Page 44 of Midnight Whispers
He pulled his gun from the holster. “Stay where you are!”
The wolf startled, glancing in Cass’s direction. He growled and then appeared as if he were going to run, so Cass shot at the ground a few feet before him. It was a warning, and the wolf must have known it because he met Cass’s gaze.
Cass had the advantage because he had the gun, but he wouldn’t shoot the wolf. He didn’t know for sure who it was or why they were on pack lands. They could have an innocent reason for being there. After all, Cass was there too. He had no way of knowing until the wolf either grew closer so he could catch their scent or if they shifted and made themselves known.
The wolf hesitated as he took a step toward the forest. They must have sensed Cass’s hesitation because they sprinted for the tree line and disappeared into the brush.
Cass cursed and undressed as quickly as possible. Before he shifted, he called in the sighting using the radio attached to his coat to let Iven and Danny know what was happening.
“Possible suspect sighted on Hensley Road. In pursuit through the north facing forest. Backup requested.” He didn’t wait for an answer, but took off after the wolf, following his scent.
Iven would come. It didn’t matter how angry he was. Cass knew he could count on him.
Rotting flesh flooded his senses, drowning out everything else. It was a full two minutes before he saw the bodies.
Chapter Twenty
Riley had texted Cass three times and called him twice with no answer. Going through the morning without a word from Cass left Riley with nothing else to think about besides the reasons for not answering. Was something wrong? Did he not want to talk to Riley? Did his dad say something? So many unanswered questions.
The worst part was his muffins probably tasted like worry. He pictured his negative feelings falling into the dough, making them bitter or, at the very least, tasteless.
Riley had worked under worse situations. Every time Riley had left his mother to her own devices, he worried. What if she got drunk and tried to cook? What if, in a drunken stupor, she drowned in the bathtub? What if she fell and hit her head? The list of what-ifs was long. His imagination muscle had grown until he had conjured all sorts of scenarios. Some were realistic. Others weren’t.
It seemed his job was to worry and stress. Maybe it was what he was born for as though the universe had plans even before hewas conceived. Or maybe it was a superpower, although it felt more like a curse. It could be a warlock thing.
He’d have to ask his dad or Griffin if they stressed over things beyond their control.
When the back door opened, he expected it to be Griffin. He didn’t even glance away from measuring out the next muffin ingredients.
When his dad spoke, Riley turned in his direction. He held his breath as he hoped Cass was with him, but Dad stood alone. He stiffened.
“I need your help.”
Dad walked up to him and pulled his sweater away from his neck, but it was on the opposite side from where Cass had bitten him.
Riley stepped away from him with a frown. “What the hell, Dad?”
“Did he bite you?” If it bothered him, he didn’t show it. His tone was hopeful.
Riley sighed and pulled his sweater away from the wound Cass had left.
Dad nodded. “Come with me.”
Dad headed toward the back door.
“Where are we going?” Riley followed him out the back door.
“Grab your coat, Riley. It’s cold out.” Dad scowled at him. He didn't remember if Dad had given him the parental stare before that moment. But it was there when he met Riley’s gaze.
“Yes, sir.” Riley went back inside and got his coat, which hung on the rack inside the door. He put it on before joining Dad again.
Iven met his gaze and shook his head but turned, heading for his car. He’d parked on the side of the road.
“What?” Riley was pretty sure he knew what his dad would say, and none of it would be pleasant.
“Now isn’t the time to get into it.” Dad was probably right, but it would eat Riley alive if he didn’t know what the problem was. Too many other uncertainties were rolling through his mind for him to be comfortable with his father’s disappointment.
“Then when is the time?”
