Something smells fishy about all this, Rodney said slowly.

You think? Connor asked sarcastically. The f.u.c.king bag she was carrying had a tracker embedded in it. If you havent heard already, the news stations will soon be airing a story about two dead men and a dead dog outside a service station. Im pretty sure those that I killed came for that package she had.

d.a.m.n, Rodney exclaimed. Well, I already agreed to help with this mess, so Im here to receive your next a.s.signment, boss.

Research what you can about Cobra. Connor handed over a gun. This Luger belongs to Antonia. She said it was a gift from her brother, Andrew. See if you can trace it anywhere. Find out what you can about the brother, too. Ill send along any clues as I receive them from her in case that triggers anything in the search.

Got it.

Im going to put the woman on a boat with me and were heading into Caedmon territory. I need you to take the truck and dump it. We cant leave it here by the lake. Too obvious. Get some of the guys to help you. You know where to find me when all of this has been done. Everything else is out of my hands. Ill send word to both Alphas. These are Pack affairs now. More than likely, they will give the orders from here on out.

CHAPTER TEN.

Antonia, did you hear me?

Eleven year old Antonia looked at her center counselor, Ms. Sharon, and wrung her hands in her lap. What does it mean?

We have a married couple with one little girl, age nine. Theyre willing to adopt you, and if everything works out, they intend to make it official.

Antonia turned her gaze away and looked out the window, which had a perfect view of the courtyard at the orphanage where some students were playing flag football. She was pulled out of the P.E. cla.s.s by Ms. Sharon, and, of course, she was missing out on the fun.

Arent you happy? Ms. Sharon asked.

I am, but Ms. Sharon grabbed her hand. But what, Antonia?

Will Andrew be able to come with me?

Antonia, the family is only interested in a pre-teen girl not much older than their daughter who is nine. Andrew still has a chance, too. Lots of families come in every day to adopt. Who knowsyour brother may be next.

Antonia frowned. We dont want to be separated.

Ms. Sharon frowned. Listen, this may be your only chance. In a couple years, you will age out of the system. This is your chance to have a home. The streets are no place for a young girl. Do you understand that?

Antonia nodded.

This is a very wealthy family. For the rest of your life, you could have everything you need. Do you want to meet them, at least?

Only if they agree to take Andrew, too.

Its already been decided, sweetheart. Theyre not going to adopt a boy. Im sorry.

Then I dont want to go. I dont care how rich they are. She pulled her hands out of Ms. Sharons grasp. Andrew and I want to stay together.

This is against protocol, sweetheart, but Please, Ms. SharonI want to stay with my brother, she begged.

You have to be sure, Antonia. I dont know if Ill be able to find anyone else to take you in at this age. Youre almost old enough to work now with a permit.

I know. Im very sure. Antonia shifted her gaze back to the courtyard where her brother and her other friends of the orphanage were playing.

Ms. Sharon rose from the chair and patted Antonia on the shoulder before walking away.

On Antonias way out, she happened to pa.s.s the office where the alleged couple that wanted to adopt her were seated. Ms. Sharon must have been in there delivering Antonias decision.

What an ungrateful child, the woman exclaimed.

Ungrateful child. Ungrateful

Antonia? The voice of a man called from above her. Antonia?

She shot upright and her eyes flew open only to realize she was surrounded by darkness and open s.p.a.ce. It took her only a moment to realize that she wasnt in the truck anymore with the windows down and the air beating across her face.

Andrew? she gasped.

Youre okay. Its Connor. He rubbed her gently on the shoulder. Were on the open water, so be careful. He helped her get up.

The open water? She looked around and yelped when she realized they were on a boat jetting across the surface of a lake. How did I get here?

You were sleeping, and I didnt want to wake you. You actually look pretty peaceful sleeping with the boat rocking and all.

Antonia grabbed hold of Connor. But I cant swim.

She was always a heavy sleeper, but how had she napped through being hauled off on a boat?

Nothings going to happen to you, he rea.s.sured her.

You said we were going someplace safe, but I had no idea you meant traveling by boat.

Theres only a few ways to get to where were going. On foot, which would have taken more than a few hours, by boat like were doing now, or driving another thirty miles to the next city to reach the bridge. This is the fastest way. And plus, we needed to get rid of the truck. Weve been seen leaving in it at least twice already.

He reached into a duffle bag, pulled out a couple bottles of water and handed one to her. She took a moment to relieve her thirst.

Will you at least tell me who you are? I know your name, and I know what kind of animal you are, but that doesnt say much. And it doesnt explain how you think you can help me or what you expect to get out of me.

I already told you my name. Connor Maxim. I own a security firm. Were contracted year round to work mostly for humans, but our company was set up to carry out Pack business as it relates to liaisons with the humans. My team was on a mission to investigate some murders happening in the area. We got a tip that led us to the Dockhouse bar. It seems we werent the only ones who received this tip.

She shivered, mostly from the chill in the air, but also because she was now in a heap of trouble with the law. The cops were now looking for her for questioning. Her brother was missing. Their names were now probably connected to some crime ring. There was no doubt that if she turned herself over or was caught shed go to jail. The Cobra organization was, by no means, set up to perform legal activities.

She should have never listened to Andrew.

Never again.

Connor slipped out of his coat, leaned in, and draped it over her shoulders.

Thank you. She breathed in his scent, sandalwood mixed with a sweet underlying aroma. What was the tip you got from the local cops?

Of that Im not positively clear, but there was something linking one of the connected murders to a conversation heard over a tapped phone line. When we got the call from our connection at the police station, we had to act quickly. Why was the drop arranged at Dockhouse?

I dont know. It was where we were sent to deliver the package. Ive heard of couriers getting caught by the cops in the past, and were given very little information for that reason. And it doesnt take a rocket scientist to understand when the cops cant link the organizer to the crime, prosecution becomes difficult. And the way I understand it, no one is ever sent to the same place when working for Cobra. This would be the third time Ive gone out with my brother, but Im sure and really afraid that hes done a lot more of these drops.

How many would you say hes done?

She shook her head. I dont know exactly.

Would you say that hes connected on a deeper level than you think?

You think hes one of them?

Either way, well get to the bottom of it. I made a call before boarding the boat. I have a few of my men actively searching to see what they can find on Cobra.

I need to check on Andrew. I have to find out if hes okay.

Theyre looking into that, too. Dont worry about anything. Im here to help you now.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

Antonia followed Connor as he led her inside the small ranch-style home. It was nearing two A.M., and her eyes were still heavy with fatigue despite the short nap shed taken during the drive to the lake. Her body may have been tired, but she still sought many answers, both about what had happened back at the bar, and about the man whod saved her. Or the wolf he changed into.

How long have you been living out here?

I dont. This isnt my permanent address. He flipped on a few light switches in the home. I have an apartment in the city. I normally only come out here when I need a vacation away from work.

Its small and cozy. She followed him from room to room, observing as he checked out each one.

There were four small separate rooms. The main living area, some sort of closet or office, the kitchen, and a master suite.

Cozy? I guess you could call it that? But is that good or bad?

Good for me. Im used to it. I share a two-bedroom, one-bath apartment with my brother She pressed her lips together to stop herself from letting any more incriminating words leave her mouth. For some odd reason, it was easy to talk to Connor as her mind raced with things she wanted to tell him. Yet, she didnt know where to start.

Why though? Why did she feel like it was okay to let this stranger know so much?

Was it because hed possibly saved her life and was now promising to help clear her name and get her brother back?

Even so, there was still some information that he didnt need to know. Knowledge of whom she lived with would not necessarily help him or help her get her brother back.

Do you live in the city?

We live" She swallowed. Almost.

He turned his full attention on her, throwing her an inquisitive look. Well, this isnt the city. Were very far from it, actually. Make yourself comfortable. Were going to work through this together, but we cant fix everything overnight.

Antonia paused in the main living area as he moved about in the little compact kitchen. How long do you think it will take to find him?

That depends on if he escaped.

I can call him to check, if youve got a phone, she offered.

He came back over to meet her near the foyer, closing the distance between them. Only about an inch separated them as he slid his hands up the outside of her arms. Not now. Come morning, Ill have more details on the situation. If the local cops havent already, itll only be a matter of time before they gain a positive ID on both you and me. Truth be told, I would like to clear both of our names before that happens.

But the reports said we were just wanted for questioning.

Thats what they told the public. Besides, do you want to turn yourself in? People do hard time in prison for aiding organized crime rings.

She swallowed. Maybe thats what I deserve.

No His opposition was spoken so quietly, shed barely heard it.

You barely know me, Connor Maxim. If you did, Im willing to bet anything that youd never even want to be standing in the same room with me.

What are you willing to bet? He leaned in closer, his warm breath fanning her neck.

Maybe Her back stiffened as heat and attraction flowed through her veins. I dont have anything you want.

You gave your word. You wanna bet? What have you got?

I dont own expensive material things. Just myself.

Ill take it. If I prove you wrong, youll give yourself to me.

Thats not what I meant.

What did you mean? Just a moment ago you said you were willing to bet anything. Now you hesitate to put your money where your mouth is. He caught her gaze and grinned.