KalyssaUnable to wait, I woke early the following day, eager to explore my new sanctuary. I quickly showered and dressed and then headed down to the clinic, eager to organize everything and get ready, just in case.I took the elevator, and the doors opened on the bottom floor a moment later. Although I knew veterinary work inside and out, working on humans was quite another matter. But Xander was right. If I got stumped, I could always ask Elias, and eventually, I could go to Medical school. Working with shifters, it would help to know both physiologies.I had been opposed to going back to college at first, but the more I thought about it, the better it sounded. Maybe when things settled down, I could go back to medical school. Maybe.A thrill ran through my chest as I opened the frosted doors of the clinic and looked around. It was clear that no one had worked here regularly for a while. It was obvious that the clinic had been used for emergencies only. But once I started working on
As I put everything away, I thought the interaction with Deven had been strange, but I didn't think much about it. I wasn't used to dealing with shifters, after all. But if I was going to stay, then I'd better learn fast. And after my conversation with Xander and now working in the clinic, I didn't think I was going anywhere. The clinic would provide me the outlet that I so desperately needed. There was no way that I could ever just sit around my condo and not do anything. I'd go stir crazy. I worked in the clinic for the rest of the day, making sure everything was in its place. As I worked, I couldn't help but think of Macy and Maria. I missed Maria's quick wit and Macy, too. I just wished things could be different. Which made me even more determined to find those responsible for their deaths, even if it took the rest of my life. And if Nightshade wasn't the ones responsible, then I was going to find out who was.After I'd put everything away and the clinic was in order, I ripped o
"So, a man came into the clinic today," I said, matter of fact. "Maybe you know him.""Oh really? Who?" Adriana asked, clearly excited at the prospect of getting another juicy tidbit."His name was Deven Craig. Do you know him?" I asked, finishing off the rest of my hamburger.They all looked at each other, creases between their eyes, and then back at me. "Never heard of him.""That's strange," I replied. "He said that he broke his arm during practice today." According to doctor-patient confidentiality, I wasn't supposed to divulge any information about my patients. But in this case, I made an exception. Adriana's head snapped up toward Shannon. "Did you hear anything?"Shannon shook her head. "No, not at all." Then she shrugged. "But there's a lot that Ryan doesn't tell me." A broad smile spread across her face. "Ryan is my boyfriend, and we just got engaged! See?" Before I could answer, she held up her hand, brandishing an enormous, sparkly bauble. A diamond so big I was surprised
When everything was put away, I hurried out the door and into the elevator. Although it was probably nothing, I didn't want to take any chances of Deven not being a member of the Diamond Pack. Now, I wondered if that was even his name.I checked my watch as soon as I stepped off the elevator—seven o'clock—wondering where Elias and Xander were.Somehow, I knew they wouldn't be in the shared room, and I didn't want to start going from door to door, so I headed to my suite. "Where are you?" I texted them both in a group chat."I'm in my room." Xander was the first to reply. "Where are you?""In my room," I texted back. "Elias?""Headed to your room now," he answered. "Xander, meet us there. We need to talk."I rolled my eyes. I had no idea what that was all about, but I could only imagine. But whatever it was could wait as thoughts of Deven Craig ran through my mind. A moment later, the door unlocked, and Xander walked in. "What's wrong?""It's probably nothing, but let's wait for Elias
"So, what do you do?" I asked Bailey, setting the corn on to cook. At the age of a hundred and seven, I knew she probably did more than just spar and prepare for tournaments. "Well, that's something I wanted to talk to you about," Bailey replied as I set a glass of sweet, iced tea in front of her. She took a sip and nodded. "Umm... that's good. I haven't had sweet tea in a long time.""Thanks," I replied, sitting down kitty-corner from her with a glass of tea, too. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?""Well, I have a nursing degree, and I wanted to know if you could use some help." She shrugged. "I saw the way you worked today, and it intrigued me. You're different than other doctors I've seen. Anyway, I could also book appointments, clean... whatever you need.""You're kidding, right?" I deadpanned.One corner of her lips curled into a smile. "No, why?""Because before this manhunt began, I thought that I was going to need some help.""Are you serious?"I shook my head. "Yes
After Xander left, I ended up eating dinner alone, wondering where Deven could be and why he had infiltrated the Compound. And to go so far as to break his arm so he would have an in was way beyond normal.He had to be part of Nightshade. But if that were the case, then why didn't he kidnap or kill me? Unless he was just scoping everything out. It made me wonder if Bailey and I should open the Clinic in the morning. I hated to cancel like that though. Here I had just gotten my freedom back, and now I took a chance of losing it again. But then again, the safety of the pack was critical.After I finished eating, I wrapped up the leftovers for Xander and Elias and then slid them onto the top shelf in the refrigerator, where I was sure they would find it, just in case I fell asleep.After talking to Bailey, it made me nostalgic for old movies. So, I put on Casablanca, and was halfway through the film when it dawned on me. The only place Elias and Xander may not have checked was the Clinic
"So, what are you thinking about?" Cruz asked as we headed toward the elevator.My head snapped up. "Why?"Cruz shrugged. "I just noticed how quiet you were all of a sudden."I chuckled. "I'm usually quiet.""Yeah right." He rolled his eyes. "You, my dear, are not quiet."I scoffed, laughing. "Thanks a lot!""Hey, the truth hurts. But don't change the subject," he teased, giving me a sly smile. "What were you thinking about just then?""I was thinking that Deven probably wouldn't see the light of day." We walked into the elevator, and the doors closed. "But we can't let him go back to Nightshade and tell them everything that he learned either.""Now you're getting it," Cruz replied, smiling."Getting what?"He shrugged. "This is how it is in our world. Loyalty is probably the most important virtue that we hold dear. If you betray the pack, then it's certain death."I nodded. "Well, he was old enough to know better."Cruz nodded. "Yes, he is.""And we can't trust him, either."Cruz shoo
"Wait." I stood and walked toward Xander, keeping the sheet wrapped around me. "Deven was my first customer yesterday morning."Xander turned to face me, his eyes filled with concern. "Yes. Why?"I let out a deep breath. "Well, I think it's pretty suspicious. Last night, he told me that he had a friend break his arm so he could have an in at the clinic, knowing that I was human and new to the Compound. But I didn't even know I was opening the clinic yesterday until the night before.""Which means, that we have a mole," Elias finished, buttoning up his jeans. "Either that, or there was more than one that infiltrated the Compound," I replied. Xander shook his head. "No, I don't think so. Deven wasn't at the Compound until yesterday morning. No, someone had to have been telling him when to come, where to go, and what to do." Xander placed his hands on my shoulders and kissed the topo of my head. "Go ahead and shower and I'll meet you both downstairs.""I'll shower in a little while," El