve had any.”

Reno received a text message and abruptly left the table. April carried on with Izzy about selling T-shirts for the bakery. They laughed at the idea of women wearing the Sweet Treats logo on their chest, and Ben suggested they have two cookies in strategic locations.

“I’ve never seen anyone put it away like Will,” Ben said, glaring at William, who was already finishing up his first round. “You put Denver to shame.”

“Thank God Denver’s at work and didn’t hear you say that,” Lexi commented. “Otherwise, we’d have an eating competition going on and nothing left.”

“I thought that was every night?” Ben said with a laugh.

Aside from my dish, they prepared fried chicken, green beans, coleslaw, and hot links. It looked like this pack loved to eat. My kind of men.

“Naya made the spaghetti casserole,” Lexi said, noting that only a quarter of the dish was eaten. “You guys don’t know what you’re missing.”

I turned around again and smoothed my hand over Lola’s hair. “How are you feeling, baby? Be sure you eat every bite of your dinner.”

“I know,” she said. “I like chicken.” Lola held up a drumstick with one side mostly eaten.

Maizy held a small book in her left hand, reading while eating.

When I turned around, I gasped. The casserole was now half gone, and when I looked around the table, I discovered why.

“You’re going to be sick if you eat all that,” I said to Wheeler.

“Doesn’t sound like you’re very confident in your cooking,” he challenged, tapping his fork against his nose.

“Oh, I’m confident, darling. No man can resist what I dish out.”

“And you really dish it,” he murmured.

“Anything you offer, I’ll happily put in
my
mouth,” Ben said, reaching for the serving spoon.

“Shut up,” Wheeler said under his breath.

Ben smirked and scooped up a forkful, cramming it into his mouth as if in a hurry. “Sometimes there are games you can’t win, so you need to learn how to fold and take the loss.”

“Speaking of loss, don’t you have a game tonight?” Wheeler kept shoveling my chicken spaghetti in, and
my
, didn’t that inflate my ego just a tiny bit.

“Yep. Don’t wait up on me.” Ben rose from his chair and wiped his mouth with his napkin. “Except for you,” he whispered as he passed by me.

No one else heard his remark, and Ben left the room.

“Naya, you haven’t eaten all day,” Lexi scolded. “Try some of my mom’s coleslaw.”

“I think I’m going to go lie down. I didn’t get enough rest last night after everything, and the nap earlier wasn’t enough. You go on and enjoy that dish. If you peek in the fridge, you’ll find a dessert I whipped up for later.”