Page 3 of Blades of Ice

Carleigh was more like a sister than a cousin. Where Lydia had assumed the role of Clan archivist from her dad, Carleigh had taken over her own father’s job of all things computer from Julian. Along with Harlow, another cousin who was a Gargoyle-Gryphon hybrid, and Nikita, a dire wolf shifter, they owned H3, a cyber security company. While they took outside jobs to pay the bills, the Trio, as they were known throughout the Clan, spent a lot of time scouring the web for other shifters as well as those who posed a threat to their secret.

“We came across an obscure message board. At first glance, it didn’t make sense. They use code words, but it appears the posters are looking for shifters.”

Cailín stopped spinning her knives. “Looking for as in wanting to take us out? Could it be Agent Stallings?” The agent, Neil Stallings of the Global Intelligence Agency, was a loose cannon and had been ever since the body of a wolf shifter, as well as any evidence pointing to her being something other than human, disappeared from the morgue. Stallings had been contacted by medical examiner Dr. Donald Givens when the shifter’s body ended up on his slab, and he couldn’t identify the anomalies in her physiology. Stallings passed the puzzle along to the lab Alyssa’s father owned. Connor, Alyssa, Nikita, and Anthony helped the wolf pack retrieve their packmate’s body while removing all evidence from Dr. Givens’s office.

“We don’t think it’s Stallings, but we also don’t know for sure. It could be him, or it might be shifters looking for others of their kind. We were able to track where the IP addresses of the two posters originated. One is in Canada, and the other is in Alaska.”

Cailín returned the daggers to her wrists. “I’llJankenyou for Alaska.” She turned toward Lydia and placed her right fist on her left palm.

“You’ll what me?”

Cailín rolled her eyes. “Rock, paper, scissors.”

“Why didn’t you just say that? And what language is John Kin?”

“Japanese, and it’s quicker.”

Lydia mirrored Cailín’s stance. “It’s not quicker if you have to explain it. Wait. Why are we Roshamboing anyway? I’m going to Alaska, and you have a job to do.”

Cailín pulled her hands back. “Row sham what now?”

Sophia burst out laughing, the empty soda can tipping off her belly onto the floor. Luna waved a hand in the air, sending the can into the nearby garbage bin. Lydia’s hands were still ready to play, but she and Cailín stared at the witch.

“What?” Luna tossed her long, dark hair over her shoulder. “You have no problem with me creating weapons out of bracelets, but I move an empty can and you’re amazed?”

Carleigh laughed through the speaker. “Not to get in the way of rock, paper, scissors, but it’s probably best if Cailín goes with you. Gannon has already agreed to watch over Connor and Alyssa. The two of you should stick together. But Cailín, are you sure you can get away from Trevor?”

Cailín was the first pureblood female child their Clan had seen in hundreds of years. Being six months old when Jasper and Trevor brought her to the US, she’d taken to calling them Dad and Papa respectively when she was old enough to talk. “I can handle my papa.” Lydia’s mom snorted, and Cailín narrowed her eyes at Sophia, but then she sighed. “I’ll tell Dad and lethimhandle Papa.”

Sophia clasped her hands over her belly. “That’s more like it.” Lydia stared at her mom. Why wasn’t she protesting Lydia traveling across the country?

Lydia had never been to Alaska or Canada, but if there was ever a time to go, now was probably it. Getting away from her family might help clear her head. Maybe her mom realized that.“Send the addresses to our phones, and we’ll come up with a game plan,” Lydia told her cousin who was patiently waiting on the other end of the call.

“You got it. I don’t have to tell you to be careful. Harlow, Nikita, and I will track your movements digitally, but if you get into trouble, call Rain since he’s in Cali.”

“Will do.” Lydia disconnected. “Looks like I’m going to Alaska.”

Cailín clapped her hands together. “No,we’regoing and sticking together. What’s the weather like there?” She pulled out her phone and tapped at the screen. “Shit. I mean, crap.” She cut her eyes at Sophia who rolled hers. Her angelic-looking mother cursed like a sailor. “I need to go shopping for winter gear. It’s colder than a witch’s tit out there.”

“Excuse me?” Luna waved her hand at Cailín, sending a cold breeze her way.

“Stop that! It’s just an expression.”

“And a stupid one. My tits are toasty warm, thank you very much.”

Cailín laughed. “I’ll take your word for it.”

Sophia held out her hand. “Help me up.” When Lydia pulled her mom to her feet, Sophia said, “Let’s hit the mall.”

“I don’t think we’ll find what we need in Atlanta. We’ll have to get heavy parkas and snow pants.”

Sophia grinned. “You’re right, but the mall has those pretzel bites. Cailín, you wanna come with us?”

Cailín sighed. “As much as I would love to indulge in that salty goodness, I probably need to have a chat with Dad.”

“And your papa.”

“And my papa.” Cailín hooked an arm around Lydia’s neck. “If you don’t hear from me by nightfall, send out a search party.”

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