Page 60 of Can't Be Love

“Exactly,” Patrick commented. “Kyle and I thought it would be best if we started keeping a closer eye on these people and mapping out shifter activity on our own. When we faked Raina’s death and got her safely out of there, she was supposed to be the only one, but Maddie couldn’t stand the thought of leaving the others, so she freed them all. Several of the shifters had been there for years, kidnapped from all over the world and had nowhere to go.”

“They live at the lodge?” I asked, starting to put the pieces together. I knew the lodge they were talking about. I had been there earlier that year when the Grand Council had called a meeting regarding Chase’s mating situation. The place was huge, and there were several areas marked as “Under Construction. Do Not Enter,” but I had seen a few people walking in that direction, and they didn’t look like the construction worker type.

Patrick seemed surprised that I had put it all together so quickly. “Yes. They live at the lodge. Raina lives there, too. Kelsey’s seen her and rests at ease knowing she’s safe and sound, but we cannot allow the Verndari to know she’s alive. She works with several of the other rescued shifters and a few others we’ve brought in. We call them Westin Force. Most are just in observation and information fields. These guys,” he said, pointing at the team that had accompanied them, “are our elite forces. This is Bravo Team. Most are ex-military, mercenaries, or moles.”

“Moles? Like double agent spies?” Lily asked, sounding more excited by the second.

“Well yeah, a few actually, but I mean moles, as in mole shifters. Those guys are into everything and already had the infrastructure in place. They just needed better funding. It’s scary how much they know.”

“Let me guess, the Foundation is funding this?” Lily asked, rolling her eyes.

“Of course,” Patrick said. “Where the hell else do you think we’d find that kind of financial backing and the means necessary to fecking hide it? You both do understand this is all one hundred percent confidential, right? Word can never get out about these guys, or the work they are doing.”

“Why are you telling us now?” I wondered aloud.

Patrick rolled his eyes this time. “You, you’re probably smart enough to keep your mouth shut and not ask, but this one,” he said, pointing to Lily, “she’d never let it go without details.”

Lily shrugged and nodded. I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Wait,” Lily said. “What about Dave? Do you know him through Jacob? I had the impression he knows you well. I mean he did contact you with my location and had me rescued in less than twenty-four hours. How? Or really, why?”

Patrick sighed, “Dave and I met awhile back. Do you remember when Elise was trying to hide from me and we went to that spa and she was kidnapped?”

Lily nodded her head. I nodded mine too, because I had been privy to that information. We had been cautioned to be on the lookout at the time.

“Wasn’t that the Bulgarians, though?” I asked.

Patrick nodded. “Yes, but the Verndari were monitoring the Bulgarians’ movement. It was flagged as out of the norm. Dave and two of his buddies were there. They were only supposed to be there for observation and to ensure there were no issues with the local humans, but they helped me. They helped me save my mate and I will always be indebted to them for it. I didn’t know who or what the Verndari were at that time. That all came about through Jacob, when Liam found Maddie, but I already knew Dave. We’ve worked together a few times since, and he always gives me the heads-up when trouble’s heading for Westin Pack.”

“Is that why my brother made you Beta?” Lily asked.

Patrick shrugged. “Could be. I don’t know, but I’m grateful he did and security for Westin strengthens more and more each month. We aren’t quite where I want us to be, but we’re close.” He turned to look at me. “We monitor Collier just as closely. If there’s ever any issue or concern flagged for your pack, I promise you’ll know it.”

I shook his hand. “This is all crazy, like something out of a movie. It’s going to take some time to process, but thank you.”

It didn’t seem like nearly enough, but when I put my arm around Lily and pulled her close to me, the other man smiled and I knew he understood. I would be forever indebted to him, and this crazy militia program of his, and even his friend, Dave.

Lily

Chapter 23

We said goodbye to Patrick. Thomas made it clear we were heading home to Collier and not sticking around. I didn’t argue. Even though nothing had seriously happened to me—they hadn’t even gotten around to taking my blood yet—I still couldn’t help feeling violated and more than a little humiliated. My brothers would pay for their part in that.

We headed back to Tulok’s. Amka and Karis ran out and tackled me in hugs before I could get the door shut on the SUV Thomas had borrowed from them.

“Look at me, child, I need to know you’re really okay,” Amka said.

It felt like she was staring into my soul, and I struggled not to cry. “I’m fine,” I said as convincingly as possible.

Tulok came out to meet us, too. “I’m sorry, there’s another storm brewing that is disrupting flights. I spoke to your father, and your pilot is unable to reach you at this time. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait out the storm.”

“Honestly, I’m not sure my wolf will tolerate it, Tulok,” Thomas confessed. “How bad would driving be in this storm?”

“You could probably make it into British Columbia before the worst of it hits. Twelve to fifteen hours max.”

“If it’s that far away, why can’t the pilot make it?” I asked.

“It’s a strange one, coming in from the south. They’d have to fly through it to reach us, and that just isn’t going to happen. It’s big, so there’s no way around it. You’d likely end up stuck in a hotel for a few days during and after the storm until the roads are clear enough to pass,” Tulok said.

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