Page 38 of Chasing Savannah
Chapter 13
Worry coated the walls of his office, and had his knee bouncing as he tapped his foot. He tried calling his mate for the third time, cursing as her phone went to voicemail. It was late, or rather early morning, it didn’t shock him that she didn’t answer, but still…he worried. Since yesterday morning there had been three other women attacked. He sent down his rule for them to move in pairs, but two of them were attacked in a pair. Derrick had set up a communication chain so they responded faster to the assaults, but it still wasn’t fast enough to catch the attackers.
He was pissed and his panther was riled. He’d called a prowl meeting for this sunrise, but he knew Savannah wouldn’t attend. He wanted her safe, where he could keep an eye on her, and he was racking his brain for an excuse to get her in the prowl house he’d set up. The women in the country had banded together, and so far were secure. It was the women here, in the city, which, despite her protest included his mate.
He should’ve claimed her.
He should’ve let his panther take over and claim its mate. That way she’d be here, safe in his care. She was reluctant to mate for reasons he’d yet to determine, and getting her to stay in his building was a big ask. Her grandmother had told him allowing her too much freedom would have her running from them, and he saw that. His mate scurried away from them every chance she got.
Slow was not the way to go.
He picked up the desk phone and tried her number again. It went to voice mail and he growled and hung up. He fought the urge to swipe his arm across his desk in frustration. His panther was on a hair trigger. Derrick walked in and stood over his desk.
“Did you figure out a way to get her in the building?”
Carlos groaned. “She’s not answering her phone, but yes, I figured a way to get her here.”
“Well, it’s one in the morning, that’s probably why she’s not answering.”
He gave his Beta a droll look and Derrick smiled. Derrick picked up a glass paperweight Ella had bought him for Father’s day last year and toyed with it in nervousness.
“Just saying.” Derrick gently put the weight back on the desk and tucked his hands in his pockets. “I’m just gonna go pick her up. If you don’t reach her by the time I get there, I’ll finesse something. I don’t like her out from under our protection.”
Carlos nodded. He picked up his desk phone and dialed her number. His cellphone vibrated across his desk. He blew out a relieved breath when he saw Savannah’s name.
“What’s wrong?” Savannah’s voice was thick with sleep, the sexy timbre running down his spine.
He nearly crushed the phone in his grip. Her emotions transmitted across their tentative bond. She was worried, and tired. His cat stretched and reached for her.
“There is a prowl emergency and I called a meeting for sunrise. Would you mind coming over and watching Ella?” He held his breath hoping his made up excuse would work.
She was quiet on the other end, shifting around in bed. “Laura’s right next door. If you want to bring her here, I can watch them all.”
Her voice was stronger, and the sheets rustled. He imagined she was getting out of bed, and his cat, already riled, went a little crazy. What did she wear to bed? His cock hardened and he ran a hand over his face to wipe out those wayward thoughts.
“Laura’s here already, and I would feel better knowing you and the kids were safe here in our building.”
Her grandfather had warned him that she was still an alpha. Telling her to do anything was a sure way to get cussed out, so he’d ask instead of ordering her to come over.
“What’s wrong, what’s happened?” Her worry was evident.
“A few women in the prowl have been attacked since yesterday.”
She gasped. “Oh no.”
“I know you don’t do prowl meetings, but I wanted to ask you if you’d watch the kids.”
“It’s no problem. I’ll get dressed now.”
Getting dressed. He sucked in a sharp breath, need spearing through him. Now he really wanted to know what she slept in. He cleared his throat.
“Derrick got worried, so he’s coming over to pick you and Jamie up.”
“Ok. We’ll be ready.”
She didn’t argue, he smiled at the victory.
“How are you feeling? I can’t imagine having to deal with all this as a new Alpha, is there anything I can do to help?”
