“Explain.”
Cricket relayed everything, including the lack of human scent at Randi’s place and his mystery human frie
nd or foe, Pinky.
Rylee nodded. “You and Slade follow that lead. You have carte blanche to do whatever is necessary. Randi had an obvious connection to Oregon’s pack. I sent half of our team to Oregon and the other to Warner’s clinic.”
“Any word from the other missing werewolves?”
“Nothing. Dominic and his crew will meet me in Oregon. Trevor is taking the lead at Warner’s clinic.” She stared at them. “Find that mystery human.”
Slade’s large hands settled on her shoulders. Was he worried about her staying on or seeking her comfort after all the horrific news?
He released a slow breath. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Good. Keep me posted. And Cricket?”
“Yes?”
“You are in charge; however, listen to Slade’s advice concerning your safety.”
Ugh. She already sensed Slade’s overbearing need to protect her with every breath of his expanding chest. “Very well, ma’am.”
“I promise to bring her back in one piece,” Slade vowed.
“I know you will,” said Rylee. The screen blinked out.
Cricket sighed. “Okay, we’re going undercover and not stopping until we find the assholes.”
“Agreed.”
How could Rylee trust him with the mission? Yet, with all the chaos, maybe she figured she’d no choice. “Umm. Wait. Are you okay?”
“Yes, why do you ask?”
“Your psychiatrist is dead and werewolves slaughtered. I mean, I hate to remind you about your own loss, but I need a soldier.” She lowered her head. “I can’t have someone with post-traumatic stress going into dangerous situations.” If he flipped out, not only could it cost them their lives, but the lives of the missing werewolves and the unchanged ones.
“I live to bring honor to my fallen pack and serving the LIA.”
Cricket met his searing eyes, the eyes of a knight pledging his life for the good of all. “I understand.”
Chapter 12
Slade and Cricket sat at a booth at the Crash and Dive biker bar. Harleys and Hondas riddled the parking lot. Busy night. On arrival, Cricket had walked around with Randi’s photo, but only the bartender and a waitress remembered seeing him. Perhaps as more regulars came in, they’d have better luck. Slade sipped his beer. “The odds of Pinky showing up are next to nil. Why would he? If he had been part of the kidnapping for some nefarious werewolf hunter society, he’d stay away.”
Cricket nodded. “And if he was Randi’s friend, he might have been another casualty.”
Slade glowered at the men who came in and took in an eyeful of Cricket’s low neckline and cleavage. The sleeveless corset-like black leather top was definitely an attractant. How the fuck would looking sexy help the case?
The men detected his glare and no matter how macho they appeared, they subconsciously stayed the hell away from the superior predator.
Cricket raised her brow. “Hey, chill. I’m not going home with anyone.” She giggled. “Yet.”
“Never.” He leaned in. “Remember, you are my girlfriend.”
“Old lady.” She took a pretzel from the bowl. “Here, chewing will relax your jaw.”
He took it and chewed it, his eyes narrowed to show his annoyance.