Page 79 of Drive me Wild (South Island Shifters)

“Please.” I make her a coffee and slide the drink across the bench to her. “I had fun last night, maybe drank a little too many margaritas, though.”

“Are you paying for it today?” I croon, knowing she is. I had a couple with her last night, but not too many as I knew I had to work today.

“Some nurse you are,” she grumbles. She picks up her drink and takes a sip, closing her eyes as she does.

I sip my own as my phone lights up. Glancing down, I see it’s not Declan texting me, but Mary. Disappointment washes over me. I’d hoped it would have been Declan replying. I’ll recheck it later.

“Are you okay?” Autumn asks.

I look at her and shrug. “I’m okay. I was hoping Declan would text me back after the weird dream I had last night.”

“What sort of dream?” she asks.

“I dreamed I was tied up with chains and that the woman behind it is the nurse taking care of his mum and the barista from the café. I know I’m crazy, but there’s something about the way she looks at Declan every time we are there. She flirts with him, and I know she wants him. I know I’m crazy for being so jealous, but she rubs me the wrong way.”

Autumn bursts into laughter. “Sis, let me tell you that jealousy is a good thing. It means that you truly love him. I can’t wait to meet him tonight. I’ve never seen you so happy, and I have a great feeling about this one. I’m so excited!”

I laugh. “You do? Good, because I do too. Now, I had better get going to work.”

“Have fun, and I’ll see you tonight.”

* * *

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about that dream. Something about it doesn’t sit well with me. I pick up my coffee and take a sip. I’m finally taking my first break of the day as we’ve been run off our feet today with quite a few deliveries. I had hoped Declan might have texted me back by now, but he hasn’t. It’s unusual for him not to respond, but maybe he had a great night with Zane and is still sleeping it off.

“Winter, you have a phone call,” my boss Pietra says as she enters the staff room. “Take it in my office. Line one.”

I make my way down the hall and into her office. Picking up the receiver, I push the buttons for line one.

“Hello, Winter speaking,” I answer.

“Hey Winter, it’s Zane. Listen, you haven’t seen Declan this morning, have you?” he asks. He’s trying to keep his tone cool and calm, but I get the feeling he’s anything but.

“I haven’t, no. Isn’t he supposed to be with you?” I ask.

He exhales. “Okay, now I’m worried. I thought he was with you when he didn’t show for dinner and drinks last night. I waited an hour. He never showed. I figured he’d decided to go see you. I’ve tried to call him this morning because we were meant to go for a run together, but he hasn’t answered my calls.”

My heart sinks. Something is very wrong because it isn’t like Declan to shirk me, Zane or any member of his clan. “He hasn’t answered my texts either,” I tell him.

“Okay. I don’t want to alarm you any further as I know you are at work, so leave the detective stuff to me. I’ve got a few places to check, and I’ll call you back.”

“No. Zane, I’m coming home,” I say.

“Winter, we don’t know that anything is wrong,” he stresses.

But I do.Something about that dream tells me it’s related to this. “Zane, please. I can’t sit here and do nothing. I…” I don’t know what to say.

He exhales. “Winter, I know you want to help, but…” His voice trails off. “Oh, fuck. Okay, so his car isn’t in the driveway.” I hear noises and muffled sounds as Zane looks through Declan’s home. “There’s n coffee cup in the sink or dishwasher, and I’ll bet anything that he hasn’t slept in his bed. Can you try getting in touch with him through your connection?” he asks.

I try with all my might, but nothing happens. My heart rate quickens, my palms sweat, and I begin to shake. “No, nothing is happening.”

“Not like him to not answer you. I’m calling Graham and then my Nana. Don’t come home yet. I’ll keep you updated.”

“I’ll see you soon.”

With shaking hands, I put the receiver down and let it all sink in. Declan is missing, and no one has seen him. I try telepathically reaching him again to no avail.Damn it, Declan. Where are you?

Moments later, Pietra walks into her office. “Is everything alright?” she asks as I wipe tears away from my face.

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