Page 24 of Under Dark Skies

Layla seized the muscles of her forearms, trying to rip the rope out of sheer force. She knew that it was tied unbearably well.

“I know what it looks like. But I have no idea why she ran away with him. I literally only know what she told me in that letter, and that’s all! I SWEAR TO GOD!”

Layla’s scream echoed through the warehouse. The men started laughing behind Ian, and he closed his eyes, once again holding his hand in front of her face. “There’s no need to shout. I know you’re smart Layla. You must realize how it looks from our perspective. Girl, runs away with wanted wolf. Sister starts to run away with similar wolf. Make sense?”

“None of this makes any sense to me. I went to Rafe to find out what had happened to her. Then he was attacked by you bastards!”

She bellowed again, and this time, Ian appeared irritated. He stood up from his chair, then leaned on it with one hand. “Layla, you don’t need to shout. I’m not going to tell you again.”

Layla was angry. She wasn’t going to be told what to do by anyone, especially this bastard. She breathed in deeply and tried to focus on the ropes, which felt like they may have been getting looser.

“Now I’m going to ask you one last time; Where are Darla and Galen?”

“And I’m going to tell you.” Layla leaned forward, whispering. “I have no, fucking, idea.”

Ian placed a hand on his chest and breathed in hard. He tapped them, then turned toward the other men. He spoke softly, but didn’t seem to be trying to hide what he was saying.

“She’s a loose end. Get rid of her, quickly and quietly.” Ian turned away and starts walking back behind Layla. He laid a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it tight.

“I’ve learned in life that you shouldn’t do anything for anyone else’s sake young. Most people are only in the game for themselves. Unfortunately, you’re going to learn that too late.”

Ian tapped her twice on the shoulder, then disappeared.

Layla was panicking. A man took out a knife from his pocket and was coming toward her. She opened her mouth to scream as loud as she knew possible.

Twenty-Two

Rafe

As Rafe sprinted down the street, he caught the scent of something distinctly human. It was more clean and less hormonal than most humans, but was nevertheless what he was looking for. He stood outside a large empty warehouse. Following his instincts, he used his large legs to kick the doors down. He heard screaming, then realized it was Layla.

“HELP! HELP ME! SOMEONE HELP!”

He jetted inside and saw a man with a knife at her throat. His heart pounded in his chest. He bared his teeth and growled loudly. “GET AWAY FROM HER!”

Before the man had a chance to react, Rafe punched his lights out. Pieces of teeth tinkled onto the floor. The man yelped in pain.

Layla was crying and shaking. Rafe was able to find her still alive, but needed to find the man responsible for taking her. Everyone was getting so confused.

He touched her shoulder gently. “Are you okay?”

She nodded, probably not entirely meaning it, but willing to face the day and get out of there. He ripped the ropes off her in one motion, then raised her up onto her feet. She stared up at him, eye gleaming in harsh fluorescents. He had found himself taken out of the moment, then touched her cheek in comfort. He wanted to remove her pain with a flurry of kisses.

“There’s a man back there.” Layla pointed behind her. “He’s from PEACE, he’s in charge. You should get to him before he gets out.”

Rafe raised his head, and looked distinctly like an animal. He focused on the scent of this soapy clean man. “All right. Stay here. I don’t think those other men will be back soon.” He took the moaning man by the collar and dragged him to the edge of the warehouse. He lifted a barrel and wedged his jacket underneath him so he couldn't move.

“I’ll be right back.”

Layla nodded, standing with her arms folded.

Rafe thought about how lost and confused she must be. He would do anything right now to comfort her with his own body.

But now was the time for information seeking. He turned to the door, grabbed the handle, then ripped it off its hinge. Inside was a windowless room with office decorum. The man inside was startled by Rafe’s sudden entrance. He was sitting on a chair nonchalantly with his feet up. He smiled at Rafe.

“You must be the famous private investigator, Rafe Gentry…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Rafe smacked him across the face. Spit and blood splattered against the wall behind him. Rage gripped his throat and shook him violently.

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