“We just argued.” Tears filled her eyes. “I’m sorry. I may have said some kinda mean things to make her think you didn’t care about her.”
“What!!” he bellowed, and she shrank back as Jake pulled Coral behind him.
She started crying. “I said you already had a submissive, and I might have insinuated that you were spanking and sleeping with the rest of the women in the lodge. I’m sorry.”
“Go. To Your. Room.” He was so angry, he felt afraid to even touch her. His blood boiled, and his heart raced as his claws extended.
Redd ran sobbing from the room.
“You two” –he pointed at Jake and Coral– “go search the lodge and report back to me in ten minutes. I’ll check the grounds and the stable.”
He stormed from the lodge and inhaled deeply. If anything happened to her… He shook his head. He couldn’t bear the thought. When he got around the lodge and to the back, he caught a faint whiff of her. Heading north. He howled in rage and watched the blizzard pick up intensity around him.
He was about to use his magick and transform when he heard movement behind him.
Jake, dressed in his parka and carrying his bag and sword, strode toward him, his eyes fierce and determined. Redd followed closely behind, looking nervous and upset.
“She’s not in the lodge,” Jake confirmed and pointed the direction he had found her scent. “She went that way.”
“Thanks. You two stay here and take care of the lodge. I’llbe back as soon as I find her.” Bertram turned, but felt a firm grip on his shoulder. He steeled himself so as not to rip off the younger man’s head and settled for growling into his face.
“Listen, Wolfe,” Jakes voice was low and deadly, “that is my sister out there, and you are not going to stop me from searching for her. I can feel her. She’s a part of me.” He looked at the snow swirling around them and frowned. “Besides, the way this snow is coming down, your other side won’t be able to track her more than a few hundred yards.”
That surprised him. “You know what I am?”
“Of course I know. The whole place is crawling with magick and paranormals. You’d have to be Simple Simon to not figure that out.”
He liked this man and turned to grasp his shoulders firmly. “You’re a good man, Jake Hill.”
“You have my permission to marry my sister.” Jake shook his hand, then took the horse Coral had brought to him. He kissed her and mounted the grey thoroughbred. “What are we waiting for?” He turned and nudged the horse into the direction Jillian had traveled.
“Coral, you stay and keep an eye on the place. No more thieves in the den while I’m gone, okay?”
She nodded. “Yes, sir. Be careful.” She scurried back into the warmth of the lodge.
“You.” He stared down at Redd. “We’ll discuss this later.”
Redd nodded solemnly and turned to trudge back into the lodge.
“Wait.”
She froze at his barked command.
“Go get your gear.”
“Sir?” The confusion was evident in her sad eyes.
He pulled her into a tight embrace. “You’re the best atwhat you do, which is tracking, slaying, and fighting. I need you.”
“I thought you didn’t trust me out there, Daddy.” Her lower lip trembled.
“Just because I fear for your safety doesn’t mean I don’t trust you.” He chucked her lightly on the chin. “Want to help me save a damsel in distress, little slayer?”
He met the joyful pride that shone in her eyes at his words.
“Get yourself ready and catch up. I’m going to change into something more… comfortable.”
She smiled and sprinted back into the lodge.
